sevencrossing said:
If are seriously bothered about waterproofing I would get the second hand D300 and spend the difference on somthing like a Ewa-Marine Underwater Housing.

Or a D300 and spend money on a pro level, water resistant lens.

OR.... buy a Pentax!!

If are seriously bothered about waterproofing I would get the second hand D300 and spend the difference on somthing like a Ewa-Marine Underwater Housing.

golf007sd said:
The D7000 is an outstanding camera and one that I would highly recommend without hesitation. In shot, buy it and get yourself familiar with it. It will serve you well for many years to come as it has for many of us that own one. Moreover, given that you are just starting in taking some class's in photography, the D7000 features will really come in handy....your professor will be proud of your choice.

Cheers...

This is good advice IMHO. The D7000 is sealed whereas the others aren't except the D300 so if you are determined to shoot in the rain (I'm not), that narrows your choice somewhat. Note nobody mentioned megapixels - either is good enough. Find out from your Nikon Rep whether there are any deals coming that you can still get a discount off and buy it then.

Knowing overview details is different to knowing how to use it and that is the time you are losing.

The camera in your hand is worth ten of the next model that isn't available!

HTH

R8R said:
Uh...I don't mean to be rude...but aren't camera store employees supposed to know this stuff? I mean, you said you know the pros and cons of each...

Anyway, 6 fps RAW on a D7000 you get off maybe 8-10 shots max before it hits the wall. Then it's all about having a fast card. I switched to Sandisk Extreme Pro recently and it makes a HUGE difference in how fast it clears the buffer for the next burst. Also, with a fast card you can set it to JPG/FINE and it will drill right up to 100 frames without a hiccup.

The body is water resistant, but not totally weather proof. (although I have seen vids of people giving the D7000 a shower) I wouldn't worry about a light sprinkle or dusting of snow. Of course, having at weather proof lens is essential if you want to reduce the possibility of water ingress via the lens mount.

Thanks for the info. Obviously i can not take one of our stock and see how water resistant it is without getting my head cut off, so that is why i ask. Additionally I have heard rumours from Nikon representatives that Nikon are trying to push the d7000 - sales wise. Maybe foreshadowing the obvious...

msmoto said:

The sensor in the D3200 is one of the best approaching the D7000 and if starting out, one needs the glass for sports...

Actually, one more option is a used or refurb D5100. Same exact sensor as the D7000. (although packed in a similar cramped up body as the D3100)

R8R said:
Uh...I don't mean to be rude...but aren't camera store employees supposed to know this stuff? I mean, you said you know the pros and cons of each...

Anyway, 6 fps RAW on a D7000 you get off maybe 8-10 shots max before it hits the wall. Then it's all about having a fast card. I switched to Sandisk Extreme Pro recently and it makes a HUGE difference in how fast it clears the buffer for the next burst. Also, with a fast card you can set it to JPG/FINE and it will drill right up to 100 frames without a hiccup.

The body is water resistant, but not totally weather proof. (although I have seen vids of people giving the D7000 a shower) I wouldn't worry about a light sprinkle or dusting of snow. Of course, having at weather proof lens is essential if you want to reduce the possibility of water ingress via the lens mount.

@R8R All that needs to be said...great response. +1

D7000 = $1200 USD
D3200 = $700 USD ($500 for lenses)

Or as stated used D300 for about $500-700?

The sensor in the D3200 is one of the best approaching the D7000 and if starting out, one needs the glass for sports...

ALIHERE said:
Staff discount is a bonus! What is the buffer like when shooting at 6 FPS RAW? Also, how weather proof is the D7000?

Uh...I don't mean to be rude...but aren't camera store employees supposed to know this stuff? I mean, you said you know the pros and cons of each...

Anyway, 6 fps RAW on a D7000 you get off maybe 8-10 shots max before it hits the wall. Then it's all about having a fast card. I switched to Sandisk Extreme Pro recently and it makes a HUGE difference in how fast it clears the buffer for the next burst. Also, with a fast card you can set it to JPG/FINE and it will drill right up to 100 frames without a hiccup.

The body is water resistant, but not totally weather proof. (although I have seen vids of people giving the D7000 a shower) I wouldn't worry about a light sprinkle or dusting of snow. Of course, having at weather proof lens is essential if you want to reduce the possibility of water ingress via the lens mount.

Wait you work at a camera store? So what do you need to know then?

In answer again to your question...no there are no good rumors that a replacement is coming for the D7000 or as the D400 any time before September...so your choices are whatever it out already. And if budget is the issue then buying a newly released camera is not on your side.

golf007sd said:
Working in a camera shop will come in handy. As for the D300 vs D7000 go with the latter.

Staff discount is a bonus! What is the buffer like when shooting at 6 FPS RAW? Also, how weather proof is the D7000?

ALIHERE said:
Thanks for all the feedback! I work in a large independent camera store here in the UK, so i know the pros and cons of each camera. I currently own a Sony A550 with a Tamron 28-300mm; this is partly the issue. I detest using it and feel that if i don't get rid of it soon that i will loose interest. Anyway, a colleague of mine is selling his D300 and i am rather tempted by this, down to the fact of the weather sealing and FPS. He's asking for around £400, then i can put my money into lenses which hold there value better.

Working in a camera shop will come in handy. As for the D300 vs D7000 go with the latter.

Thanks for all the feedback! I work in a large independent camera store here in the UK, so i know the pros and cons of each camera. I currently own a Sony A550 with a Tamron 28-300mm; this is partly the issue. I detest using it and feel that if i don't get rid of it soon that i will loose interest. Anyway, a colleague of mine is selling his D300 and i am rather tempted by this, down to the fact of the weather sealing and FPS. He's asking for around £400, then i can put my money into lenses which hold there value better.

The D7000 is an outstanding camera and one that I would highly recommend without hesitation. In shot, buy it and get yourself familiar with it. It will serve you well for many years to come as it has for many of us that own one. Moreover, given that you are just starting in taking some class's in photography, the D7000 features will really come in handy....your professor will be proud of your choice.

Cheers...

Well by September nothing new will be out. Even if they are announced in September like we are all hoping it won't be available for who knows how much longer. You could get an older body to hold you over, use for your class and learn...the D5000, D5100, D3100, D90, and even the new D3200 can all be had for under $600.

Or just get a D7000, but it will most likely be replaced within the year...if you are worried about buying something that will be replaced soon. Might as well get it now though if you need it for a class in a month...

Find a used D300 on Craig's List. Shoot with it till the shutter falls out while you save up your money for LENSES.

Unless you are thinking of going full frame with a D600, and can wait about 6 months, get the D7000 today

Welcome to the forum.
Wait for the next generation? Why wait when you can be using te camera now. Once the next genertion comes out, the following generation will be right around the corner. Then wait again ... you'll never get a camera.

I am a young photographer who has been interested in photography for the last 4 years. I am mainly in to shooting sports and street photography. As a young person who is in full time education money isn't easy to come bye and therefore any products i do buy have to last me.

The dilema that i'm having is whether to buy the D7000 now or wait until the next generation model is released. I start a photography A-Level course in september so i'm hoping to buy before then.

I would really appreciate any thoughts that you have on the dilema. Thank you.

P.S. Sorry if this is unclear; it is my first post!