Should I upgrade and why?

[bukitimah]

I am using the Nikon D5000 and the AFS 18-105mm and AFS 70-300 mm Leeds. Nothing wrong about the camera but just itching with the idea.

Being a Nikon user, I am inclined to continue using Nikon. I read about the D300s, D7000 & D700. I can't really figure out if these are models I should consider. Some advise I should consider lens instead.

For the benefit of those in the same situation, can the shifus please share your advice here. When we finally decide to go ahead, we will then know what are the options. At least I don't want to hold too may AFS lenses if the next one has built-in motor.

[bluffname]

I am using the Nikon D5000 and the AFS 18-105mm and AFS 70-300 mm Leeds. Nothing wrong about the camera but just itching with the idea.

Being a Nikon user, I am inclined to continue using Nikon. I read about the D300s, D7000 & D700. I can't really figure out if these are models I should consider. Some advise I should consider lens instead.

For the benefit of those in the same situation, can the shifus please share your advice here. When we finally decide to go ahead, we will then know what are the options. At least I don't want to hold too may AFS lenses if the next one has built-in motor.

Your lenses are pretty good and adequate. To upgrade, you will need a steep increase in price, to lenses that cost $2000+ and weigh a lot heavier as well. Likewise I feel your camera is adequate for now. Sure the other models are better, but not so much better that you will find a big difference in the quality of your photos just from changing cameras.

Most important now is to upgrade your photo taking skills. Once you are quite good, you will find that better cameras / lenses make a far bigger difference than they would do at this moment.

Don't be itchy lah! I upgraded to digital after using film for over 20 years, and upgraded from my 75-300 to 80-400 lens after more than two years of shooting concerts, nearly one year of renting the lens every now and then thinking very long time before I finally upgraded.

[excelglsi]

Every now and than I will also ask myself this question. It had been 3 yrs since I got my S5pro... :thumbsup:

But every time I itchy backside wanted to so call up grade I will look at the photos taken with Fujifilm cam and compare to the system I intend to upgrade to.

Well till now I still using my S5.. haha..

After I mat Bro Kopi and Ah Bluff, 1 tin certain is to use current set to to improve my skill.. Hope I had improve ...lol :knock1:

[bukitimah]

Thank you for sharing. After reading the technical specs of these cameras, the so call improvements are limited to areas where I may not use or have not much significant for the type of photography I am taking.

Of course I will continue to shoot and try to improve regardless if I eventually change or not. The only 2 things or reasons I can give myself to change my D5000 are:

1) The LCD screen does not give good accurate picture of what I have taken.
2) It does not have a built-in motor thus every time I look for lenses, I need to buy AFS. This limit my choice. I only realize the lenses cost more than camera after I bought the camera! :rofl:

Should I consider the AFS 35mm f1.8 lens?

No harm keeping all options open right? :grin::grin:

[bluffname]

Should I consider the AFS 35mm f1.8 lens?



Ask yourself... WHAT will this lens do for you? If you can find a good answer, by all means. If the only answer is that it will satisfy your itch... better to spend the money go some nice place for short holiday and shoot song song.

Personally, I have zero interest in such a lens. But of course there will also be people who might consider such a lens to be extremely useful and valuable. Actually the easy answer is to consider how you presently use your 18-105. Do you often, or ever, shoot at around 35mm?

[KopiOkaya]

No harm keeping all options open right? :grin::grin:

Got harm... In fact it is lethal. :knock1: Once you have considered upgrading, you will find fault in every piece of equipment you own and yearn for the better. By then, it is too late to turn back liao. Your already have a big lobang in your bank account.

Your current setup is more than good enough. All you have to do is to UPGRADE your skill. :cheers:

[bukitimah]

I hear you guys. It is the person not his tools. Will work on it and of course if a high tech tool comes along fine, otherwise perfect it with what I got.

[KopiOkaya]

Actually if I were you, I will consider an used D70/D70s or D50 for my next "upgrade". These old toys are much better in colors and sharpness, PLUS it has a built-in motor. :coolnod:

The D70/D70s is a well-known workhorse even among professionals today. Many wedding and event photographers still use it as their back-up camera. The color rendition of the D50 is one of the best among all DSLRs Nikon has ever made (not comparing to Fujifilm-Nikon bodies). Both cameras produce surprisingly low noise images up to ISO 1600.

[madmacs]

Actually if I were you, I will consider an used D70/D70s or D50 for my next "upgrade". These old toys are much better in colors and sharpness, PLUS it has a built-in motor. :coolnod:

The D70/D70s is a well-known workhorse even among professionals today. Many wedding and event photographers still use it as their back-up camera. The color rendition of the D50 is one of the best among all DSLRs Nikon has ever made (not comparing to Fujifilm-Nikon bodies). Both cameras produce surprisingly low noise images up to ISO 1600.

D50 maybe but i never did like D70 colors. i have seen a few D70 with inconsistent white balance with studio flash - like every 3 frames a red one appears. not sure why.

[pengkhiong]

Bro, try to wait for another 6 months to a year first.

Reason?
1. Try to master what you have first. :)
2. Price of camera will drop by then as well. :grin:

35mm? unless u do alot of street photography or taking protrait, else your current lens is good enough :victory:

My first lens is 18-270mm (all in one), thoerically, I pick the right range for me to start with, but technically, that lens is too soft. with the help of bro kopi and chef, I sell it away and replace with 18-55mm (kit lens) and 55-300mm (cheap lens).

The reason I pick the range of 18-270mm is all round, since I don't know what I like to shoot, and I will try not buy any lens within the same range.

and, I prefer to go out and shoot more, trying on diff setting. I guess I need to learn how to manually set white balance next :knock1:

[bluffname]

I guess I need to learn how to manually set white balance next :knock1:

Yes, especially for stage photography but... the jiao park pictures show that it is important even in natural daylight. A few of your jiao pixs turned out too blue. This is not so difficult lah. For daylight, set at around 5300K to 5600K. Shoot one or two pixs to confirm and then stay with it unless the light changes drastically - eg around 6+ to 7+ pm when the sun starts to set.

Also, shoot RAW so that can make adjustments if set wrongly.

The difficulty is when shooting stage performances with funny colour lights. eg my recent Neon Trees concert pixs, walao... the white balance ranges from 3,000K+ to over 20,000K... beyond camera setting, have to adjust in Lightroom. This was not to get "correct" skin colour since stage shows the skin colour is not natural anyway. But just to avoid the pixs looking horrible, sometimes have to make very drastic adjustments.

[KopiOkaya]

...like every 3 frames a red one appears. not sure why.

Camera seeing red mah... :happy1:

Must update to new firmware version 2.0. :coolnod:

[wilswong]

same predicament everytime a new camera comes along.

It is always easy to talk about a camera upgrade path without seeing how the photographer is really doing with his photos. Most people will have a better idea where a person lack after seeing the photos.

The complaints made by someone who knows photography and is frustrated is certainly different from someone who just want to upgrade.

Hence after reading your post my direct answer would be to stick with what you have and improve your photography.

A lot of ways to grow. For example, go full manual. Force yourself using the lowest ISO. Force yourself to use the lens you have now and use tripods as and when necessary to squeeze the maximum quality you can have from your camera.

I still use D70 and D200. My last lens purchase was the sigma macro 70-200 F2.8 and that was like 4 years ago. Don't think will get another lens unless something crops up. My camera purchase was a fujifilm x100 to meet needs in terms of quality/size of camera and is to plug a hole for certain photographic projects when the DSLRs are in use.

[TheChef]

My next upgrade will be an artistic eye and technical skills.

[bukitimah]

I think this what I am going to do shoot more and improve on the technical skill. I suddenly realize I do not have to go to the bird park just to improve my bird photography. I could shoot the garden birds and perfect them. By he time I am at the bird park, I would be able to take better photo!

[pengkhiong]

That's the idea.. and when U are ready, go for the FX one, save all the trouble :)

[excelglsi]

That's the idea.. and when U are ready, go for the FX one, save all the trouble :)

Suddenly wan to get a D3 whaha..")

[TheChef]

Suddenly wan to get a D3 whaha..")

Yes, I tend to agree that getting a D3s will save us the hassle of upgrading for many years to come. Maybe wait until D4 arrives for price of D3s to be more affordable. If you want to buy jio me ok? But if the price is more than $2k, I will still luun and focus on artistic eye and technical skill. LOL.

[bukitimah]

I think it is at least $4k for a used D3. That will not garranty anything yet. Ultimately, given a D3 I also don't know how to use now.

[pengkhiong]

on of my friend just got a 2nd hand D3S for 5K plus, look like new. the body is very heavy thus very stable. but to carry it.. I need to go gym first :cheer::grin:

I am happy with my cheap cheap 18-55mm, shifu told me he won price by using this lens :thumbsup:
Another cheap cheap lens I got is 55-300mm, can shoot birds in Bird Park as well. for new lens, I will need to wait till year end see got bonus or not... :p

[bukitimah]

Nah, I am not about to splash $ yet since I have yet to understand my existing one. :confused1:

It is just that we human are funny. Sometimes we pay a lot of $ for other things but if a camera cost $5K and it last more than 5 years, it is only $80 per month! Dont forget you can still sell it later and be happy for 5 years.

I paid $84 pm for Raffles Town Club membership for years that I didn't use. Lost the $30K membership by transferring free to others because I just dont want to continue paying the monthly fee. I am sure many of you are in the same boat! COE is already $50K! :knock1::knock1:

[madmacs]

Nah, I am not about to splash $ yet since I have yet to understand my existing one. :confused1:

It is just that we human are funny. Sometimes we pay a lot of $ for other things but if a camera cost $5K and it last more than 5 years, it is only $80 per month! Dont forget you can still sell it later and be happy for 5 years.

I paid $84 pm for Raffles Town Club membership for years that I didn't use. Lost the $30K membership by transferring free to others because I just dont want to continue paying the monthly fee. I am sure many of you are in the same boat! COE is already $50K! :knock1::knock1:

did you just answer your own question? :p

it's a question of NEED vs WANT. since you already have a D5000, do you need a better model? i don't think so. better to save the money and invest in good lenses. sometimes however the pull of WANT is great, so if you want a better model just go ahead and get it. :grin:

[bukitimah]

Yes, I guess you are right. What we want may not necessarily be what we need. However, sometimes we do want to pamper ourselves a bit.

Well, toying with the idea doesnt hurt and is free. :happy1:

I bought up this idea just to understand how others feel about it. I am sure I am not alone. we always want the other camera. sometimes it may even be a lower end one just to try out.

[madmacs]

Yes, I guess you are right. What we want may not necessarily be what we need. However, sometimes we do want to pamper ourselves a bit.

Well, toying with the idea doesnt hurt and is free. :happy1:

I bought up this idea just to understand how others feel about it. I am sure I am not alone. we always want the other camera. sometimes it may even be a lower end one just to try out.

you are not alone. your collection has just begun. :grin: :cheers:

[pengkhiong]

let's BBB :grin::grin:

[yingbin1005]

you are not alone. your collection has just begun. :grin: :cheers:

sounds familiar~ Talking abt me?? :rofl:

[pengkhiong]

sounds familiar~ Talking abt me?? :rofl:

Sis, you haven buy the X100 eh? :p

[madmacs]

sounds familiar~ Talking abt me?? :rofl:

i have to admit...an image of you did cross my mind as i typed that :rofl:

[yingbin1005]

Sis, you haven buy the X100 eh? :p

Haven't. Still got to let go of one camera before buying. and hoping price will drop more.. hee..
I Will rent it and try for a few days before making final decision. :grin:

[yingbin1005]

i have to admit...an image of you did cross my mind as i typed that :rofl:

HAHAHA.... I knew it!! :rofl:

[bukitimah]

So we are all human and share to same urge. Maybe it is good to share how you first landed with what you have and given a chioce, what would you prefer?

[bluffname]

So we are all human and share to same urge. Maybe it is good to share how you first landed with what you have and given a chioce, what would you prefer?

For me, it started with Sony. One of my friends was shooting with the Sony R-1, which, at that time, was described as the "rolls royce" of point and shoot cameras costing about $1500. At that time I was shooting filem and lollo much about digital. Anyway when Sony launched its Alpha-100 DSLR I was interested. I remember very well, at the Sony showroom, they had a display of plastic :eek: fruits and they took pix to show me how nice it looked. I was not impressed!

Next was Pentax. Another friend, Mr Lee whom several people here know, had been using Pentax for years and he made me a good offer - that if I bought Pentax, he would sell me his lenses for cheap because he was planning to upgrade his lenses. So I looked at Pentax, at that time the K-1, the first in the present K-series following an earlier model with funny name, something like Pentax *ist??

For some reason I was never attracted to Canon. A few of my friends had Canon digital and they felt like toys. Nikon I did consider...

Then Steven of Camera Hospital showed me the Fuji S5 Pro. I thought the image on the LCD screen looked very nice. I was impressed.

How much? I asked.

$2300, he said. It was for the body only. Later price drop and many Bros here bought the same camera for only $1150.

WAH!!!! For that money I can buy the Pentax with two lenses and still have about $700 change, I told Steven.

This is different class, Steven said.

I went back and did research and was very impressed. All the reviews talked about Fuji excelling in image quality whereas other cameras talked about features like how many frames per second, how many focusing points, etc etc. However the Fuji was based on a Nikon D200 body and at that time, in 2007, Nikon was just about the launch the D300. And I wondered if the D300 might be a better option. Well, the first reviews of the D300 did not say it was much better than the D200.

One of the comments that clinched it for me was a review that said the Nikon D200 was like a Toyota Camry whereas the Fuji S5 was like the Madza Rx7 (sports car). I decided to go with the "sports car".

Today, four years later... Nikon and everybody else have launched countless new models, Fuji still only has the S5 Pro - rather, it does not have it anymore, as it is out of production. ABSOLUTELY no regrets (despite later price drop) and no urge to upgrade. If I need to buy another camera today because my goes to Happy Happy land :cry: it will still be a Fuji S5 Pro.

Maybe next year when Fuji launches its X-series with interchangeable lenses, I may itch to upgrade. But depends what lenses... If need to buy new set of Fujinon lenses (which are very highly reputed) I will need to think many times, more than twice.

[bluffname]

By the way.... many people talk about upgrading to FX format. To me, this is out of the question because DX format makes my long telephoto lenses 1.5X longer and that is what attracts me.

Eg my 80-400 lens has an effective reach of 600mm. On FX format, a 600 mm lens will weigh maybe 20 kg and cost $20,000 :eek:

[TheChef]

By the way.... many people talk about upgrading to FX format. To me, this is out of the question because DX format makes my long telephoto lenses 1.5X longer and that is what attracts me.

Eg my 80-400 lens has an effective reach of 600mm. On FX format, a 600 mm lens will weigh maybe 20 kg and cost $20,000 :eek:

Must also listen to Ah Bluff. He is our Mr Practical. :thumbsup:

[bluffname]

Must also listen to Ah Bluff. He is our Mr Practical. :thumbsup:

Because Mr No-money-to-be-itchy :happy1:

[madmacs]

So we are all human and share to same urge. Maybe it is good to share how you first landed with what you have and given a chioce, what would you prefer?

i started using film slr in 1987 and over the years had a decent collection of canon lenses. i am a casual streetshooter so when i made the move to dslr with the canon EOS 10D which has a 1.6x crop, i suddenly found my lenses too long for my liking and had to spend money to get a 17-40mm lens. so i settled down using my new kit.

about 2 years later i was doing a studio shoot with some friends and one of them had a Fujifilm S2 Pro. i took a peek at his shots and the colors and my first word was "WOW!". i knew i had to have that cam but had to consider what to do with my canon collection. in the meantime i acquired a nikon N80 with 50mm f/1.8 lens just for kicks, and soon after followed with a 28-105mmlens. by the time i made my decision the S3 Pro was released and i bought that. before i knew it, i had a collection of nikon lenses almost rivaling my canon one. i had also acquired a nikon 70-200mm lens which eventually stayed in my dry cabinet most of the time cos i found it too long for 1.5x crop. then came the S5 Pro which I ordered and got one off one of the first shipments. a lack of dry cabinet space resulted in me selling off the S3 Pro with a heavy heart. on hindsight i should have just bought a new dry cabinet.

meanwhile my desire for a reasonably priced full frame dslr remained. the eos 5D and nikon D2x had been released for quite a while. rumours of the 5D Mark 2 and D3 were plenty but no sign of either. at this point i could go with either brand. as fate would have it, i was at MS Color one day and brand new D3 walked in the door. the price was rather steep, but i simply couldn't refuse it. full frame at last and finally my 70-200mm didn't seem too long anymore and it started to see more daylight.

so here i am now with an S5 Pro to satisfy my color wants, and a D3 for my full frame wants. :grin:

[madmacs]

Must also listen to Ah Bluff. He is our Mr Practical. :thumbsup:

the problem is i always listen but my heart got no ears :rofl:

[bluffname]

i suddenly found my lenses too long for my liking...

For me, the longer the better :rofl: :cheer:

[madmacs]

For me, the longer the better :rofl: :cheer:

i 35mm and 50mm shooter mah :grin:

[KopiOkaya]

it's a question of NEED vs WANT...

What we want may not necessarily be what we need. However, sometimes we do want to pamper ourselves a bit.

I WANT more money in my bank leh... But I still NEED to spend on necessities and pay bills. How??? :confused1:

[bukitimah]

Monday Singapore pool has $1m waiting for someone to pick up. Life is only balance if you know your needs. Lots of money may not be lots of happiness.

[KopiOkaya]

So we are all human and share to same urge. Maybe it is good to share how you first landed with what you have and given a chioce, what would you prefer?

I started photography way back in 1978. I was just 5-6 years old then. My father was an avid photographer, so I followed him to most of his photo shoots (mainly at Botanic Gardens and Mount Faber). He was using a Yashica Mat TLR (Twin Lens Reflect) camera then. It had a built-in light meter but wasn't accurate. Instead, my father taught me how to use the Sunny 16 Rule to predict exposure. And so, his Yashica Mat became my camera as time goes by.

Some time in 1981-82, my father "downgraded" to a Nikon FE. He was using Vivitar Series 1 lenses with the FE. One of them was the 70-210, which quickly became my favorite lens at that time. Migrating from a fixed standard lens (of the Yashica Mat) to a zoom lens was like moving to a new country. It changed the way I see things and how I explored my subjects. I have since "hijacked" his Nikon FE, together with the Vivitar 70-210.

In 1986, my father bought a FE2 and gave away the FE to his brother-in-law (my maternal uncle) who was learning photography that time. In 1988, when I was in Secondary 3, I joined my school's photography club. The teacher in-charge told us to use a fully manual camera. Since the FE2 wasn't exactly mine, my father decided to buy me a FM2, which was the same camera my teacher used so that I could follow his steps and instructions more closely. I sold that FM2, together with the motor drive for $150 in 2005. :knock1:

While studying in the United States, I still had the FM2 with me. I used it for all of my school assignments and projects. However, in my sophomore year, I landed a photojournalist job with the university newspaper and was required to shoot sports events. Suddenly, I found the FM2 "not fast enough" for the job. And so I went to the nearest camera store 100 miles (about 60 km) away from my university and bought an used F3HP with motor drive and flash for US$800. The F3HP was about condition 8, but I didn't care too much as I NEEDed it.

After graduating from university, I worked two jobs to pay my study loans. One as a photojournalist for a small town newspaper and my other first job was to work as an operator at the Fujifilm photo processing facility. Not long after, a former course-mate asked me to join her studio. She told me they only shoot with larger format cameras, preferably a Hasselblad. And so with US$1,500, I bought an used Hasselblad 500 with a 80mm lens. Unfortunately due to a disagreement with her partner, I quit after few months. I kept the Hasselblad and lens.

In 2000, I joined a portrait studio. They paid me well. Eventually I saved up and bought a 150mm and a 40mm Hasselblad lenses. This is more of my WANT than NEED. I returned to Singapore that same year and bought a Horseman 4X5 camera with a Schneider 90mm lens from Cathay Photo. Again, this is more WANT than NEED. I sold the Horseman, together with a 90mm and a 210mm lenses for about SG$2,000 in 2006 to fund other photo gears. I also sold the Hasselblad, together with the 3 lenses to a former colleague for a very good price.

It took me a while to move from film to digital. My first digital camera was a Nikon CoolPix 995 (I still have it today). I continued to shoot film despite having the digital camera. Then in 2003, I upgraded to a D100, used it briefly as I was still shooting film until I discovered the magic of Fujifilm FinePix DSLRs. Images from FinePix DSLRs are so "film-like" that I no longer find the need to shoot film anymore. I have used virtually every FinePix DSLR except the S1 Pro. Today, I don't think I will ever use other DSLR except FinePix. I have been shooting films for over a quarter of a century, there isn't a camera that will ever comes close to FinePix S-series DSLR in term of colors and tonality.

Now, I keep my gears very simple - two S5 Pro bodies, 50, 17-55 and 80-400 lenses, two Nikon Speedlights and my F3HP just in case I have to shoot film. If I ever need an ultra wide angle, a macro lens or a faster telephoto lens, I will just rent. No point buying so many lenses and keep them in the dry cabinet. :coolnod:

[KopiOkaya]

Lots of money may not be lots of happiness.

True, but at least I don't have to worry so much about paying bills and other stuff. 没人会闲钱多。 :cheers:

[bukitimah]

Larry, that was a fantastic 'history' of your photography experiences. Beside the Konica, Nikon, Canon and at most Rollei, etc, I have not heard of Hasselblad at all!

Most of you guys are using Fuji S5 Pro. According the the write up, the body is actually that of Nikon D80 and it uses Nikon lens. What is the big different between a DX and a FX camera? When then should one consider FX?

[KopiOkaya]

Most of you guys are using Fuji S5 Pro. According the the write up, the body is actually that of Nikon D80 and it uses Nikon lens. What is the big different between a DX and a FX camera? When then should one consider FX?

The S5 Pro is actually a Nikon D200 with Fujifilm inerts (CCD sensor, processor and firmware), not D80. Whereas, both S2 Pro and S3 Pro are based on the Nikon F80 body, again with Fujifilm inerts.

Nikon DX DSLRs use a smaller sensor with a crop factor of 1.5X. This type of sensor is also known as APS-C sensor. Nikon FX DSLRs use a full sensor same size as conventional 35mm film, which is physically larger than DX sensor. The S5 Pro uses a DX SuperCCD SR sensor.

[TheChef]

I find that pictures taken by S5 Pro is generally soft. This is why I have to complement it with an S3 Pro for the good ol' Fujifilm colour reproduction and Nikon D50 if I need a faster camera.

[madmacs]

i miss my S3 Pro. how much is good condition 2nd hand set? :p

[TheChef]

i miss my S3 Pro. how much is good condition 2nd hand set? :p

Around $400 can get already.

[bukitimah]

I think to a novice like me, the LCD display is important. If the resolution is not enough, even if I zoom in, I may not be aware the photo is not sharp enough till I get back home and look at the computer. A VGA screen would not have such a problem.

Am I correct?

[bluffname]

I think to a novice like me, the LCD display is important. If the resolution is not enough, even if I zoom in, I may not be aware the photo is not sharp enough till I get back home and look at the computer. A VGA screen would not have such a problem.

Am I correct?

Yes and no... Canon cameras have excellent LCD screens, such that often the photo looks nicer than it is when go home and view on computer. That is not what you want either. Nowadays with auto focus lenses, provided you shoot correctly - no need high skiills, just dun make silly mistakes - photo should be more or less sharp.

Even for experienced photographer like me, now and then still some photos not 100 percent sharp. But we don't always have the luxury of checking after each shot because if check too often sometimes the action will be gone by then. Just have to develop your skills until most times the photos are ok, and if sometimes not ok... that's life :cheers:

[KopiOkaya]

I agree with Bluffname. Having proper skills and using the correct techniques are important. The LCD screen is just a guide. Most of the time, I don't even refer to it (mainly to save battery). :o

In the past when we were shooting film, where got such thing as checking the screen? It is either you get it or you don't. The verdict comes only when you collect the negatives or slides from the photo lab. You must possess such mentality when shooting digital too. Always try to get it right the first time you shoot, assuming there is no second chance. Adopt the sniper's creed -> "one shot one kill". :coolnod:

[bukitimah]

Still hot on this subject. I decided to trade my D5000 with a D300. Nothing wrong with the D5000 except the LCD screen resolution just didn't meet my requirement although shifu said I have to learn not to rely on it. With technology, I must make use of it too mah :grin:

I didn't really own any camera previously. Of course I do have some simple ones like the Pentax, Konica, cannon, Ricoh, etc. Nothing serious and most belong to the film age.

As a matter of fact, we have some older cameras and even those flash blubs where once you flashed, it is gone. Those days, I don't really appreciate them and when we move house, I believe we just throw them away. I still remember this camera with a canvas around the body and the lens to allow it to extent outwards. If you want to take a self portrait, you got to set the mechanical timer!

I venture into this hobby again early this year. Not sure if my interest is this '3 minutes fire', I decided on a basic set up first. I read up a bit and from the web sites, most write up point to Nikon D90. Although I agree and think the D90 is still among the better ones under that budget, the D5000 seems to meet most criteria and it is cheaper!

At that point, I was also sway by the idea of the swirl screen and the concept that without the motor in the body, less wear and tear. These are my own assumptions.

As it turns out, these are the 2 main reasons why I decided to switch. First the LCD screen resolution did not provide me an accurate picture of the shot I took. When I display on my computer screen, it was too late. With the information on site, I could have made adjustment there and then. This also got to do with age lah.

The body without motor means I have to opt for AFS lens only and there cost more. If I want to upgrade to better lenses, the lens are the one that is going to be where the money goes. At this point, I think the body prices will drop with newer models coming in every other 2-3 years. Lens cost should be going up the other way around.

I was shooting at the bird park last week. I realized the 4 frames from the D5000 is not able to match the flying of the bird too. I am not sure this D300 can do its job but I feel it is not just the 4 or 6 frames. A lot got to do with the camera processor too. Shifus not sure if I said the right thing. :sweat: I am a technical person and thus analyze things based on the information I had.

Why D300? Well, a number of write up say it is a great camera since I am likely to stick to Nikon. The position of the various control attract me as I don't have to scroll up and down the menu to get to those functions. D7000 and D300s would be nice but I feel being new, the price difference did not justify it. Just like iphone 3 or 4 or 5, wonder how much of the 'additional' we use.

The D300 can also prepare me for the FX should one day I upgrade to the next level. I am not sure when but you never know. I move within 8 months! I just want to know this camera better and shoot more. Of course shifus need to impact some of their skills and :knock1::knock1::knock1: more in order for me to learn. My skull is quite thick and I can accept any :knock1:

D300 does not have video recoding which I thought is a good nice to have just incase you need to record something interesting. Well, I will try to carry a compact point and shoot camera to meet that need.

I decided to write this for the benefit of others who may be in the same boat and cannot decide what to do. My experiences and decision may not be the best or correct ones. At least you know what went about and how those decision were made.

Thank you for reading and do give your comments and advices. I normally do not edit my post and please pardon me for any errors. afterall this is a casual chat session.

[wilswong]

Honestly I think 4 and 5 frames may seem a lot but it is really the lens that is hindering the 5000. Once you get the right lens and the shutter speed is at its optimum for that shot, then the 4 and 5 frames difference will be critical.

The D300 is a different beast to the 5000 and rightly will do nicely for nearly everything u need to do. It is designed for quick settings and no time for menu punching.

Great shooting ahead bro. (I am still at D200).

[bluffname]

WAH upgrade liao :cheer: See you tomorrow with your new toy I will join the jiao park shoot - but I have my season pass no worries about the ticket. :cheers:

[bukitimah]

Shifus, I realized when I set my picture to RAW mode, the CL dropped to 2.5 fps although my menu said setting is 6 fps. If I switch to the other setting, it shoot at 6 fps.

How to over come this?

[bukitimah]

Alright, I have tried all sort of things the whole afternoon. This is really an intelligent camera that out smart me or maybe I am just stupid :knock2:

I think I need more time to tame it. Now I think I am able to set the camera to raw mode and achieve 6 fps. :rofl:

I think the time spent also help me understand more of this camera. otherwise I would be just shooting and using the short cuts.

The raw must be 12 bit. the preset is something else. so even if you reset the camera, you need to make the changes. :cheers:

I like the auto ISO feature but I also love to be able to control it. However, there is no single button to toggle between the 2. YOu need to go into the menu to make changes. Any tips? :confused1:

I also read up and understand the AFC is preset at focus. Recommended is to change it to release-focus. I think I tend to agree with this arrangement. will try out that too.

[sellerbuyer2008]

I only started taking photos in year 2006, with totally no knowledge what is a camera in my past. Now 5 year slater i think i am going nowhere. Used a Nikon D60 and Nikon D5000 before. Guess which is the better cam?

So i got no good advices to tell TS. But before i give my 2 cents to TS on whether to upgradde or not, i suggest TS can help us by showing us the photos he took so far, in his opinion his best shots. Then i think i can advise.

:p