Another 'what camera?' thread
Discussion
Hi
I'm looking to buy a dslr and like many people I am struggling to decide what to get. I have no current lenses and no particular favourite brand. I don't even have a firm budget set in stone at the moment but was aiming around the 5-600 mark. I want to use it for a range of uses but mainly sports and travel, and not indoor studio type stuff. I am no expert photographer but have a grasp of the basics and use a Nikon d300s and d700 at work (non photography industry) so know my way around the Nikon set up.
My research has suggested that the d7000 is a very good camera in that sort of price range (body only). I guess my question is whether I go for that and take my time building a lens collection or if I'm better off with a used older model d70s/80/90 to leave me more money for better glass.
My focus on Nikon is based on my previous experience and the positioning of the d7000 in the range which seems to be the level I'm aiming at. There seems to be a gap in the canon range between the 7d which is currently over my budget and the 60d which from what I've read is not a true replacement for the 40/50d but instead a more entry level offering. I wouldn't rule out the 40/50d in the same way Ive considered the older Nikon models so would be interested to see how they compare. I have had limited use of a friends 40d and got on with that ok. I like the LCD screen on top along with the dial and easy access to all controls and so have to date been put off the d5100 and 650d type models.
Basically, is the new technology in the d7000 worth the few extra hundred quid over the older models I could get second hand from both Nikon and canon, or is that money better spent on glass? Am I right to rule out the 60d against the d7000? Is the 550/600d worth considering? If I choose the lower price point to spend more on lenses, am I better getting a second hand older model or a new model i.e. d80 or 90 vs d3200/5100 (or 550-650d vs 40/50d)?
Many thanks in advance. Sorry if this sort of thing comes up again and again but I've spent hours trawling the Internet and I'm very bad with decisions!!!
I'm looking to buy a dslr and like many people I am struggling to decide what to get. I have no current lenses and no particular favourite brand. I don't even have a firm budget set in stone at the moment but was aiming around the 5-600 mark. I want to use it for a range of uses but mainly sports and travel, and not indoor studio type stuff. I am no expert photographer but have a grasp of the basics and use a Nikon d300s and d700 at work (non photography industry) so know my way around the Nikon set up.
My research has suggested that the d7000 is a very good camera in that sort of price range (body only). I guess my question is whether I go for that and take my time building a lens collection or if I'm better off with a used older model d70s/80/90 to leave me more money for better glass.
My focus on Nikon is based on my previous experience and the positioning of the d7000 in the range which seems to be the level I'm aiming at. There seems to be a gap in the canon range between the 7d which is currently over my budget and the 60d which from what I've read is not a true replacement for the 40/50d but instead a more entry level offering. I wouldn't rule out the 40/50d in the same way Ive considered the older Nikon models so would be interested to see how they compare. I have had limited use of a friends 40d and got on with that ok. I like the LCD screen on top along with the dial and easy access to all controls and so have to date been put off the d5100 and 650d type models.
Basically, is the new technology in the d7000 worth the few extra hundred quid over the older models I could get second hand from both Nikon and canon, or is that money better spent on glass? Am I right to rule out the 60d against the d7000? Is the 550/600d worth considering? If I choose the lower price point to spend more on lenses, am I better getting a second hand older model or a new model i.e. d80 or 90 vs d3200/5100 (or 550-650d vs 40/50d)?
Many thanks in advance. Sorry if this sort of thing comes up again and again but I've spent hours trawling the Internet and I'm very bad with decisions!!!
Can't comment on the others, but I bought a D7000 last year as my first dSLR knowing nothing about cameras and basing my decision on budget and reviews plus some good advice on here.
I've learned an awful lot since, but I know I'm still only scratching the surface. It seems to me that the D7000 is a camera that grows with you. Happy to be used as a point and shoot on day one, and able to allow me to learn and expand as I go.
I love it, massively impressed by what it can do.
I've learned an awful lot since, but I know I'm still only scratching the surface. It seems to me that the D7000 is a camera that grows with you. Happy to be used as a point and shoot on day one, and able to allow me to learn and expand as I go.
I love it, massively impressed by what it can do.
LocoBlade said:
I know you said the budget wasnt set in stone but a D7000 is going to come in significantly more than £5-600, the body alone is getting on for £800 and that goes up to about a grand with a kit lens.
Best to look through some Man-Maths textbooks to do the sums, quite easy to turn the 'max budget' into the 'starting point' for the real max budget 
Echoing the glass first comments, why not take a look at the D300? Used ones go for as little as £400 now and that represents serious value for money. If you want to even cheaper I bought a D200 last year for £180. It's poor in low light compared to modern offerings but otherwise brilliant. Would leave a bit of change some a lovely lens or two.
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