So Many Choices!

Went out shopping with the wife today and alas, I forgot to take my camera bag and missed out on some shots...LOL.

Now, I'm perfectly happy with my D50. It's simple enough for a beginner; while I might not be new to photography, that's what I am especially when it comes to digital. That D50, the more I use it the more I appreciate its simplicity and the way the controls are set up. Similar cameras like the D300 and D7000 with the control knob on the left side (I'm a lefty) and the top display (which I really like by the way) are the way I'm going to go with my next camera.

Which is why I passed up the D3000 bundle with the 18-55 AND 55-200 lenses...and bag...and goodies for $399. Man, I really had to RUN (yes I did, bought the other stuff I needed and fled the store like I was being chased) because that really seemed to be a great deal and I was sorely tempted. Sorely!! Especially considering I have $350 invested in my D50 with the lenses and all bought not three months ago...

This same place had a similar bundle with the D7000...almost 1500 and the D3200 with the VR lenses (24MP compared to the 10 on the 3000) for just under 700 bucks.

Yep, already planning my next digital because who doesn't want mo-better? Of course, the SLR's above have features I don't need (yet, maybe never) but I say, never say never. The first time I picked up a D300 I fell in love. Yeah, I would have bought it but...I'm trying to control myself and f-o-c-u-s. Its not the equipment, its the nut behind the camera who (me) doesn't need more camera right now.

Then I looked at the D7000 and...wow. And then I take a look at the shots I've taken with my D50 and the 6-MP sensor and until I get to the point that I need more, that is certainly enough for me.

I will probably get to the point where I WILL appreciate the adjustments and capabilities of things my D50 doesn't do but for now, I don't really miss them. Heck, I've been having a BALL with the film cameras I've got and my camera guy's lab puts them on CD for me so...why do I need a 'better' camera?

I don't (yet) but I'm planning and learning. I know there's LOTS of folks out there who know more so here's my question;
D300 or D7000 or D...? And why? (Note I've left out the D5100/5200, those seem to be smaller bodies and I've got big mitts. Besides, I REALLY like the control setups on the D50/D300/7000 et al)

If your happy with the D50 then stay with it. Newer models come out all the time and by the time you are finally ready to upgrade then look around, there will probably be a lot of other choices by then that may more suit your needs.

Get the D300! You will NEVER regret getting this camera! With all the DX lenses you're using with your D50, you won't believe the difference it will make on a D300. Trust me on this! Hey...you can always keep the D50 as a backup.

I went from a D50 to the D300..I've had it over 5 years and close to 50000 shots taken and had no problems...

I don't need more megapixels and am able to print at 30x20 inches if I have to...

If you're getting into D300 $$ look into the D7100.

Compared to the D300 the D7100 has better resolution, better color depth, higher maximum ISO, better dynamic range, a larger and higher resolution pre-view screen... I could go on, but I'm running out of breath.

The differences between the D7000 and the the D7100 are less extreme and, depending on your budget, this may be the way to go. The '7100 has better resolution, a larger preview screen with higher resolution, a lot more focus points and better color depth but depending on what you can find a used '7000 for, dollar-wise, these things may or may not be something to consider.


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Funny you mention the D7100... Whilst 'comparing' I discovered this model, did a little looking and then said hmmmmm. THEN, I see Adorama has some refurbs...in my price range!.

Trying not to fall into that 'more-is-better'....but its not that easy!

Horoscope Fish said:

If you're getting into D300 $$ look into the D7100.

Compared to the D300 the D7100 has better resolution, better color depth, higher maximum ISO, better dynamic range, a larger and higher resolution pre-view screen... I could go on, but I'm running out of breath.

The differences between the D7000 and the the D7100 are less extreme and, depending on your budget, this may be the way to go. The '7100 has better resolution, a larger preview screen with higher resolution, a lot more focus points and better color depth but depending on what you can find a used '7000 for, dollar-wise, these things may or may not be something to consider.


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Dubiousone said:

Funny you mention the D7100... Whilst 'comparing' I discovered this model, did a little looking and then said hmmmmm. THEN, I see Adorama has some refurbs...in my price range!.

Trying not to fall into that 'more-is-better'....but its not that easy!

Click to expand...

I think you will be happy with any of those models you mentioned. Buy what fits your budget if you buy a refurbished go with Adorama. You may be able to save a bundle. You can purchase the extended warranty from them to for a nominal fee.

sent from my galaxy tab 2

And what happens? I end up with a Pentax! Oh, I still want that D7000/7100 but I have that second body for the time being. Of course it doesn't take my Nikon lenses (curse you, camera store guy) places round here don't carry that much Pentax (Curse you camera store guy) and its a wonderful camera, does some things better than my D50 and it was really love at first sight. $150 for a used 99%+ K100D Super. (Curse you camera store guy)
My first encounter with Pentax caused me to re-evaluate my choices; (I still shoot my K1000) but I will be staying with Nikon mainly because lenses and accessories are so much easier to come by around here. I'm a go-in-store-touchie kind of guy and no one really carries much Pentax. Online, different story. SO... I've got my bag setup, two camera bodies with complementing lenses on each to cover most situations. Works for now! Besides, that little Pentax is really...I really like it and for now I'm going to put a few bucks in lenses and just shoot pictures!