Nikon Shooters

[Melany]

Imagine you were going to school and majoring in photography. There is a grant available buy you a new camera. Because photography is your MAJOR (vs a fun elective), you can probably get a higher-end camera. What would you get? (The first person to say "Canon" gets an Indian rope burn.

I shoot a D80. I'm looking at a FX possibility.
I've done some online research this morning. I do have lenses that will work fine on FX bodies (non-DX lenses). My biggest issue will be my favorite/most used lens (Sigma 17-70mm) is a DX.
I've been comparing several bodies with my D80 (D3S, D700, D300S, and D7000). I think I'll eliminate the D7000 from the list first)

What is important to me:- Live View (I don't have it, and I want it)
- Battery - EN-EL3 (cos that's what my D80 takes, and I have two)
- Monitor size; larger is better cos I'm farsighted
- ISO - my D80 doesn't handle high ISO well at ALL
- I like the built in flash - even though I hardly ever use it. I have a flash, but hardly ever carry it with me, so when I need "some" light, built in is better than none.
- Light weight: D80 = 20.48 oz Vs D3 = 43.7 oz
- "user friendly" The manuals are written in Greek

What's NOT important:Video (don't give a crap about vids)
GPS (I dunno, I may like it later though)

The D3 seems like a pretty complicated machine with all the options, and it's more than TWICE AS HEAVY as my D80. Add a lens and maybe flash and I'd need wheels on it to carry it!

I'm starting to lean towards the D700 or the D300SI don't know what the budget limit is, it's possible to get the higher dollar one because photography will be my major - but I'd have to justify it. I don't know how these grants work. Since it's not MY $$, I'm going to request the higher dollar ones, all they can do is say "no". I just have to submit a request and see what happens.

What would YOU ask for? What are your experiences with the D700 and/or D300S?

[lhdvies]

D700-It is oustanding in every way. Fits your needs perfectly!!

[Redneck]

Agree with Leon, the D700 is fantastic.

[ndsimm]

I have a D300S and while I love it, I wish I had the D700 as it handles low light better.

[crazeazn]

D700 without a doubt.

[venchka]

You get to keep the D80 right? Use it and your favorite lens and built in flash right beside your new D700. Folks have been using 2 or more cameras since forever.
Are you learning any analog processes?

[KenJulio]

It's unanimous, it's the d700. Same battery, larger lcd, full frame, better ISO performance.

I would reconsider carrying your flash, as off camera flash will enhance your photos vs using the built-in flash. With either of the D80 or D700, you'll be able to utilize Nikon's CLS system if you want to control multiple flashes from your body. If you go with the D3 bodies, then you'll need to get a commander unit, either the SU800 or a SB700, 800 or 900 to use as a master. Then there is this whole other spectrum of radio triggers, which, such as Radio Poppers and PocketWizards and there are a few others.

[Hanky]

Ditto D700, wish I had one and the iso performance is supposed to do quite well.
Have you posted any of your stuff yet?

[ClintDMc]

I to say ditto on the D700. And I to am going to school as a Photography Major. Dont know anything about a camera grant though. Where are you going?

[shnitz]

I'd hold off on getting a camera until you've started school, and you get the input of your professors. Your first few photo classes are probably going to be film-based anyway, if you are entering any half-respectable program. If you end up working for your school's newspaper as well, they will likely have cameras for you, and your D80 and current collection of lenses is more than fine for any situations where you'd use your own camera.

The D7000 uses a different battery, which makes me think that the D400 will as well. If the D400 is as much a leaps-and-bounds advancement as the D300 was over the D200, and the D7000 was over the D90 (and almost the D300!), then you may want to sit back and see what else will hit the market. At the very least, it is going to drop the prices of the cameras that you're potentially looking at. While I have little to say against the D700, it is definitely bigger, and as you said, there are lenses that don't work on it. Substituting the Tamron 28-75 for that 17-70 that you have now won't leave you disappointed, if you do switch to FX though.

[pbyd]

D700, without a doubt! FX, great low noise. I use the d3 bodies, the d700 is the same if not a little newer, but lighter.
Wayne
Photography by Design

[Melany]

Thanks everybody, your input helps me make my decision!

Originally Posted by ClintDMc

I to say ditto on the D700. And I to am going to school as a Photography Major. Dont know anything about a camera grant though. Where are you going?

I'll be going to Texas Tech; I'm meeting with the academic counselor on monday.
The camera grant is through a disabled Veterans program - this country really takes good care of the Veterans now (a huge difference from post Vietnam days)

They help us with things that are required by the classes we take. I'm not sure how the program works, but soon as I get registered, I need to request the camera.
I plan to have a couple of options ready, because I'm not exactly asking for a cheap-ass DSLR. I think (hope) they'll consider a more expensive professional one since this is my major, and not just a fun/easy elective.

Originally Posted by shnitz

Substituting the Tamron 28-75 for that 17-70 that you have now won't leave you disappointed, if you do switch to FX though.

Thanks for that recommendation; I'll definately want a replacement!

I'll be taking film and digital classes; but I know they have film cameras I can borrow.

[Snarfy]

A d300 would probably fit your needs just fine as well.

[Melany]

Originally Posted by Snarfy

A d300 would probably fit your needs just fine as well.

Thans Snarfy! Are you involved in the Flickr group from Sac? I have a lot of friends in that group (I lived in Rocklin).
Do you know about Action Camera's swap meet tomorrow? Many of them will be there.
Galib, Ted, Byron, Andy, Bjarn, Joe -- know any of these clowns?

[DougC]

Originally Posted by lhdvies

D700-It is oustanding in every way. Fits your needs perfectly!!

Nothing more needs to be said.