patrick_mateer

<p>Hi Robert / Roy, thanks for the responses re: D600/610<br>

Now it's the new financial year it is time to make a decision but still torn between the D610 and D800. And even had a look at the Canon 5D Mark 3! I would like a camera that can handle quality video too and the D800 and Mark 3 both produce lovely video (though Mark 3 seems to win out on high ISO / low light). I have a Sony HDR V1E for my main video camera, but want a second for weddings to capture little moments and for events too. I realise I need a dedicated second eventually.<br>

So perhaps I could look at D610 and a canon video camera for the price of a D800e...<br>

Not seen much video footage from the D610, do you have any examples Robert, or do you use it purely for stills?<br>

Unfortunately there are no real camera shops anywhere near me so it makes it hard for me to try before I buy.</p>

<p>cheers kari, if i can make my budget stretch to a d800 i will. i do want one clearly! but it is weighing everything up :)<br>

if not seems a d7100 would be a fine stop gap with some quality dx lenses...<br>

roy interesting negative comments on the d7100, as i use a d300 now i am probably accustomed to dealing with such limitations...<br>

dieter, some harshly put advice there. thanks. i will throw all my current kit in the bin them and give all my happy clients their money back...<br>

i clearly want better kit as i am on here asking for advice as a newbie, and i am clearly no expert on where to go, as i have said this several times. my knowledge is poor and clearly my kit is not perfect - i wouldn't say it wasn't fit for purpose however. but whatever dude! whatever makes you feel better. my kit is old as i said. i didnt buy it as a wedding photographer. and in my post i was not focusing on small details - i merely said the ability to shoot snippets of video at events would be handy on solo shoots; i clearly state i have a broadcast quality video camera for video yeah? yeah.<br>

however, i take on board your point about the lenses not being fit for purpose on a full body camera.<br>

i would be very happy i think with the d7100, were not for the fact they are not pro quality builds...it's a tough decision, but whichever one i go for i think i am getting a better camera in most ways than my d300 (buffer aside on d7100) and not to labour the point - but the casing on d7100 is obviously inferior...will have to crunch some numbers and make the right decision but thanks to all for advice on which lenses to look at with whichever camera. i will look at each one in more detail...any further advice around lenses is more than welcomed</p>

<p>barry - which canons are you looking at? i have a Sony HVR V1E which is very nice - but already outdated in a lot of ways and a big old beast too! fine for big jobs where i can comfortably swap equipment about and often have a second photographer, but i am doing two events on my own this week, where i am doing video snippets through the day. here it would be great to just switch to video here and there for 5 minutes or so on say a D800, D7100 or D610.<br>

a second dedicated video camera would undoubtedly be good though for weddings...so i would like a look at the canons you recommend.<br>

kari - i think you misunderstood me, but i didn't take you rude (maybe a little condescending but that doesn't offend me, as i outlined - i am far from an expert technically in terms of kit as i am very much outdated in my knowledge). so! i am not saying the public can recognise cropping... full frame from dx...i am talking about general image quality. i've looked at examples, reviews of D7100 compared to D610 and D800, the specs etc and as far as i see it, the D610 and D800 win out here. i shoot a lot at low light and i think the D7100 will give worse performance here even if it is a step up from the D300.<br>

also, the durability factor is a big one. as i said, my d300 has been with me for a long, long time and i'd like my next purchase to be a durable, cost effective one. however a D7100 stop gap (no pun intended) appeals to me too... so not every business decision is all about short term profit margains. i am still growing my business - when i come to go full time, if i then already have say a D800, i won't need one then and i can then concentrate on profits. long term use is a consideration for me.<br>

and kari i was more talking about the image quality in terms of low light shooting for weddings and music / gig photogaphy, i think a D800 or D610 would give me more options. i think the larger sensor on a D800 or D610 will give me better images in low light. this will give me a better product.<br>

plus...i love photography and i would love a full frame camera!<br>

all three of D610, D800 and D7100 are a step up here from my D300 and i am more than aware of that. but i worry about the durability of the D7100. i shoot a lot of stuff so worry i may have to replace it in a few years...<br>

anyway, i am getting off topic! advice on lenses is really what i need and very much appreciated :)</p>

<p>dieter - my kit bag consists of</p>

LENSES

TAMRON SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Macro 1:1

Nikon ED AF NIKKOR 70 – 3000 mm 1:4 – 5.6 D

Nikon ED AF NIKKOR 18 – 35 mm 1:3.5 – 4.5 D

Nikon AF NIKKOR 50 mm 1:1 4 D F/1.4

Nikon SB-700 Autofocus Speedlight

<p>kent - thanks for the detailed response. sorry, i should have put more detail in my initial post. it was late last night and i rushed it... i'm an experienced wedding photographer and very aware you need two bodies. that is why i am looking at getting some new gear - my second body is a very old, very not-fit-for-weddings D100. i am worried should my D300 ever pack in mid job i would have to muddle through with a D100 (tried shooting some raw on it the other day and the lag was unbelievable! no idea how i ever coped). <br>

i use this D100 as a back up but would rather have two workable bodies loaded with lenses, rather than having to swap over lenses mid job (though this has never impacted negatively on me, it is annoying if nothing else). <br>

it's just i am just very out of date when it comes to technical expertise to kit - i read up lots when DSLRs first came out and bough the D100 and D300, my lenses and have been happy ever since. i really don't know all that much about FX lenses or full bodied cams for example, having never shot with one.<br>

my D300 is very well used and has been an excellent, durable body. that's why i worry about the D7100 - with it's non professional casing. i don't so much mind about its lag in buffer speed as i'll keep the D300 for fast shooting (confetti shots etc).<br>

also, having looked at examples of video on both D7100 and D800, the D800 wins hands down. D7100 is servicable but didn't look great. do you have any wedding videos i could look at you've shot on a D7100? i think the addition of video will be really useful. though having only realised about the 20 min HD limit yesterday leaves me thinking...how do people use DSLRs to film events? will still need my sony video camera for sure for cermonies etc.<br>

the point you make about D610 AF is a good one and one i would really need to consider. but the larger sensor and the fact it is professionally built is still a draw to me. i do want to go full body one of these days but i also take on board the 'make money' angle. i'm not sure i agree with your statement about impeccable image quality not being a defining factor for most couples. also, i do a bit of music / gig photography. the better low light performance of the D800 and D610 is a real plus for me. i want to give the customer the best too<br>

i have been leaning towards the D7100 though, just for this coming financial year. but then i am as i said in the post still tempted to go for the D800, with one quality FX lens, then be able to use my D300 still (and put my DX lenses on the D800). i am looking for this to be my full time career in the next few years - i am getting a few events jobs and commercial jobs so kind of think i should bite the bullet and go for the D800 or D610. ideally i would like a D800 but i am thinking with a lens, D610 is more affordable - or like you say Kent, go D7100 and get a really nice lens or two for it. though as i turn professional / full time, will i regret not just going full body earlier...anyway, that's a pipe dream right now, but that's the plan in a few years.<br>

does anyone have any video they've done on a D610?<br>

Dieter - i will supply lens list and edit original post forthwith<br>

Peter - i like flash for groups and fill out but apart from that i try to avoid and for bands etc it is a no-no. your tips about hard drives is a good one and good to hear the 610 is working outso well for you. will have a look into those lenses you recommend further... i really need to read up on full body lenses before i make my final decision</p>

<p>Hi recently posted asking for advice on where to go after my D300. Had some great responses and seems to me D7100 would be a good stop gap as it is DX, allowing me some time to save up for a D800 or D610 and some serious glass.<br>

Or I just buy a D800 or D610 now and only purchase one FX lens to go with either for now. I will be keeping my D300 so could have a D610 with a zoom wide angle then my D300 with 35mm, telephoto, macro as I have now...<br>

Looking at the D800 in particular the video looks excellent on it... which would be really useful for me (I'm a wedding photographer and recently started doing videos) whereas D7100 video examples don't quite cut it. Not seen any video on the D610 but assuming it would be close to the D800? Seems the D800 would make a lot of sense as with it's ridiculous MP amount, DX lens would still return very quality (but DX on D610 would be a bit of a waste)<br>

1. Which would you buy though?<br>

2. If you were going to buy a couple of FX lenses for Wedding Photography which ones would they be? No way I could afford top of the range right now.<br>

3. If I stick with DX for now and the D7100, I would look to buy a really nice DX lens with it - what would you recommend?<br>

4. also...best FX / DX fish eye without breaking the bank<br>

Cheers, realise those are quite far reaching questions without a lot of focus...</p>

<p>I offer as much info as possible right away, but I'm always more keen to find out more info about the job...and I do try to arrange a consultation or at least a phone call as soon as interest becomes clear, without being pushy - I find the personal touch helps immensely. Most people only get married once so couples are often unsure what they want from a photographer - but usually have a clear idea of their wedding day so I try to react to that and design a personal package for that couple... I do all my packages as bespoke as possible, so I find meeting the couple always informs the package and the price. Building up a relationship with the client right from the off helps I find.<br>

But always be honest - if you have a minimum price for an all day / half day shoot, let people know right away. I find restrictive set packages can be off putting however</p>

<p>thanks for all the replies on this all who took time to comment, some really useful information. seems the D7100 would be a more than adequate upgrade for now if i cannot afford a D800<br>

the far better d800 video function really appeals to me though - buying a load of new lenses does not! well, it appeals, but is not really feasible.<br>

thanks</p>

<p>rick - used the d100 for an event last year as d300 was getting cleaned. the buffering is horrendous and the noise is very poor too. and it's incredibly slow when on raw. this was for a low key event - shooting a wedding with it would be incredibly hard! i have done it once in 2008, just remember the the buffering was terrible and that was when i knew i had to get a different model to do weddings justice. my colleague stuck in on a tripod recently inside a church and it really suffered in the low light, that was the first time i'd used as such in 6 years...<br>

but as i said, it was great back in the day - i shot some lovely landscape stuff for my photo degree show and got it blown up to 6 x 4 feet. looked the bees knees. just is nowhere near the standard i would need for a wedding. but i'd be happy to take it out on a walk and shoot some landscape owith natural light.<br>

mike - the buffering does concern me on the d7100, the more i think back to the d100! how poorly does it compare to the d300 in terms of memory/buffering? just read another thread were it was panned in comparison to the d300... i also like to shoot time lapse/interval with my d300, i guess quick intervals will be out on the d7100? is that option of intervals on the d7100?<br>

thanks for the advice, really appreciated.</p>

<p>hi mag - sorry, i meant more 'a step up' in terms of a new camera than upgrade i guess. should have said more simply: looking to get a new body so my d300 becomes my back up...<br>

mike - thanks for the advice. yes, good point about lenses. perhaps d7100 is the best choice, certainly seems good value at around £500 from some outlets. <br>

what sort of increase in quality will i see, image wise?<br>

never had an issue with maxing the buffer on my d300, so i guess this suggests d7100 would be fine? back in the days of the d100 it was a different story! (in 2008 shot my first wedding on D100 and realised i had to upgrade fairly quickly)<br>

on the d7100 - the video options seem very good. i'll be shooting on tripod with wedding and get an external light which should help with af issues? for my band stuff i would be shooting more at low light...<br>

d5300 could be an option for a second video in the future / back up, good idea. anything any cheaper than that that would shoot video of any worth for a second camera?</p>

<p>Hi,<br>

I have quite an old kit that I use to shoot weddings - A D300 with zoom wide angle, macro, telephoto and 35mm, plus an ancient D100 as a back up body (not had to use this for many years thankfully - though I must admit it did a fine job back in the day when it was still good kit)<br>

I shoot 3 - 5 weddings a year plus some band / gig photography (so better low light response would be good), plus landscapes and other events...this is all part time and sometimes I am only making a very small amount and it is for the sheer love it. However, looking to increase this now and really need another body anyway, a D100 would clearly not cut it - touch wood - should my D300 ever fail mid job. I should clearly not have typed that!<br>

So I am wondering, for an upgrade (as I look to take on more work), where should I be looking? What are the benefits for the different models up from a D300? I would like to have the option to switch to video as well (my D300 is pre-DSLR video), I currently use a pro quality Sony HD - but again this is outdated and uses HD tape. Not ideal.<br>

How does the 610 compare to the D800? Would a 7100 cut it, or is it a false economy to go up only that far? How is the video quality shooting on a DSLR?<br>

Any advice you could give would be really appreciated.<br>

Thanks</p>