Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Time for a serious ugrade/date and need real world help
Page <prev 2 of 3 next>
Nov 2, 2016 08:49:20   #
MtnMan Loc: ID
 
dcampbell52 wrote:
Personally (and I will be the first to admit a certain bias), I would stick to upgrading within the Nikon line and keep the D50 as a backup/secondary camera if it still works reasonably well. I have done this with my D70s. It is a reasonable solution and all of your current lenses will work (even if you decide to jump to a full frame Nikon. Be aware though that if you get a D3XXX or D5XXX (meaning any of the D3400 and below or D5500 and below, the cameras will NOT autofocus, so you need to look at the D7XXX line as your entry level. You can get some good prices on the used and or rebuilt D7000 and D7100 bodies. Note that the D7100 camera does NOT use an anti aliasing filter which tends (in my opinion) to make crisper images. AND, the D7100 will work with ALL of your current lenses. In addition, the D7100 has a "self cleaning" sensor which really irritates my wife because she uses my old D70s which has to constantly have the sensor cleaned to reduce sensor dust/dirt spots. She cleans her sensor weekly, I break down and clean my D7100 and D610 sensors once every 6 months or so unless I've been to the beach or somewhere else where there is a lot of blowing dust.
Personally (and I will be the first to admit a cer... (show quote)


Should say the D3xxx and D5xxx require AF-S lenses to autofocus. All newer lenses, with a focusing motor in the lens, work fine with them. The OPs AF-S lenses will autofocus with them.

Nikon has a new AF-P lens line. They will work too but I understand you might need to update the firmware on older cameras if you haven't done so recently.

D5300 and D3300 and later do not have the antialiasing filter either. Both include the sensor cleaner.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 08:56:59   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
bsprague wrote:
"part of the bargain for this up grade is video"

Please consider the Panasonic m4/3 choices if video is on the wish list.



Consider both Olympus and Panasonic bodies, because they share a pool of over 80 lenses. Panasonic has the better video. They also have great ergonomics and a very clear menu structure. Olympus makes nice JPEGs, but many hate the ergonomics and menu structure.

I was a long time (48 years) Canon and Nikon user before switching to a Panasonic LUMIX GH4 awhile back. I love it, and have ZERO regrets. The entire Micro 4/3 family is evolving very rapidly.

Check out what top pros like Daniel J. Cox have to say about it:

http://naturalexposures.com/corkboard/

The new LUMIX G85 is worth a look. The GH5 should be out by Spring, 2017.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 09:15:55   #
RKL349 Loc: Connecticut
 
I have two Nikon's, a D7200 and a D610. For travel, I recently purchased an Olympus OM D E-M5 MkII, which I bought factory refurbished from Olympus. So far, and I have not used the Olympus all that much, but I am very impressed with the images I produced with it, but still have a learning curve with it. I tried the Sony mirrorless bodies but just did not care for them. I am your age and find the light weight of the Olympus advantageous when traveling.

Reply
 
 
Nov 2, 2016 09:25:20   #
dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl
 
MtnMan wrote:
Should say the D3xxx and D5xxx require AF-S lenses to autofocus. All newer lenses, with a focusing motor in the lens, work fine with them. The OPs AF-S lenses will autofocus with them.

Nikon has a new AF-P lens line. They will work too but I understand you might need to update the firmware on older cameras if you haven't done so recently.

D5300 and D3300 and later do not have the antialiasing filter either. Both include the sensor cleaner.


True but the D3XXX and D5XXX have other liabilities in the fact that the shutter isn't as robust as the shutter in the D7XXX and the D7XXX includes the focusing motor making ALL of his existing lenses and any new or used Nikkor (or Nikon DSLR compatible) lenses purchased in the future work easily with the camera.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 10:00:43   #
SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont
 
HallowedHill wrote:
...I use the DX lens: AF-S 17-55 f/2.8 G and AF-S 55-300 f/4.5-5.6 G and have been reasonably happy with this. ...I am now retiring and want to expand to include ... BIF. I was all set to pull the trigger in January or February on a D 750 or D 500 with a AF-S 24-70 f/2.8E VR lens to be followed by a AF-S 70-200 f/2.8E FL ED VF within the next 18 months and ultimately a AF-S 200-500 f/5.6G VR. There is also going to be a new printer in my life that allows for up to 16x24 images.


Since you are already a Nikon user, it would make sense to stay with Nikon. And you have a great lineup for new lenses - all of the ones mentioned are excellent. As for the camera choice, you can choose to stay with DX or move to FX. Moving to FX makes sense since those lenses have optimal performance on an FX camera, although they also work very well on a DX camera. I have the 24-70 and use it on my D7000.

HallowedHill wrote:
... I am 67 and don't shake yet but I know it's coming...


If you are healthy and active, keeping muscles in good tone, you may not ever "shake"! It is possible to become more unsteady as you age (speaking from experience), but there are ways to compensate.

For one thing, the camera and lenses you are considering can go a long way toward balancing out any camera shake by using the settings properly. The f/2.8 lenses are already fast, and the newer cameras can handle higher ISO much better than the older ones. This allows for faster shutter speeds, problem solved. (I was able to take sharp photos, hand-held, in a moving boat on a windy day this way!) Of course a good sturdy tripod is a big help, too, although for BIF you might find it better to hand-hold.

Another thing to remember, when you have long focal length lenses, the chance of camera shake increases regardless of how steady your hands and/or tripod. Since you plan to photograph things that require those long focal lengths, you also need a camera that can accommodate the lenses. No matter what camera you buy for this type of lens, the weight of the camera and lens is going to be heavier than what you now use. I am facing a similar decision, upgrading from the D7000. My choice is the D810 which by itself is ~1/2 pound heavier than the D7000.

I agree with the person who suggested keeping your current camera for backup if it is still going strong! The longer (FX) lenses will have a longer (apparent) reach on the DX camera. And having a second camera means not having to switch lenses in the field.

Hope this helps.

Susan

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 10:13:00   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
The new camera from Olympus is not yet available. As you already know it has a 20 megapixels live CMO sensor and it is capable of up to 60 FPS and 50 megapixels files. Its new AF is said to be very good for action and wildlife photography and as all Olympus mirrorless bodies it has IBIS. Nobody can give you advise on a camera body that has not been in the market yet.
I use a D610 and I have used a D750, a great FX body. If you go full frame you will have to get rid of the lenses you have now and buy new ones and those you have mentioned are all excellent from what I know. The D500, another camera I have not used but I know has an excellent reputation, will use your present lenses but you will have to buy the 200-500 f5.6 for your wildlife photography.
I hope others will be able to give you better information or confuse you even more.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 10:24:54   #
cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA
 
I'm a Nikon guy but I live right near Olympus HQ in the US and acknowledge they do make some fine equipment. Not as wide a variety as Nikon & Canon, but getting there. That said, and my bias on the table, considering the amount and type of lenses you already own, I'd buy a Nikon D500 right now as there is a $200 price break on at the moment (B&H and others), but I'm not sure for how long. If you didn't have such a collection of DX lenses, the D750 and D810 would also be great choices. If you could swing it, the 200-500 Nikon would be a fantastic addition to a D500 for BIF. Please understand where I come from as I'm a sport guy who uses a D5 and a D810, but I am giving serious consideration to a D500 right now as it is available for a terrific price. Best of luch in whatever you choose.

Reply
 
 
Nov 2, 2016 10:33:17   #
HallowedHill Loc: Chattanooga, TN
 
Thank you all for the responses. This is exactly the type of information I was hoping to get.

Jerry, don't know the shutter count on my D 50, but I'll try and remember to get that this weekend and get it to you. But is will be high.

I do work out four days a week and recently returned from three weeks in Europe including a week hiking in Switzerland, so I am in reasonably good shape for the wear and tear on the ole body, and while the weight of my current system didn't bother me, I was more aware of it this trip than in the past.

After reading your responses and several of the articles linked, I think I'm going to wait until late spring. That will give the new Olympus time to get out and see if it lives up to the hype. If so, I think I'm leaning in that direction but will definitely check out the Panasonic. I have already decided to keep the D 50 as a back up/second body. for as long as it will hold out. If I stay with Nikon I am leaning to the D 750 as it is smaller than the D 500 and does have the built in flash for fill in lighting.

Thank all of you for taking the time to reply. This is what makes this forum so special.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 11:14:41   #
SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont
 
HallowedHill wrote:
...I do work out four days a week and recently returned from three weeks in Europe including a week hiking in Switzerland, so I am in reasonably good shape for the wear and tear on the ole body, and while the weight of my current system didn't bother me, I was more aware of it this trip than in the past.

...I have already decided to keep the D 50 as a back up/second body. for as long as it will hold out. If I stay with Nikon I am leaning to the D 750 as it is smaller than the D 500 and does have the built in flash for fill in lighting.
...I do work out four days a week and recently ret... (show quote)


The D750 has gotten very good reports, including being lighter than some other FX cameras. It also has a tilting rear screen which is handy for getting shots where you cannot put your eye to the viewfinder! And it has a built-in flash. Right now Nikon is offering discounts on cameras, $200 off the D750. They only do this a couple of times a year. This time it is for cameras, last time was for lenses. This is why I am going to order the D810 now, because it has $500 off!

Whatever you decide on, I hope it works for you. As a Nikon user, I am biased, but completely understand the draw that other brands can have. Have you researched the lenses available for other cameras? For what you want, you may have to go to a 3rd-party lens, which may be good, but IMO will not equal the quality of Nikon lenses.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 11:23:57   #
dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl
 
HallowedHill wrote:
Thank you all for the responses. This is exactly the type of information I was hoping to get.

Jerry, don't know the shutter count on my D 50, but I'll try and remember to get that this weekend and get it to you. But is will be high.

I do work out four days a week and recently returned from three weeks in Europe including a week hiking in Switzerland, so I am in reasonably good shape for the wear and tear on the ole body, and while the weight of my current system didn't bother me, I was more aware of it this trip than in the past.

After reading your responses and several of the articles linked, I think I'm going to wait until late spring. That will give the new Olympus time to get out and see if it lives up to the hype. If so, I think I'm leaning in that direction but will definitely check out the Panasonic. I have already decided to keep the D 50 as a back up/second body. for as long as it will hold out. If I stay with Nikon I am leaning to the D 750 as it is smaller than the D 500 and does have the built in flash for fill in lighting.

Thank all of you for taking the time to reply. This is what makes this forum so special.
Thank you all for the responses. This is exactly t... (show quote)


Just thought I would mention that my wife's first D70s died with a shutter count somewhere above 850,000. It was 849,893 about 3 month before it finally failed and when it failed it was the camera was failing to format a memory card. I picked up a replacement D70s from Adorama or B&H (don't remember which) for about $80 and the shutter count on it is 220,000 approximately. Shutter counts (for me) seem to be quite a bit higher than what Nikon and the magazines say is "normal". I would hang onto the camera body as it is probably worth more to you as a backup/second camera than you could get by selling or trading it in.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 11:34:47   #
bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.
 
I jut bought a d-200 and 3 lenses used, so far I love them. as old as they are, they exceed my abilities, so I have plenty of room to grow. i'm 78 so I don't plan more than an hour ahead. the setup should out last me.

Reply
 
 
Nov 2, 2016 11:36:27   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
dcampbell52 wrote:
Just thought I would mention that my wife's first D70s died with a shutter count somewhere above 850,000. It was 849,893 about 3 month before it finally failed and when it failed it was the camera was failing to format a memory card. I picked up a replacement D70s from Adorama or B&H (don't remember which) for about $80 and the shutter count on it is 220,000 approximately. Shutter counts (for me) seem to be quite a bit higher than what Nikon and the magazines say is "normal". I would hang onto the camera body as it is probably worth more to you as a backup/second camera than you could get by selling or trading it in.
Just thought I would mention that my wife's first ... (show quote)


https://olegkikin.com/shutterlife/nikon_d70s.htm

Mine failed at 48,400 or so.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 11:46:22   #
dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl
 
burkphoto wrote:
https://olegkikin.com/shutterlife/nikon_d70s.htm

Mine failed at 48,400 or so.


I know that I was very lucky but I was working for Nikon and got a lot of checkups on it while working. I am sure that had a lot to do with its lasting.

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 11:55:51   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
dcampbell52 wrote:
I know that I was very lucky but I was working for Nikon and got a lot of checkups on it while working. I am sure that had a lot to do with its lasting.


Well, yeah, having it babied helps!

Reply
Nov 2, 2016 12:04:08   #
Impressionist
 
Look into the D7200. Your glass will work fine on it. The toughness of it alone should provide you the upgrade you are looking for at a reasonable price.

Reply
Page <prev 2 of 3 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.