Help for a newbie

[MPall]

Hello,

I am very new to the forum and already have something on my mind that's been brewing there since Christmas. Currently I own a Nikon D70. Actually, I got a D90 for Christmas but returned it. At the moment, I only photograph my kids (I have shot my cousin's wedding too, but more for personal usage). Eventually I would like to do wedding photography and portraits. I am looking for a new camera, even though I LOVE my D70 - it's 6 years old. I can't make up my mind between D90, D300, D700. I know I'll do the jump to full frame at one point, but since I still have lots to learn, should I spend major $$. What would be the best option for me? I know I don't want to get stuck with 3 - 4 cameras in the end and tons of lenses which won't fit the full frame camera. I would really appreciate any advice. Sorry for my rambling, I hope I make sense

The lenses I currently have are: my kit lens for the D70 AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm, Quantaray 100-300mm (which I used on my N70), so as you can see I don't have a huge collection. I have mixed thoughts on whether I should start building up my lenses for a full frame camera and not waste money on something that will be getting replaced sooner or later.

I attached some photos for your critique. Your opinion will also help me figure out if whether or not I have what it takes to make it into the professional world.

Again, sorry for the lengthy e-mail and thank you on advance for any help/opinion.

[zona5101]

Welcome!
You don't mention is $$ is an issue. If not just buy full frame glass. Otherwise you can always sell/trade a crop lens later when you're ready for the ff glass.

[Nicole]

If the D70 is still working well for you, I also agree, buy more / better lenses that do what you want to do. If you're looking for something in particular with the newer bodies, that's worth considering too. From experience, the D90 does great at high ISO's, but you'll still want to couple that with a good, fast lens if you're doing portraits / weddings. I know the D70 isn't the best at high ISOs, but you have to consider whether or not that's going to be a big deal for you. I'd say look into a wide aperture zoom lens to start with. Something in the f/2.8 range. It will probably serve you better than a new body at this point, though depending, the new body will probably help too. But I'd say the lens would probably be the better option for now.

[MPall]

Wow, thanks for such a fast reply. To zona5101, the price range I have in mind is up to $2000, preferably for a body and a lens. Will ff lenses work on my D70 or D300?

To Nicole, I have taken literally thousands of photos with my D70. I have had it fixed twice, so I just don't trust it a 100% anymore - if that makes any sense.

[ffscj3562130]

Why'd you return the D90?

[Almond.Butterscotch]

If you're range is $2k, why not start off with one of the two [pretty much] required lenses for wedding photogs: the 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8? Each is about $2k (give or take). You might want to wait and see if one of the wedding guys using either on a DX body and how they feel about it.

[MPall]

I returned the D90 because for some reason I didn't think it was a huge upgrade. So then I started researching to figure out what would be a true upgrade to my D70. I don't really care about the video feature. I know the D90 is a MUCH better camera that my D70, and if I going to spend money I figured might as well get something semi-pro.

How do you guys feel about used lenses? Have anyone gotten a chance to look at my 3 photos? What do you think? I would have to spend $2k on a lens if I don't have the "it".

Thanks so much for all the responses.

[CiiVii]

I was wondering why you wanted an upgrade when you didn't have any specifics as to why the d70 doesn't suit you. You havan't mentioned anything that it is unable to do which you would like it to do. Since you said it has been repaired and you don't trust its continuing functionality, then it makes sense to hunt a new one.

We all have things that are important to us. I can understand drooling over a full frame camera. I do all the time. But why? For me, it's the wide-angle capabilities that my dx sensor just can't reach and it is also the "magic" look of full frame- something I noticed, couldn't put words to, and then found an explanation for on Ken Rockwell's site. The explanation is long and you can read it here. But you know what? I've shot with a full frame camera and I'm not that good (period!) for it to make up for my own inadequacies.

This isn't meant to be unkind, but the 3 sample photos you posted show that your camera is not the limiting factor in your photography. Meaning, you can continue to work on your technique without blowing a wad of money. A better body or lens would not significantly alter any of those 3 shots. But if you need a new camera because the continuing function of yours is questionable, by all means go for it! I'd save up to jump to FX just because I think it's worth it, you might feel the same or differently.

I hope that helps a little. I'm not trying to be rude- this is the same advice I give myself...

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by MPall

Wow, thanks for such a fast reply. To zona5101, the price range I have in mind is up to $2000, preferably for a body and a lens. Will ff lenses work on my D70 or D300?

To Nicole, I have taken literally thousands of photos with my D70. I have had it fixed twice, so I just don't trust it a 100% anymore - if that makes any sense.

2 grand?...if you save a bit you can buy...one lens! ...or one body and no lens! You might want to spend some time at nikon-usa and then b&h and figure out what it will really cost.

[MPall]

To CiiVii, thanks for the brutal honesty, I do appreciate it, but as I mentioned in my post I know I still have a lot to learn.

To zona5101, I have been looking at B&H and looks like I can definitely afford the d300 and a lens.

But after reading Ken Rockwell's article CiiVii suggested, I think I'll save, save, save and get the full format.

Thank you all.