PappaBear wrote:
Hello all. I am a new member and a beginner photographer. I currently have a Nikon D90 with a Vf1 AF S Nikkor 18-105 mm 3.5-5.6G ED lens and a Nikon 70-300mm 4-5.6G lens. I am thinking of getting a D750FX with 24-120mm lens or D500. Or is their another model I should consider. Also is I go with D750 will my 2 lenses above be compatible with this camera. I also want to start taking some classes. Please give me any kind of input. Enjoy this site
Hello PappaBear, and welcome to the UHH forum!
You say you are a beginner, but that can mean you just started or have been doing it for a longer period of time. As a result, I have to ask what it is about the D90 that makes you want to move to another camera? Have you been using it long enough that you feel it is limiting your progression as a photographer, or are you just having what we call a GAS attack [Gear Acquisition Syndrome]?! Your camera is an older model, with a smaller sensor than newer models, but still quite adequate to take photos. And the lenses are standard "kit" lenses that will also be good for getting started. These are the exact same ones I used with my first DSLR, and I called them my "training wheels"! With them and my D7000, I worked to learn their capabilities and limitations, and also to improve my photographic skills. Gradually over the next 5 years I exchanged those lenses for FX lenses. Then last fall I took advantage of the holiday time sales and purchased a D810. Now I have two excellent cameras and some great lenses. And most of all, I have acquired greater confidence in my photographic skills and creativity. It is not only the camera that improves the image, it is mostly the photographer who uses it!
Remember that since you are now using a DX camera with DX lenses, those lenses will work on an FX camera, but will not allow you to take full advantage of the camera's capabilities. Using FX lenses with a DX camera works very well, but only to the limits of the DX camera. This is why it is generally accepted and suggested to use FX lenses with FX cameras. As a result, if you buy a new camera that is full frame, you are also looking at purchasing FX lenses. If you buy another crop sensor camera, you can continue to use the lenses you have until you understand photography better and have discovered the limits of that gear. Knowing those limits should be the deciding factor in choosing to purchase additional gear.
My point is, if you can afford to purchase a new camera and lenses that are newer and better than what you have, then go for it. But keep in mind that your images will only be improved in terms of resolution and low noise factors. The rest of it requires you to work hard at understanding not only the new gear, but also the many principles of photography and how to use them to best advantage. It is my belief you should buy the best you can afford, but if that best is not good enough, wait until you can afford it!
There are a lot of great resources for learning, many of them online and free. There are also plenty of them that require payment that are worth the money. The most important thing you can do to learn is to take your camera out and shoot pictures as often as you can. Do not be afraid to experiment with different settings. Learn about composition and lighting. And never forget the exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. Each of these affects the other, so adjustments can either help or hurt your image. This should be the very first thing you study in depth. Then study everything else as well! But get out with that camera and have fun!