Opinions on a new body

[NZRob]

Hello All
I am currently considering a new body. I have been using my D200 for around 3 years but it has now got a couple of scratches on the CCD (I have no idea how but someone indicated to me it could be one of the lens' having external focus/ zoom pushing dust inside the camera body).

I do some travelling and mostly do travel, street and landscape photography.

Cost is an issue at present so can't really justify a D700 (though would really love one).
As such, am thinking a D90 might be good, or perhaps D5000 or D300s... it's a hard decision so any thoughts and experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Dirk]

Rob , do not get me wrong but the D5000 fischerprice i would leave in the stores (because of the wobbly display) further more i do think that with a d90 you have a far better camera.

the D300s is a d300 with onboard video jut like the the d90 has , the other problem with the d3000, d5000 is that the do not have a af motor built in so with older lenses you will have to switch the dody to manual and meter the light yourself ..

cheers dirk

[NZRob]

Thanks Dirk, All of my current glass has AFS or HSM so no motor is not an issue. Not fussed on video really.
I read on Thom's site that the D90 is no good above f11. That would be an issue if it is a real world problem as I like doing long exposures at sunset.

[R. House]

Long time exposures have nothing to do with f11, that is a diffraction issue and very common. The only time a zoom lens could blow dust accross the CCD filter is zooming while exposing, otherwise the shutter is closed. The scratches would come from wiping the filter. I would first clean the CCD filter and if there are scratches, buy the D90.

[Dirk]

and always have you sensor cleaned buy a professional

are the scratches visible in the pictures?

[R. House]

Having your sensor cleaned by a pro is in most cases a waste of time and money. Everybody should learn how to clean their own sensor unless they have physical difficulties. Its a simple job and easy to do, especially if you're in the field shooting and find a dust bunny. Contrary to some opinion, its not rocket science. IMHO!

[NZRob]

The camera has just been into the professionals and they have indicated it will cost NZ$1600 to replace the D200's CCD. That is more than it is worth on the second hand market in mint condition and more than I can get a D90 for.
Unfortunately the scratches are visible. I never touched the low pass filter/ sensor so I am at a loss to know how the scratches got there despite R House's comments, I never touched the sensor. The closest I got was using a air rocket/ blower (and was always careful never to touch the CCD)

[NZRob]

So given I need a new camera, what will I lose from the D200 in the D90?? Apart from build??

[Joves]

Originally Posted by NZRob

The camera has just been into the professionals and they have indicated it will cost NZ$1600 to replace the D200's CCD. That is more than it is worth on the second hand market in mint condition and more than I can get a D90 for.
Unfortunately the scratches are visible. I never touched the low pass filter/ sensor so I am at a loss to know how the scratches got there despite R House's comments, I never touched the sensor. The closest I got was using a air rocket/ blower (and was always careful never to touch the CCD)

Oh please someone is trying to clip you. You CCD is not scratched what is sctratched is the passfilter over the CCD. And the cost of that is no where near $1600. Were the pros at the Nikon Service Center or was it a store? I would contact Nikon and tell them you have a scratched CCD filter and, ask for the cost of replacing it. Life Pixel does a scratched filter replacement for $325 USD.

[azrussell132]

+1 Lifepixel filter replacement.

[R. House]

Could you upload a photo showing the scratches?

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by R. House

Having your sensor cleaned by a pro is in most cases a waste of time and money. Everybody should learn how to clean their own sensor unless they have physical difficulties. Its a simple job and easy to do, especially if you're in the field shooting and find a dust bunny. Contrary to some opinion, its not rocket science. IMHO!

@ R.house .. I let it do professionally because i tremble or shake a bit with my hands , and there fore since i am having a small disabillty let it do by others

but there are videos on you tube that make is sound easy..
not for me thanks

[badpickev]

is the d90 weather sealed?

[KmH]

No weather sealing for the D90 and the AF module is still entry level.

The D300 - D300s has the same AF module, and 51 focus points, as the D3.

Get the D300 or D300s. The D90 is a step backwards as far as features when compared with your D200.

[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.

[NZRob]

Originally Posted by R. House

Could you upload a photo showing the scratches?

Sure thing here it is. I was quoted that much by the Nikon Distributer/ Service Center here in New Zealand. They are really ripping us off here. It costs almost $3900 for a D300s and $5400 for a D700. Thats NZ dollars, the NZ Dollar is currently worth around 75 US cents...
This is it now it is cleaned. Due to the high cost I just got them to clean it to this stage and reassemble. The charge for that... nearly $300. I am in the wrong game.

[NZRob]

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.

The D300 has dropped its price here at present while they clear out the old stock but it is still high, and if I import myself, I can get a D700 for what they want around here for a D300s

[NZRob]

Originally Posted by KmH

No weather sealing for the D90 and the AF module is still entry level.

The D300 - D300s has the same AF module, and 51 focus points, as the D3.

Get the D300 or D300s. The D90 is a step backwards as far as features when compared with your D200.

Thanks Keith, that's exactly what I was after.

[badpickev]

i know it rains a lot in nz, or at least it does here on tv.

[NZRob]

Originally Posted by badpickev

i know it rains a lot in nz, or at least it does here on tv.

Well, there are certainly no deserts ... snow and rain etc from July to September, Generally fine and not much rain from late January to April.. then a mix the rest of the time if you were planning a visit.