Jump in to get a D700? Cuz thats the best, isnt it?

[renato88]

I know it is a topic, probably in a lot of forums but here i go:
Am reading/researching a lot to know what I am going to purchase as upgrade for my D80. There is a lot of good things about the D7000 but also, there are only good things about the D700. So, questions about getting either D7000 or D700 is just about money.
Since I am going to take it to a serious level, I think I should go in the D700 direction. But I love to hear your opinion.
Maybe for the same amount I can get a D7000 with a good f/2.8 lens but what is wise?
(I know I would need full frame lenses, yes I have to start somewhere. Just like I started with my D80 and one lens.)
And also with a D7000 I could use the lenses I already have (AF-S 50 mm/AF-S 18-70mm DX Zoom-Nikkor F/3.5 and AF-S 70-300mm VR Zoom-Nikkor F/4.5-5.6G ED-IF)

Or just jump in and having the money to get a D700 plus maybe one lens?
When I see and compare photos taken with D7000, or D300, the D700 is the one with most detail, sharpness, etc.
BTW, I am going to do weddings (love sports photography like car and motorcross races as well!)

[Almond.Butterscotch]

if you don't have too much invested in DX lenses and don't mind spending 2-3x more money for equivalent lenses, then sure, go to FX and get the D700. If you'd rather have the glass now and the body later ('cause you know- the glass is much more important), then do that.

Just bear in mind that the D700 replacement is supposed to come out this year (who know now with the earthquake/tsunami and all) so if you do get the D700, don't get caught up in buyer's remorse.

[jdepould]

How much experience do you have? For most people, you're better off spending the difference on lenses.

[renato88]

Originally Posted by jdepould

How much experience do you have? For most people, you're better off spending the difference on lenses.

Have done product photography (medium format film camera plus Canon 20D at that time). Last four years used my D80 for some sports photography (published in local paper), lots of nature and landscape and going into weddings, portraits and corporate events.
Did not think about a D300 yet, which I like body-wise better than a D7000, that I could consider as well.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by renato88

Did not think about a D300 yet, which I like body-wise better than a D7000, that I could consider as well.

If you can strech it, there is rumors for a replacement sometime this fall. May be interesting to see what the new body as to offer.

You seem to know your photography but also curious to see what others have to say.
The same picture with a FF will cost you way more, but at the same time, no big deal if you have the budget.
Depending how much money you can spend for the switch, I would rather make sure I have a serious lens kit that can handle many situations before getting the body. You want to take full advantage of these mega sensors.

Based on what I read (I was also tempted at some point to make the switch last year but decided to wait for the D400), the viewfinder is better. Maybe something you are really looking into if you are working a lot with portrait/narrow depth of field/manual focus. Many people will also recommend to look into FF if you are a lot into low light photography and wide-angles.

Bottom line, I do beleive it depend how big you need to present your pictures and what media you are using.