TylerF

I've been thinking about buying a new body (camera) to replace my existing, and I have a question I've been wondering about.
I've been shooting with a Nikon D60 (I know, kind of an entry level) for the last couple of years, and in that time have purchased a few very good quality lens. They seem to be doing the job, and it got me to thinking of the importance of the body. Does the body really improve the quality of the final result? i.e sharpness, lack of noise, etc. or are the more expensive ones just for the additional bells and whistles that others don't feature? It seems that the main thing is the lens quality. Am I right, or am I completely out to lunch?
Thanks in advance for any input.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Up grading to better sensors is the main thing. And you get a lot of picture quality out of that. Makes your lenses even better. But you also get a lot of whistles and bells with the up grade. Some you will use others not so much. What camera were you looking at? I went from a F6(film) to a D300s. I found that the build was a little better for weather. I do a lot of hiking and camping. Also it fit when I picked it up. Good glass helps every camera. But the newer technology does too in the bodies
Erv.

kjfishman Loc: Fulton MO

A camera is still just a light box so equipment is 10 per cent and the photographer is 90 of the equation. If the D60 is working for you why spend money on a body. Spend the money on glass.

My PENTAX ist DL broke and i considered upgrading to a Pentax KR or K5 and ended up buying a used ist DS. Megapixels aren't that important. A 6MP photo will blow up as big or bigger than I would have the need for.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Many serious photographers have two camera bodies to compliment several lenses. I strongly encourage you to consider keeping your D60 as a back-up, at least for a few months. You can mount your second favorite lens on the D60, and keep it handy when on photo outings.

As for an upgrade, I believe that the D7000 is an exceptional value for the price. If you can budget a bit more, look at the new D800. Both cameras are DX format, but with much larger pixel count sensors than your D60.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Nikonian....The D800 is an FX format camera. I think it has the capability to shoot in DX, too.

ephraim Imperio

You are correct. The D800 camera is primarily an FX camera that is capable of shooting DX also when you mount a DX lens.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Indeed, a better lens can transform your camera: my old D70 produces vastly better pictures with good lenses than with the kit zoom. But equally, a bigger sensor will make a big difference too: my M9 (full frame, 18 MP) delivers significantly better pictures than my M8 (18x27mm, 10.1 MP).

Cheers,

R.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

To quote another member, first ask yourself, what is it that I want to do that my D60 cannot? This will tell you if you need to upgrade, and if so, help you choose.

Sharpness- more a lens issue.
Lack of noise- camera.
Low light performance- either/or.
Shooting speed (i.e. frames per sec)- camera.

Since you have invested in good lenses, you may want to stay with DX camera bodies should you decide to add to the stable.

davpal Loc: long island

the lens is the inportant thing in photography Yes a body with all the features that are out now is fine if you have the money to buy
it.
first think about what features are inportant to you in a caMERA
WILL THEY HELP YOU TO INPROVE YOUR PICTURES WHEN YOU SHOW THEM ON THE SCREEN OR PRINT THEM. the camera is a tool you are the factor that creates the picture. nikon or canon
have bodies in the $1k and up that will fill your needs
stay in that range no more remember a body with a lot of features takes time and patiance to learn how to use. keep it simple

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Technically it can produce a better image. Better sensor and better glass.

gessman Loc: Colorado

In many cases, it's not just a newer, bigger, better sensor you get. Often newer cameras are outfitted with newer, better electronics and processors that will speed up your camera and help in bringing other improvements to the table such a noise reduction, etc. It isn't a simple matter of lens v. body. While the lens mainly determines the sharpness, the body determines about everything else technical about am image and it becomes a matter of old v. new and improved when it comes to the body. To say that if a body is adequate you don't need to upgrade may be like saying if a city bus will get you to work, you don't need a car, ignoring all the other reasons to own a car such as going where the bus doesn't run. You have to ask yourself, NOT "is my camera doing for me what I need NOW," but, "what am I not now doing that I might be if my old camera hadn't let me down and taught me the hard way not to use it like that." You never know when you might want to try something new that your old camera won't permit. It's a question of asking yourself, "is this all I ever want to do," vs. "what if I decide to do something new and will my old camera allow me to do it."

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Sorry Nikonian, but the D800 is an FX sensor body.

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

Although I have Canon, not Nikon, the same general rules apply. Digital SLRs have been improved in every generation of cameras. Thus, my 40D is better than the 20D, and the 7D is the best in the quiver. A newer version of a camera line will be better than the older version. A pro model will be better than a camera for enthusiasts made at roughly the same time.

What is the difference? Cameras that are better because they are higher in the lineup, or made more recently can usually shoot at higher megapixels. All things being equal, this means their images are more detailed and therefore more capable of leaving the photographer with a usable images, even after cropping. The cameras are more capable of shooting clearly with higher ISO. Their images are more free of noise. Their focus is improved, leading to more shots that can be kept. Generally, they also shoot at a faster frame rate, which, obviously is better for sports and other fast action shots.

You were right in going for very good lenses before upgrading your camera. Although lenses improve over time, too, it is not at the same break neck speed as cameras. While you are acquiring a formidable arsenal of lenses, the cameras improve. When you do upgrade your camera, you will have a far better camera than you could have bought five years ago for more money.

TylerF

Thanks for all the good comments. Food for thought.

TylerF

Thanks for all the good comments. Food for thought.