I wish I would have known

[91Skeeter200]

That I would enjoy the digital SLR stuff... I bought My first SLR, a Nikon D40 this past spring, I really didn't know If I really needed to buy better or even if I would enjoy this type of camera. But, even the D40 has given me better pictures than I have ever taken and I have been having a blast with it. I basicaly used the D40 as a learning tool Now I'm thinking I need an up grade. Where is the best place on the net to get another Nikon at a good price? By reading the Post's here the D90 is pretty popular. I want to stay with Nikon because I have bought a couple of lenses.

Any info is appreciated.
Charlie




Modified by 91Skeeter200 at 4:15 PM 10/28/2010

[Sneezy Beltran]

Hey Charlie, welcome to the forum, it certainly sounds like you've been bitten by the bug.

A for your question, imho although the D90 is no doubt a great intermediate level DSLR, I wouldn't suggest it being your next upgrade. Reason being, is that the D90 is basically just an updated version of your D40.

Sure, you will have faster AF, better lcd, slighter better sensor and ISO capabilities, but the gains you see will be marginal at best.

IMHO you should look towards a slightly more advanced camera like the D300.

With the D300 you'll lose the automatic mode, as well as all the crappy shooting modes designed for beginners (hopefully your not using those anyway) but you'll gain a MUCH better 51 point AF system, sensor, ISO performance, controls, shutter release, etc...

Right now used 300's are going in the $850-$1000 range.

I currently keep and use a D300 (DX) for a backup to my D700 (FX) in case something should ever go wrong with the 700, or for the times when I need the extra reach of the crop sensor.

Another option (depending on your budget) is just to go ahead an make the jump to full frame now and get yourself a D700. Anyone who stays interested in photography long enough will undoubtably want a full frame body since the advantages just blow away the entire DX line.

Making the switch now would ultimately save you money in the long run, since you won't be investing in a second crop body or any DX specific glass, but like I said, it all depends on your budget.

You can pickup a used D700 fairly cheap right now, ($2,00-$2,300) of the Fred Miranda forums, but keep in mind the FX glass is WAY more expensive than a DX lineup (though well worth it)

Either way you go, I strongly suggest picking up used equipment via internet photography forums. If researched properly you can end up with a body and a lens or two, for the price you'd pay for a new body by itself at a local camera shop.

[91Skeeter200]

Thank You Sneezy! I have been looking at the D300 but, I havn't looked at the differences in the different Nikons models... As I said, I am new to the DSLR stuff and I have been learning DSLR on my own. I will use the info you took the time to hand me and make a better decision on My next Camera purchase.

Charlie

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Modified by 91Skeeter200 at 7:15 AM 10/31/2010<br /><br />
Modified by 91Skeeter200 at 10:16 AM 10/31/2010


Modified by 91Skeeter200 at 10:18 AM 10/31/2010