Well i managed to borrow a D200 with a 24-120 1:3.5-5.6G AF-S nikkor lens today to have a play and to see the difference between my bottom of the range E410, I don't want to give it back and i have only been out for an hour.
Yes i know the difference in price is rather alot, but it actually felt that i was using a proper camera. I think this is partially due to the camera feeling a good fit in my hand.
I got the E410 as Currys were doing a special offer and it was the shop model, so got it with 2 lenses for silly money, and saw it as my way into DSLR.
The camera has been used on auto, and only changed to manual settings a month ago and noticed the difference straight away, and now try and get out with the camera every time i walk the dog.
What i like about the Nikon, well as i said, only had a play for an hour, but the fact that the main controls are all done by just turning a control knob and not having to go through the menus is great. The fact that i can manually focus the lens, so i can play about with the sharpness. I know some won't think this next bit is a plus, but the weight as well, feels sturdy instead of worrying about the camera.
Only downside i think is the battery life, have seen it going down already, but you can't have it all can you.
Now in a dilemma, was thinking of changing to Nikon as i am able to borrow lenses. I initially thought about either the D5000 (jessops doing a good deal with 2 lenses) or the D3100. Then this progressed to thinking about the D90, finally borrowing the D200, there is another one in the mix.
I have read a few reviews about the difference between the D90 and D200, and i don't know if i should look for a D90 as it will confuse matters. I like the weather sealing on the D200 as i also go fishing and out in most weathers.
Yes i know the difference in price is rather alot, but it actually felt that i was using a proper camera. I think this is partially due to the camera feeling a good fit in my hand.
I got the E410 as Currys were doing a special offer and it was the shop model, so got it with 2 lenses for silly money, and saw it as my way into DSLR.
The camera has been used on auto, and only changed to manual settings a month ago and noticed the difference straight away, and now try and get out with the camera every time i walk the dog.
What i like about the Nikon, well as i said, only had a play for an hour, but the fact that the main controls are all done by just turning a control knob and not having to go through the menus is great. The fact that i can manually focus the lens, so i can play about with the sharpness. I know some won't think this next bit is a plus, but the weight as well, feels sturdy instead of worrying about the camera.
Only downside i think is the battery life, have seen it going down already, but you can't have it all can you.
Now in a dilemma, was thinking of changing to Nikon as i am able to borrow lenses. I initially thought about either the D5000 (jessops doing a good deal with 2 lenses) or the D3100. Then this progressed to thinking about the D90, finally borrowing the D200, there is another one in the mix.
I have read a few reviews about the difference between the D90 and D200, and i don't know if i should look for a D90 as it will confuse matters. I like the weather sealing on the D200 as i also go fishing and out in most weathers.