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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fortkentdad" data-source="post: 417580" data-attributes="member: 24285">Spend some time in digi-research.With a budget of $2,700 you can get a very nice set up but if that is total budget don't spend it all on a body.  Several decisions to be made.  Given you are asking here seems you've decided on Nikon - good choice.  (Slight bias here) Next Full Frame or Crop Frame - google that, there is lots and lots of opinion on that topic.  Basically how big of a digital sensor do you want.  Professional's have tended to go full frame but many also shoot some crop frame depending on the situation.  Wildlife people seems to love cropped frames.  Budget minded people appreciate the lower cost of ownership - body and lenses are less expensive.  There are many considerations.  Wrap you head around that question first.  Keep in mind this is for your FIRST camera.  Retired or not many of us end up with more than one Nikon SLR.  I started crop frame and last year added a full frame D610 to my collection. Get good GLASS - it does not have to be new, just good.  There are some of us that like to get 'vintage' or 'legacy' lenses, basically older used lenses that still take great images for a fraction of the cost.  (Still not 'cheap' in my books as they are still at least $100 and many hundreds of dollars.  It is said that camera bodies come and go, wear out, get out dated, but good glass is forever.  (well maybe 40 to 60 years, which at 48 means forever for your purposes).  Retire at 48 - we are all dripping with envy.  I'm 60 and thinking about it.  (I have crossed over that magical 'full pension now available' line in the sand, just need a job to support my hobbies.  There are many good youtubes out there offering camera buyers advice, some of it is even good.  I watched several as I debated the D7100 vs D610 choice I made last May.  There is now a D750 to consider, Nikon's latest offering.  But since you asked let me offer two scenerio's.  Given you will want funds for glass I'd choose either the D7100 which is a great camera.  You probably will want the kit lens that comes with it as they usually give a great discount when you buy together.  For sure get a 50mm prime (or 35mm prime).  If you go for the DF or D810 you will not have much left for glass, flash, tripod and bag.  (Minimum accessory package)  If after looking into the full frame vs cropped frame debate you want to go FF, then the D610 or D750 would be my recommendations - but then you will need to be more careful about your lens selection and consider used lenses to stretch what remains of your budget. Get a flash: An SB-700  ($300ish), or other flash, for a first flash the SB-700 is good, many like the chinese Yongnuo flashes - about half price and apparently as good.  I use Metz flashes and like them.  Get a nice tripod.  Don't break the bank but don't buy the cheap discount store version.  Get a nice one from a camera shop - expect to pay $200 plus.  The $50 department store ones are for small point and shoots. And a camera bag of some sort - yes they are expensive for what can look like a backpack but they are different.  Many options there but $80-$280 depending on size and features.  Camera bags are like rabbits in my house they seem to multiply if left alone.  And do get that second battery, good second brand's are OK but beware there are counterfeits that are not good.  Going Nikon will cost you double but you do need a second battery.  I like Wasabi batteries - half the $95 they want for Nikon's in Canada but Nikon USA sells their batteries for half what we pay here.  Not sure what's up with that. IF the $2,700 you mentioned is just the body and you have another $2,700 for lenses and other needed stuff, then the D750 or D810 can be considered.   Unless you want to use really old lenses and have a vintage look fetish I'm not sure why people pay that much for the DF.  And it has no video.  But it does look cool.   Good luck with your new adventures.</blockquote>

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