Hello.
I’m an owner of a D90 along with some good glass, only 1 DX lens (Tokina 11-16 AT-X Pro) and 3 FX lenses (50mm F/1.8, Nikon 70-300 VR, Sigma 105mm F/2.8 EX Macro).
I had some other good DX lenses, but I sold them because in the future I will make the FX jump (when I turn a full time pro, I’m currently a semi-pro taking part-time jobs), but clearly not at this time.
So, to come back on track, I think that my old D90 can’t keep up with me anymore, in terms of picture quality and noise in high isos, and I’m thinking of a body upgrade and a new standard mid-range lens.
I have done some work in the past with rented cameras and lenses (D700, D3, Canon 5d Mk2), but as I said, I can’t afford a full frame camera at the time..
Well, I can say that “The job is done”, but with a lot of post-processing from my side. Something that is very time wasting for me. And time is precious in our days. That’s a reason to upgrade I think..
Anyway, the lens option is the “easy” part of my problems, as my option is simply clear without 2nd thoughts : the Nikon 24-70.
A lens that would be with me and after the FX jump. Ok – done.
What I want from my new camera is : better image quality (I’m not a megapixel-maniac and I prefer image quality), better high iso performance, pro body (with weather sealing – I’m spending a lot of time outdoors), bigger viewfinder (that’s a must!) and finally, I want the 60fps option in video (720 or 1080), because I will make some slow-motion projects in the near future.
Apparently, one option is to go FX now but my budget is tight and I can’t afford a new FX camera (D4) and an 24-70 F/2.8.
And then I will have to sell my landscape lens (Tokina), because it would be usable only at 14-15mm.. But is the only lens that I currently have to support me in my jobs (landscapes).. And the Nikon 14-24 is way too expensive and TOO BIG, so for now, I’ll have to skip/reject this option.
I’m pretty sure that in the future I’ll buy the 14-24, but not now.
Another option would be to buy the D7k, which has good image quality, a little better iso performance than D90, but it lacks the 60fps video, it only goes to 1080/24 or 720/30. And If I buy it, I will have in my hands a nearly identical camera body like mine.. And definitely, not a pro camera..
The D300s is not an option, because in my opinion, it’s too old in year 2012 terms and after all, it has the same sensor as the D90, but in a pro body.
A used D700 would be a very good choice, but it lacks the video mode..
The Canon jump is totally unacceptable (I AM NIKON !). So it’s an option !
I’m waiting for a possible D400 a long time now and I really want to hear something new about it, but I’m not sure that there will be any announcements soon.
Why I want the D400 ?
Because, according to our site (Nikon rumors..), it would have all the above specs that I want.
So, what you think I should do ?
I should wait for the D400 for a little longer, let’s say 6 months more, or I should buy something different ?
Or maybe I should sell my D90 with the Tokina lens and buy a used D700 with the 14-24 ?
Thank you !
(PS - Sorry for the long post, but I'm totally frustrated !!! Again sorry !)
