new camera

[snakesat]

I have owned my D50 for around 5 years, it is stating to show the wear and tear of all the field work. So I'm starting to look for a new body and need some expert advice. I can not afford a pro body. The only lens i have right now is the 70-300vr and all my photos are taken in the field searching for snakes, lizards and what ever else i can find. My budget is around 500-700. Any advice/recommendations will be appreciated.

[tukaniray]

Hmm ... I would suggest the D300 for it's rigged body and ability to keep good amount of small particles out, but they are a few more bucks over your budget. So, I would recommend the D90 in that budget range. The D90 body has dropped in price, and closer to your price range you posted.

More members will help you out and suggest other options for you. Good luck getting the advice to help choose the next body for you.

-Ray-

[tc95]

David...+1 to what Ray said....I would spend the little extra for a used D300...for 900 to 1000 you can pick one up...I loved mine till I switched to Sony....

The D90 will have close to the same felling as the D50...but really a used one goes for almost as much as a D300...the added features....51point AF...ability to dial in old lenses and meter them...and overall feeling of the D300 (its a bigger body)...to me its the choice....unless you want video...

Good Luck

[jtriron]

+1 with Tony,
A D300 used will be a good investment.

[revjvegas]

I'd probably say in order of amount willing to spend...

1. new D300s
2. used D300
3. new D90
4. used D90

[Carl Stone]

Originally Posted by tc95

David...+1 to what Ray said....I would spend the little extra for a used D300...for 900 to 1000 you can pick one up...I loved mine till I switched to Sony....

The D90 will have close to the same felling as the D50...but really a used one goes for almost as much as a D300...the added features....51point AF...ability to dial in old lenses and meter them...and overall feeling of the D300 (its a bigger body)...to me its the choice....unless you want video...

Good Luck

Sorry, but the D90 does not meter, or provide EXIF data, with manual focus lenses. You need at least a D200 or D300/D300s for that.

[Tom]

Definitely the used D300.

[Carl Stone]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Definitely the used D300.

That would also be my own personal choice, if I could somehow squeeze it into the provided budget. The D300 is a larger and heavier camera than the D50, but should balance better with that 70-300 VR lens. I would also seriously consider a monopod with that camera/lens combo, as it can take much of that weight off of the shoulders of the shooter if one is shooting for extended periods.

[toverman]

Others have good suggestions. Now, does your D50 function properly? A little wear of tear on the outside won't hurt, so if it still does what you want it to, maybe consider upgrading your lens instead.