Cheap second hand alternative to D90 using same lenses?

NeilF · 12 Sep 2012 at 14:04

I plan on doing a lot of time elapsed photos. I'd rather not use my Nikon D90 for this (eg: throwing thousands of photos onto it out in the elements), so I'm looking to buy a cheap second hand camera which is compatible with my D90 lenses.

Currently looking at D70s, but wondering if:-
1) I can definitely use the same lenses across both cameras?
2) There's a better/cheaper second hand option (camera)?

D.P. · 12 Sep 2012 at 15:27

All lenses are compatible and I doubt you will find a better second hand camera on the cheap. There are cheap d40 out there but you will like the d70 if coming from a d90

Columbo · 12 Sep 2012 at 16:35

There's a Nikon D50 with just over 6k actuations available from the Photographers Bag on Ebay here

It looks in brilliant condition and is only £104.99. I've used them a few times and had no issue at all.

NeilF · 12 Sep 2012 at 17:38

I'd try and get a D70 for that or less... At least at first...

NeilF · 17 Sep 2012 at 15:22

ManCuBuS said:
There's a Nikon D50 with just over 6k actuations available from the Photographers Bag on Ebay here

It looks in brilliant condition and is only £104.99. I've used them a few times and had no issue at all.

Other problem with the D50 is getting a cheap shutter timer/controller for it to. The D70 (like my D90) has loads around for about £10. Can't see any for the D50

Snapshot · 17 Sep 2012 at 19:47

I'm pretty sure the D50 is IR only just like the original D70.

NeilF · 17 Sep 2012 at 20:00

Snapshot said:
I'm pretty sure the D50 is IR only just like the original D70.

IR only? You mean infra red like a traditional remote?

Looking around I think you're right! I can only see cable shutter controllers for the D70s! Thanks for pointing that out!

Snapshot · 18 Sep 2012 at 07:10

No, the traditional remote is a cable release.

A used D3100 or D5000 might be worth considering as they use the same release as your D90. You'll lose AF with non-AF-S lenses but I'd expect you to be using MF for time-lapse anyway. But you could get a D200 for the same price and this would get you much better weather sealing, viewfinder, etc. plus it can share batteries with the D90.

jorzeh · 18 Sep 2012 at 08:50

You really need to look at Weather Sealing and Video reproduction here, I would just use your D90 and duck tape a umbrella onto the tripod, Just having it out of shot, I wouldn't worry to much about loading a lot of shots onto your D90, They're not all that exspensive now, You can even buy a D7k for £620 these days new.