Upgrading due to D90 having stuck pixels: I am having to upgrade but can't afford the top of the line equipment like D4s, D5 or D850. I shoot weddings, outdoor portraits, landscape and...

Lone.wolf.62 Loc: Gallatin, Tennessee

I am having to upgrade but can't afford the top of the line equipment like D4s, D5 or D850. I shoot weddings, outdoor portraits, landscape and wildlife, sporting events, street and residential home sales and family vacation. I do shoot alot in low light and have a few flashguns and reflectors. I was thinking of going to the D810 or D750 used or refurbed and also toy'ed with the idea of the D500. I can only afford one and all the reviews on the web sites that sell I don't value much the reviews as most seem fake or embellished. I have been shooting digital for 11 years. Prior to that I shot 35mm film. Love the D90 but want to take it to the next level. Also what is the max print size for any of the above camera formats (FX or DX)?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Lone.wolf.62 wrote:

I am having to upgrade but can't afford the top of... (show quote)

My suggestion is a Nikon D2x on Ebay with low shutter count or a refurbished D800 from Nikon or B&H

CO

The D750 is discounted to $1496 right now (new). B & H Photo is including a free shoulder bag, memory card, and battery. I purchased one from them just a couple of months ago. It was discounted to $1296 at that time. I bought it to complement my D500. It's easier to get a shallow depth of field on the full frame camera. It would be good for your weddings and outdoor portraits.

The D7200 is heavily discounted to $696 now (new). Maybe pick up one D750 and one D7200.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Lone.wolf.62 wrote:

I am having to upgrade but can't afford the top of... (show quote)

I haven't looked recently, but for a long time, there were a lot of used D810s for sale because of all the folks who dumped them to move to the D850. The 850 is a really nice camera, but so is the D810. Some don't like it because the ISO button wasn't yet moved over near the shutter release. The D500 is also a great choice if you prefer crop frame. With equivalent lenses, it gives results nearly identical to the D850, other than resolution. I personally prefer the pro controls and menus, so that provides strong guidance to me.

I will not speak to maximum print size, because it's just too subjective. At most printers, a "contact print" from a D500 is roughly 12x16 inches, and from a D810 is about 16x24. From a D850, a contact print is about 17.5x26.

Lone.wolf.62 Loc: Gallatin, Tennessee

Thank you all for the input. I guess I can’t go wrong on either choice. Just wish I had a few more $$$$ to make choice easier. So if my customers want larger pictures printed I would be better off with a fx.

LMurray Loc: North Orange County, CA

Lone.wolf.62 wrote:

I am having to upgrade but can't afford the top of... (show quote)

I shot for 10 years with a d300 which is similar to the d90, using FX glass mostly from my FSLR'S went to digital from F100. My suggestion would be a d300 which is much like your d90. I went to an d800e purely because I wanted full frame, and it's a good choice too. IMO none of the newer bodies do enough different or better than the d300 and especially the d800e with good glass, to justify the cost really.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D300-vs-Nikon-D90

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

I went from a D90 to a D610. It has been a great full frame camera for me. Perhaps this would be a good choice for you, as well? Entry level professional, and it does all the things. ~ Eileen

LMurray Loc: North Orange County, CA

Lone.wolf.62 wrote:

Thank you all for the input. I guess I can’t go wrong on either choice. Just wish I had a few more $$$$ to make choice easier. So if my customers want larger pictures printed I would be better off with a fx.

When using the d300 biggest I've gone is 24x30, bigger a medium format negative is better. I printed those from the 300 as gifts, from a couple of wedding I shot for my sister and also my former brother-in-law and his new wife. They came out beautifully, but I used a pro lab not a printer for the work. Haven't enlarged any from the 800e yet but suppose it'll be similar.

CO

LMurray wrote:

I shot for 10 years with a d300 which is similar to the d90, using FX glass mostly from my FSLR'S went to digital from F100. My suggestion would be a d300 which is much like your d90. I went to an d800e purely because I wanted full frame, and it's a good choice too. IMO none of the newer bodies do enough different or better than the d300 and especially the d800e with good glass, to justify the cost really.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D300-vs-Nikon-D90

I used to shoot with a D300s. It was a great camera but I was always disappointed with its dynamic range. Shadow areas would often block up and be void of detail. I shoot with a D500 now. Dynamic range has improved a lot. This is from DxO labs testing. At most ISO settings the D500 has about 2-stops greater dynamic range.

Orange line - D500, Red line - D300

(Download)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Lone.wolf.62 wrote:

I am having to upgrade but can't afford the top of... (show quote)

Right now, why not a new D750, they are on sale. Add a D500? I can get 20X30 prints out of both. I am not sure what the Max. prints size would be, never needed anything larger than a 20X30.
If I was only buying one, I would go with the D500 because it has the newest EXPEED 5 processor, is great in low light, shoots 10 frames per second, and, unlike the D750 and D810, has the separate focusing engine like the D5 and D850, a real advantage for sports and wildlife.

ELNikkor

I'd go with the D750. It is lighter, has a built-in flash, wider dynamic range, and can handle the blow-ups you require. A lot of wedding photographers have chosen the D750 as well.

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

Lone.wolf.62 wrote:

I am having to upgrade but can't afford the top of... (show quote)

About five years ago, I upgraded from my D80 to a D610. It was the least expensive full frame Nikon, and has served me well. It does everything I ask of it and still produces amazing images. What surprises me the most is that Nikon is still selling this under appreciated full frame model and hasn’t replaced it with a newer model. Perhaps you should consider the D610.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I find interesting that you seem to make a living from photography and that you do not have enough income to pay for a professional camera. I would suggest that you review your prices.
I do not have experience with the D750 or the D810 but I know both are excellent cameras. You are now using a D90 and I am sure you know a full frame body will require FX lenses for optimum performance. Makes no sense using DX lenses with full frame bodies.
If the D90 has been giving you good service, and it seems it has, have it repaired. You can always have it for a second body just in case.

Photoladybon Loc: Long Island

In case you are interested, I have posted a D610 for sale last week on UHH. It is a great camera and served me well. 31k actuations. PM at photoladybon@gmail if interested.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Do you have dx or fx lenses? If you go full frame after the d90, that could be an issue.