Next Camera up?

kem070396

New member
The models confuse me...once the D3200 has been learned, what would be the full frame model to upgrade to? Would I be able to use the same lenses?
 

WayneF

Senior Member
The current Nikon FX models are the D610 and D810 and D4 (in increasing price order).

Yes and no about using same lenses, there are conditions. Lens have DX or FX coverage (coverage of the smaller or larger sensor).
DX lenses are marked DX, and if not so marked, they should be FX lenses.

You can use FX lenses on DX bodies, no problem. But DX lenses are limited on FX bodies. The FX cameras have a DX mode, where yes, you can use DX lenses on them, but since the DX sensor and lens coverage are cropped size, then there are only about 40% as many megapixels in those images (if on a FX body).

Even using the same FX lens on both FX and DX bodies, the DX field of view is reduced (smaller cropped sensor). We perceive this to be a telephoto effect after we enlarge the smaller DX image more (to be same size as FX again).

The picture at page top here should explain the FX/DX difference FX - DX Lens Crop Factor. The lens can be the same, but the DX sensor is smaller cropped size.
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
The models confuse me...once the D3200 has been learned, what would be the full frame model to upgrade to? Would I be able to use the same lenses?
If you're certain you want to go full frame, I think the D610 is pretty much the obvious choice for the average-mortal photographer doing so.

If you want to keep using your DX kit, yet still upgrade considerably from the D3200, you could consider the D7100 or the D5300.

....
 

Bill16

Senior Member
There will be a learning curve upgrading to full frame, since they have pro features and is not menu based. You'll want to upgrade to fx lenses in my opinion, to take advantage of all the full frame has to offer. If your on a budget, I also think the D610 would be an awesome model to get. If money isn't an issue really, then I choose either one of the D8xx line up, or the D4s depending on what your priorities are. D8xx for high MPs, and larger files, or D4s for great lowlight abilities and more reasonable file size. :D

If money is super tight, the D700 might be an option you'd be interested in. It's old tech, lower MPs than the others, and still around a thousand dollars used. But it is full frame and a pro body with nice small size files. But most people would rather skip the D700 and go strait to the D610 or higher, for the advantages that the newer tech has going for the newer full frame models! :D
 

Deezey

Senior Member
Why wouldn't I? Isn't that the next step up? (PS thank you all for your opinions, I appreciate them :) )

FX is not what I would call a step up. It is a whole new platform. With its very own plus and minuses. A D7100 would be a step up. A D610 for me was an entire leap.
 

WayneF

Senior Member
Why wouldn't I? Isn't that the next step up? (PS thank you all for your opinions, I appreciate them :) )

FX has a few advantages (mostly minor in the big picture, since DX is very effective), but additional FX lenses for FX can make it be a surprisingly costly upgrade. It would be good to plan that out in advance.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
Boy I agree with you on the planning buddy! Really costly!! Lol :D

FX has a few advantages (mostly minor in the big picture, since DX is very effective), but additional FX lenses for FX can make it be a surprisingly costly upgrade. It would be good to plan that out in advance.
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
Agreed on the different platforms. My D7100 is for when I need to reach out and touch someone and can use both DX and FX with no down side. My D600 is for low light, and when I want to go wide. FX has some better lenses, but if you need to reach out then you have to buy a whole lot more lens to get to the same point of the DX due to crop factor.

If there is no NEED to go FX then I would stay with DX and buy FX lenses. Then, if at some point down the road, you feel the desire/need to jump to FX you already have the glass.
 
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Pebbleheed

Senior Member
Big question, WHY does the OP feel they need full frame?

Is it just because it's 'full frame' or is there a specific reason or need for full frame?

It may be that a decent DX would be better.
 

Blade Canyon

Senior Member
Agreed on the different platforms. My D7100 is for when I need to reach out and touch someone. ... but if you need to reach out then you have to buy a whole lot more lens to get to the same point of the DX due to crop factor.

This confuses me. If a DX is just a smaller sensor, then does DX really "reach out" better? Or is it the same as shooting FX with the exact same lens and then just cropping in post? This is a genuine question; I'm not just trying to make a point. Nikon used this same argument in their D600 promotional video, that being able to switch to DX helps you reach out when it's needed. I have a D600, and the default setting for the front Fn button was FX/DX swap, which I accidentally hit while shooting some elk in Wyoming, and I swear those DX photos look really great when they go by on my screen saver.

ETA: I just read the article that WayneF linked, and it said DX is just pre-cropping an FX shot. IOW, there is no difference between shooting DX versus shooting FX and cropping in post. Does anyone have a counter-argument? I could get that Nikon puts more MP in a dedicated DX sensor than in the DX crop portion of an FX sensor, for example.
 
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PaulPosition

Senior Member
Take two cameras, one dx and one fx, both with 24 megapixel sensors.

In dx case you've got a "cropped" field of view and 24 million pixels.

In fx case you've got a larger field of view and 24 million pixels OR you turn on "dx mode" (or crop in post) and quite a bit *less* pixels (can't be arsed to do the maths, sorry).

If you're shooting for web/flickr/Facebook purposes that's alright, but if you want to print big then there's comfort to be found in a lot of pixels.

(So, basically, for an identical pixel count at the sensor, dx does "reach further")
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
Eating dinner, but when I'm done I will shoot a comparison shot. It can be hard to wrap the brain around. It was for me until it clicked.
 

donaldjledet

Senior Member
I say a lot of what you shoot will give you the answer.
I have a D7100 and get great photos. Don't print large images.
Cause fx glass is very expensive as you know.
 

Geoffc

Senior Member
Take two cameras, one dx and one fx, both with 24 megapixel sensors.

In dx case you've got a "cropped" field of view and 24 million pixels.

In fx case you've got a larger field of view and 24 million pixels OR you turn on "dx mode" (or crop in post) and quite a bit *less* pixels (can't be arsed to do the maths, sorry).

If you're shooting for web/flickr/Facebook purposes that's alright, but if you want to print big then there's comfort to be found in a lot of pixels.

(So, basically, for an identical pixel count at the sensor, dx does "reach further")

The D600 DX mode pixels is 10.5 not just a few less. That makes it less than earlier generation D300 and D90 cameras.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Why wouldn't I? Isn't that the next step up? (PS thank you all for your opinions, I appreciate them)
I guess it depends on what constitutes a "step up" for you. There are a lot of options between your current, venerable, D3200 and a D610 that I would be considering, but that's me. If you just want to go for broke, get the new D810, top it with a 24-70mm f/2.8 and, for five-thousand dollars or so, you're good to go.

....
 

Bill16

Senior Member
If I'd have had the money, when I first upgraded, I would have went strait to full frame. But I admit I would have bought the wrong model for my needs, and I'd have been in trouble trying to post process. The D800 was my dream choice back then.
I also would have missed out on my little jewel of a DSLR, the D300! I still want a full frame and that desire has never changed. But my choice of models now is very different, even if I had tons of cash. I'd buy the D4s if I was rich, and the D700 is my choice since I'm not rich! Lol :D
I'm not against the D610 for my needs, but the cost vs my needs is too out of balance. I can't really say me needs justify the cost of it. I believe the D700 with my D300 will fill my needs very well.
This may change someday if and when my computer setup is upgraded quite a bit, and if I get into printing or selling my work. But right now neither is the case, and the older tech will fill my needs fine!
I thank my friends for stearing me away from the D800, and opening up my eyes to see what I really want, to fit me,more clearly ! I've receive these great bits of advice on every step of my addition of gear! I never would have the right gear for me now without my friends helpful advice! Thank you to all my good friends who have helped and advised me since my first day here! :D
 
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