Opinions on a new body

[cyclohexane]

I am even thinking of keeping the D200 (with all it's scratches) as my primary until the D700 finds it's way into the household

I think that's the best idea, honestly. The Beast will take on a new life with a D700.

[NZRob]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

I think that's the best idea, honestly. The Beast will take on a new life with a D700.

Now you are really making me itch for the D700... if only I hadn't just splurged on a new suit for job interviews.

[moxi1]

Hi there,

Your scratches on your camera look to me like splatters of moisture, did you blow into it and put sone salive onto it - or change the lens in rain or on the beach

On the other hand you might want to find a bit of justification - so your wife allows you to buy a new toy!

Anyway whatever the case check out if they are really scratches - as you said you can't work out how you could have got them, so the logic explanation is they are none.

Cheers Moxi1

[Joves]

Originally Posted by NZRob

Now you are really making me itch for the D700... if only I hadn't just splurged on a new suit for job interviews.

Well job interviews are more important. If the new suit get you a better paying job or a good paying one then the D700 is even more possible.

[NZRob]

Thanks Moxi1, the shot of the sensor was taken by the Nikon distributor in NZ AFTER the clean. I am still at a loss but am resigned to the reality the budget does not allow for a change of body for now... darned recession.. hard to find work.

[NZRob]

Originally Posted by Joves

Well job interviews are more important. If the new suit get you a better paying job or a good paying one then the D700 is even more possible.

Thanks Joves. I didn't get the job so really wished I had done the stupid thinbg and got the camera really... but maybe something will come along soon...

[R. House]

I'm with Moxi1 on this...I googled around and found some posts showing scratches and I am just not convinced your filter is scratched. I would do a wet cleaning and retest. Shoot a white piece of paper @ f22 with two stops over exposure (doesn't even have to be focused) after the wet cleaning and if available use a loupe or magnifier to confirm. I hope I'm right and this turns out well for you!

[Nikonfreak]

Originally Posted by Eero Makela

The D300 might be dropping price soon as the S is out now, The added features of the D300S does not justify it as a must have. Nikon seems to be working with a 12mp Sensor for all their new models of late and the other guys are coming out with 18mp. go figure.

Nikon doesn't seem to want to get ahead of the curve do they?

And when they are ... they pick a price point that makes zero sense in a down market.

Another issue I'm having is that given the price increases, the Canon options are looking better. The glass is about 20% cheaper on the super primes or more.

IT's not a big deal to add a new Canon body to the fold and start working it in to the shoots over time. I'm a very long time Nikon guy and love the system, but if you price yourself too high, you really start pushing my break even cost up and I have to start paying attention closely in times like these.

I'm not talking about changing over all or the "I'm leaving Nikon because X is better, but the cost factors are making me take note of where I can save a few dollars and perhaps get a little more bang for the buck.

I'm not closed minded and I don't believe Nikon is the best regardless... I can shoot with either system and be pretty happy.

[cyclohexane]

The glass is about 20% cheaper on the super primes or more.

If Nikon even has said super primes in the current line-up. =)

[Dirk]

a true professional can shoot a good picture regardless of the gear /price of the gear..

.. Photography is all about playing with light and compositions

it is not the camera nor the lense nor the film or memmory card that defines and makes the picture or image but the guy or girl behind it and pressing the shutter ..

[Javaran]

NZRob, I actually went from a D2x to a D300 (like night and day with low-light situations). I went to Adorama.com and got a factory refurbished D300 that only had about 1000 acutations on it when I received it. It only cost me about $1300 USD

I would have to agree with what many are saying, the D90 is kind of a step backward as far as function goes. My D2x and D300 have very similar controls whereas my regular Big Box Store camera-- D40x, has very little controls on the body itself. Most things are buried in menus. The D5000 would likely be a step into the sewer in comparison to what you already have. Small compact DSLR's like that are a pain to hold when you have a decent or big piece of glass on it. AF-S lenses are a must, but as you said, that's not much of a problem.

I know this is my first post ever here, but I lurk a lot lol-- I hope you have luck getting what you need!!

[NZRob]

Originally Posted by Javaran

NZRob, I actually went from a D2x to a D300 (like night and day with low-light situations). I went to Adorama.com and got a factory refurbished D300 that only had about 1000 acutations on it when I received it. It only cost me about $1300 USD

I would have to agree with what many are saying, the D90 is kind of a step backward as far as function goes. My D2x and D300 have very similar controls whereas my regular Big Box Store camera-- D40x, has very little controls on the body itself. Most things are buried in menus. The D5000 would likely be a step into the sewer in comparison to what you already have. Small compact DSLR's like that are a pain to hold when you have a decent or big piece of glass on it. AF-S lenses are a must, but as you said, that's not much of a problem.

I know this is my first post ever here, but I lurk a lot lol-- I hope you have luck getting what you need!!

Thanks for the comments. I can't imagine dropping from a pro body to a semi pro like you did.
I think for now I will just keep the D200 and just PP out the scratches. I will then save for a D700... or it's replacement, since we never quite know what Nikon are up to.

[Javaran]

LOL I get that response from time to time. The D2x was surpassed by the D300 in technology so I chose it over the D700 and D3 (not entirely ready for fx or the price tag lol!) The D2x only had 11 focus points and if I pushed it over ISO 600 the noise could be really bad depending on the situation.

I had a second shooter at a no-flash wedding that shot with a D300 and he was able to keep his ISO low with one of my fast lenses whereas I was shooting really high ISO with a 24-70 f/2.8 and had to noiseware a lot of my images.

The D2x was a fantastic camera for outdoor and action, but indoors it could sometimes be frustrating, especially in a no-flash wedding situation!

Also, as I had said before, the controls were very similar except for one or two minor things. I bought the MBD-10 grip for the d300 because, quite honestly, that part of the pro camera spoiled me.

I think your plan sounds good!! I'm sure one day I'll head down the D700 road myself

--Jav