What camera should I get?

[JB92]

I know there's an obvious answer I just don't know much about cameras. I'm a family photographer the company I work for provides us with Nikon 3100's and they seem to do the job just fine. I purchased a 35mm lens which definitely made my pictures look a whole lot better but I want to upgrade. I'm looking at a used D90 because I can get it for $300 but then I can also get a used D7000 for about $450. Is there really a huge difference in image quality for what I'm doing between those two? All my photos are on the beach and we do anything from 1-40 people shoots.

 

[jaomul]

The d7000 is probably a bit better, I've used it and like it, but the d90 is nearly as good and if you are using it in good light probably you won't see a difference between both. However in poor light the d7000 is better. Get what you can afford, you won't be disappointed with either

 

[JB92]

Sounds good. Thank you! I also have a 50mm 1.8d. Will that auto focus on the D90?

 

[goodguy]

D7000 has better AF system and better low light performance, I would recommend getting the D7000 over the D90.

 

[nerwin]

Sounds good. Thank you! I also have a 50mm 1.8d. Will that auto focus on the D90?

The 50 1.8D requires a body with an AF motor such as a D90 or D7000. D3xxx and d5xxx do not have a built in AF motor, it will mount and work like any other lens but it will be manual focus only.

 

[JB92]

Thank you for all the answers it helps a ton. Last question. Will the D90 peform as well or better than the 3100 in low light? I usually never shoot in low light just some nights I get conpletely booked up and I have to shoot after sunset and if there's an overcast it gets pretty dark.

 

[JB92]

Well I just said screw it and spent the extra $100 to get the 7000. Got it on Amazon for $425 with two day shipping. I hope it's real. Lol

 

[jaomul]

Good price for a nice camera. Enjoy

 

[JB92]

How necessary are external flashes?

 

[nerwin]

How necessary are external flashes?

Only necessary if you use them.

 

[goodguy]

Well I just said screw it and spent the extra $100 to get the 7000. Got it on Amazon for $425 with two day shipping. I hope it's real. Lol

Excellent choice, good luck and enjoy your new camera!

 

[goodguy]

How necessary are external flashes?

Only necessary if you use them.

So true
In some situations Flash is worth its weight in gold but you might not be in such situation and also you need to know how to use a flash because using it wrong and it can make for even worst results then not using it in the first place.

 

[EddyP]

As I have said on another thread somewhere else; go for a Canon dslr - Digital SLR Cameras: Digital Nikon & Canon Compact Cameras. Calumet Photo

 

[PaulWog]

As I have said on another thread somewhere else; go for a Canon dslr - Digital SLR Cameras: Digital Nikon & Canon Compact Cameras. Calumet Photo

Excellent contribution. Much reasoning. Makes so much sense.

" go with a Canon dslr "

Come on.

 

[sashbar]

If you work mostly on the beach, with lots of sand in the air, durability becomes an important factor. I am not a specialist in this field, but I have read that tiny particles of sand, that we do not even notice on the beach, can kill some cameras in no time. You should research this before committing.