New Camera

[Lyntaz]

Hi

At the moment I use a Panasonic FZ38, I am really happy with it, kinda of bought it as a stepping stone, just had a compact before then. I take mainly scenery as we go fell walking, but I do take birds and wildlife when I get the chance,(if they sit still long enough lol) also of my own birds.

Been looking at changing to a Nikon, or canon, but Nikon keeps jumping put at me.
Looking to buy 2nd hand, cheaper for me. So, what do I go for,D70, D80, D100 or others?
Read so much just don't know anymore.

Hoping you guys can point me in the right direction, having much more experience than me.

Cheers

[Maggie28]

Originally Posted by Lyntaz

Hi

At the moment I use a Panasonic FZ38, I am really happy with it, kinda of bought it as a stepping stone, just had a compact before then. I take mainly scenery as we go fell walking, but I do take birds and wildlife when I get the chance,(if they sit still long enough lol) also of my own birds.

Been looking at changing to a Nikon, or canon, but Nikon keeps jumping put at me.
Looking to buy 2nd hand, cheaper for me. So, what do I go for,D70, D80, D100 or others?
Read so much just don't know anymore.

Hoping you guys can point me in the right direction, having much more experience than me.

Cheers

I had a D80 recently before getting the D90. Both have been terrific. The D80 does not have the Live view. I don't use the live view which is a good thing I suppose.
I used it a lot on the Sony A300, my first DSLR, but when I got the D80, it got me out of the habit of using it. It's good to help you along when starting out.
I also found the Live view was totally different from the Sony A300.
But I use it for the odd video I take.
I don't know about the Nikon 100 though.

You might get good second hand on the D90's now due the Nikon D7000 coming out.
But please be very careful when buying second hand. Please buy new if you can. It's worth the extra to be safe. But the lens is important. The better the lens...........
The Panasonic was a good starter for you, I started with the first Panasonic FZ5 and it gave me an idea what to do when it came to DSLR's.
The really good plus side to buying Nikon is the fact that when you buy a lens for say a D40, and you upgrade to the D7000 one day, the lens will fit and work with your upgrades.
Saves you buying different lenses Unless you go on to the real Pro cameras in the Nikon, then there is a difference.

I'm not familiar with Canon cameras but maybe someone with Canon can tell you if that is the same with Canon lenses?

[john_e.fox]

I bought a Nikon D90 this Autumn, switching back to 'real' cameras.
Very happy with it, very flexible, from fully auto to fully manual.
Regarding the camera body, I suspect most of them from any
one manufacturer have very similar performances, what you pay
for are the extra functions and manual controls. If you aren't into the technical
part of photography, I would go for the next model down.
Bought it with a 18-105mm lens bundle.
Then got a Sigma 150-500mm lens for birds.

the general view is that the lens is the key, go for the most you can afford.
( and I can't afford professional lenses )
The best lenses won't be zooms, it's a trade off between quality and flexibility.