Any photographers here?

[Captain FT]

Since the birth of my son in March I've been getting more and more into photography. For my first venture into real photography I purchased a Nikon D60 DSLR camera with the kit lens (18-55mm DX). Additionally I purchased the SB-400 flash and the fixed aspect AF-S Nikor 50mm f/1.4 lens. I'm going to purchase some additional glass and I'm leaning more towards avoiding the DX line of lenses with the thought of Full Frame (FX) sensors on future camera bodies becoming more widely available.

What are your thoughts on this? How long before FX trickles down into the amateur photography camera bodies? Currently, only the Nikon D3, D3x, and D700 support FX (for those non-photographers) and the minimum price on a D700 body is about $2500 with the D3x topping out at $7000-$8000.

I was disappointed to see the D300s not have FX. My hope is in a couple years (by the time my son is 3yrs old) that FX is in the price range of a D300(s).

 

[bakemeacookie]

Used to be majorly into it. Not so much now. Dont' sweat to much the gear as long as it's enough megapixels, not too high of a crop factor, stable tripod, good lighting kit and big memory cards. I started off with disposable cameras. It's all about planning your shots, waht you're trying to say, using proper light and being creative.

dpreview.com

c

 

[puddlemonkey]

 

[puddlemonkey]

I just wanted a reason to spam my newt shot.

 

[Captain FT]

I just wanted a reason to spam my newt shot.

lol

 

[AAP]

It doesn't matter. Get what you need now and in the future you can easily resell the entire package to finance the upgrade model.

When someone views a photo, they only see the end result, not what kind of camera or crop it came from. I have been shooting with a XTi and 40D really see no need to upgrade beyond it at this point. You can see some my photos on the DC thread.

 

[straitedge52]

You started with some good stuff. I have been shooting with a D80 for about 3 years w/SB600 and keep a 18~200 DXVR on it 99% of the time. Put the $$$ in glass. You might consider the Sigma 10~20 Wide Angle Zoom as a nice piece to have. As far as ther FX is concerned...I'm like you. I will wait on the numbers to become "sane" before I go there. When you think about it...you can stay with the DX equipment and for less money diversify into the Lieca/Hasselbad format for super high quality shooting. Some of the best photographers in the world still shoot DX with D200's and D300's. In my view it is all about fast glass and knowing how and when to use it.

 

[bigtravis]

StrongMo in 3-2-1

 

[Captain FT]

You started with some good stuff. I have been shooting with a D80 for about 3 years w/SB600 and keep a 18~200 DXVR on it 99% of the time. Put the $$$ in glass. You might consider the Sigma 10~20 Wide Angle Zoom as a nice piece to have. As far as ther FX is concerned...I'm like you. I will wait on the numbers to become "sane" before I go there. When you think about it...you can stay with the DX equipment and for less money diversify into the Lieca/Hasselbad format for super high quality shooting. Some of the best photographers in the world still shoot DX with D200's and D300's. In my view it is all about fast glass and knowing how and when to use it.

I'm all for spending good money on glass like the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 14-24mm f/2.8 as well, the problem is getting that approved by my wife. Even if I tell her the lens won't lose value she'd flip her shit at the cost.

I'm hoping by the time my boy is around 4-5yrs old and starts playing sports or whatever, FX will have become more reasonable. The way technology advances it should be, and if not, buying a 4 year old D700 would be reasonable I imagine.

I keep debating about buying an older SLR like an F4 or F5 to tool around with. The F6 is still pretty steep.

 

[straitedge52]

I'm all for spending good money on glass like the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 14-24mm f/2.8 as well, the problem is getting that approved by my wife. Even if I tell her the lens won't lose value she'd flip her shit at the cost.

I'm hoping by the time my boy is around 4-5yrs old and starts playing sports or whatever, FX will have become more reasonable. The way technology advances it should be, and if not, buying a 4 year old D700 would be reasonable I imagine.

I keep debating about buying an older SLR like an F4 or F5 to tool around with. The F6 is still pretty steep.

If you haven't already, join Nikonians and read, read, read. Their classified section for used equipment produces some decent deals as well. I have had great luck with my local Craigslist....I always meet in person and bring a body to test glass. I have also sold on Craigs...great resource if you are in a decent size Metro Area. I am in South Florida so good stuff is relatively easy to find.

As a thought...you might consider picking up a D80 body...lot of bang for the buck plus it will drive the older pre DX glass where as the D60 will not.....gives you more lens options. I have seen them on Craigs here sometimes less than $500.

 

[Strongbow]

I am an amature photgrapher, I do some amazing work with my camera phone. I can shoot pussy pics at some angles you would never dream of.

 

[AAP]

I am an amature photgrapher, I do some amazing work with my camera phone. I can shoot pussy pics at some angles you would never dream of.

Your own?

 

[Strongbow]

Your own?

No smartass, of the pussies that I frequent. I have owned many a pussy in my day.

 

[Ezekiel]

I'm all for spending good money on glass like the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 14-24mm f/2.8 as well, the problem is getting that approved by my wife. Even if I tell her the lens won't lose value she'd flip her shit at the cost.

I'm hoping by the time my boy is around 4-5yrs old and starts playing sports or whatever, FX will have become more reasonable. The way technology advances it should be, and if not, buying a 4 year old D700 would be reasonable I imagine.

I keep debating about buying an older SLR like an F4 or F5 to tool around with. The F6 is still pretty steep.

Been shooting for a very long time.. All Nikon gear... M wife has her own business

The D700 wont make you a better photographer. Although, as mentioned before the upgrade to the D80 or even the D300. Investment in glass is a good idea. However, you've gotten yourself some good gear there. Just use it and read read read. As stated before Nikonians is a great place to ask questions etc..

 

[Captain FT]

Been shooting for a very long time.. All Nikon gear... M wife has her own business

The D700 wont make you a better photographer. Although, as mentioned before the upgrade to the D80 or even the D300. Investment in glass is a good idea. However, you've gotten yourself some good gear there. Just use it and read read read. As stated before Nikonians is a great place to ask questions etc..

Thanks

Yeah I did some more research last night, and I'm thinking for about $199 i can get an excellent condition F100 SLR which is usable with VR glass. Do you think using film for a while would, in a sense, force me to become better?

 

[Ezekiel]

Thanks

Yeah I did some more research last night, and I'm thinking for about $199 i can get an excellent condition F100 SLR which is usable with VR glass. Do you think using film for a while would, in a sense, force me to become better?

Exellant Film camera!! WE mainly only use it for IR film and B&W, but great camera. Especially if ou can get it for that price.

That being said: one of the things I like about digital is that you can take 500 shots on a card (depending on size). It gives you more freedom to experiment then a film camera.

The best thing is to get out there and shoot. Ttake the camera off of "auto" put it on "P" For the most part.

Try shooting on "S" for shutter priority for fast moving stuff. For example for most sports I shoot at about 320 on "S". This is plenty fast for most stuff. However, when shooting on "S" you'll need ample light. So use a flash or turn your ISO up a bit if you're inside an arena say.

If you don't already know how to use photoshop, now is the time to learn.


Blessings.