Thinking of buying new Nikon body.

[daredevil123]

I think the d7000 will suit you more. It offers a feature set very close to the d300s. And its sensor is newer with newer technology.

Both d300s and d7000 should be of the same sensor size. Even if there is a difference, which I doubt, it is negligible.

D300s offers a feature set stronger for the working professional photographer, in handling and speed of operation. You sound like a hobbyist and the d7k would be more than enough for you.

Remember, digital bodies will come and go. Lenses last a lot longer. Make your choice carefully to maximize the value of your budget.

 

[h2chng]

I second that.
I rather stick to your d80, and wait for d400 la. Or use your extra budget to get better lenses.

I also agree that from d80 to a d5100 is a downgrade if you think about the function available. But if you don't take advantage of those "wonderful function", you would be wasting $$ getting function that you do not use.

The more function the more $$, the newer it is the more $$.

Cheers

 

[Cowseye]

I also agree that from d80 to a d5100 is a downgrade if you think about the function available. But if you don't take advantage of those "wonderful function", you would be wasting $$ getting function that you do not use.

The more function the more $$, the newer it is the more $$.

Cheers

Using a D80 for that long a period, I strongly believe that TS is unlikely to be wasting his money when he gets either of the top 2 tier DX body.

To TS, I agree with DD123 bro that D7k is better for u in term of ur usage. I had tried both b4. Even though I'm not a pro, personally I feel D300s fits my hand better with its ergonomic built. Plus a 2nd hand D300s body is abt the same or even cheaper than the D7000 body (new).

Something for you to consider.

 

[Blur Shadow]

If I had a D80, I'd have to decide if I want to stick to DX or move to FX.

If it's DX, I'd take the D7000.

If it's FX, I'd take the D700. Unless you have spare cash, by which you should not need to hesitate - D3s. Or D3x, if you dig the megapixels.

In case you are wondering, I moved from a D70 to a D300s.

 

[bmann]

Perhaps you can tell us what you find lacking in the D80 which you need to upgrade?
I'm using a D80 currently, and I do find its ISO the limiting factor, esp to indoors, thus considering to get a D700.

But do note that you'll need to spend quite a bit if you're going the FF route as fast FF lenses do cost quite a fair bit.

 

[Xenaido]

If I had a D80, I'd have to decide if I want to stick to DX or move to FX.

If it's DX, I'd take the D7000.

If it's FX, I'd take the D700. Unless you have spare cash, by which you should not need to hesitate - D3s. Or D3x, if you dig the megapixels.

In case you are wondering, I moved from a D70 to a D300s.

Perhaps you can tell us what you find lacking in the D80 which you need to upgrade?
I'm using a D80 currently, and I do find its ISO the limiting factor, esp to indoors, thus considering to get a D700.

But do note that you'll need to spend quite a bit if you're going the FF route as fast FF lenses do cost quite a fair bit.

Thanks Blur Shadow and bmann, and many other friends here who have given me good feedback and much points to ponder before I go on to buy my new Nikon.

I seriously don't know if I should stick to DX or switch to FX (fullframe) man... if DX, definitely the D7000 for me.
Speaking of budget, I do have some budget for a D3s like Blur Shadow mentioned. It still boils down to whether I need such an expensive camera like the D3s, and will I regret getting FX format cameras that have expensive lenses. Once again, I'm just a hobbyist, I don't do photography to make money for a living, so maybe I no need a camera the price of a D3s? D700 is probably the max I'd go for a FX camera, in terms of budget. Unless someone can convince me to go for the D3s.

So, if I stick to a DX format, and get a D7000, what new lenses should I get? Since I mentioned that I have enough budget to get a D3s, I suppose the remaining money can get good DX lenses for my new D7000. Again, I currently own 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S VR and 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX.

Looking forward to more good advice, appreciate your time in reading this and helping me.

 

[siahweiian]

Hey bro, You must get a d3s. As u wanted a cam which can last you for 5 years. For the upcoming nikon model. How better can they be compare to a d3s. Wht I can think of is better video( which you fun need), higher Meg, which you need to do big print out? Its weight lighter then d700 with grip. The newer nikon model Iso performance can it be 5 times better thn yur d3s?
Yur 70-300 will work even better( with yur d80, you got not much complain ) All you need is a extra 24-70.
Cos I regret not getting it when I have the chance.

 

[h2chng]

There is a interesting article written by Thom Hogan that compares the different consumer dslr from nikon here:

http://www.bythom.com/index.htm

Short and sweet

Cheers

 

[chillicutter]

Hello fellow Clubsnappers.

I own a Nikon D80, bought in 2006.
With Kit Lens 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX.
My humble inventory also includes a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S VR and a 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX.

That's all I own, nothing fantastic, nothing too expensive; but they have served me very well, for the basic purposes of school projects in the past, and mostly for my traveling needs in more recent years.

Now my question is, I am thinking of buying a new Nikon body but I don't know what should I upgrade into. Would I be spending too much if I choose to buy a D700? A D90 is a little too old. Or would D300s/D7000 be a better choice? I would prefer something of the D80 level or higher. Not some of the simple ones which are like 'point-n-shoot' types of basic dslr that Nikon has come out with in recent years to target consumers who doesn't know how to use complex dslr functions but wants to own one (correct me if I am wrong).

And if I choose to buy the full frame FX format D700, will the current DX lens I own, especially the 35mm f/1.8G, produce vignetting effect (not what I want) on the photos I take?

I am quite fascinated by my friends' Canon cameras which takes really professional looking video (not that I'm into video taking, but the quality of some Canon dslr videos are quite fascinating, and I see many industry experts now switching to Canon dslr for video productions too!). But I didn't like how Canon photos look on the computer screen, for that I always preferred Nikon. And that I already own a few Nikkor lenses, I don't want to switch to Canon (although I heard of the use of adaptors for Nikkor lenses on Canon bodies).

I would be visiting Tokyo, Japan in the following month, so I thought of trying to get my hands on a piece of dslr body that is 'Made in Japan' because I heard of the superiority and value of such pieces. Any recommendations on where to buy camera in Tokyo for reasonable price?

So you probably can tell that I am more of a hobbyist and not a professional photographer who would make money out of taking photos. So now I need your valuable advice on what dslr body I should buy next, to upgrade my current D80.

Thanks for reading my post.

Cheers!

I think D7000 would suit you better.

I heard that cameras were more expensive in Japan, so I think probably the best you can check the price out online.

 

[nikonlensman]

Thanks Blur Shadow and bmann, and many other friends here who have given me good feedback and much points to ponder before I go on to buy my new Nikon.

I seriously don't know if I should stick to DX or switch to FX (fullframe) man... if DX, definitely the D7000 for me.
Speaking of budget, I do have some budget for a D3s like Blur Shadow mentioned. It still boils down to whether I need such an expensive camera like the D3s, and will I regret getting FX format cameras that have expensive lenses. Once again, I'm just a hobbyist, I don't do photography to make money for a living, so maybe I no need a camera the price of a D3s? D700 is probably the max I'd go for a FX camera, in terms of budget. Unless someone can convince me to go for the D3s.

So, if I stick to a DX format, and get a D7000, what new lenses should I get? Since I mentioned that I have enough budget to get a D3s, I suppose the remaining money can get good DX lenses for my new D7000. Again, I currently own 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S VR and 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX.

Looking forward to more good advice, appreciate your time in reading this and helping me.

I would suggest the D7000. You will definitely see an improvement in image quality & will be able to use your existing lenses. If you are happy with the high ISO performance of your D80, then the D7000 high ISO images will make you happier. For the lenses, I would suggest the 12-24 F4. This will fill the wide angle side of your lens collection. Also you might want to add a macro lens like the 105 mm nikkor or Tamron 90 2.8. This will complete the range of your lens collection for most jobs. Eventually you might want to consider swapping some of your existing lenses to fixed focal length ones. Like the 70-200 2.8. Of course this will add weight, but will give you good bokeh.

 

[NigelSeah77]

I too suggest you should set your sights on the d7000. You do not need to get a d700 or a d3s to last you a life time. I am positive the D7000 can last you another 5 years and more, looking for nikon's track record i have so many friends that still use their d70 and d80 till this day. Despite subject their cameras to numerous run in's with water and outdoor abuse. I for one will be getting the D7000 in a few weeks time and definitely expect this baby to last me for at least 5 years.

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Your D80 is doing great. Get a couple of FX lenses like the f2.8s then to the body. Since you're with your DX camera for quite awhile, it's time to try the FX body. You said you have budget for a d3s, use that money to buy quality lenses and wait for the next FX camera to be out. (rumors sayin it will be next year)