DSLR Camera questions

[Dane]

So later on this year,  maybe around the holidays I would like to get a new DSLR.   

 

I have some questions though.  

 

I currently have a Nikon D3100,  I don't use it too much, but I think if I got a new camera I would use it alot.  I do currently use it for pictures for the media,  local TV news and newspaper. Night time shots, and long exposures. 

 

I want a camera that is going to last. 

 

 

BH Photo and Video has some good prices I see.  

 

I currently have a D3100 with 18-55VR and 55-200 VR lens.  

 

 

Browsing I see the following: 

Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens $896.95.

They do have a bundle with a bigger lense similar to the nikon ones below but it puts the price up above the D7000

I do like the built in HDR feature,  it's something I'd like to try since I don't own Photoshop.  

 

 

 

 

Nikon D7000 DSLR Camera Kit with Nikon 18-105mm DX VR Lens $996.95

 

Or finally

Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera Kit with Nikon 18-105mm VR Lens 

$829.00

 

 

What makes the mid grade D5300 more than the D700 which I believe is in the pro grade level

 

 

Which one of these would be the overall better deal?  I assume the D7000 and the D90 are rated for longer shutter life correct? Although I know the D90 is discontinued, and the D7000 came out in 2010.  I'm hoping the prices come down by the end of the year. 

 

 

I have been checking out the Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera Kit with Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS Lens  best buy has it now for $999.99 It's a bit more than I would like to spend though.  

[DeltaXray]

I would suggest consider looking at micro four thirds cameras.  They've come a long way over the past few years.

 

Personally i'd suggest having a look at the Olympus OM-D EM5 . You get solid construction, weather sealing, lenses from all other four thirds manufacturers compatible, but is much smaller, lighter and all around more portable than a massive dslr.  Give it a look, i've actually migrated down from a Nikon D600 to a OM-D EM5 because I was so impressed at the image quality and usability for such a small package.  Cost is proportionally lower as well - body and a weather sealed 12-50mm lens is around $950

 

Not to mention the styling is awesome, looks like a retro OMD SLR.

[Draconian Guppy]

Scratch the d90 off that list since it's a 5 year old model ( or more IIRC).

 

D700 = Full Frame

D5300, D3100, D7000  cropped sensors (Eg multipy your lens focal length by 1.5, so your current kit lens is 18-55VR  ( 27-82).

 

Also, don't make the mistake of falling into the "I need new gear to be motivated". That's BS, if you barely use your current camera, the same, will happen with the new one after initial "I want it because I don't have it wears off"

 

D700 has weather sealing, whereas the d5300 does not. The D700 probably has a little bit more of dynamic range than the the D5300. Though ISO performance should be on par.

 

 

Out of that list, I would say

D5300 for one reason only. It has a newer sensor (better base ISO, better lower iso and more dynamic range) and since you shoot a lot of night time, long exposures...

 

And I don't mean to sound harsh, but something I tell my friends all the time, when it comes to buying new cameras, If you don't know the difference between Full frame and cropped sensors, then you probably don't need full frame. The same applies for X features.

 

Seeing you already own two lenses, you could save and just buy BODY only and use your current lens.

 

My advice, forget about buying a new camera and get to shooting.  start one of those 365 projects (1 day 1 shot), then when  you find out your cameras flaws/needs, you will have a better idea of what to get.

[Kondrath]

I don't have a specific recommendation (I have a D51000 myself), but I'd suggest joining slickdeals and making a deal alert for "DSLR", "Nikon", or "Canon". You wouldn't believe how many camera deals pop up. Back in 2008/09 I ended up getting a D90 for $629 thanks to something that showed up there. Very recently, beach camera had D7000's for $550 refurb and $650 new I believe. Definitely check out some of the previous deals so that you know what to hold out for. 

[Draconian Guppy]

I don't have a specific recommendation (I have a D51000 myself), but I'd suggest joining slickdeals and making a deal alert for "DSLR", "Nikon", or "Canon". You wouldn't believe how many camera deals pop up. Back in 2008/09 I ended up getting a D90 for $629 thanks to something that showed up there. Very recently, beach camera had D7000's for $550 refurb and $650 new I believe. Definitely check out some of the previous deals so that you know what to hold out for. 

Slick deals and woot.com  !

 

Also, what the hell man? you have a D5100? POST here:

https://www.neowin.net/forum/forum/167-digital-camera-lab/   :angry:  :angry:  :angry:  :angry:  :angry:  :angry:  :angry:  :angry:

[Dane]

Scratch the d90 off that list since it's a 5 year old model ( or more IIRC).

D700 = Full Frame

D5300, D3100, D7000 cropped sensors (Eg multipy your lens focal length by 1.5, so your current kit lens is 18-55VR ( 27-82).

Also, don't make the mistake of falling into the "I need new gear to be motivated". That's BS, if you barely use your current camera, the same, will happen with the new one after initial "I want it because I don't have it wears off"

D700 has weather sealing, whereas the d5300 does not. The D700 probably has a little bit more of dynamic range than the the D5300. Though ISO performance should be on par.

Out of that list, I would say

D5300 for one reason only. It has a newer sensor (better base ISO, better lower iso and more dynamic range) and since you shoot a lot of night time, long exposures...

And I don't mean to sound harsh, but something I tell my friends all the time, when it comes to buying new cameras, If you don't know the difference between Full frame and cropped sensors, then you probably don't need full frame. The same applies for X features.

Seeing you already own two lenses, you could save and just buy BODY only and use your current lens.

My advice, forget about buying a new camera and get to shooting. start one of those 365 projects (1 day 1 shot), then when you find out your cameras flaws/needs, you will have a better idea of what to get.

Sorry I only now noticed my typo. I meant d7000 and not D700. So between the 5300 and. 7000 is the 5300 still better?

[Draconian Guppy]

Sorry I only now noticed my typo. I meant d7000 and not D700. So between the 5300 and. 7000 is the 5300 still better?

Yup, based only on sensor rating and ISO performanc, but not by that much, if you were on a budget, i'd get the cheaper one And by the time you decide to buy, the D7000 will probably no longer be in stock (D7100).

 

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5300-versus-Nikon-D7000___919_680

 

 

Also, the D5300, lacks optical lowpass filter (same as D800E), which some claim, makes photos por crisp on a per pixel level.

[Snoopy2005uk]

Personally if i were you id put the $600-$900 on a new lens rather then a new body.

[Dane]

Yup, based only on sensor rating and ISO performanc, but not by that much, if you were on a budget, i'd get the cheaper one And by the time you decide to buy, the D7000 will probably no longer be in stock (D7100).

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D5300-versus-Nikon-D7000___919_680

Also, the D5300, lacks optical lowpass filter (same as D800E), which some claim, makes photos por crisp on a per pixel level.

Thanks I'll be checking that out! Is there any comparisons shots with that low pass filter? I've never knew about that.

[neoraptor]

d5100 owner here (with 18-55 55-200 and 50). i'm joining the others, get shooting then buy another one, d3100 isn't that bad.

[Draconian Guppy]

Personally if i were you id put the $600-$900 on a new lens rather then a new body.

Well said.

 

Thanks I'll be checking that out! Is there any comparisons shots with that low pass filter? I've never knew about that.

Yup  up on www.dpreview.com too lazy to look :P or any other review for the d5300. quick glance from dpreview:

What we like:

• High-res sensor
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Excellent build

What we don't like:

• 18-140mm lens is large and expensive
• Needs good lenses to make the most of the sensor
• No touchscreen

 

 

 

 

What snoopy says is true though, you're better of building a decent set of DX glass. Since you shoot mostly at night, perhaps consider investing in prime lens? Kit lens are good begginners, but easily to outgrow. Say a replacement for your 55-200 could be  Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens  or Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR.. Both of which would improve low light shooting with your current camera.

[Snoopy2005uk]

Pick up a 50mm 1.8g for cheap. That's a great lens for night shots and really cheap too

[Draconian Guppy]

Pick up a 50mm 1.8g for cheap. That's a great lens for night shots and really cheap too

Spot on, nifty fifties are a must on any system...  they go for around $100 on old version (won't autofocus with his camera) or around $180ish the one that will.  

[Dick Montage]

Owning a D5200, which has the same built-in HDR - it's got some decent settings from subtle to heavy, but none of them are "over-effected".  Save the cash on the 5300 and go for a 5200 though.

[Roger H. Veteran]

I just got a D3200 because i'm still a newbie to photography and i was heavily checking out the D5200 (then the 5300 came out with the new 18-55mm lens). So if i were buying today (for my purpose or yours) i'd get the 5300. The D5200 is not much cheaper with the basic kit... the 55-200mm is nice but you can buy that separately for $150. 

 

Actually since you have the D3100, buy a D5200 or 5300 BODY ONLY and save money... i've seen those for $450-500 (D5200). and then use your current lenses till you figure out what type of new lens to get... a fast F1.8 or 1.4 if you can spring it 50mm and then later it you prefer, a 70-300mm for telephoto.

[TAZMINATOR]

I have a D5000... been using it since around 2009.

 

No problems so far. 

 

The following lens that I have so far:

 

105mm - I like this one most.

55-200mm

18-55mm 

35mm

 

Guys, if you have any suggestions on the lens or whatever, feel free to let me know and I will see what I can do.

 

 

OP, They have Photoshop + Lightroom for under 10 bucks a month so you can touch up so you can make sure those pictures look best for your clients/customers. Up to you.

 

Info: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/buying-guide.html ...  scroll down to the 'Photoshop Photography Program' section. 

[D. S. Veteran]

I currently have a Nikon D3100,  I don't use it too much, but I think if I got a new camera I would use it alot.

 

Why?

 

New DSLR cameras aren't cheap. Please think it trough before buying a new camera if it's just going to sit there next to your old one. ;)

[Dane]

Pick up a 50mm 1.8g for cheap. That's a great lens for night shots and really cheap too

 

Would that work with my D3100 ? maybe I'd just use that and balance out the need for a new camera. 

[Roger H. Veteran]

Lens for what though? I'm hoping to get a 35mm F1.8 and a 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 and that's all will be in my baggie with the 18-200 on most of the time.

Would that work with my D3100 ? maybe I'd just use that and balance out the need for a new camera. 

 

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35mm-f18.htm

 

That's about $200 brand new and works on all DX cameras such as the D3x00 and D5x00 series.

[TAZMINATOR]

Lens for what though? I'm hoping to get a 35mm F1.8 and a 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 and that's all will be in my baggie with the 18-200 on most of the time.

 

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35mm-f18.htm

 

That's about $200 brand new and works on all DX cameras such as the D3x00 and D5x00 series.

 

I have 35mm...  It works on my D5000.  It looks great.

 

I use 105mm more.

[Roger H. Veteran]

Yeah that was for the OP but for you i asked what do you need a lens for? What are the limitations of the current ones you have?

[neoraptor]

Pick up a 50mm 1.8g for cheap. That's a great lens for night shots and really cheap too

 

Agree. My 50mm is 1.8g cheap and cheerful. It is my default lens because of its sharpness and great work under low light (recently doing lots of baby photos - indoors, no flash). Of course you have to move around and have some more room than the 18-55 but it is easy to get used to. Try getting a second hand, because there is no-zoom it is more durable than the others. Just do couple of photos and check for dust marks or any distortions, also check if you hear something strange when focusing (it focus relatively fast)

[Draconian Guppy]

Would that work with my D3100 ? maybe I'd just use that and balance out the need for a new camera. 

Yep it would. Always remember to get  "AF-S G" versions

 

Why?

 

New DSLR cameras aren't cheap. Please think it trough before buying a new camera if it's just going to sit there next to your old one. ;)

+1

 

Yeah that was for the OP but for you i asked what do you need a lens for? What are the limitations of the current ones you have?

+2

Pretty much, like I said, without sounding like an ######, it appears to me the OP thinks buying new gear will motivate him to take more photos, it won't. What he needs to do is stop using his camera as a paper weight.

[Draconian Guppy]

_{TOO ALL WHO OWN CAMERAS AND DO NOT POST IN OUR DIGITAL FORUMS... THE BANNING WILL NOW START! :P}

[TAZMINATOR]

Yeah that was for the OP but for you i asked what do you need a lens for? What are the limitations of the current ones you have?

 

I was saying it works great.  So OP will know what I have said and he/she could buy 35mm if want to.... 

 

35mm is great for closeups.

 

105mm is for sharp looking closeups ..I have some photos with 105mm in the digital labs pictures thread.. I think they are in last year thread or so.

 

I have not been taking pictures much this year because of things to do for family and errands run... plus winter sucks due snow/ice going on...  Hopefully I get to go out taking pictures in the Spring.

 

 

_{TOO ALL WHO OWN CAMERAS AND DO NOT POST IN OUR DIGITAL FORUMS... THE BANNING WILL NOW START!}

 

 

lol...   anyway, Guppy, just wait until better weather comes in and I could try to go out more...  I don't drive in snow or rain.  Mustang can't do a thing in the snow.

 

Right now, there are ice spots around here...  Not all melt away yet.