tiffany_davis1

<p>I want to thank you all for your advice. It really helped me out.<br /><br />I ended up getting a D7000, with a battery grip. A Nikon 35mm f/1.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and the 18-105 that came with the D7000. So far I am in LOVE with the 35mm, and 50mm. I haven't taken them off of either of my cameras. <br /><br />I am still planning on getting the 24-70mm f/2.8, and the 70-200mm. <br /><br />I figured that since my bosses were paying - I'd take the opportunity to show them that I can make responsible decisions (budget wise) when it comes to equipment - and not use the full budget. So far, it's paying off. <br />I don't want to take advantage of them like one of my co-workers did. He's the reason why they all use D3X's - even he realizes now that it's overkill for the work he does. <br /><br /></p>

<p>What about a D700? <br />One of the guys I work with has one that he never uses, and he's offered to sell it to me.<br />Apparently his wife bought it for him as a gift, and because he's so spoiled by his D3X - he never bothered to even open the box. </p>

<p>$3,500 is my limit for camera and glass. <br /><br />Thank you all so much! </p>

<p>My budget is only $3,500. <br />I do have one flash, it's a SB-600 Nikon Speedlight. So far, it has served me well.<br /><br /><br /></p>

<p>The photographers at the newspaper use the D700. It's the news station that uses the D3X. <br />I'll be at the news station. Don't worry, Lee. The computers I've been working on (as well as the rest of the guys) are all brand new iMacs.<br />This is where my eidetic memory helps. If I see a shot I like or want to use, I remember it - and then it's easier to sort through all of my work. <br />When the time comes and they upgrade me to the D3X, I'll have my choice in an array of lenses. <br />Right now, I just want something to appease my bosses, and get the other PJ's off my back a little. </p>

<p>Well, it's been decided between my bosses and my co-workers that I'll be getting the D300s. They all agree that it will get me prepared (weight wise) for my future camera. The news station uses the Nikon D3X. <br />The reason why I am not worried about the video feature is because I don't do videos. The way it works for me is I always travel with a reporter, and/or a cameraman. I simply take photos. They don't have me do anything with recording - because I'm deaf. <br />I have an eidetic memory, so that makes up for my lack of hearing. Though I do still take down notes. <br /><br />Now I am stuck on deciding what glass I want. Any suggestions in that department?</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I don't have the option of getting my hands on either camera. If you want to be involved with the school paper, you have to provide your own equipment. In the event that no one can get their hands on a DSLR - there is a Sony H9 to use. <br />My camera is the best we have - and only I touch it. I have a hard time letting people touch my stuff, especially when they only use the Auto mode!<br />I'd really like to have a heavier camera, because I want to get accustomed to carrying heavy equipment and I really need a better grip; but I suppose either one would be heavier than what I am using. </p>

<p>I really wish that there was a place locally that sold Nikons. I mean, I do have a Best Buy locally, but they don't display these two models, though they carry them. I'd really like to hold them both, and get a feel for them. <br />I rarely go with the sports guys, if I do, it's to capture the aftermath and mayhem. <br />Most of my work has been covering bad weather (blizzards, ice storms, tornados), aftermath of tornados, car accidents, press conferences, candids, etc.<br />I'm leaning towards the D300s, but the frugal part of me says to go with the D7000. Cheaper, newer technology. Even though I'm not paying for it, I'd like to have extra from my given budget to save for some good glass. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /></p>

<p>One of my biggest issues with my D3000, is that it feels too small in my hands. I really like the feeling of a D90 in my hand, so a larger camera isn't an issue for me. In fact, I'd welcome it. <br /><br />My only requirement is that it keep up with me, and that it can handle the different environments I go into. Where I live, the weather can change in an instant, and I've been fortunate enough to travel with our storm chasers as part of my assignments. </p>

<p>I am doing a dual internship with my local newspaper, and news station; and I also shoot for my school paper. My bosses recently discovered what I've been shooting with, and they have offered to purchase me a new camera. I've been shooting local news with a Nikon D3000, using the included kit lens and on occasion my 55-200mm non-VR lens. I'm not sure whether I should feel embarrassed, or proud. I've been doing this internship for two years (started with using a Nikon F2, been shooting with the D3000 since it was released) - and I've received nothing but compliments on my work, and most of it has been used. Anyway, I've been eyeing the D7000 and the 300s. I really don't care about the video mode. When I graduate next year, I've already been offered a full-time position, one of the bonuses is that I'll be provided with a professional camera. So this camera doesn't have to be "the best" if you know what I mean. Just something a little better than what I've been using. Between the two I'm eyeing, which do you think would fit my needs best? If you'd suggest something else, please let me know. </p>