Upgrade my D90 to D7100... Or something else?

doublem1

doublem1

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I've had my Nikon D90 for over 3 years now and long for something with better Image quality and in particular better low light performance. The obvious route to me is the D7100. However I have read that a D7200 is possible due out soon. On the other hand I'm thinking of going one further and going for an FX camera. However, I would want to stay within the same kind of budget. Is this possible? I know I'd need new lenses. I have a Tokina 11-16mm and a 50mm 1.8D.
 
Hi Matt

Just my 2c obviously but if you pick up a used D700 and whack your 50mm 1.8 on it it'll give you 90% of a new DF (well, give or take) and hopefully not break the bank.

I think used D700s are bargain of the decade.

Then you can keep the D90 for distance work...........

cheers, cw
 
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Hi Chris,

Thanks for the advice. Not sure what DF means... I don't mind buying used. Of course if I want to go FX I will need to! I don't do much distance work at all. Mainly wide angle and then I'd have a prime for details.
 
Only think that puts me off with the D700 is the MP count is the same as my D90. I always felt like I wanted more. Especially when printing to canvases. Still looks like a like a bargain though.
 
Wasn't there issues with oil spots or something, was that on the D600?
 
So, image quality wise, will the D600 be better, generally speaking?
 
Marginally better than the D700 at print sizes bigger than A3. As long as the oil spots aren't a problem.
 
I'm in a similar position abd will buy a newish second hand D600 by what I can see its a D610 for half price nearly. D7100 is great too
 
ST4 said:
D610 is 24mp, you can print massive with it.
Click to expand...
Assuming that procedures have been in place to eliminate camera shake? Some people may assume that megapixels alone will rid the world of warfare, bring offspring to the childless, and provide all-round edification!
 
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Hang on a week or two and the D800 will be down to £1,000 used
 
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Not had d7100, but d610 can be had from panamoz at a smidgen over 900 and second hand d600 can be had for your budge. D610 and D600 having the same sensors..meaning the high res and low light performance you after will be a lot superior than d90. IQ is great and the dynamic range is something to behold. FF is great for the fact that you can get wider frame, more light etc etc...
 
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droj said:
Assuming that procedures have been in place to eliminate camera shake? Some people may assume that megapixels alone will rid the world of warfare, bring offspring to the childless, and provide all-round edification!
Click to expand...

Or maybe just allow him to print bigger. I've had no issues hand holding my D610 or using it on a tripod.

Proper technique, the pixels aren't a problem despite your protestations.
 
Also going to D700 doesn't seem to make sense to me...as it is some 10 year old camera. Other than its AF mechanism that may be more convenient than D600/D610 due to the spread. I am not sure there are any other factors that would convince anyone to get it over D610/600. And I am not saying the AF on D700 focuses better or more accurately than d600/610 I am saying it has more AF points spread across the screen. So it is not something that makes or break at all.
 
The d610 (and I suppose the d600 but not used it) is a fantastic camera, I absolutely love it. But (and this is no concern for me as I only landscape with it on manual focus) the AF spread is a bit pants and it has been hard coming from a d300s where its really good.

However the d7000/7100 are also really fantastic cameras and probably the best DX cameras Nikon now do. I had a d7000 for a few months on loan and really enjoyed using it. Also means you don't have to add the cost of changing your fab Tokina 11-16 to a FX wide angle lens which will add another few hundred quid onto your budget (if you were to spend all of it on a fx camera).
 
I've had no experience of FF DSLR's, but have been very happy with my D7100. I've had it since last October, upgrading from a Sony DSC-R1, took a few hours to familiarise myself with the menu structure and start using it. I don't regret the choice. Re a D7200, there is always a newer model on the way, but when, and I would never buy a new model until it has been out a little while. It will then drop a little in price, but more importantly you'll be aware of any teething problems/bugs which will hopefully by fixed by the time you're ready to buy.
 
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ST4 said:
According to some due to its pixel count all the images you'll take on it will be soft unless you weld it to a lamp post :LOL:

It's a satanic device ;) (I love being evil)
Click to expand...

There are certainly a few problems "cropping up" maybe the mega pixel sensor is just too "hot" to handle, (for Nikon)

But I think that I said a few months ago that Sony keep the best sensors for themselves and the others are "shipped" to Nikon for the D800
 
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Can't comment for the full frame upgrade but I upgraded from a D90 to D7000 a couple of years ago. It's a very natural upgrade but also different enough to know its a new camera.

I have no intention of upgrading as I now have 2 D7000 bodies and the image quality with good lenses is great.

I don't really think that unless you need full frame then don't upgrade too soon. You're better off spending a few extra ££ on the next lens you want.
 
Get the D7100 - you can't spend £570 better..

Had the D7000 - had a love/hate relationship with it until I sent it to Nikon. Just got the D7100 for my wife (week ago) & now thinking about getting myself one..
 
Hi Matt, having had a look at your photostream D700 all the way, I went from D5000 to 700 and can honestly say great camera, dont worry to much about pixels unless you are printing poster size. IMAGE quality IMO just blown me away, straight off camera with Nikon 24-70
 
Thanks for all the advice. It's very much appreciated. Still in two minds about going FX or getting a D7100. I have to think about upgrading lenses too. I'd need a good ultra wide lens for about £400. Not sure if that's possible.
 
Matt have a look in the TP meeting thread, there may be some local to you and you will be able to have hands on etc I did and worked a treat, I have a D7100 as a back up along with the 700 and 800, giving your budget you will not go far wrong, Still the flagship camera for what you need IMO.
 
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Personally given your budget and need for better low light performance I would go fx and get secondhand d700 or d3. D3 has better low light performance than d7100 according to some reviews.
 
I love my D700, and i still have my D300 because i loved that too.

In seriousness, going to FX is a game changer the 700 was for me. I borrowed one and instantly loved it. But DX are Great cameras dont fall into the FX snob trap. At the end of the day Matt you have to look at your budget, and remember cameras will change models with the wind, but good lenses hold there value for a long time.
No doubt pixel peepers will tell you you must have 68, trillion megapixels, but it wont make that much odds unless your printing large! I'm not saying don't go there, just dont let it sway you unduly. (the old, "I would'nt touch that camera cos it only XX megapixels" coconut).

The second hand 700's and 600''s i guess must be a good deal now, see if you can get hold of one to handle, see how it feels.... D700 is (Was) a Pro camera so its built like a brick out house full magnesium body, i think the 7000 series is some magnesium so there pretty robust. I have used my son's 7000 and thats a nice camera too...
Just remember if your thinking new model i.e. 7200 or whatever they are going to call the thing, wait to see the write up's, dont always assume because its the next in the line its gonna be a "7100 with knobs on" sometimes things go wrong and the succeeding model might not be as good as the previous one.

If your thinking D600, remember some early 600's had issues with the shutter mechanism design, this caused it to flick lubricant off the mechanism onto the sensor, (Hence the D610) so if your looking at a D600 make sure you dont get an affected one.

At the end of the day all these camera are superb, and all have the ability of taking fansastic pictures, so its your budget that will be the dictating factor. If you can lay your hands on the camera your looking at, for a feel, that normally makes a difference, but to be honest Nikon for Nikon you should find easy.

I hope you manage to find the camera you want, good luck with your search!
 
69Bonni said:
I love my D700, and i still have my D300 because i loved that too.

In seriousness, going to FX is a game changer the 700 was for me. I borrowed one and instantly loved it. But DX are Great cameras dont fall into the FX snob trap. At the end of the day Matt you have to look at your budget, and remember cameras will change models with the wind, but good lenses hold there value for a long time.
No doubt pixel peepers will tell you you must have 68, trillion megapixels, but it wont make that much odds unless your printing large! I'm not saying don't go there, just dont let it sway you unduly. (the old, "I would'nt touch that camera cos it only XX megapixels" coconut).

The second hand 700's and 600''s i guess must be a good deal now, see if you can get hold of one to handle, see how it feels.... D700 is (Was) a Pro camera so its built like a brick out house full magnesium body, i think the 7000 series is some magnesium so there pretty robust. I have used my son's 7000 and thats a nice camera too...
Just remember if your thinking new model i.e. 7200 or whatever they are going to call the thing, wait to see the write up's, dont always assume because its the next in the line its gonna be a "7100 with knobs on" sometimes things go wrong and the succeeding model might not be as good as the previous one.

If your thinking D600, remember some early 600's had issues with the shutter mechanism design, this caused it to flick lubricant off the mechanism onto the sensor, (Hence the D610) so if your looking at a D600 make sure you dont get an affected one.

At the end of the day all these camera are superb, and all have the ability of taking fansastic pictures, so its your budget that will be the dictating factor. If you can lay your hands on the camera your looking at, for a feel, that normally makes a difference, but to be honest Nikon for Nikon you should find easy.

I hope you manage to find the camera you want, good luck with your search!
Click to expand...

Thanks for advice. I know what you mean about pixel count, just a few more than the D90 has would be nice. Plus the D600 allows for film (not that I use film very often). The used price isn't much more than the D700 so that's why I'm currently liking the D600. However, my budget isn't quite the amount I thought I'd have, so I may well be looking into getting a D700!
 
I'm sure you will not be sorry in choosing cameras of this caliber, they are very good.
Good luck with your search
 
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