What’s Your Preference?

Shepp59 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 06:40 PM

Hey guys,
Just getting started in the Dslr bizz and am undecided which way to go. Got it narrowed down to the D700 or the D300s. My budget dictates the D300s which would allow for the purchase of better quality lenses however as weddings are more likely the way i'll start out earning a living it seems from all the reviews i've read that the D700 the better choice and i will lean more towards landscapes, wildlife and portraits as i develope. I am ameture but feel i can grow quickly into a D700. What do you think?

Shepp59 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 07:00 PM

Hey guys,
Just getting started in the Dslr bizz and am undecided which way to go. Got it narrowed down to the D700 or the D300s. My budget dictates the D300s which would allow for the purchase of better quality lenses however as weddings are more likely the way i'll start out earning a living it seems from all the reviews i've read that the D700 the better choice and i will lean more towards landscapes, wildlife and portraits as i develope. I am ameture but feel i can grow quickly into a D700. What do you think?

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OsmosisStudios · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 07:13 PM

whoa there. whoa...

What kind of experience do you have?

Having a nice big matte-black dSLR doesnt automatically make you a wedding photographer. it doesn't even make you a photographer. You need to know your gear before you can do anything with it.

OsmosisStudios · #4 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 07:17 PM

Cross posting is discouraged.

see my response here

http://digital-photography-school.co...-what-buy.html

kirbinster · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shepp59

Hey guys,
Just getting started in the Dslr bizz and am undecided which way to go. Got it narrowed down to the D700 or the D300s.
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Humm, just starting out and buying a sports car before you learn to drive???

Please give us a little background on your experience and what has you torn between the two.

Nicole · #6 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 07:21 PM

Yep, Cross-posting is discouraged, which is why I've merged the two threads together now

I agree with what's been said before though.

Shepp59 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 10:34 PM

Not alot with Dslrs. 5+ years with with D point&shoot cameras and 20+ with older 35mm slrs( minoltas). Ships photographer while in the service and other than that just for fun and some weddings for friends and family. Not claiming to be anything other than an enthusiast with a desire to make a living at it. Worked in sales all my life and now have the opportunity to do what I like for a living. I just want equipment that allows me many years to grow as opposed to having to upgrade after a year or so. Is this not a positve approach?
Sorry about the cross posting, New to the forum biz as well.

OsmosisStudios · #8 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 03:27 AM

Weddings are notoriously difficult: getting into the business is going to require a substantial investment in both time and money. I'd recommend going the D700 route with perhaps a D300s as a backup/second body.

You'll definitely be into the 70-200 f/2.8 VR, either the I or II version. Apart from that I'd recommend something with a wider view (24-70 f/2.8?) or a fast prime (50 or 85mm). That's at the very least.

You'll likely be investing in flashes soon (SB-900s, likely, or strobes) as well as stands, mounts and modifiers.

Total outlay is going to be in the 10-15k range, just for the bare minimum. And that just covers gear!

sk66 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 05:19 AM

IMO, worry less about the body, worry more about the lenses and required accessories (lighting, tripod, etc etc). Buy top quality FF lenses because I think for wedding/portrait that is where you will end up....But by the time you are ready to go pro either body will likely be somewhat outdated.