Nikon D40 upgrading to D7000 - need advice

[mojo-rizin]

I currently have a D40 with the kit lens, a 55-200mm 4-5.6 VR and a 35mm 1.8, as well as a SB400 flash. I am going to be purchasing the D7000, and wasn't sure if I should go for the kit, or do the body only and use the savings for more glass and possibly the SB700. I am strictly an amateur, and mainly do photos of my little boy. The D7000 is most attractive for me based on its low light capabilities, and my interest in possibly starting to take a few professional shots.

I would be willing to sell any or all of my old lenses and camera, if it would help me get the best possible set-up with the D7000. So, my question is if I get the body only, what can I spend the extra on, with a total purchase limit of around $1500?

TIA

[OsmosisStudios]

Save yourself some cash: Get a D5100. Same image quality, much cheaper.

[Kungpao]

I was pretty much in the same boat as you. If I was still purely using my kit lens with the 40 I probably would have bought the 7k as a kit as well and sold my d40.

I have an 18-135 and a 50 f1.4 so when i bought my 7k, I went body only. Wound up selling my 40 with lens to a friend for $300.

LOVE my 7k

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by mojo-rizin

and my interest in possibly starting to take a few professional shots.

Why can't you do it with the D40 ? What feature are you missing to acheive your goal.? This is the kind of question you have to ask yourself before upgrading.

[Footski]

The idea of upgrading gets under the skin, I know it did with me and having a fair amount of experience in photography over many years, including as a professional some years ago, I really wanted to upgrade my D60, which just did not do what I wanted on many occasions. Eventually, I upgraded to the D7000 and wish I had done it earlier. I bought body only and for a while I was happy with the kit lens but have now sold the D60 and lens in order to finance better glass.

I would buy D7000 body only and see where you are in a month or so. Selling the old camera and a lens or two will help you to finance new glass if you need to.

[Tom Curran: Images Photog]

As far as the lenses go you actually already have the perfect setup. I have the same 3 lenses in my bag and absolutely love them. the only drawback is having to change lenses. As far as the flash goes the sb 700 is wonderful! The 360 degrees swivel is awesome for bouncing the flash and the fact that you can use it as a remote flash unit is invaluable. If you wanna save some money though get the D5100. There is absolutely no difference in the image quality or resolution and with the wide aperture of the 35mm 1.8 you will have all the low light sensitivity you need. Also when you go to sell your d 40 don't take less than 300 dollars as it is really an awesome camera in and of itself for how few megapixels it has.