Nikon Upgrade

[MEGHAN]

Morning Everyone,
I am looking for some advice on a Nikon upgrade.
However, I am not looking for a "new" camera.
Just new to me.
I currently own a Nikon D80 and am looking to purchase more of a professional DSLR.
I cannot afford to get into anything just released (D3 and so on....BIG bucks!!)
So I have been thinking about going the route of the D1 or D2.
Can anyone offer any advice on what would be the best bet.
Or are these recommended at all?
Also, if anyone has one just "laying around" I may be interested in buying.
Let me know.
All opinions appreciated.  
Thanks in advance.
Meghan

[TomTelford]

First, you'd be taking a significant step backwards getting a D1/D1X, so forget that one.  

At the D2/D2X level you might also consider the Fuji Finepix S2, S3 or S5 Pro.  I picked up my S2 Pro last year on eBay for about CAN$200 and it's more than enough camera for me.  A small rear lcd is about my only complaint but it uses all nikon lenses including the non-internal focus ones.

What features are you looking for?  That will really determine which way to go.

Tom.

[Michael Tam]

Since you are already a Nikon user, it is important to understand the Nikon development history of DSLR.  In digital photogrpahy, the body becomes obsolete quickly.  It is important to upgrade to the seond generation body, not downgrade back to first generation body.  Please read this link:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dslr.htm

One can also seek very knowledgable advise from experienced photograhers by posting on this forum:
http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/

Assuming you are pursuing Bird photography, one would stay with the DX format to benefit from its crop factor for telephoto range.  A used D300 will be a great choice since it focus faster than the D90 as well as a more rugged body to survive the elements.  One can find one for under a $1,000 apparently.  

A reputable professional camera store I dealt with for over 20 years is Downtown Camera:   http://www.downtowncamera.com/.    Or check out the e-bay, craigslist, etc. that you are comfortable with for used equipment on sale.  However, unless you are knowledge in examining a digital body, the extra sales tax you pay for the expertise in examination, sale item cleared through RCMP data base and warranty may be worth the while. Good birding and photographing.  

Hope it is helpful.

[MEGHAN]

Michael,
Thank you very much for you advice and the helpful links you have posted here.
I was kind of leaning towards the D300, would love to get a D3s but might not be able to afford (or justify it based on my very limited skill)
Tom,
to be perfectly honest I'm not really sure what I am looking for.
More autofocus points is a big one, my D80 has only 11    so anything would be more helpful...who doesn't want 51???
I think I have a lot of research to do..and phone calls to make to some stores.
Thanks again gentlemen,
Your advice is much appreciated!!
Meghan

[cocosally]

I am no expert on Camera but it also depends on what lens you have and what lens you are going to get as well.
between me and my hsuband, we have a D300 and D2X and of course D300 provide much better ISO, however, I still use the D2X with certain lens since it's heavier than D300, it balance out with the lens.
Happy shopping for your camera and really hope that you can find what you need.

[Michael Tam]

In regard to selecting the currently available models with DX sensors, the Nikon line divides into three levels.  The beginner level being D3000/D5000, the enthusiast level being D90 and the semi-pro level being D300/D300S.  This thread compares the difference between the mid and top level DX format camera:

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WBnG

This thread discuss the choice of a birding lens, including the best rated 300 4.0 AFS.  Being a prime tele, one important aspect is to examine the MTF curve being near impeccable in both wide opened at f4 and at f8, in relation to the cost and weight benefit.

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00Vsti
http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imagi ... /index.htm
http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... ory_id=235

In regard to the wish list of 51 point AF on D300 and D300S, there is something to be learned from the bicycle race photographer below:

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00W09R
http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00W1ep

And from Nikon Imaging description of 51 points auto-focus function:

http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imagi ... /index.htm

In general, for a fast moving subject, Nikon recommends reducing the AF points to 21 or even 11/9. This is because the array of 15 cross-type sensors in the center is more sensitive for fast moving subjects then the array 36 vertical sensors on the side. It is assuming one already set the AF area at Dynamic and AF mode at AF-C.  More does not equal faster in the world of AF, whereas AFS does matter. But the final outcome apparently is still technique, practice and then a reasonable level of equipment.  

Enjoy the best of Bird Photography:  http://www.naturescapes.net/portfolios/ ... s.php?id=1
                                                     http://www.naturephotographers.net/imag ... a=vg1&ns=1

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

With the introduction of D7000, the benchmark was raised for the advanced enthusiasts DSLR bodies.  In specification terms, D7000 is positioned between D90 and D300S, with a 16.2Mp CMOS sensor, 39 points AF arrays with 9 cross-type AF points and an industrial leading 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor.

Please see the review of the all new D7000 DSLR body:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond7000/
http://www.bythom.com/nikond7000review.htm

With the price differential of less than $100 between the D7000 to D300S, it is a difficult decision to make for Nikon users:

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00Xsgk
http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... 0&Itemid=2

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

The second generation Nikon DSLRs is a complex piece of enginerring marvel.  In Bird Photography, a detail understanding of capability of the DSLR AF system can facilitate in the capturing of the once in a life-time photo.  The features of the D700 AF system is generally understood to apply to D300/D300S, and to lesser extent, D90 as well.  

The following article will be very helpful with regard to this issue:

http://www.digitalartandmore.com/page2/ ... age60.html

As always in photography of moving subjects, there is practice, more practice (to improve one's technique) and a reasonable level of equipment.

Good birding and photography.