FX vs DX

J

JMHPhotography

Senior Member
I am currently shooting with the Nikon D5100 with a range of lenses. I have starting taking classes to educate myself in this field as its become more than just a hobby for me. So after my classes I want to upgrade to a full frame camera. and before you start recommending $5000 cameras I have a budget of around 1500 to 2000.

So what do you all recommend I like getting feedback from people who actually own the camera.

This is what I have done so far

JMH Photography
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
D600 would be your only option with your budget, unless you find a good deal on a refurb/used D800 or some other Nikon FX like a D3 or D700. Best thing to do is do some side by side comparisons and see what camera has the features you want/need. Good luck!
 
Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
It all depends on when you finish your classes. There are always newer models coming out. This makes it great for someone looking at a second hand model. As far as Nikon is concerned, I think the D700 would probably be the best deal for you if you can find a clean copy close by.

Good luck!
 
S

stmv

Senior Member
1st decision... Video or no Video...

If Video is a want.... than on your budget D600 would be my vote.

If you just want photos..

then,,
1. D700,, it just takes great pictures, super features, nice low light, tough! (I won't part with mine)
2. D600 if you stretch ,and get on sell for say 1999,, quite a camera
3. D800 but that is sounds outside your budget.

Personally, I use a D800/D700 pairing,,,totally not thinking about any replacements for a long long time... (laughs, well 5 years).
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
B&H have two D700 for around $1630, body only. Adorama has one for $1600. Looks like the D600 is out of reach, unless you are willing to stretch your budget by about $500.
 
S

stmv

Senior Member
Amazon... D600. body only 1996,, yes,, almost 400 dollars,, but consider it an investment (if you want video). and warranty.
 
G

gqtuazon

Gear Head
JMHPhotography said:
I am currently shooting with the Nikon D5100 with a range of lenses. I have starting taking classes to educate myself in this field as its become more than just a hobby for me. So after my classes I want to upgrade to a full frame camera. and before you start recommending $5000 cameras I have a budget of around 1500 to 2000.

So what do you all recommend I like getting feedback from people who actually own the camera.

This is what I have done so far

JMH Photography
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Can you please tell more on why you would like to switch to a full frame?
 
J

JMHPhotography

Senior Member
gqtuazon said:
Can you please tell more on why you would like to switch to a full frame?
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My thoughts are after my education and some experience that I will be able to take the next step professionally with something other than my husband hockey team (although these parents do like and purchase my prints) and I would like to be prepared for that step with a more professional level camera I dont want to start booking clients while learning a new camera.
 
C

cbg

Senior Member
What will a full frame body give you that your D5100 does not? You have not said what lenses you are using. Unless you already have FX lenses, you'll need to factor the cost of new glass into you budget.
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
JMHPhotography said:
My thoughts are after my education and some experience that I will be able to take the next step professionally with something other than my husband hockey team (although these parents do like and purchase my prints) and I would like to be prepared for that step with a more professional level camera I dont want to start booking clients while learning a new camera.
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Please don't take this the wrong way, but rather as just an opinion. Sure, most FX cameras are "pro" bodies, but there are also "pro" DX bodies: D300S, D300, D200, all the D2s and all the D1s. Yes, the latest "pro" bodies have been FX. But by no means should anyone think that the only way to become "pro", is to go FX. Many "pro" sports photogs use DX and rightly so. You need to look at the advantages and disadvantages of both formats. No one will ever know that your pictures are taken with a FX camera unless you tell them or if they look at the EXIF data. Don't go to FX just because it seems to be the "pro" thing to do. Go to FX for the right reasons. Again, only my opinion.
 
D

Dave_W

The Dude
Say AC016, besides taking advantage of a lenses sweet spot, I was wondering what other advantages are there to DX? My first thought was the price of lenses but that is compromised by the fact they'll not work so well on an FX body whereas an FX lens works on both DX and FX. And the so-called sweet spot on the lenses can easily be reproduced for FX images with PP. In fact, LR already has profiles of all the lenses built into the software so all you have to do is check a box and you remove any aberrations associated with that particular lens.

So are there any other advantages to DX that I don't know?
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
Dave_W said:
Say AC016, besides taking advantage of a lenses sweet spot, I was wondering what other advantages are there to DX? My first thought was the price of lenses but that is compromised by the fact they'll not work so well on an FX body whereas an FX lens works on both DX and FX. And the so-called sweet spot on the lenses can easily be reproduced for FX images with PP. In fact, LR already has profiles of all the lenses built into the software so all you have to do is check a box and you remove any aberrations associated with that particular lens.

So are there any other advantages to DX that I don't know?
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I think the main advantages - aside form some small, trivial technical ones that you can read about on the web - is cost and size/weight. I am not trying to talk the OP out of getting an FX camera - it is their money, they can do what they like. However, there seems to be a misconception that to be a "pro", you have to go to FX and that is not true. As pointed out, many sports (and wildlife) photographers use DX because of weight and reach. This is not about one is better than the other. This is about making a decision based on facts, not misconceptions. A "profession" is one where the person makes their living at doing that particular "profession". A professional should not be dictated by the format of camera they use. What they produce with said camera is what counts.
 
S

stmv

Senior Member
For me,, it is more the features and build that interest me,, like the increased bracket depth, light meter on top, etc, and then comes down to image quality.

I like using the camera without the 1.5X multiplier, so my 20 mm lens, is well 20 mm.

but,, totally agree, its the composition, light, and post processing that makes a great picture, with the sensor/camera having incremental gain.

Today's SLRs from 3100 to D4x.... awesome. great time for photographers.
 
J

JMHPhotography

Senior Member
AC016 said:
I think the main advantages - aside form some small, trivial technical ones that you can read about on the web - is cost and size/weight. I am not trying to talk the OP out of getting an FX camera - it is their money, they can do what they like. However, there seems to be a misconception that to be a "pro", you have to go to FX and that is not true. As pointed out, many sports (and wildlife) photographers use DX because of weight and reach. This is not about one is better than the other. This is about making a decision based on facts, not misconceptions. A "profession" is one where the person makes their living at doing that particular "profession". A professional should not be dictated by the format of camera they use. What they produce with said camera is what counts.
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Thank you so much for this sound advice since I am so new to this "hobby" I am still excited everyday I take a picture so I tend to think I need more to get more when all I really probably need to develop my own practices before I take a leap into what I "think" is professional level
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
If you really want to spend the money on a new body for sports photography - i looked at your website - i would go with either the D300s or the D7000. Both have fast FPS and a good AF system. In regards to lenses, this is where you will need to spend money. You will need some fast zooms. Something in the range of F2.8 to F4. These will enable you to handle low light/bad light situations that you will experience indoors. However, i would suggest spending the money on the lenses first and try them out on your present camera. I think you will be mighty impressed. Perhaps after selling more photos, get another body and keep the 5100 as back-up. Again, only my opinion.
 
J

JMHPhotography

Senior Member
AC016 said:
If you really want to spend the money on a new body for sports photography - i looked at your website - i would go with either the D300s or the D7000. Both have fast FPS and a good AF system. In regards to lenses, this is where you will need to spend money. You will need some fast zooms. Something in the range of F2.8 to F4. These will enable you to handle low light/bad light situations that you will experience indoors. However, i would suggest spending the money on the lenses first and try them out on your present camera. I think you will be mighty impressed. Perhaps after selling more photos, get another body and keep the 5100 as back-up. Again, only my opinion.
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I shoot hockey with my Tamron 70- 200 2.8 its has made a huge difference in the clarity of my pictures I have done some research on the D7000 but I know its ready for an upgrade so I am holding off on my decision I havent done any research on the D300s so I will check in to that one as well again not in any hurry I dont drop 2000 grand lightly having a forum like this for feedback really helps I am a member of photography club but its alot of professionals that tend to stick to helping each other so I think a new club is in order. Thanks again for all your advice I am trying to put the why before the how when I am considering new gear these days
 
AC016

AC016

Senior Member
JMHPhotography said:
I shoot hockey with my Tamron 70- 200 2.8 its has made a huge difference in the clarity of my pictures I have done some research on the D7000 but I know its ready for an upgrade so I am holding off on my decision I havent done any research on the D300s so I will check in to that one as well again not in any hurry I dont drop 2000 grand lightly having a forum like this for feedback really helps I am a member of photography club but its alot of professionals that tend to stick to helping each other so I think a new club is in order. Thanks again for all your advice I am trying to put the why before the how when I am considering new gear these days
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lol:) Yes, asking why is always important. Good to hear that you have some fast glass. Yes, perhaps wait for a 7200 or whatever they may call it. Though, i think you may find that the megapixels will be the main upgrade. When it does come out, wait for all the "i need the latest" people to sell their D7000s. The latest is not always the greatest. I purchased a used D80 this year and i am very happy with it. All the best with your endeavours.
 
G

grandpaw

Senior Member
JMHPhotography said:
I am currently shooting with the Nikon D5100 with a range of lenses. I have starting taking classes to educate myself in this field as its become more than just a hobby for me. So after my classes I want to upgrade to a full frame camera. and before you start recommending $5000 cameras I have a budget of around 1500 to 2000.

So what do you all recommend I like getting feedback from people who actually own the camera.

This is what I have done so far

JMH Photography
Click to expand...

Have you cosidered how much it will cost you to get FX lenses if you don't have them now? The camera will be the cheaper part of this upgrade if you need to replace DX lenses.
 
F

fotojack

Senior Member
I still shoot with my D200 and a D40 as a backup. Both give me great pictures. Of course, if given the option, I would jump at the chance of owning a D300 some day! That's my idea of a dream camera. :) Oh I know.......some of you think I'm nuts for saying that. Really, though....the D300 has all the features I would ever want in a pro camera. Period.
 
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