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Which body to go for?
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I will be changing my camera very shortly, I purchased an Olympus E-420 to get used of DSLR, I think I have and am dying to buy my first ‘proper’ camera.
I’ve already decided Nikon, mainly because the lenses are slightly cheaper and are easier to find 2nd hand. The problem is I’ve heard very different advice from different people, a professional photographer friend told me I was wasting my money if I wasn’t spending it on a D700, another professional friend said that the body was important but not so much as the lenses. As in buy a D300s or even a D90 then spend the big bucks on the lenses.
The only photography I’m interested in right now is newborn/child-very much the studio setting. Then, outdoor shots but the focus still being on the newborn/child. So, I was thinking regardless of camera I should get a 50mm 1.4 and maybe a 55-200mm? I’ve been researching online as not many fantastic camera shops in Kerry :) and as a very pregnant mum to an 8 month old I do not envision travelling anytime soon.
What do you guys all think?
Please Help!! Thanks
Katie
Kate,
For me your pro friend who said spend the money on the lens was right imho.
The 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 is a must have. Actually the 1.8 is a very very fine lens and saves you a few quid also.
I’m a bit out of date with the Nikon cameras at the moment, but do know that the D300s is a super camera.I’m sure others can advise better.
Oh, enjoy the rest of the month :)
Thanks for the input Mark :)
I’m hoping to get the camera before baba comes that way he can be my first newborn shoot with my new camera.
For everyone else;
D700, D90, D300s, D3000, D3100, D5000
Opinions please, do you own any of the above or have you owned? All recommendations appreciated..
And just to add to the fun, the just-announced Nikon d5100 with the fully articulated, side-hinged LCD screen :-)
http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/slrs/nikon_d5100″ onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
majorkate wrote:
Thanks for the input Mark :)
I’m hoping to get the camera before baba comes that way he can be my first newborn shoot with my new camera.
For everyone else;
D700, D90, D300s, D3000, D3100, D5000
Opinions please, do you own any of the above or have you owned? All recommendations appreciated..
Dont forget the D7000. I just got one and think its the bizz!
You don’t say how much money you have to spend…
I would also advise spending the money on the lens. I have the Nikon 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8, two expensive lenses, I then use cheap Nikon bodies with them…
I would recommend say a 24-70 2.8 and then spend the rest of your money on the best body you can afford… I dont know how much money you have to spend though…
M
Consider Canon too, lots of second hand lenses available also.
Your options are:
Full Frame (FX) or cropped sensor (DX).
There is a big step up in size and expense (both of cameras and lenses, really need to be using good lenses!) going with FX.
FX – D700, D3
Personally I would stick to DX.DX options are:
-Models without built in motor (cheapest/lightest) e.g. D3100,D5100. WIll auto-focus AFS lenses, but AF-D etc you will need to manually focus. Not that big a deal if you don’t have a collection of Nikon lenses, does limit your options of lens choices, including second hand lenses. Not necessarily a deal breaker though.
-Models with build in auto focus motor: e.g. D90, D300, D7000-Models with CLS (Creative Lighting System) controller built in (D90, D300, D7000). D3100, D5100 don’t. Depends if planning to do off camera flash. Again not a deal breaker as can use radio triggers instead with flash set manually and other options too.
Other considerations are: Pentamirror (e.g. D3100, D5100) vs Pentaprism (D90, D7000). Need to look at both and see for yourself.
Size and Weight (D3100 and D5100 lightweight, D90 in the middle, D7000 and D300 heavier/bulkier again).– If you are interest in video D3100/5100/7000 the ones to go for. D5100 in particular seems to be shaping up as the model for video.
Quick summary:
D3100 – great value and very capable camera. Dimunitive size and weight can be great advantage for travelling etc
D5100 – a few worthwhile upgrades over D3100 (higher resolution screen, articulated very handy for video/tripod)D90 – getting a bit on now, but still a very capable camera. Adds a top panel to see settings etc without turning on back lcd. More an enthusiast camera. Can set may functions by dedicated switches rather than menu options. Has CLS controller and pentaprism viewfinder. Limited video.
D7000 – sort of the replacement for the D90. Body is more rugged than D90 (half way to D300).
D300 – semi-pro version of D90 really. Rugged body. Lots of dedicated switches etc. Getting on a bit. D300s – updated version with video.
50mm makes a great portrait lens on DX cameras. 35mm (e.g. 35mm 1.8 AFS) makes a great standard lens (equivalent field of view of ‘standard’ 50mm on crop sensor).
Personally I would start with 35mm 1.8 and see if find the need for wider or more telephoto lens. Or go for something like 16-85 if want a zoom.
I have come to value small light cameras, especially for travelling. D3100 and 35mm is a great combination. If you want something more enthusiast level D7000 is probably it.dmg did a great job outlining the Nikon lineup for you.
D3100 = 453 g, D5100 = 510g, D7000 = 779 g, D300s = 840 g
Here’s my take.
BODY:
The weight, cost and size of FX doesn’t make sense unless you are a experienced enthusiast or want to go pro. Forget about the D700.
I’d reduce the choices to D5100 and D7000 with a preference for the D5100. It has the same sensor as the D7000 and very similar ISO and noise characteristics. So the images, under almost all conditions, will be the same. It’s only a touch heavier then the D3100. The D5100 was just released, so it will be some time before you might want to upgrade
The D5100 has two features you will find very handy when shooting children:
* Articulated screen = great for using Liveview when you are down on the floor
* High res screen = much better for checking focus (same as D7000 above)The D3100 is a nice starter body, but you’ll hang onto the D5100 longer.
LENS:
Until the baby starts crawling fast, soon followed by walking, you’re basically taking portraits. The 50mm f/1.8 is the DX portrait lens of choice, but a bit long as a “normal” lens. The 35mm f/1.8 handles “normal” perfectly.
For the money, I’d get those two with the camera and then hold out as long as possible before purchasing anything else. Three reasons:
* Sooner or later you’ll want those two inexpensive lens anyway and they are both excellent
* Only with time/experience will you understand what other focal lengths you, not someone else, will really use and how fast they need to be.
* The conservative approach to learning is just a “normal” lens.On occassion many photographers will use just a normal lens to get back in touch with the basics. No messing with zooms or changing lens. Just concentrate on the basics: exposure, focus, framing and composition.
If you can only afford one lens, make it the 35mm f/1.8
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