D7000 or the D700

[djphoto]

Hi Guys

Please help me. I want to upgrade from my D60, but obviously the budget is a bit tight.
I want to spe******e in family photos, newborn, preggy shoots and one or 2 weddings, so 3/4 of my photos would need to be natural light, low light conditions. thereforeI am looking between the D7000 and the D700.

I went through each one's specs and most of the big issues (that I need this camera for) is the same, except for the FX / DX format. I dont care about the HD video options etc.

My question: I need someone's opinion that has both bodies and that can tell me in all honesty which one to buy for what I am looking for. I usually work between an ISO of 400-800. Would you rather by a D700 with an older lense(I cannot afford the FX lenses at this time) or would you rahter buy a D7000 with a pro lense.

The last one sounds more to my liking, but so scared I go and buy a camera and I am not happy. I need low light, low noise images that are SHARP!!!

please try and help as I dont know which one to choose. Can I really use the D7000 as a "pro" camera? I am not working in a studio, this would be my own sideline job. I am not going to shoot everyday the whole day. at the moment its usually over weekends that I get jobs.
I am also looking at a good portrait lens that I can use for the above mentioned photoshoots. Thanks a mill!!!!

[kirbinster]

Money an issue, then definitely go with the D7000. You won't be able to aford good glass if you put your money in the D700 and the glass is more important than the difference between the bodies.

[djphoto]

Yup. I am thinking the same thing. I am looking at the D7000 and then the Nikon 28-300mm. I have a 50mm 1.4 and then looking at a fixed wide angle??? Then I probably have most of the necessary.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by djphoto

Yup. I am thinking the same thing. I am looking at the D7000 and then the Nikon 28-300mm. I have a 50mm 1.4 and then looking at a fixed wide angle??? Then I probably have most of the necessary.

I wouldnt go the 28-300 route, for several reasons, and you wont find a very good wide angle prime either, especially not for cheap.

If you wanna go with expensive lenses, then the 24-70 f/2.8 is your best choice. It's not as wide on the D7000 as it would be on a D700, but the f/2.8 will help with the low-light and sharpness you're looking for.

As for wide angle: how wide do you want?

[Shokinen]

The 28-300 was desing to give a "18-200 option" for FX shooters. I'm affraid you won't find it wide enough on a crop sensor.

[djphoto]

Thanks for all the help guys. Yup. just a day or 2 after asking this question I read up about the 28-300. now I will definitely be saving for the 24-70.
not sure how wide though, what do you guys recommend?

[barencibia]

Originally Posted by djphoto

Yup. I am thinking the same thing. I am looking at the D7000 and then the Nikon 28-300mm. I have a 50mm 1.4 and then looking at a fixed wide angle??? Then I probably have most of the necessary.

In my case I bought the D700 and one old 35-70mm Nikon FX lens for the film era. It does pretty good in low light conditions, FX frame has more room to handle noise even at 3200 ISO.

[sk66]

My general recommendation: Unless money is of no concern or you REALLY need very high ISO capability, do not upgrade to FF.

There are benefits to FF, but the price is quite large in many aspects.

That said, I love the FF pro bodies.... (but I'd buy the Dx version if they had a current model)

[hpotter101]

d7000 and a pro lense would really fit your needs

fx lenses are sooo expensive. you can buy a good dx glass for a far lesses price

[gfinlayson]

If you want low noise, then the D700 wins hands down:


D7k 35mm f1.8 ISO 6400 1-40s (1 of 1) by gfgfinlayson, on Flickr


D700 50mm f1.8 ISO 6400 1-40s (1 of 1) by gfgfinlayson, on Flickr

Both images shot at equivalent focal length, in the same lighting conditions, at the same settings.

Glass needn't cost a fortune either - the 35-70 f/2.8 AF-D is a great lens. In real conditions (i.e. not test charts wide open), is as good as the 24-70 f/2.8. It will flare if you point it at the sun, however.