Help with new camera purchase: D90 or something else?

[Pwn3dPhotoN00b]

Hi Guys,

I'm so lost! I currently have a Nikon D40 with kit lens and I feel like I need something a little more. Specifically, I'm looking for something that can do bracketing and perform well (read: better) in low light. Also, the 6MP isn't cutting it when cropping so more megapixels are needed.

I'm considering upgrading to the D90, but I have a few concerns. Is this still a 'new' camera, or is there a D90 upgrade around the corner? I would hate to plunk down the money for a D90 when a newer model would either a) be better or b) bump down the price of the D90.

I'm not even set on a Nikon. It seems like the Canons out there seem to take better pictures... or is that my imagination?

I'd like to get something that I can buy lenses on the cheap (but quality) - right now, my D40 limits me because of the lack of an AF motor. Something that performs better in low light and something that takes sharper images than my D40. Everything always seem dull/blurry in my D40 shots.

Any suggestions? Should I get the D90, or consider something equivalent in the Canon line? Right now, I only have a 55-200 f4-5.6G lens and SB-400 - so I'm not *too* invested so far to get out the Nikon market if I need to.

I'm so lost. All reviews seem to go either way and they all seem dated, circa 2008.

Anything you can contribute would help me immensely!

Thank you!!

[OsmosisStudios]

THe D90 is expected to be replaced sometime soon, but dont expect the price to go down when it does: it'll simply dissappear and, if you don't catch it in that window, you'll be stuck with the newer model (and price!)

That being said, I think there are issues outside of equipment. If your images are blurry or somehow not up to spec, it could be something you're doing, not the camera.

[Pwn3dPhotoN00b]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

THe D90 is expected to be replaced sometime soon, but dont expect the price to go down when it does: it'll simply dissappear and, if you don't catch it in that window, you'll be stuck with the newer model (and price!)

That being said, I think there are issues outside of equipment. If your images are blurry or somehow not up to spec, it could be something you're doing, not the camera.

It very well could be operator error, but I've done everything I can think of to create crisp shots and it's not happening. Fast shutter speeds on tripods in the brightest part of the day, and I'm still not making it happen. One of my main complaints with the D40 is the lack of onboard controls to quickly make changes to settings... I'm tired of digging deep into menus to change standard settings that could be operated by two or more dials.

Would you recommend picking up the D90 now while it's in the $1,000 range or wait for the update (which could be in the $1200+ range)...

[OsmosisStudios]

THe only thing I can see NIkon doing to the D90 is adding MP, which wont do a whole lot. Get a D90 and be done with it.

[coombzy]

I agree with the above!

I just made the upgrade from D40 to D90 and though it's a tiny learning curve I don't regret the purchase. I can't say I have issues with dull or blurry photos with the D40 though...I've had it in the Vivid mode for the past year and never have to touch the saturation in Photoshop.

[Aegea]

Ditto OS and Coombzy. Go for the D90, I don't think you will regret it.

[kclemente]

I think after a week or so of contemplating which camera to purchase, I have decided also on the Nikon D90. My only issue now is what tripod to buy? Everyone has said it is an important purchase. I really only want to spend around $200. Will this get me a good enough tripod for this camera. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

Depends on what you want to be doing with it. You can get stable tripods good enough for "most" uses for about $100, but a good and proper tripod is outside your budget, and by a fair bit.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

here's a 'pod that's just above your $200 mark- it's supposed to be pretty solid (and gets compact when you aren't using it.) I've only ever had experience with it's [much more expensive] older sister (carbon fiber instead of alumninum)

[coombzy]

Originally Posted by kclemente

My only issue now is what tripod to buy? Everyone has said it is an important purchase.

For the love of god and all that is holy, heed to these words. Last week I looked into a new tripod as mine is so ancient the company that made it ceased to exist after 1954. However, I have a rough time tossing out $100-200 on a thing that sits under the bed most of the time. So I tossed my notes into the trash and thought I'd get by just fine with my rickety antique. The camera gods were watching.

Just today I was in a tree playing with the remote and my dog who was ambling around brushed by the thing (in all fairness it was in tall grass) and in slow motion I watched my brand spanking new D90 hit the ground in a very moist mud patch. No one's ever jumped out of a tree so quickly.

So yes. Buy a good tripod. A good, stable tripod.