Friend wants to change to Nikon

samems

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A friend of mine who is a photography student currently uses a 40D Canon but is finding it hard to use due to the size of it (She is only a small lass!!)

She does like the 40D except for the 'mass' of it.

I have suggested to hear to try a Nikon D90 (She likes to have a top LCD) as i think that is smaller?

What would you guys say about the D90 in regards to IQ etc etc?

She is on a full learning curve at the mo on the course and would like to develop more. She only has a bog standard 18-55 non is kit lens on the Canon.

She doesnt mind switching brand as her kit is very basic at the mo.

She has tried a D90 and liked how it felt.
 
samems said:
She has tried a D90 and liked how it felt.
I think your answer is right there.
The D90 is a great camera (I have the D5000 which is the same sensor in a lower spec body). Only thing lacking is video (it was Nikon's first video SLR and is kinda sucky apparently). Also has the in-body lens motor to allow AF on older/cheaper AF-D lenses which may appeal to someone looking to build a system.
 
I've had my d90 now for just over 2 years now. I love it the only thing that let's it done most of the time is me.
I've use mine for almost everything motorsport wildlife general day to day stuff. My only reason for upgrading would be for something with slightly better low light shooting but saying that it does ok.

Half Sharp glass as with any camera does help. But with a built in motor gives you a bit more scope on lenses. The video option on it is ok.

Even with a grip on it it feels comfortable for me.

There are some shots on my Flickr all taken with the d90 if she wants to take a look nothing special as I myself still on a massive learning curve.
Not sure where you are based as I'm on my phone but if your close then your more than welcome to have a play with one with the lenses I have.
 
Will echo that the D90 is excellent but not sure that it's that much smaller than a 40D. I mean it is smaller, but will it be small enough if she's really struggling at the moment?
 
If funds are a bit more plentyful, get her to handle the d7000.

D90 is pretty good, but I liked the d300 build quality and options (so I found a d90 a little lacking...).

But its all handling, so probably best to get her to a big store and handle as many cameras as she can!!

GF3 is pretty good or the G series, nex 5 or nex7, pen3. You can get adapters for other lenses.

As she has little/kit lens, she has all the options open at the moment.
 
This page lists the size and weight of both cameras, and specs, so may help her in a comparison.

If however she intends on photography as a career, she will doubtless in the future be upgrading bodies to the semi pro / pro models and FF. She should be aware these are even larger and heavier.
 
If she's already got Canon kit, finds the 40D too heavy and has the funds, then it might be worth her having a look at the 60D which is lighter although not much smaller.
 
To be honest a smaller camera would be lower in quality typically as pro bodies aren't light. G3 or similar maybe.
Unless you find her something that is modern. Light. And decent quality.
Or send her to the gym :-P. Lenses weigh more and pro glass is not light. Only the cheap plastic lenses are really much lighter
 
D90 is the perfect camera for a budding amateur :thumbs:
 
Get her to look at Pentax, make some very nice cameras and they are usually smaller in comparison to Canon or Nikon

K-5 is particulalrly good value with cashback and allegedly the best performer with the 16.2 mp sensor, weatherproof too which never goes amiss
 
D90 is a brill camera. Should be a good size.

I know a D7000 has been mentioned, its a good camera but I think she would think its too big.

Agreed, the d7000 is far from small, its the same sort of size as some other pro bodys
 
ChickenDipa said:
D90 is a brill camera. Should be a good size.

I know a D7000 has been mentioned, its a good camera but I think she would think its too big.

The d90 and d7000 are basically the same size. Are you sure you don't mean the d700?
 
callumduff said:
Agreed, the d7000 is far from small, its the same sort of size as some other pro bodys

The d7000 is quite a bit smaller than the pro body nikons. Hold something like a d300 next to one and difference is surprisingly large.
 
Nope thinking of the D7000. I think there is a noticable difference and definitely a weight difference which is probably key here too.

You must have well calibrated hands or maybe it's just a false perception. According to DP review, the D90 and D7000 are exactly the same size other than a 2mm difference in height. The D7000 weighs 77g more which I guess you would be able to detect if you were to hold one in each hands but either way these two are physically very similar.
 
What about a 550D/600D which is smaller and lighter 530g v 730g for 50D

Or if you want to be completely radical, what about the G series panasonic, or sony's / nikons new smaller range of cameras
 
What about a 550D/600D which is smaller and lighter 530g v 730g for 50D

Or if you want to be completely radical, what about the G series panasonic, or sony's / nikons new smaller range of cameras

Guess the xxxD range is another option. I will run that past her. I do know she loves the top LCD thingy though
 
You must have well calibrated hands or maybe it's just a false perception. According to DP review, the D90 and D7000 are exactly the same size other than a 2mm difference in height. The D7000 weighs 77g more which I guess you would be able to detect if you were to hold one in each hands but either way these two are physically very similar.
I own both and agree, there's absolutely nothing in it, they feel identical in size and weight to me...
 
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