JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

I have been shooting DX cameras since around the turn of the century. Started with a D70 and moved to a D200 then a D7100. All along I have been planning on moving to a FF. Last year I did move up to a D810. All of my lenses that I have purchased have all been FF. I do shoot tennis, flowers, landscapes, sunsets and Courts of Honor for the Boy Scouts especially Eagle Ceremonies. The first pictures I took with the D810 the photos just seem to POP out. And I've been astonished with the details I get from my D810 at 36.6MPixel.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Nonsense post.

Nikon DX lenses work on Nikon FX cameras. You can use only the DX image area or other image areas depending on the camera. You will get vignetting and edge distortion to varying degrees depending on lens, image area selection, and zoom selection in other than DX image area.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Sheesh. Another one. As above your DX lenses will work on a Nikon FX camera.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

True, but with some limitations.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Yes, but why?

Dalebenny

After much research last year I bought a Nikon 610. I love it. It is a full frame camera. But as mentioned by someone else, if you are not willing to convert to full frame lenses, it is a waste of time and money to buy a full frame camera. That is a hugh investment. Full frame lenses are not cheap, they are certainly worth the money though. Funny you should say and don't tell me to buy a canon. I have been a Canon person all my life, swore by Canon. It was a very difficult decision for me to convert to a Nikon. I am glad I bought the Nikon, though. We can argue all day which is better and be honest with you now that I own both, they both take great pictures. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. I think the Nikon for landscapes and portraits is slightly better, but to most people eyes they can tell because the average person doesn't look at what a trained photographer looks at. i am so much more critical now then I have ever been. On the other hand my Canon Rebel XSI takes better action shots than my Nikon 610. I know some people will disagree with that, but I put both of them thru the same test and Canon produced more in focus shots. I am sure if you have the money to burn and can buy top notch cameras in either Canon or Nikon the are pretty much equal in all areas. But to answer you question again, if you have the finances to buy all new lens, full frame is the way to go.

dgolfnut Loc: Bear, DE

I am an amateur with similar goals. I just made the switch from DX to full frame getting a D750 with the 28-300mm lens. It rocks. I chose it over the 810 because I do a lot of low light stuff. I view the bodies as disposable after 5 - 8 years as new features and functionality are available and this was as much as I was willing to spend on a body. The max shutter and fps are fine for everything I've attempted to date. (Don't do car races and haven't been to an air show yet.)

I've been using and exploring the features every chance I get for a few months now. I'm now comfortable with finding and changing most settings and knowing when to do it. I did add a 150-600mm tamron zoom to get close enough to the birds for better shots. The 600mm is too big and heavy to carry regularly -- but I've gotten some really good shots with it.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Despite [or perhaps because of] all the advice you have already been given, I am adding my thoughts and answers to your questions. I purchased my first DSLR [Nikon D7000] in 2012, along with two lenses [18-105mm and 55-300mm]. Somewhere along the way, I also started thinking about a FF camera. Eventually replaced my DX lenses with FX. Then last fall, I purchased the D810. So I have been where you are now.

Just knowing you want a FF camera is not enough. You need to explore the features of different cameras and decide which ones are important to you. Reading specifications is one way to get this information. Reviews can help as well. When listening to opinions, you will hear many different ones, which only means you still have to decide for yourself. I heard things about how heavy the camera and lenses would be, but unless you are not able to carry around a couple of pounds, the differences are really not all that significant. People talk about not being able to see one camera's photos as being different from another. I only know that I DO see that the D810 gets sharper, clearer images than the D7000, with the same lenses.


It is always good to undertake challenges that will help improve your photography. No matter whether you want to take photos for yourself [as an artistic endeavor] or for others [to make a little money], the underlying skills are the same. It is the way you apply them that calls for some different techniques.

Being an "official" photographer for a group to which you belong is a wonderful way to use your photography, and your photos also get acknowledged on the website. On the other hand, I am not sure what kind of photos you are taking for local businesses, and what your objective is. Something to consider, because later when you are retired, you cannot suddenly switch and say you want to get paid. Are you actually giving them prints or are you sharing them by email or social media? Eventually you could figure out a way to at least get reimbursed for expenses! Another idea is to find businesses in your town which will display your pictures for the public to see and purchase. That would help them to realize your photos have value...

Making money with photography is never easy, and many of us do not make a living at it. In fact, I put a lot of effort into displaying my work in different places, but only because I enjoy doing it. Lots of admiring comments, and I do sell some, but not enough to make a living. Actually, I am not interested in putting in the kind of planning and work that would require because it would no longer be just for fun!


Buying a good camera, the best you can afford, and lenses to go with it, is not flawed thinking. You do not need a top-of-the-line pro camera, but a FF like the D810 with its 36.3MP sensor will make photos with great resolution. For me resolution was key to deciding which camera, not articulated LCD screens or weight. And keep in mind that while you can use DX lenses, you will not be using the full potential of the FX camera. For that you will need good FX lenses. Choose them based on what you will be using them for. Best not to buy lenses that are "all-purpose". Remember the Nikon "golden triad" of lenses: 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and 70-200mm f/2.8. These cover the gamut of most used focal lengths, with great sharpness, resolution, and light-gathering ability.

zumarose

The ability to profit from photography is secondary. I will be living in a small town where relationship and not technical stuff will be paramount

zumarose

Curious. Why the lens recommendation which is actually a good one.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I completely understand - relationships are more important. Especially in a small town.


Why? Because these are classic Nikon lenses that fulfill most needs and do it so well. Also, manufacturing a lens that is sharp throughout its focal length range becomes less likely as that range increases. Granted, the technology has improved, making those "all-in-one" lenses much improved, but the shorter focal length range of a zoom the better it gets.

It would be tedious to carry around a lot of prime lenses, which will be the sharpest. This is why zoom lenses are preferred. And the wider the possible aperture the more expensive, while the smaller the widest possible aperture decreases the light-gathering ability of the lens. The f/2.8 has proven itself to be a "compromise" that works beautifully for just about every situation, especially when paired with a great camera!

Hope this answers your questions!

Susan

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

While I quite agree that the "golden Triangle" (often called the "Holy Trinity") of lenses, 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200 (all F2.8) is a very very useful set that most pros and many others own, they are neither the fastest available nor the best choices in every situation. That said, I do rely on them heavily and have them all with me often. When I go out on a job, it becomes easier as I can take exactly what I need, plus backups. If I am shooting a portrait my go to is my 85/1.4. For an outdoor headshot I'll go with the 85 or perhaps the 70-200, most often both to provide more flexibility. For indoor basketball, a 35/1.8, 50/1.8, 85/1.4 and 180/2.8 are my favorites but the 70-200 often accompanies me as well. My walk-around is either my 24-105/4 or my 20/2.8 mounted on my D500 but oh wait, my 70-200/4 is also a contender. Sometimes I do switch it up. My point - personal choice that often changes with mood and yes, sometimes I wish I had brought more, sometimes less! Best of luck.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

You are definitely right - there are a lot of choices out there! Yet you have actually proved my point - you rely on those three lenses heavily. Each of the other lenses you have fulfill some specific need, and often do it better in that type of situation. For someone who is starting out with their first FF DSLR, those three lenses are a great foundation to build on. Even they can be acquired over time. I started with the 24-70mm, which I consider to be the "work-horse" in my small stable of lenses!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I would HIGHLY recommend ALL those lenses, but they might just be a bit expensive for many, especially those just starting out. If not, there's always the Nikon 100th Anniversary edition, including all three lenses, for only $ 8k! Such a deal!

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Many people who want these lenses [myself included] have to acquire them gradually. My camera bodies were purchased new, but all my lenses are pre-owned or refurbished. Another thing is never to be in a hurry and wait for a sale!