New guy. Should I get another camera?

[SnapFire]

Morning! I've got a question. I am just getting into photography and I recently bought a Fuji S200EXR. I love the camera and already gotten some great shots. However I found on Craigslist a Nikon D3000, like new, owned by a professional photographer as a back up camera. It comes with all originally included items, ie: 18-55 kit lens, battery, charger, manuals, cables... She's asking $350. My thought is that I would like to get this to start playing with some prime lenses (specifically the 50mm f1.8) and it would be nice to have the APS-C sized sensor. I feel like the price she's asking is quite fair but I just can't get myself to take the leap and buy a second camera. Any thoughts?

Benefits of my S200EXR:
1: Excellent Zoom Range
2: No need to change lenses (No ability either though)
3: Shoots Video
4: MANY Scene Modes
5: Already have a couple different filters
6: Live View LCD

Benefits of getting the D3000:
1: Larger Sensor
2: Interchangeable lenses
3: Guide Mode - Will help me learn to use the manual settings
4: Able to swap lenses with a friend who already has a Nikon D70

Bear in mind, I will be keeping my S200EXR, I wouldn't be getting rid of it to get the D3000.

I am a hobby photographer. I have no intention of "going pro" obviously. I just like to take nice photos. I would love to be able to shoot things like the local high school play (a close friend is the drama instructor so it would mostly be photos for his use), maybe christmas card family photos for friends, photos of firefighter training (as I am a firefighter) and the normal hobbyist stuff like landscapes, pics of my dog and vacations.

[Murtasma]

How long have you been shooting with the S200? Is there something your unsatisfied with your current gear? I would recommend upgrading to a DLSR but only if your know the knowledge foundation to actually put a DSLR to good use.

[SnapFire]

I got my S200 just after Christmas and I have about 1000 shots on it. It will still be my go to carry camera just because it's easy to use and has a great zoom range without carrying extra lenses (30.5-436mm). My goals with the D3000 are as follows; it has the "Guide" mode which will help me learn the manual settings which can apply to both cameras, and also the interchangeable lenses which will allow me to start a glass collection. I'd like to play with some prime lenses. I like what I'm seeing people shoot with the 50mm f1.8. Also, my friend that I shoot with has a D70 so we can swap glass which will essentially double the glass options for both of us.

[dlambert]

If you shoot long enough, you're eventually going to want a DSLR. Picking one up now gets you some experience sooner, which is great. As @murtasma indicated, though, you'd ideally like to know *why* you're moving to a DSLR (or any equipment upgrade) unless you're just trying to burn through some cash (I can help with that, btw).

You're trying to balance two competing drivers: (1) the longer you wait, the more informed you'll be about your decision, but (2) the longer you wait, the more photo opportunities pass you by. For lots of people, half the battle is figuring out what brand of camera they want to be in (Nikon, Canon, etc.), because once you start accumulating lenses & accessories, it gets pretty expensive to switch brands. In your case, you've already got a compelling reason to go Nikon, so that really makes your decision easier.

Unfortunately, the decision is still ultimately yours. FWIW, I bought a Canon 30D last year to supplement my Panasonic FZ-28. I'm keeping the Panny mainly for video and for backpacking (it's *tons* lighter than a full DSLR outfit). I'll carry the DSRL on day-hikes, but I've got a 10-day backpacking trip coming up in a year or so, and I really like the idea of saving a few pounds on that trip.

[Thunder_o_b]

My 2 cents worth.

When ever I am asked this kind of question I answer something like this. How much do you know about the fundamentals of photography? Do you have a firm grasp on the pros and cons of the major camera manufactures ie. Canon, Nikon? Where do you plan to be with your photography in five years?

If you make the wrong buy now it will cost you plenty later. Take the time to learn about the different forms that this obsession we call photography takes, and then and only then buy into a platform. I am a Canon shooter, I like the brand, and for my style of extreme macro it is the only way to go because of the MP-E65 lens, but Nikon is a fine line and I will never say other wise.

Take your time, there will always be "great" deals on lenses and bodies, but a great deal is not so great when you find that you have invested in the wrong gear and you have to spend money all over again.

[SnapFire]

Well, I hesitated and she sold the D3000. I'm really glad as it takes the weight of making the decision off of my shoulders. I think I'm going to run my S200 for this year and grab a DSLR next spring.