No need to start yet another "what gear should I use to shoot a wedding". Yes I consider this the same topic. Please use the other threads.

I think the D5000 is a fine camera. If you were asked to do a shoot of a wedding or event then the gear you have and use and are used to is the best gear to use. For weddings I would get a second camera just in case. (hire one) because you cant reshoot if you have gear failure. the D500 + 35 F1.8 is bright enough for events and as good as a D700 with an F2.8 lens( like a 24-70 ) for low light. Given a choice between a D5000 and a D200 I would choose the D5000, and the D200 has been used to shoot a zillion weddings.

If I was shooting an indoor wedding I'd want at least a D700 and a 24-70mm F2.8 and 70-200mm F2.8. I like to shoot natural light whenever possible, which might be why I think that way. If I had a few more flashes, and could set them up the way I'd want to, then I could do it with my D300 and current glass, although I would most likely want a faster mid-range zoom for some stuff.

I think I am fine with the gear I have for a while. The only thing I would be worried about is shooting a wedding with my digital camera if I can't use flash. I love my D60, but I have always had problems with it at high ISO settings, well anything over 400 really. After saying that, I would just shoot it in film with my F5. I don't need a digital upgrade till I get out of college.

Then you just need more practice, tcole. ;-)

As far as image quality is concerned, I don't see any reason why not to use a D5000 for most events (and the ones it's not suitable for you or I probably wouldn't be hired on). You're right that it's not ideal as far as changing settings goes, but the metering is good enough if you shoot raw that you can just leave it in aperture priority auto and be fine if you shoot RAW. jpeg could be a "whole 'nother story."

My opinion is that all of the current Nikon bodies are good enough if you know how to use them. Lenses are more important, but you could still get by these days with some of the cheaper options. I'm interested to know how that Sigma compares to the Tamron that I use (for weddings). The flash is very important, especially since many venues are in harsh sunlight. Dial an SB-600 to -1.7 or -2.0 EV of compensation in balanced fill mode and it makes an amazing difference! The flash is a more important upgrade than the body, in my opinion.

My wedding was shot with a D100, an 18-70 kit lens, a 50 1.8, and an SB-28DX flash. I think they turned out fine but I've never printed anything bigger than an 11x14 from them. I've been meaning to go back through the NEFs from it with the Lightroom 3 noise reduction to see what magic can be worked. Maybe if I can ever get off my addiction to nikon rumors...

edit: Welcome to the forum, evisphoto. You posted while I was typing.

Depends. If the wedding was outdoors, yes, I would be comfortable using my D40 body, I have a 16x20 on my wall that tells me that it has sufficient resolution. I darn sure wouldn't use the kit lenses though. I would want the 35 1.8G, the 50 1.4G at the very least, with something like a 70-200 2.8, and a fast wide angle zoom or prime. My SB600 does the trick, but I wouldn't mind having an SB800/900. If I had to shoot the wedding indoors, if they allowed flash, I would feel ok. If no flash was allowed, I would definatly want a newer body with cleaner high ISO's.

Well a recent thread that shall not be named made me think of a good topic. Would you be comfortable shooting a major event such as a wedding with the camera equipment you own? If not, what things would you get/rent before you would be willing to do it?

I personally would not shoot a wedding or event with my D5000. I haven't had a chance to use many of the higher model Nikons, but I think they have some additional buttons for changing setting easier don't they? I would use my D5000 as a backup, but I would want the 17-50 F2.8 Sigma lens that I will be getting soon on it. I wouldn't use my 18-200 Nikon lens just because it is too slow even though the range is nice. I guess it depends on if we were outside or indoors.

So for me I would need a whole new body D90 or up, faster lens in the 70-200 range and a flash. I would think if you could get in on being a backup or assistant to someone shooting an event that it would be helpful for you. I also don't feel confident enough to be able to switch settings on my D5000 fast enough to be effective at a wedding. I think I would miss shots while I was fiddling with the settings menus.