Nikon D7000, D300s, or wait for D400?

dtstangl

Member
Original Poster
You mentioned low light photography, you need something stronger and faster than a 3.5 app. 2.8 is considered strong, 1.8 nice for a prime lens, and 1.4 for an even better lens

Yeah def. need larger aperture lenses for how I like to shoot. Whatever I end up doing I was planning to get at least a 1.8/1.4 prime, and down the line something 2.8 in a usable focal range ($$$).
 

everestnut

Active Member
As a disclosure, not a professional here, but over the past 8 months or so, I too upgraded to from the entry level Canon DSLR. I spent a ton of time going back and forth on Nikon or Canon. Ultimately I chose a Canon 60D. ( I know depending on who you ask, the 60D could be great or the worse camera ever made) For my part it has been an incredible upgrade. I had actually bought the 7D and upon finding out it was CF returned it. Bad experience with a corrupt CF card. I have since picked up low light lenses, either from Adorama, KEH or even EBAy and have been very lucky on quality. Currently, I have a 50 1.4 (Canon) and a 70-200 Sigma 2.8 which stays on the camera alot more than I thought it would.

With the budget listed, I know the 60D offers a really clean higher ISO range than the entry level. Looking at my receipts, the body and the Sigma 2.8 ended up costing me about 500 less than 2000.
 

wdwmagic

Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
As a disclosure, not a professional here, but over the past 8 months or so, I too upgraded to from the entry level Canon DSLR. I spent a ton of time going back and forth on Nikon or Canon. Ultimately I chose a Canon 60D. ( I know depending on who you ask, the 60D could be great or the worse camera ever made) For my part it has been an incredible upgrade. I had actually bought the 7D and upon finding out it was CF returned it. Bad experience with a corrupt CF card. I have since picked up low light lenses, either from Adorama, KEH or even EBAy and have been very lucky on quality. Currently, I have a 50 1.4 (Canon) and a 70-200 Sigma 2.8 which stays on the camera alot more than I thought it would.

With the budget listed, I know the 60D offers a really clean higher ISO range than the entry level. Looking at my receipts, the body and the Sigma 2.8 ended up costing me about 500 less than 2000.

I wouldn't let a bad CF card put you off the format. CF is used on all the pro level cameras because it's more robust than SD, and more suited to heavy use.
 

everestnut

Active Member
Well I guess I can't say I'm still put off. Most of my shooting now is of my daughter's dance competitions and I just recently picked up an older Canon 1D and used it for the first time this past weekend. Keeps me from having to switch lenses in the middle of things. For the first time out with it, I was very impressed and really couldn't beat the price.
 

wdwmagic

Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
Well I guess I can't say I'm still put off. Most of my shooting now is of my daughter's dance competitions and I just recently picked up an older Canon 1D and used it for the first time this past weekend. Keeps me from having to switch lenses in the middle of things. For the first time out with it, I was very impressed and really couldn't beat the price.

Cool. How did you like the 1D?
 

everestnut

Active Member
First time out, but its unbelievable as far as frames per second. I think the first time I hit the shutter it rattled off about 12. Focuses really quick even in low light and the image quality is very good for a camera that only goes 4mp.

I bought it as a back up and for 285 I'm pretty happy.
 

WDWFigment

Well-Known Member
Someone else mentioned a used d300s, but depending on your needs (do you NEED a pro level body?) a d90 might make a good option for you while leaving a significant portion of your budget for glass. I upgraded from the d90 to the d7000, and if I had the option to do it again, I think I might stick with the d90. Really great bang for your buck.
 

CP_alum08

Well-Known Member
That sounds reasonable. I'm not in any sort of rush to jump into anything, so I'll spend some time trying out as many different bodies as I can, and keeping an eye out on different boards for any can't-pass-up deals. Possibly when/if they announce the d400, people will be itching to sell their d300s, or even d7000 owners who are looking to move up.

Thats what I was hoping would happen to the D90 once the D7000 came out. Sadly, they're still about the same price as they were a few months ago. Hopefully soon!
 

dtstangl

Member
Original Poster
Someone else mentioned a used d300s, but depending on your needs (do you NEED a pro level body?) a d90 might make a good option for you while leaving a significant portion of your budget for glass. I upgraded from the d90 to the d7000, and if I had the option to do it again, I think I might stick with the d90. Really great bang for your buck.

So, $900 for a d90 with 18-105 3.5 kit lens (is the lens worth it?), vs. $1600 for a d7000 with the same lens. Not sure why I overlooked the d90, I'm actually going to check out everything tomorrow, and I won't skip over anything.

I was browsing Ken Rockwell's site, he is recommending the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, anyone have experience with it?
 

ddbowdoin

Well-Known Member
So, $900 for a d90 with 18-105 3.5 kit lens (is the lens worth it?), vs. $1600 for a d7000 with the same lens. Not sure why I overlooked the d90, I'm actually going to check out everything tomorrow, and I won't skip over anything.

I was browsing Ken Rockwell's site, he is recommending the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, anyone have experience with it?

I'd skip the kit lens... is NOTHING to write home about. First lens I would get is a 130 dollar 50mm f1.8, best BANG for your buck.

Here is my Tokina 11-16mm f2.8... SICK lens

hooverdam1.jpg




hooverdamnedit2.jpg
 

dtstangl

Member
Original Poster
Quick update....

I found a real solid deal on a d7000 w/18-105mm (I know the kit lens isn't the best, but the deal was with the kit), so I have that, SB-400 speedlight, and 35mm 1.8 DX lens on the way!! Pretty stoked, and I already have a buyer for my old equipment!
 

SewIn2Disney

Well-Known Member
I'm going to have to jump in on the bandwagon of questions here!

Someone else mentioned a used d300s, but depending on your needs (do you NEED a pro level body?) a d90 might make a good option for you while leaving a significant portion of your budget for glass. I upgraded from the d90 to the d7000, and if I had the option to do it again, I think I might stick with the d90. Really great bang for your buck.

Interesting-- I have the D50 right now, but reaaaaly looking to upgrade (the grain in the pictures if I go over ISO800 is annoying!), and I was debating between the two, but ultimately decided I better go with the newer model, the 7000. Any reason why you prefer the 90 over the 7000? Just interested in the pros/cons!

So, $900 for a d90 with 18-105 3.5 kit lens (is the lens worth it?), vs. $1600 for a d7000 with the same lens. Not sure why I overlooked the d90, I'm actually going to check out everything tomorrow, and I won't skip over anything.

I was browsing Ken Rockwell's site, he is recommending the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, anyone have experience with it?

That (well close to it- I want the Tokina 10-17mm) is next on my wish list! I've been stalking eBay for weeks waiting for a good deal to come up!

Quick update....

I found a real solid deal on a d7000 w/18-105mm (I know the kit lens isn't the best, but the deal was with the kit), so I have that, SB-400 speedlight, and 35mm 1.8 DX lens on the way!! Pretty stoked, and I already have a buyer for my old equipment!

Did you find the good deal in a store/website? Do you mind sharing if it was? Thanks!
 

dtstangl

Member
Original Poster
Did you find the good deal in a store/website? Do you mind sharing if it was? Thanks!

Amazon had the kit on sale for $1350, it seemed like it was when the body only was sold out. I'd say keep an eye out, I'm sure they'll do it again!
 

dtstangl

Member
Original Poster
Check out the first shots from the D7000 here.

On a side note, the 35mm 1.8 I've been waiting on is still backordered, so these are shot with the 18-105mm, which I'm very impressed with both in terms of build quality and sharpness thus far.
 

ddbowdoin

Well-Known Member
I finally got my d7000...pretty nice body, nice features. One of the best pro-sumer bodies on the market, hands down.
 

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