sea_ram

<p>used what though?<br>

I have two problems with buying used<br>

1) the average prices Ive seen dont seem that low when compared with the most competitive retail prices so buying it new is a no brainer<br>

2) despite promises made and claims of being 'mint' with only 2000 actuations etc how do we know if the camera has been dropped, banged or has any minor technical issues until well into usage by which time its probably too late, unlucky!<br>

So, unless its from a VERY trusted source, I would always prefer to get the lowest price, new.</p>

 

<p>Kent, I have Photoshop CS2, slightly dated I know but hopefully okay for now. I agree with some of rest of system. Was going for the SB-400 flash, not good?<br>

With all the above I am steering towards a D90 as this seems like the minimum standard of the range. I also think it'll be a good camera for a while, (possibly even a classic?!) will come in use Im sure in the future as convenience body, very sellable if not and at around £600 leaves me some change to get a good prime and tele.<br>

I imagine the D90 will stand me in good stead for a year or so and then I'll take stock and look at the market. If a D700 is then more affordable and FX makes sense then I'll have so much more knowledge and confidence at that point.<br>

Now, lets nail that glass! I was going for the 50mm f1.8 AF-S prime and a 18-200 AF-S as I think this covers the basics for now. I don't want more than 2 lenses for a while so if you can suggest a better combo then Im all ears. Quality is key as I want these to last but got to keep it at about £500 for both.</p>

<p>Im stunned at the quality and quantity of advice offered above, thanks everybody, would like to thank and comment on each post but impractical to do so.<br>

Suffice to say that Im starting to form a stronger gut feeling about the best set up for me right now and when Ive digested all this properly shall report back! Im feeling a bit more confused over glass though.. seems to be a big mix of opinions here!<br>

Thanks again everyone!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Guys, thank you all sincerely for the replies so far. If only the D700 was nearer £1k then it would be a no brainer! Does anyone know someone who wants to trade up to a D3 and let their D700 go to a very good cause for a good price!?<br>

Reading above there seems to be a mix of people saying the practice route makes sense as does going for the D700 as thats where my heart is but.. the 'middle ground' of the impressive D90 is a good move too. This spread of opinion is exactly where my head is, so I'm still in 3 minds!<br>

If anyone knows of a killer deal on any of the models mentioned then please let me know as this probably will be the deciding factor right now, as if I get a really low price on something it gives me the confidence to trade up if needed and not lose out (and also buy a decent pair of lenses). There doesn't seem to be anything special kicking about on camerapricecheck. Loathed to go via ebay etc. as faulty/lacking paperwork/grey imports a major concern. Has to be new unless from a very trusted source.<br>

Thanks again! </p>

<p>Hi everyone, newbie here desperately needing some sensible advice!<br />I've trawled through loads of information to try and make sense of the current range and work out which model to go for. My situation is this.. I was semi-pro 10+ years ago, sold off all my kit so have no old lenses etc. and now looking to get back into it in the digital age! Will very likely be doing some wedding work again and also landscapes for pleasure and perhaps hopefully some commercial/close up stills for business if all goes well.<br />I have looked in detail at the current Nikon range and am pretty clued up in terms of the models and their strengths and weaknesses but I'm still very indecisive. Why?<br />Well, money is a factor but for the absoutely right purchase I would be prepared to spend more. Immediate needs are a body and 2 lenses (I'm looking at the 18-200 and a 50mm prime). If money was no object I'd choose the D700 as by all accounts it looks a stunning bit of kit and FX is a big pull. But it is worth another £500 over the D300. Is it even worth thinking about the D300 when the D700 is only a couple of hundred more. Or is it worth over £1000 more than a D90 - is the D90 perfectly adequate for my needs? (Movie mode does not interest me)<br />Or, should I hold back on a major purchase until Ive reaquainted myself with the basics, fully understand how to get the best out of DSLRs and be in a stronger position to make the right decision?<br />With that theory in mind Im wondering whether to drop right down and snap up a cheap D40 or D3000, get a f1.8 prime lens and have some fun. This shouldn't cost much more than £400, even less if I buy it used and in the future if I did fork out for a D700 (or unreleased model), I still have a useful back up for hols and the lens would be put to great use too.<br />The only concern with this option is if I will quickly be frustrated with any shortcomings of the budget models eg size, build quality, frame rate, sensor quality, af points etc and will I be wasting money on a DX model when my heart is really set on FX.<br />I'm ready to press the button and just need a push in the right direction so your feedback will be much appreciated! Have basically narrowed it down to:<br />D40/D3000 Budget/Practice choice<br />D90 mid range compromise<br />D700 stretching too far?<br />Thanks!</p>