New Nikon Talk me in or out

[fowldarr]

Okay, after exhaustive research, reading multiple threads and all that jazz, an a recent trip to Yellowstone where a Grizzly sow and 2 cubs left me wanting more camera capability, I'm thinking of picking up a new Nikon. It will be an entry level DSLR (D5000, or the one just below it price wise, hoping for the D5000). Yes I went to the store, I fondled each and everyone, the Canon, the Sony, and all them, the Nikon is what is most comfortable in my hands.

That aside, any final arguments?

 

[fangars]

I would be more tempted to get the D90 but that is based on my own "needs" and the bias I have against Nikon's budget models. Too many people I know who have had D40 and D60 cameras have had issues. Most of them with the LCD screen dying.

Hard to judge a camera that I have neither first or second hand knowledge of, hopefully someone with some real first hand experience with this camera can chime in.

 

[tdesanto]

You should seriously talk to this guy.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47022

The D200 is way more camera than the D5000.

 

[john101477]

I second what tdesanto said. Although it is an older system it was a great camera.

I personally would not buy anything less than a D90. mainly because i bought mine the week they were released and it is still doing it's job without flaw.

 

[Wander]

Be sure to shop Adorama and BH Photo (www.adorama.com) (www.bhphotovideo.com) and check there used sections. You can get more camera for the same or less $ than the entry models. You have good timing as Nikon (and the others) are releasing a new FX (full frame) format so there are more trade in DX bodies and lenses.

 

[justfred]

I had a D70 that took a lot of abuse, finally replaced it with a D50. The new bodies look nice and are smaller and lighter, but they won't drive my 50mm lens!

That said, if I were looking today I'd look closely at the micro 4/3 format. No Nikon there yet, but compelling technology.

 

[Overdrive]

I just ordered a "factory refurbished" D5000 from Adorama. The deal was just too good to pass up--$519 with the 18-55 lens. It will serve me as an interim camera while I save my pennies for a full-frame pro model later. I was also wanting a camera with a tilting lcd screen, so this fit the bill perfectly. Yes, there is some risk with it possibly being slightly used, but it will have been factory tested/checked/repaired...and after reading dozens of reviews of these refurbished ones, I'm satisfied it will be a smart purchase.

Scott

 

[Tucson T4R]

I just ordered a "factory refurbished" D5000 from Adorama. The deal was just too good to pass up--$519 with the 18-55 lens. It will serve me as an interim camera while I save my pennies for a full-frame pro model later. I was also wanting a camera with a tilting lcd screen, so this fit the bill perfectly. Yes, there is some risk with it possibly being slightly used, but it will have been factory tested/checked/repaired...and after reading dozens of reviews of these refurbished ones, I'm satisfied it will be a smart purchase.

Scott

Oh boy, here we go now. Scott has stepped onto the slippery slope of photo addiction. :coffeedrink: Many great captures to follow soon. :wings:

 

[fowldarr]

Thanks for the feedback and the links, time to start looking in the used section....maybe I can get a killer deal.

 

[DrMoab]

Nikon just announced a D3100 too. They finally got rid of the crappy codec they were using and moved into real 1080P in a DSLR.

From what I heard they will have continuous auto focus which is something that will cause Canon to scramble a bit to catch up. I hope the reality is as good as the hype this time (Still waiting for a D700S or something equivalent.)

 

[Overdrive]

Oh boy, here we go now. Scott has stepped onto the slippery slope of photo addiction. :coffeedrink:

I'm afraid so.

When I told a friend at work how much the camera cost, he said "Wow, that's an expensive hobby!" Little does he know...

Many great captures to follow soon. :wings:

A lot of you folks this forum have been an inspiration. I'll give it a whirl....:sombrero:


Scott

 

[fowldarr]

So, like many new to the photography world, I'm confused, and now have no idea what I should get. Now leaning towards a D90, but that is a chunk of change to drop....would I be on the right track though, and what are the advantages of teh D90 over say the D40, or the D5000 mentioned in my original post?

 

[fangars]

So, like many new to the photography world, I'm confused, and now have no idea what I should get. Now leaning towards a D90, but that is a chunk of change to drop....would I be on the right track though, and what are the advantages of teh D90 over say the D40, or the D5000 mentioned in my original post?

D90 is a step up from the budget models. You would definitely be on the right track with this model.
D90 has its own AF motor so it will be able to automatically focus those lenses that do not have their own drive. Its a sturdy camera that will endure a lot of punishment, if its at all like my old D70s, and it will most likely not leave you wanting more.
That said the budget models are ok if you do not mind working within the limitations, I have doubts as to the quality of build but that is due to second hand experience with the older D40 and D60 models, I have not heard a lot of bad about the newer D5000 cameras.
I would be tempted to look at the entry level Canon models before buying a D40 or D60 as long as you dont already have a lot of Nikon lenses.

 

[fowldarr]

I have ..... nothing. Just a little canon point and shoot, but really want more.

 

[Cody1771]

i think these threads are funny, because even know the title says "Talk me out of it" the true ideal is usually to get a bunch of people to justify the purchase lol