Hi! I realize this is "yet another" this-camera vs that-camera thread.. But none of the ones out there (that I've found) seem to speak precisely to my situation. I apologize if this should've been posted to the general advice forum, but I wanted to make sure to get advice from Nikon FX folks.
My current gear:
D7000
18-55 DX kit lens
50mm 1.8D
28mm 2.8 manual focus
And, anticipating my coming FX purchase, I recently ordered the 18-35 G.
I have wanted an FX camera for years.... I once went to a concert with a friend who had a D700, and I was so jealous of her low light abilities. Finally, FX bodies are in my price range!
However I don't usually shoot concerts; my main hobby is landscapes, specifically long exposures. I usually stack two 9-stop ND filters onto my 18-55 lens. I will probably get a Lee system eventually with a Super Stopper. But that's beside the point. Anyway, I also shoot a lot of pictures of my kids, cats, and whatever else. I have done a couple of shoots for people (album cover for a band, engagement shoot for a couple, etc.).
The cameras that most interest me are the D610 (refurb $1100), D800 (used around $1200), and D750 (a budget stretch for me... probably won't do this). I occasionally toy with the idea of picking up a used D700 for $700, but since I don't buy cameras that often, I might as well get a newer sensor while I'm at it.
So here's what's on my mind, and I'm going to go stream-of-consciousness:
I know the D800 is a superior camera, and an amazing deal for the price. I'd feel pretty cool owning that hunk of machinery, and hey, that's a big part of the hobby, right? But would the heft of it keep me from pulling it out around the house? Would my not-quite-pro lenses hold up to the D800 (the 50 and the 18-35 I hear are probably decent on it)? Is my tripod even good enough for it (a $1-200 Slik)? If I get one on Craigslist, how do I make sure it's not one of the ones with focus issues, or whatever other hidden problems?
With the D610 I'd get a warranty. But, I've never had to use a warranty, yet. The smaller file sizes would be easier for me on my less-than-amazing computer setup. As for resale value, I foresee the 800 holding its value longer, maybe because its original MSRP was much higher. But maybe that's not worth caring about. I don't care that it doesn't have the LE shutter curtain.. I'm fine using the little clip-on.
I will be happy with whichever one I choose. I think if I had to boil it down, it's:
I want the 800, but I'm worried about huge files and maybe buying a used lemon. On the other hand, I'm no pro, and the 610 is more than enough camera for me (I'm even a little *afraid* of the 800, like it's too much for me), but the obsessive in me wants "the best" and might instantly think "should I have gotten the 800? damn. And now my new 610 just did its off-the-lot depreciation." Will I actually think that? Probably not. I'm just going through my neurotic analysis paralysis. AHH!
Thank you all for reading this!
My current gear:
D7000
18-55 DX kit lens
50mm 1.8D
28mm 2.8 manual focus
And, anticipating my coming FX purchase, I recently ordered the 18-35 G.
I have wanted an FX camera for years.... I once went to a concert with a friend who had a D700, and I was so jealous of her low light abilities. Finally, FX bodies are in my price range!
However I don't usually shoot concerts; my main hobby is landscapes, specifically long exposures. I usually stack two 9-stop ND filters onto my 18-55 lens. I will probably get a Lee system eventually with a Super Stopper. But that's beside the point. Anyway, I also shoot a lot of pictures of my kids, cats, and whatever else. I have done a couple of shoots for people (album cover for a band, engagement shoot for a couple, etc.).
The cameras that most interest me are the D610 (refurb $1100), D800 (used around $1200), and D750 (a budget stretch for me... probably won't do this). I occasionally toy with the idea of picking up a used D700 for $700, but since I don't buy cameras that often, I might as well get a newer sensor while I'm at it.
So here's what's on my mind, and I'm going to go stream-of-consciousness:
I know the D800 is a superior camera, and an amazing deal for the price. I'd feel pretty cool owning that hunk of machinery, and hey, that's a big part of the hobby, right? But would the heft of it keep me from pulling it out around the house? Would my not-quite-pro lenses hold up to the D800 (the 50 and the 18-35 I hear are probably decent on it)? Is my tripod even good enough for it (a $1-200 Slik)? If I get one on Craigslist, how do I make sure it's not one of the ones with focus issues, or whatever other hidden problems?
With the D610 I'd get a warranty. But, I've never had to use a warranty, yet. The smaller file sizes would be easier for me on my less-than-amazing computer setup. As for resale value, I foresee the 800 holding its value longer, maybe because its original MSRP was much higher. But maybe that's not worth caring about. I don't care that it doesn't have the LE shutter curtain.. I'm fine using the little clip-on.
I will be happy with whichever one I choose. I think if I had to boil it down, it's:
I want the 800, but I'm worried about huge files and maybe buying a used lemon. On the other hand, I'm no pro, and the 610 is more than enough camera for me (I'm even a little *afraid* of the 800, like it's too much for me), but the obsessive in me wants "the best" and might instantly think "should I have gotten the 800? damn. And now my new 610 just did its off-the-lot depreciation." Will I actually think that? Probably not. I'm just going through my neurotic analysis paralysis. AHH!
Thank you all for reading this!
