D90 Replacement

[Pwn3dPhotoN00b]

I've been reading up, and from everything I've seen, rumor has strongly suggested that the D90 will see a replacement announcement in August'ish. I'm looking to upgrade, but I'm wondering if I should upgrade now or wait for the announcement? I'd hate to buy to spend $1050 (on Amazon currently) on a circa 2008 model that will be discontinued in a month... but I'd also hate to spend any more than $1050 on a new model that might be slightly better! (I'm usually the guy that pulls the trigger too soon or perhaps too late this time; not the guy that constantly waits for the next model and ends up never buying anything.)

So what's your advice? Buy now or wait it out...? I'm a new guy and desperately seek your expertise! Eeeek!

Many Thanks!!

[OsmosisStudios]

As I've said before, I can't see Nikon making huge changes to the D90 in a replacement. Unless they come out with a new sensor (for a D90/D300s, and possibly a D3000 replacement), I honestly don't know what could be done.

[Wylde007]

Just because it may be discontinued will not mean it all of a sudden becomes a poor camera over night the d90 is a great camera and if you want an upgrade buy it!! always something new that comes out to be honest, think of them as box's they more or less do the same thing give or take a few pixels, what's on the front is the most important bit the glass coupled with your own creativity.

[lil red bird]

It is a great camera. Unless you have to have the latest and greatest camera or whatever get what you need and do not worry about the "newest" there are always better cameras etc coming out. Lenses and your skill are what matters more than the body.

[LBaker]

It is a great camera, so depending on you skill level and how large a file you want to work with will influence you decision. I just got the Canon 5d Mark II this weekend. The camera is great, but I also got a very big surprise when I shot some pictures with the 24 to 105 lens verses the new 100 MM fixed focus Macro lens. I just a very quick lesson on why prime lenses are better. I never knew that zoom lenses put such a bend in straight lines. I shot a picture of our piano and the keyboad, on an 8 x 10 print has about 1/8 of an inch bow in it. I guess I purchase prime lenses from here on out.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by LBaker

It is a great camera, so depending on you skill level and how large a file you want to work with will influence you decision. I just got the Canon 5d Mark II this weekend. The camera is great, but I also got a very big surprise when I shot some pictures with the 24 to 105 lens verses the new 100 MM fixed focus Macro lens. I just a very quick lesson on why prime lenses are better. I never knew that zoom lenses put such a bend in straight lines. I shot a picture of our piano and the keyboad, on an 8 x 10 print has about 1/8 of an inch bow in it. I guess I purchase prime lenses from here on out.

Did you get the right thread there? While it's here though, not all zoom lenses will have barrel or pincushion distortion like you described. It varies from lens to lens. Also, not all L lenses are of the highest quality.

[sk66]

If they do field a replacement, or even a somewhat "better" camera at the current D90 price point, then the D90 price will drop.

My question would be "why are you wanting to buy a D90 now?" If it's just to upgrade from an already capable camera then maybe wait, but there is the chance you will be waiting much later than Aug even if they do make an anouncement at that time.

[AmyH19]

I just bought one from B&H for $779 (body only). I'd heard about a potential replacement but really wanted/needed another camera now. If you don't really need one now, I'd probably wait and see what happens.

[Pwn3dPhotoN00b]

Originally Posted by sk66

My question would be "why are you wanting to buy a D90 now?" If it's just to upgrade from an already capable camera then maybe wait, but there is the chance you will be waiting much later than Aug even if they do make an anouncement at that time.

I currently own a Nikon D40 which seems limiting for some of the things I want to achieve. Mainly, I haven't purchased any additional lenses because of the AF issue (lack of internal motor) and limited finances. I'd really like to start messing around with additional lenses (probably older or used that will be cheaper), but just don't want to plunk it in my D40 in case I might decide to *gasp* go Canon. The EOS 50D is looking mighty nice to me in the same price bracket....

[coombzy]

The lack of internal motor was a huge reason why I chose the D90 upgrading from a D40. Like you, I'd rather save what I can on AF lenses. As one reason, of course. It's already been said but it's worth repeating: even if Nikon does replace the D90, it's still a great camera. Whether you want to wait it out is completely up to you. Switching to Canon is a whole other factor though. If you're invested in Nikon and have several lenses I don't see why you'd want to go that route. But, if you only have a lens or two maybe it's worth it. I definitely can't say one company is better than the other as I enjoy both. I just got used to the Nikon interface so I stuck to it. It's difficult to comment knowing the little that we do about your situation.