51goldie

If you were upgrading your DSLR and had decided to change brands to Nikon, would you buy a Nikon D7000 or the D800? I am not really interested in video mode but would like a full frame camera.
Suggestions welcome please.

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

If the cost is not an issue the D800 would be my recommedation and it is getting great reviews. It may take a while to get one. Another option is getting a D700 which is another great camera. Full frame Nikon lens are recommended with both of these.

snowbear

I think comparing the D800 and the D7000 is apples and apricots; a better comparison would be to the D700 (for the price). It depends on the type of photography you want to do. The D800 seems to be geared towards studio and landscape people.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I have both the D800 and D7000. The D800 is FX while the D7000 is DX, therefor to get the full benefit from the cameras I need two set of lenses. The D7000 is lighter and better as an all-day walk around camera, the D800 is a tad heavier (I have the power packs on both cameras) as a walk around camera. D7000 16MP and D800 36MP can make a difference on the type of photography or PP you do. Each camera has its benefits and drawbacks and is usually a personal preference.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

You are comparing a 1200.00 camera to a3000.00 camera. If the rhumor is true of Nikon coming out with the full frame D600 at around 1600.00, you may want to wait and jump on that band-wagon. Of course if an extra 1500.00 or so isn't a problem for you, the 800 would give you the full frame you are wanting.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Bruce67 was right on - buy the 800

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

get the 800, you will be very happy with it

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I agree and the two best lenses (though expensive) is the Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 and 24-70mm f2.8. The lens is almost as expensive as the D800 body but well worth it. On a fixed lens side I would recommend the 50mm 1.4 and either the 40mm, 60mm or 105mm for macro.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

I have the 24-70 lens and its a great lens, heavy but a good lens.

RealBohemian Loc: Toronto

You meant D700 or D800?

Difference is among others D700 have old processor (expeed),and it was introduced at 2008, i call it old technology.
D800 have (expeed3)

51goldie

My biggest problem is that I don't want to buy the D800 and then realise that I am not a good enough photographer to use it properly. I am amatuer, self taught and I want to improve, not go backwards.
My camera is dying on it's feet and I need the right replacement but I also need to be up to the cameras standard.
Thank you all for the great advice so far.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

UK magazine rated the 800 as a 96/100 another rated it as 9;/100.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Make the second rating 94/100

51goldie

Ratings are fine but it's always professionals that test the cameras not ordinary people like us.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Understood, however if you are going to buy a new camera and you have the funds to support it, you don't want to buy a model that is old and will be replaced soon. Don't be afraid of the cameras (professional or armature cameras), any camera you buy you will need to get to know your camera and what you and it can do together. Remember in photography there is basically three items you control for balance:
1. Aperture - the opening on the iris of the lens that allows how much light the lens lets in (also responsible for depth of field, or how far in front and behind your subject is in focus).
2. Shutter Speed - how fast the shutter closes when you depress the shutter release button to open the shutter (used to freeze motion for moving subjects).
3. ISO - the sensitivity of the sensor in the camera (usually the higher the number the more sensitive the sensor becomes, drawback is electronic noise at high ISO speeds.
You balance all three of these in any camera to take pictures either by letting the camera make choices or you make them on behalf of the camera. Other items on the camera such as white balance you can pick up easily. Just get the best camera you can afford and learn it well, then learn how to become a great photographer from all the members on UHH as well as written material and practice.