Upgrade to Nikon D90?

[Troy]

Good afternoon all. I don't usually ask this sort of question on here, because i know everything, but thought i may as well

I need to upgrade my camera. I have a D50, and it is tired, and old, and old some more. I don't use it much because it isn't the best camera in the world. The small 1.5inch LCD is limiting, especially at such a low resolution. I can't tell if my shot is in focus for starters. The ISO capability is also a bit underwhelming. I am also hoping to start trying some off camera flash work, which the D50 can't really do.

So, upgrade time. I know some people on here have owned or used a D90, so wondering what people think? Am i going to be underwhelmed with it, or will it be an excellent camera that i will some day marry?

As some may know, i'm not new to photography by any means. I know my stuff, i think, and would be at home using a D3s. But obviously i don't have a money tree anywhere near me, so i'm trying to balance quality/features with an incredibly tight budget. I've seen some D90s for what i consider to be a great price, and thought i'd ask here before i jumped the gun and ordered.

[ALwin]

Troy, many people have asked similar questions before, you've seen and answered a few of them yourself. So my question is: do you think it's time for an upgrade and would it be worth it?

As for the D3s... Do you really want to deal with the weight of that body in your backpack or travel bag?

[Troy]

I know i have answered this, but it's usually to beginners and the like. I want something that will allow me to branch the gap between my awful beginner camera and a full frame in the future.

The upgrade will be worth it. Large, high res screen, better in low light, can be used as a commander for off camera flashes, has more AF points etc etc. The list goes on. I know i need to upgrade, i just don't know if this will be enough of an upgrade.

I obviously will not be carrying a D3s or similar for many years, but when i do i will do so with pride

[ALwin]

How about a second hand D300/D300s, or a brand new D7000?

[Troy]

Money Aung. It all comes down to money. Sure i could save longer and get a D300s. But then in the same respect i could save even longer and get a D700. So in my current economic situation, this is not a good plan.

I have seen several D90s going for £299 from a second hand dealer. Which sounds like a complete steal to me. A D300 would be about twice that, which is money i can spend on a flash setup/put towards a new lens.

Come on Aung, you had a D90. Whats it like. Would it be ok to use as a more advanced/knowledgeable amateur? How does it compare to the D700.

[ALwin]

Ok I understand about the budget restraints. I'm not saying you need to go buy a D300 or D7000, even if you can get them used. Just think of the options, weigh the pros and cons carefully.

As for the D90, it certainly is a great camera. To anyone who is getting a good deal on it, I say go for it. What the camera produces will depend on the skill of the user, but having a good camera like the D90 will help out a lot.

D90 compared to the D700.
pros:
the lighter weight and smaller body

cons
- not FX
- ISO capability not as great as the D700, obviously
- not designed for rugged use as the D700

But image quality at normal use (ISO between 200-1600, good quality glass, etc.) they are pretty much comparable. To compare D90 to the D700 isn't really fair though I wouldn't say it was like comparing oranges and apples. They were meant for different consumer groups who most likely have different needs.

[Troy]

Oh yea i know they can't really compare as they are two completely different things.

I have looked at second hand D300's and the like, and the extra cost just doesn't seem worth it. Yes they are built better, but besides that i'm struggling to justify it. Especially when the £300 i save could easily buy a flash setup or part of a new lens.

The D90 seems to have all the kit on it, but i'm very aware that it is getting on a bit, so just wanted the opinions of those who have used it, compared to their current 'up to date' camera.

[Rosie]

If you can get one at that price then I think you should go for it Troy...sounds like your mind is made up anyway, you just want us lot to justify it for you! Do it - you know you want to!
It will keep you happy until you can afford the full frame dream

[Troy]

I kind of want people to justify it. But i also want to know it will be a worthy upgrade. I don't want to hit another barrier with the camera for a while, as full frame is going to be years away. If i start now i can save enough to buy the future D8 in about 20 years time

I was quite surprised at the price, but there are several in the same sort of price range from a respectable online dealer.

[Chris Humphreys]

I haven't owned a D90 but I had it's predecessor the D80 before I upgraded to the 700. The D80 was a fine camera and produced a few award winning shots for me while I had it, I also kicked off my architectural photography business with it for a short while and it did just fine. It's main failing was poor ISO performance and no live view, both of which the D90 addressed along with better focussing etc.

The the question as to whether the D90 is going to be man enough to satisfy your photographic desires is undoubtedly yes. Besides its the person behind the camera that counts so you just need to learn what you're doing now....(joke!!).

[simon3116]

It's a tough choice to make when upgrading. I went from the D50 to the D200 and then the D300 all second-hand and have been lucky that I haven't lost money on them. If it was me I'd save the extra cash and get a D300 and then save again and upgrade the lenses later, still second-hand, there are some bargain older lenses out there.

ps I've never used a D90 but the D300 seemed to improve all my lenses (sharpness, speed, picture quality) even the cheaper lenses I had at the time.

[Troy]

The problem with that though is that I just can't justify spending so much on a camera if a D90 would do everything I wanted it to. The extra money I save up could go towards a new lens or other kit.

[simon3116]

Go with the D90, you'll love it and wonder why you never did it earlier.

I'm slightly jealous, I love getting new gadgets.

[Troy]

I'm still not definitely getting it, so don't be too jealous. It would look good next to my new iPad 2 though

[D Pentney]

I have literally been looking at the D90 wondering the same. It's a big step up from my D60, and it's certainly got enough features for the sorts of photography I like (i.e; stuff that doesn't move), but I know what you're saying about it being already dated when you bought it. Ofcourse, thats a double-edges sword because it's what makes them so cheap.

I've decided to plump for the D90 on grounds that I don't get enough time to justify a more expensive camera. And I'm going to want a new tripod and lenses. I was looking at the D7000, but once you add in the extras it's beyond my justification.

On the other hand; I probably know half as much about taking pictures as you, so I'll be easily pleased!!