New Member--Question about upgrade...

[GadgetRick]

Ok, I'm new here. Hello everyone.

Just started getting the bug a few months ago when my friend sold me his Nikon D50 to upgrade his camera (he went with a Canon). Been learning in great leaps and bounds and enjoying my new (expensive) hobby.

Anywho, I'm planning to upgrade the body at some point this year (probably this summer). My reasons are:

-Body already had a decent amount of shots on it and I'm taking quite a few. I know it won't last forever and I believe it's, "rated," for 25k clicks (or so).
-Focusing points--I have 5 on the D50 and always find I'm wanting a few more. I played with a friend's D90 and loved the extra focus points.
-Better Sensor--this is a bit arguable. I think the D50 has an excellent sensor for what it cost when they were still selling it relative to a similar-level Nikon today. However, I do notice differences in some of the details between my shots and others with higher-end cameras with (supposedly) better sensors. I am shooting RAW so I'm not sure if there's anything else I can do to help.
-Ability to shoot higher ISOs--similar to the, "Better Sensor," reason but a little different. I've been learning you can shoot at higher ISOs if you have the available light. I've also found I have been able to get much better pictures when I have enough light and a higher ISO--depending on circumstances of course.

There are some other reasons but these are my biggest reasons. I love my D50 for what I know. I'm just getting to the point I know better equipment will help although I'm not stretching the D50 just yet. However, I know my D50 won't last forever as it did have quite a few clicks on it when I bought it and I'm taking quite a few shots myself. So I need to think about it now rather than later. Would rather already have something when mine decides to give up the ghost rather than feeling rushed to buy something right away.

So, my big question is, looking for suggestions as to what body to go with. I like Nikon but will also consider Canon because I know they're popular (and good) as well. Plus I have lots of friends who shoot with Canons. However, I'm leaning more towards Nikon, partially because of familiarity and partially because I just like Nikon.

I'm not a pro and not really planning on being one, with one exception. I practice jiu jitsu and am involved in mixed martial arts. I'm hoping to get to a point where I can shoot these events and earn a few bucks on the side. So I'll want/need something which will be good for that sort of thing. Other than that, I love outdoor photography. I do some city photography but not nearly as much as outdoors in the woods. I also have been getting more into flash photography for indoors (mainly).

So, just looking for what I should be looking at so I can start saving my pennies.

Thanks.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

As far as the D50's sensor comparison "relative to a similar-level Nikon today" as being "excellent" is indeed arguable. I jumped aboard the Nikon train only 20 months ago, so I may have missed my mark here, but (given I'm not mistaken) the D50 was replaced by the D70 which in return was replaced by the D80 and then once again to today's D90.

(Then again, Wikipedia informs me the D70 and D50 ran side-by-side and the D50 was the predecessor for the D40x, but not quite the D40, so I suppose ignore everything I just said.)

What sort of budget do you have? Also, will you be keeping your lenses or will you be buying new ones?

Without really looking into it too much, I'm inclined to say D90. It's not really Pro or even Semi-Pro, nor is it entry-level or amateur-hobbyist, but fits in snugly between around the serious-amateur-hobbyist level. If the D50 truly does stand on the same level as the D40x, then the 90 will definitely be a step up for controls and ability. Also, its not as expensive as, say, the D300/s.

Others may argue for the D5000 as well, but I've not heard too many great things about it. And as far as the Canon side goes, I'm afraid I'd be of no help whatsoever there.

[GadgetRick]

Thanks.

From the pictures I've seen with the D50 (taken by people much better than me) compared to some of the other Nikons (not the pro-level), it has a very good sensor. I didn't mean to imply it's as good as (or better) than others, just that it's a very good sensor which takes much better pictures than one may think by looking at specs alone.

My budget will be somewhere in the $750-$1,000 range for the body. So I won't be able to afford some of the better pro gear for sure.

I'm also not opposed to buying used if it makes sense to get a little more bang for my buck.

I played with my friend's D90 and another D90 while at a Nikon Demo Day at a local camera shop. Very nice and it seems like it should food the bill. Just not sure if it's worth saving a few extra pennies and go for something a little better.

Right now I don't have a lot invested in lenses (yet). But will have a couple or three lenses by then. I'm trying to get better lenses so I can keep them. Wife got me an SB-600 flash for Christmas which should last me quite some time so I'll also keep that. Because I don't have a lot invested into Nikon, I figure I should investigate whether I should switch or not. Personally, the times I've used Canon bodies, I've not liked the controls/etc. as much as my Nikon but that could just be familiarity with Nikon. I know they both make excellent cameras so I know I can't really go wrong with either.

[kirbinster]

It sounds like the D90 may be your best bet. It probably gives you the most bang for the buck. The D300s adds some features, but not that many for the extra money.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

It sounds like the D90 may be your best bet. It probably gives you the most bang for the buck. The D300s adds some features, but not that many for the extra money.

Ah, that's what I've sort of thought. Just kind of confirming my suspicions. Thanks a bunch for helping. Gotta start my, "Upgrade," fund now.

Just noticed you're in NJ. Where in NJ are you? Always looking for others interested in this hobby in the area. Been shooting a lot in the Chester area near my friend. Lots of great parks out that way.