Accidental Pro in Camera Hell

Before you send yourself bonkers, find out what if any the requirements are for video.

It is unlikely that print media will make good use of DSLR video, what will your customers do to present video that you produce? Will you have to edit the video?
Thom Hogan has some well thought ideas on DSLR video. Check his threads.

If you can do a good job still shooting first, you probably will forget about trying to be a complete press team.

at least for the Military. I went from a Photographers Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer to a Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class. Now I am supposed to know how to do broadcasting, writing, graphic design, web design, and public affairs along with photography. I am a photographer, and always will be first, but the world is changing and we do have to change with it. As technology advances, so do the requirements of our jobs. Those who only shoot stills for news will find them selves in a debacle soon, as they will be expected to write and do video as well. Most PA and PJ jobs listed ask for the ability to run and manage a web site as well as update with stories, photos and videos.

I learning new ways to bring stories to my audience and developing my skills along the way. I still prefer still photography, but shooting short video clips and using voice over to tell the story has peeked my interest. Think of it as a new picture story with some video thrown in here and there.

By the way, the D90 w/70-200 will work fine, I tried it out last night and it worked perfectly. So it will focus and you will be supporting the lense more than anything else.

Greg

Honestly, for what your doing, the Nikon D90 is your best choice. It may not be a "professional" body to the extent that the D300s or D3s is, but it should more than meet your needs, will take your old Nikon lenses, and will produce professional results.

At less than half the cost of a D300s, if you lose it or break it, you can just buy another.

Best,
Paul
http://upstatephotographers.com

Thanks BAK. Seems like you've actually got some experience doing this sort of stuff. And locally no less!

You're right, of course, that 1080p is impossible for most web video. Usually I do 720p from the LX3 and it goes on the facebook page, not the main paper website. I wanted 1080p because I have this (perhaps crazy) idea in my head that I could capture stills from video which would make my job easier - especially because I am not a trained or very experienced photographer.

I was looking past the D90 for two reasons: it's not weather sealed (as far as I know), and I didn't think it would take my old lenses and meter with them.

Maybe I should just take my Nikon F2 and use the thousands I would save to pay for film . . .

=

Thank you to all those who have taken the time to reply recently. I have read all the posts, but I just don't have time to reply to everyone now with my deadline looming and a mostly blank page in front of me.

I've read every post in this thread and can safely recommend the D300s and the 18-200 VR lens.

You might be able to get by with the D90 but you'll be much happier with the D300s. The 51 point 3D autofocus is a great feature that has allowed me to track fast moving subjects that previous cameras wouldn't have a chance with. You will love the autofocus on the D300s for shooting racing cars and stuff.

Definitely stay with Nikon if you've got some old Nikon glass around.

The 18-200 lens has an incredibly useful range. It will zoom from very wide angle to telephoto like no other lens. You will love the usefulness of this lens and it is small and lighter than the 70/80-200 2.8 lenses. You will start to hate the size and weight of those big lenses.

I currently own a D300, D3, D2hs, D2x, 18-200 lens and about 9 other lenses and I've taken somewhere around 2 1/2 million photos in the last 7 years, and my experience tells me that your choice is very simple: D300s and 18-300s.

With your budget constraints and the use you describe the choice is easy.

--
Bill,

http://www.pbase.com/billmcintyre