Some Camera Related Question

[ShaggyRS6]

Hi everyone. A few years back, when the Nikon D2X was just released I bought myself one, i was very into aviation photography and at that point wanted the best. It was a case of having all the gear and no idea. That said I went on to learn a lot about the camera and ended up getting some really nice lenses for aviation photography.

Since moving to the US i want to back in to photography, there is so much here from an outdoors perspective I want to take pictures of. I did buy a Sony RX-100 as a leaving present for myself when we left the UK, it takes great pictures and i have been enjoying using it and learning these past few weeks. Its only down fall is the lack of a telephoto lens.

So I have the D2X - My question is, should I sell it, and the lenses and look to get a more modern DSLR? Maybe a Cannon? I'm not sure I need todays equivalent of a D2x, in fact I know I dont.

Should I sell just the body and get another Nikon? and use the lenses.

Either way, what would you suggest getting to replace it. I'd still love to take pictures of planes at some point, but I am really liking the landscape stuff.

Or, and here is another question. Is there nothing wrong with the D2x?

I dont mind spending some cash, so dont let that sway your advice.

 

[Nexus]

While some people will argue until the cows come home about it, there really isn't much in it between Canon and Nikon, in real terms it just comes down to which system you prefer in terms of usability.

As you already have a load of Nikon lenses, it makes a lot of sense to stick with them.

Really though whether you need a new camera is all going to come down to you and its only you that can answer that. Your D2X is still more than capable of taking photos, but it sounds like that is something you haven't been doing. So you have to ask yourself if that is the case, why is it? If you do buy a new camera, is that going to spur you on to take photos? Or is it likely to be like your current camera and not get much use?

 

[ShaggyRS6]

Thats a very fair question Nexus. Would it spur me on to use it. I dont know, I would like to think it would.

I do have a couple issues with the D2X.

1. Dust on the sensor is so bad with this camera. I used to be forever cleaning it.
2. Its just massive, taking it anywhere is a mission, especially with 200 - 400VR Lens on it.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

Any other advice from you guys?

 

[Nexus]

Thats a very fair question Nexus. Would it spur me on to use it. I dont know, I would like to think it would.

I do have a couple issues with the D2X.

1. Dust on the sensor is so bad with this camera. I used to be forever cleaning it.
2. Its just massive, taking it anywhere is a mission, especially with 200 - 400VR Lens on it.

You could always get a professional sensor clean done.

But to the second point, if you are finding a large gripped pro camera too much, is this the reason you aren't shooting?

If so, then yes, buy a new, smaller camera.

As I said before though, its really only you who knows whether you need a new camera.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

What about the difference in pixels, I notice that the newer cameras are double the d2x, will that make a huge difference?

 

[D.P.]

What about the difference in pixels, I notice that the newer cameras are double the d2x, will that make a huge difference?

Difference to what? You can print a little bigger or crop a little more, not much else.

TBH, the D2x has a great sensor when used as base ISO. The biggest difference you will find with newer cameras is much better high ISO performance and also better dynamic range.

The other thing is that now full frame cameras have taken the top end of the spectrum, which has some positives and negatives. The bigger sensor captures more light but if you want to make use of that you will need to buy longer lenses to maintain the Same subject magnification.

What is your budget and what lenses do you own?
Depending on what you want have a look at the Nikon D7100, D600 and D800 (assuming you have some Nikon lenses).
The D7100is a crop camera but has fantastic auto focus and is perfect for wildlife, sports, aviation etc. D600 and D800 are full frame, D800 is the best DSLR you can buy for landscape, architecture, still life and nature, very good for wildlife with plenty of crop potential. The D600 is a cheaper and works well for weddings, events, street, etc. of course all cameras can be used for all things.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

Hi, I currently have the following:
*
Nikkor AF-S 24 85mm 1:3.5-4.5G ED
*
Nikkor AF VR 80-400mm 1:45-5.6D ED
*
I also have a Nikkor macro lens, unsure of specs and an F2.8 Prime lens, again, unser of specs.* I also have an SB-800 Flash.