HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

[Geoffc]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Go for the glass. Both are excellent prime lenses. I have the 24 Mp D7100 and, to be truthful, other than being able to use my D glass, my 6.2 Mp D40 takes equally good photos. I think you will really only notice a difference if you blow up your photos to poster size (and I mean BIG). For most of us the extra Mp is not really important.

I think the difference between a D40 and a D7100 is more than megapixels. The dynamic range of the sensor and ISO performance is in a different league. We went from 6mp D70 to 12mp D300 to D7100 (wife) and D800 (me). Each was a big leap in IQ. On a bright day the D70 could get cracking sharp images, but we live in the UK so that doesn't happen often.

The only thing I would say is that you need to take more care with higher mp cameras as they show any failings.

 

[dragion]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I would like to thank everyone for their helpful advice!

I'm considering purchasing a refurbished D7000 and will decide later to purchase new glass.
I've researched and narrowed it down to 3 Authorized Nikon Online Retailers...Adorama, B&H Photo & Beach Camera.

Right now Beach camera has the lowest price @ $619:
BeachCamera.com - Nikon D7000 16.2 MP DX-format Digital SLR Camera Body w/ 1080p HD Video Refurbished

Has anyone have experience with them...good or bad?

Both Adorama & B&H sell the D7000 for $639.
Does either Adorama or B&H charge sales tax? I know that Beach doesn't.
Adorama has free 2day shipping right now.
B&H and Beach has free Ground shipping...$13.55 for 2 days for B&H and $11 for Beach.

So far, Beach has the best deal...even with the extra $11 charge for 2 day shipping.
Beach also has 45 day return policy.

I've already posted my D3100, 18-55mm & 55-200mm on local Craigslist...hope they sell.

 

[gqtuazon]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Normally they don't. Some states charge tax depending on each state. You can put it in your shopping cart to see if the charge state tax or not.


Sent from my iPhone.

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

If it was me, save your money and buy the equipment right the first time. There are currently rebates on amazon and bh photo to help you save a bit.

I know that now... I just never thought my learning curve would be this short...

 

[gqtuazon]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I know that now... I just never thought my learning curve would be this short...

I bought a FX D700 which was beyond my skill level and comprehension with regards to Photography. I had no clue what other functions were for but as time goes by, I get to appreciate all of it's features and provided great image quality. It prevented any unnecessary or gradual upgrades along the way. Just my opinion. Others go the other route.

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

For many people (myself included) it´s also a question of money, unfortunately.

 

[dragion]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

If it was me, save your money and buy the equipment right the first time.

If I knew this was a dream wish, then I'm going for the D3X! :stupid:

But as reality sets in and my cloud has now evaporated away...

I finally made my choice.
I decided to place the order for the D7000 @ Beach Camera for $630 total with 2 day shipping.
I figured the additional $11 would give me a few more days enjoying my new "toy"!

I also ordered a Neewer/Meike battery grip & battery from Amazon for under $60...unfortunately, it won't arrive in time for Christmas.
I would have ordered the Nikon MB-D11, but an additional $250 is not in the picture....click! (pun intended)

I would like to again thank everyone for their advice/feedback.

 

[Nathan Lanni]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Congrats on your decision. I recommend you get this:

Mastering the Nikon D7000: Darrell Young: 9781933952802: Amazon.com: Books

It will be one of the best investments you can make for yourself in getting the most from that camera body.

Don't be surprised if you start to lust after better quality lenses to achieve the higher IQ.

I'm sure you're aware of the dx 1.5 crop factor but just in case, the 85mm fx view angle on a dx will act like 127.5mm and the 50mm fx on a dx will act like 75mm. Depending on the photography you like to do the view angles will make a difference.

If you haven't stumbled on these pages yet, Nikon has some cool apps to play around with:

Nikon | Imaging Products | NIKKOR Lenses Simulator

Nikon | Imaging Products | NIKKOR Lenses

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I think you made the correct decision. The camera feels so much better than the D3100/D5100. It will take you a little while to get used to all the controls that it has. I am still figuring it out.

 

[Bill16]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

The extra controls and feel of the camera, is one of the reasons I bought the D90 and the D300!

 

[Spozry]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Wait wait. You bought a D7100 this week ......and here it is Friday....and no pictures?

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

Nope not yet - finally just took it out of the box tonight ! Hopefully photos soon though!!

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Been playing around with a friend´s 5100 tonight. What a difference already from the 3100, imagine the 7000, or the 7100... I do have one question though: Is the "old" D90 much better, slightly better, or not at all better than the 5100?

 

[Deezey]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

The 5100 is a little better in low light than the D90. Also I believe it does better video, and does HDR.

But the 5100 does have a few pitfalls. But only you can make the decision how big they are. For one....it has no in camera focus motor. The D90 does. The D90 will autofocus lenses such as the 50 f1.8D. The D5100 does not have the second control dial that the D90 has. The D5100 has a menu driven interface, while the D90 uses the 2 control dials for quick setting changes. Another is the D90 has a top mounted screen for quick reference of settings. The D5100 doesn't. The D90 also has a Commander Mode for off flash set ups. Again the D5100 doesn't.

The D90 is more of a pro-sumer body vs the consumer style body of the D5100.

Better image quality in the D5100. More professional layout and features in the D90.

 

[Flugelbinder]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Deezey, for what I understand, you shoot whit a D90?

 

[Marcel]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Never forget that a few years back the D90 was a top of the consumer line camera. It can produce amazing photographs in the proper hands. The 12mp resolution is enough for most users unless all your prints have to be 24"x36"... The thing I know is that it allows for a little more user mistakes then the newer 24mp sensors. It can easily be used without a tripod, is light and has a great sensor that stays clean for a long time. I had mine for 3 years and don't think I ever had to wet clean it.

It's a bargain and will focus all AF-D lenses... something to consider if you want to go with pre-owned lenses.

 

[Deezey]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Deezey, for what I understand, you shoot whit a D90?

Yes i do. And I wouldn't trade it for a D5100, even if you were giving them away. The ease of use and image quality, for me, is still fantastic. It does everything I have ever asked it to do. And to be honest while not great in low light....in decent light the pictures will still wow me.

If it is a first dSLR I highly recommend it. It's a truly great camera.
If you are upgrading, it may not be worth it since D7000 refurbs can be had for not too much more.

 

[Bill16]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

I agree with Deezey and Marcel! They covered the points real well!

 

[dragion]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Heads Up...
I received the D7000 today!


I was so surprised that it took only one day to get it.
The only issue I have is that it has a actuation shutter count of 10444!


I'm not quite sure what to think...isn't that a bit high, even for a refurbished unit?
Should I contact Beach Camera and find out if they have another one with lower count?


My D3100 has only 4318


Need advice.


Thanks!

 

[Bill16]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

[MENTION=6277]Don Kuykendall[/MENTION] would be the one I'd ask, when it come to refurbished Nikon's! I don't have a clue myself.

But 10,000 actuations isn't very many in the life of a DSLR , and if it was sold used, that few clicks wouldn't be an issue at all. If that helps any.

 

[ShootRaw]

Re: HELP: D3100-->D7000 or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S and/or Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens?

Heads Up...
I received the D7000 today!


I was so surprised that it took only one day to get it.
The only issue I have is that it has a actuation shutter count of 10444!


I'm not quite sure what to think...isn't that a bit high, even for a refurbished unit?
Should I contact Beach Camera and find out if they have another one with lower count?


My D3100 has only 4318


Need advice.


Thanks!

I would..That is a lot of clicking..