Major Nikon upgrade needed

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Lucecul

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Hi there

I am looking to upgrade to another Nikon camera.
I am about to head into 3rd year of Photography and would like a good hefty body (only) to buy to replace Nikon D40 and D70.

Any ideas?
I am looking to buy second hand

Sell my D70,D40,50mm,70-300, and tri-pod - should have £400 ?

Possibly D300?

All Reviews and comments appreciated !
 
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Looking at the reviews...the D300. It seems to be higher spec and newer so if the budget can stretch that's the one I'd go for.
 
Lets say there budget is £500 my money and a possible £400+ for the above stuff im selling.

The D300 certainly looks amazing,ive been reading reviews all night.
 
It really depends on what type of photography you do. i'm guessing it's probably not sports or wildlife as your selling your 70-300m (unless of course your upgrading to something longer) the D300/D300s are excellent cameras and a real upgrade from what you have, second hand in the region of £700-£900 depending if it's the normal or S model, or you may consider the D90 which is as good picture quality as the D300, and also has a slightly better sensor so better ISO, if your thinking of buying second hand i have a mint D90 for sale HERE as i said it really depends on what you will be shooting, fast moving stuff or just people, portraits etc :)
 
A friend of mine is considering selling his D300s, I'll give him a bell if you want.

Cheers

Aled
 
D300 is a very good camera and should be able to pick up a body for around £650 - £700. If you like to be able to change stuff at the press of a button or switch then thats for you. Very rugged too. The D90 is just as good, but is smaller and has less controls... Would feel more like the cameras you have.
D200 is poor in low light, so would avoid that unless you are happy shooting at 400iso max.
 
cambsno said:
D200 is poor in low light, so would avoid that unless you are happy shooting at 400iso max.
Click to expand...

The D200 does fine above ISO400. I have no problems shooting at ISO800, although 1600 is pushing it.
 
I've recently made the jump (at a similar time) from a D40 to a D300 and it's a move I can reccomend. If you are selling your 50 and 70-300 however what are you keeping or plan to use on the new body? As someone mentioned you might be better off with the d90 and either keeping or getting better lenses. It depends what you need in the body.
 
I really am looking for something more than the basics like my cameras do at the moment. I need a good steady body to last at least the next few years for uni and for the first few years out of uni doing jobs..
I will mainly do focusing on Fashion and portraiture -however starting a new course and different level of education I am unsure how much will be a personal choice.
I rarely ever use my 50mm -unless bored and taking snaps of flowers in the garden!
and I only ever use my 70-300 if I am at home taking again ,snaps, of the sunset over the highlands.

I always use my 28mm and will soon to be buying a possibly 24-105 for the new Nikon.

The D200 seems nowhere near the D300 - the battery life is three times D200 which is a major plus for me!

Certainly after reading reviews of D300 -it seems like it would be the perfect upgrade.
I think it may be an ebay job for my D40 and D70 etc before uni starts again.
 
BazEP said:
I've recently made the jump (at a similar time) from a D40 to a D300 and it's a move I can reccomend. If you are selling your 50 and 70-300 however what are you keeping or plan to use on the new body? As someone mentioned you might be better off with the d90 and either keeping or getting better lenses. It depends what you need in the body.
Click to expand...

Did you sell your D40 kit? If so how much for?
 
There is nothing I can think of that the D200/D300 does that your D40 and D70 doesn't. What they do is make it easier and quicker to change settings although with Fashion and Portraiture I would have thought that the settings would be pretty stable for those.

I suspect (having been where I think you are) you are looking for people to convince you are making the right move by spending money on a new camera. Not knowing what lenses you have but from reading the info you've put up I would suggest you look at lenses before camera and get a new camera next year.

Remember there are three things that matter in making great photographs - in order.

1) the photographer
2) the lens
3) the camera
 
Don't discount the D90. I went from a D60, which in effect is pretty much the same to your D40, to a D90 and was blown away by the difference.
 
Do you have other lenses left over after the sale of the above and if so what?
 
SimonTALM said:
There is nothing I can think of that the D200/D300 does that your D40 and D70 doesn't. What they do is make it easier and quicker to change settings although with Fashion and Portraiture I would have thought that the settings would be pretty stable for those.

I suspect (having been where I think you are) you are looking for people to convince you are making the right move by spending money on a new camera. Not knowing what lenses you have but from reading the info you've put up I would suggest you look at lenses before camera and get a new camera next year.

Remember there are three things that matter in making great photographs - in order.

1) the photographer
2) the lens
3) the camera
Click to expand...


Yeah I understand what your saying . However, I think investing in my own good body will be better than fine glass at this time. As the facilities at my university has some great glass which I can use/borrow.

I think for long term use the camera will be excellent.

The upgrade is not out of this world but there is certainly a major set-up from what I have.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d300.htm
 
Dman said:
Don't discount the D90. I went from a D60, which in effect is pretty much the same to your D40, to a D90 and was blown away by the difference.
Click to expand...

I have 3 student photographer friends each who went from D40/D50 > D90 and sold or traded for a D300 within a few weeks/months!

* D300 has better ergonomics - this is far superior than the D90
* D300 is a semi-pro camera and has the quick adjusting switches and buttons
* D300 is available now, no idea when D90 is available
* D300 is fully seal against dust and water
* D300 has 51 AF points against the D90's 11 points
* D300 can do 6fps but I would be happy with the D90's 4.5fps for now.
* D300 has a better metering system


Those are alot of advantage I would love to have I think :)
 
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