Ok new camera time...help please.

[Prof Higgins]

Ok, have decided its definitely time for a new camera and now want it in time for Goodwood - currently have an Nikon D1 which I love as far as weight, handling and build quality goes, however the 2.7MP res has become too little compared to some of the monster stuff around these days.

Cannot imagine ever printing bigger than A4 and in fact as long as it is full frame can do so at present and quite happy with the results - however have taken a few too many shots of late which would be just lovely if I had extra res in hand to be able to crop in nice and tight on a portion and it is here that I hit a brick wall with the D1.

Was looking to try to keep it under a £1000. Choice until a couple of days ago was pretty obvious and was going to be a used D1X, same camera as current with a boost to 6MP and improved user interface via rear screen. However now seeing some D2H's cropping up on ebay like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30020&item=7519609052&rd=1

Very tempting and great for fast moving stuff but will 4.2MP really suffice?

Final and late entrant to the race is this Fuji S3 Pro:

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_4_409_40903&products_id=99873

Not Nikon but takes the lenses so still works for me - From what I have read at dpreview its not a true 12MP but more like a 6MP with some clever extra pixels thrown in to the mix, However £1200 new or under the magic grand from ebay on an import and it looks like a bargain. Question is will the build be up to the standard of D1/D2 as I can't find a shop locally who carry it???

Help me please :)

[Prof Higgins]

beano500 said:

If you're going D2H direction try to negotiate on the one from here rather than fleabay.... ...just for the peace of mind. D70 or D100 (now down towards the £500 s/hand mark) would also be contenders and save some money towards som emore kit?

Looked at a D70 a while ago and whilst I know they are a cracking bit of kit (especially considering the price) it just did seemed a bit small in my hands. Of course being overweight myself doesn't help I somehow feel like I need big heavy camera just to balance me out.

Thanks for the link, will give them a bell.

[Prof Higgins]

Thanks Chris, yes head I think now back on to the original choice of D1X and with the change from not buying the D2H I can get a nice new lens

Would dearly love a D2X but whilst I have an amazing ability to justify things to myself (see new lens purchase just justified above) that sort of outlay would end in divorce...... in fact that is an interesting additional factor, D1x looks (barring the small letter x) just like my current camera so wife need never know, D2H even my wife would spot, I can do this without even having to admit to it .

Steve thanks for the mail, YHM in return and will finalise tomorrow but pretty sure will go ahead.