What Digital SLR - sorry

[Blown2CV]

I realise this is probably asked every third post, but that makes it harder to read unfortunately... sorry.

I am selling my 6ish year old Nikon D60 with kit lens which I bought second-hand as a beginner 'teach myself' camera and I'm ready for the next step. Doesn't have to be a wildly more expensive step up, but would be interested to know where to go next. I photograph lots of landscapes but also people on occasion. Basically I'd class myself as lower intermediate. I reckon on a budget of maybe £600 ish for the body and lens, but it would be good to have a more flexible lens than the basic 18-55. I've seen the Nikon 5300, but the bundles seem to vary hugely in content and price.

Some help and advice would be great please

thanks

[Blown2CV]

Simpo Two said:

If the lens is the stumbling block you only need a new lens

no, the D60 has taken a complete battering and has a couple of issues. It's a workhorse but it's been sold as ready for a refurb!

[Blown2CV]

this is all great stuff, thanks so far!

[Blown2CV]

I'm hearing pre-owned decent spec body and spend more on lenses. Gotcha.

[Blown2CV]

Gemm said:

Blown2CV said:

I'm hearing pre-owned decent spec body and spend more on lenses. Gotcha.

Personally, I'd rather go for a new body + 2nd hand lens(es).

i might just go for second-hand everything!

[Blown2CV]

i really love photography. I wish i could learn properly as largely it's self-taught and experimental. I am not just an auto-mode numpty, but i could do with decent tutelage. I did sign up to an online course but it wasn't the most engaging.

[Blown2CV]

thanks for all your advice. In the end went with (all second-hand):

Nikon d7000 body
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Nikkor 17-85mm f/3.5-5.6
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6

Just need a bigger bag now! Also to work out all the extra switches and features on the body!!

[Blown2CV]

Gad-Westy said:

Blown2CV said:

thanks for all your advice. In the end went with (all second-hand):

Nikon d7000 body
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Nikkor 17-85mm f/3.5-5.6
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6

Just need a bigger bag now! Also to work out all the extra switches and features on the body!!

Nice work. A good selection there. Assume you meant 16-85?

yea that's it

[Blown2CV]

Incidentally it was in total pretty much on the nose budget-wise. The body doesn't feel used as such even though it's had a few thousand shutter actuations. Did have to get a strap (assumed wrongly that it came with the body), and a shoe cap, and twin 32Gb SD cards... OK maybe a touch over budget but in the ballpark

The 35mm lens has turned up, and after having a play in the garden with some of the leaves falling from the trees I can confirm it's just in a different league to the outgoing camera. Awesome! Thanks for your help everyone.

[Blown2CV]

rich888 said:

Blown2CV said:

thanks for all your advice. In the end went with (all second-hand):

Nikon d7000 body
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Nikkor 17-85mm f/3.5-5.6
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6

Just need a bigger bag now! Also to work out all the extra switches and features on the body!!

How are you getting on with your choice of camera and lenses because I'm actually looking for a decent quality DSLR, and having read the many replies on this forum and various internet reviews, the Nikon D7000 does seem to be hitting all the right notes in terms of fair price, reliability and quality of image.

it's very very good indeed. the quality and feature set kind of blows my old D90 away. It's around twice as complex however, which means i have some learning to do but it's finding the time at the moment. Even given that, the photos that the body and lenses are turning out are noticeably better, probably far better really. I'd highly recommend to be honest, very happy with the choices.

[Blown2CV]

rich888 said:

Blown2CV said:

rich888 said:

Blown2CV said:

thanks for all your advice. In the end went with (all second-hand):

Nikon d7000 body
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Nikkor 17-85mm f/3.5-5.6
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6

Just need a bigger bag now! Also to work out all the extra switches and features on the body!!

How are you getting on with your choice of camera and lenses because I'm actually looking for a decent quality DSLR, and having read the many replies on this forum and various internet reviews, the Nikon D7000 does seem to be hitting all the right notes in terms of fair price, reliability and quality of image.

it's very very good indeed. the quality and feature set kind of blows my old D90 away. It's around twice as complex however, which means i have some learning to do but it's finding the time at the moment. Even given that, the photos that the body and lenses are turning out are noticeably better, probably far better really. I'd highly recommend to be honest, very happy with the choices.

Thanks for the update and am pleased that you are getting some good results with the D7000 even if there are more complex options to overcome. I purchased a Sony RX100 compact camera in October which I'm well pleased with for taking general family photographs and car meets, etc, but I've seen some fantastic telephoto pics of the moon, and at the other end of the scale some awesome macro pics, and I really would like to have a go without breaking the bank - or end up sleeping with the dog when the wife reads the credit card statement and says how much!!! Christmas is coming so I have a valid excuse in my own mind ouch!

i think if you're excited and interested by photography, then although it's not essential to get yourself an SLR, in many ways it's a natural progression. It's possible to pick up an OK second hand body and kit lens for maybe £200, and you'll be amazed at the quality of shots you can create relatively easily. Of course you can always sell it without losing too much money if you decide it's not for you. That said it probably doesn't replace your compact. There's definitely still a place for it, esp if like me you've just had to buy a bigger camera bag to lug the expanding collection of SLR gear around!

[Blown2CV]

the nikon/canon thing is quite a religious divide it would appear from talking to some photography enthusiasts... personally it's just whatever feels and works best, and as you say aftercare etc. Good luck with it.