Nikon D7000

ruggie_uk

ruggie_uk

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Richard
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Hi everyone, I've posted recently mentioning that I've recently re-engaged my hobby and since finally learning my camera controls and doing lots of reading and research and picture taking I am wanting a better camera.

I have pretty much decided on the D7000 as I am very happy with the way the D60 works although it is a little bit small in my hands. I just feel that it seems to lack the quality I am hoping to achieve and I feel limited, especially in low light. Now I am also aware that most of that will be down to me but I want a camera that will grow with me.

I really really don't care about video in the slightest, this is purely for taking photographs. Will I really notice the difference with a supposedly much better camera?

I have of course looked at the D90 but feel it is getting old(I do want a new bit of kit after all) and not much cheaper than the D7000, the D5100 seems like it's just a bit above entry level and I would soon want to outgrow that.
So would you agree that I am making the correct choice?
 
Get D7000.

No need for me to repeat the spec as you probably read the spec and know it already.

First ISO and noise performance is superb for a crop sensor camera. Usable pic up to 6400 ISO.

The D7000 is a major upgrade for Nikon on the consumer line. It is very robust, sturdy and perform well as well. I would say is a all rounder as a consumer. I won't say it is better then a D300s but it is very close.
 
After the D60 the D90 would be a hell of a step up - it may be getting old but it's still a brilliant camera. However if your heart is set on the D7000 then go for it. It's a cracking camera.

To be honest with you I've decided that the D7000 is more camera than I'll ever need, and then some.

One thing to consider is your lenses, or more to the point your lack of them. Not that there's anything wrong with the 18-55 that you have, in fact as kit lenses go it's a pretty sharp one, but to really make the D7000 sing you'll want to look into some better glass at some point.
 
Cheers, confirmed what I was thinking.
I do have the 50mm Prime 1.8 which I bought last week as an interim to the 1.4 if I feel I will need it in the future.
I had decided at that point to buy glass and be happy with what I had. Then decided on the D90 as an interim upgrade. And then thought if I'm spending that much anyway, why not go for something that I will be happy with for longer. The D60 has lasted me for 4 years, although I had neglected it for the last 18 months.

Edit: I do also have a broken 55-200 that somebody gave me ages ago which is great as long as I don't want to change aperture size or auto focus lol but apart from that it is a great lens.
What would you recommend as the next glass to buy? replace the 55-200 or go for the 300? I can't stretch to the f2.8 stuff. Or maybe another prime?
 
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It depends really on which subjects you like to shoot, no point getting another zoom if you dont use it very much.

The d7000 however is a fantastic camera, I really like mine. Feels alot more robust than the lower models.
 
To be honest I shoot anything and everything as I am still learning. Not into sports, but do like wildlife although I don't get the chance to go anywhere where there is much to choose from, although I live in the sticks so there are normally plenty of horses to choose from.
I really like decrepit buildings and old farm equipment as I think they have lots of character, but that is just one small area really.
I shadowed a wedding last year and although my pics weren't perfect, the couple loved them and used some over their professional. On the strength of that I have a friend of theirs wedding to do in October so looking forward to that. I accepted on their understanding that it is practice for me.
 
A used D300 may be a good bet. ISO perf is not as good as the 7000, but it is a briliant camera, and has lots more contols easily available. It is big, and solid, and great to use, but if low light is at the top of your list, the 7000 may be better. Second hand, it will be a few hundred cheaper than a 7000.
 
cambsno said:
A used D300 may be a good bet. ISO perf is not as good as the 7000, but it is a briliant camera, and has lots more contols easily available. It is big, and solid, and great to use, but if low light is at the top of your list, the 7000 may be better. Second hand, it will be a few hundred cheaper than a 7000.
Click to expand...

Having own both. I got a D7000 first then a D300 and i totally agree.

ISO performance for low light is the only time i will use my D7000 now and travel as well since is smaller and weight less. i.e during a wedding in the church i will use my D7000 with prime and photo quality is superb even with bump up ISO.

If low light shooting is not needed and flash is allow i will use my D300 now. Feels completely different once you use it.

Both my camera is gripped and the D300 feels alot better then my D7000.

Both cranking camera and like above mention, if low light and iso is the key factor then get D7000.

Remember the golden rule, glass before body. No point using a expensive good camera and only use a 18-55 kit lens .......
 
I had been looking at the D300 and D300S extensively as well and was very tempted. Main reason I didn't add them to the list is the high used values and the age of the D300 in particular. The D300s seems to be going for £775 body only and the D300 from £550 - £700. For £150 more I'd rather have new and know where it came from.
Although if before I buy mine I come across a good deal I may consider it but would like the high ISO, although it's not a deal breaker.
 
Back to the drawing board lol, took your comments on board and have started looking at the older cameras again. I do suffer from gadgetitis so needed to step back and think about what I really needed not wanted.
Found a couple of the older bodies, hardly used at decent prices. A d90 at £400 and a D300 at £500 but made him an offer of £440 just to see.
If I get one of these based on your guys recommendations I will be happy enough as the saving will go towards a good lens. Suppose I can get a decent flash and diffuser for the low light scenes.
Then will reconsider an upgrade later on if I feel the need.
 
out of D90 and D300 and the price differents is £100 i would take the D300 any day. D300 is alot better in my opinion.
 
If it helps, and it probably won't :D I pondered the D300s/D7000 for a while as a DX backup to my D3 and a better high iso performer to my D200 and I went for the D7000 (s/h I might add... I've NEVER bought a camera new).

Good luck with your choice, if size comes into it for you the D7000 is very small (especially compared to the D3, so get one in your hands and see what you think... you might even consider a grip if you pref a larger camera body. :thumbs:
 
D7000 is king for low light crop sensor.But it is not built very well at all.Battery compartment door has fallen of mine twice already.I had to drive back 5 miles to where it had fallen off.:'(
 
Cheers guys. I think I have just bought a D300 with 13000 actuations on it, hardly used as it was the guys backup camera and he has moved to full frame, just waiting for the final agreement on price. Listening to everyone on here, I think it's the way to go and if I feel I need more in the near future, I will look at the D300s replacement when that comes out which I imagine will have the same if not better low light as the D7000. Going on the resale values, when it's time to move up again, I shouldn't lose too much anyway, certainly not as much as I will lose on my D60.
 
i use both D300 and D7000 but the D300 is my main camera. If ISO is a problem on the venue i shoot then the D7000 will come in and take over :)

In general my D300 and the 28-70 f2.8 will take care of most situation.
 
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