Buying New Body

[Kurtblythman]

Well iv had my first DSLR for almost a year now, a D40X. Im thinking about getting a new body. Hopefully something that will use my current lens's. I mostly use my camera for motorsport events so i swap between a 18-55 lens when in and around the pits then a 70-300 while out on track.

Problem is that its slightly annoying having to swap lens's every 10mins. After a bad experience at BTCC a few weeks ago when trying to swap lens's in the rain and getting a fair amount of dirt in the camera body iv decided to get a second body.

I haven't got a steady income atm as i have just left school and im looking for a little part time job until September so my budget is limited. I guess anything above £500 is out of reach. So suggestions please on a body to get? How about a old body like a D1 or something? Im not sure so i need your opinions, thanks!

Edited by Kurtblythman on Sunday 6th July 21:55

[andyquantum]

I went from a D40 (not the X, just a standard 40) to a D80. Thought about getting rid of the 40 on ebay but it would hardly make any money and I wanted to use the lenses on the D80, so I kept it. It's now got a 50-200 more or less permanantly on it, and I swap the 18-55 and 70-300 around on the D80 instead

No particular reason why I upgraded, I just felt the D80 would give me a bit more. Feels better in my hand, and easier to use other lenses well, like the 50mm prime. Could probably have done what I wanted with the D40 with a bit more patience, but thats never been one of my qualities

Everyone said to me that it's not enough of a jump, but having played with a D200, it was a couple of steps above where I am in terms of ability

[rustyspit]

Fuji S5 pro (which takes Nikon lenses)?
£499 new: http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/331-501A/
or £450 'refurb' (i.e. new, but in a refurb box with a 6 month warranty): https://secure.fujifilm.co.uk/shop/consumer/digita...
It won't be any faster or give higher resolution than the D40x, but everything else will probably be better and it is built like a tank in comparison. Check out the various reviews on the web - not everyone likes them, but I'm pleased with mine.

....or you could probably get a used D200 for that sort of price on eBay.

Edited by rustyspit on Sunday 6th July 22:54

Edited by rustyspit on Sunday 6th July 22:55

[Neek]

First of all you need to stick with Nikon as you have Nikon lens'. I just upgraded from a D50 to a D300 and just find the D300 to be in a different league - get the best body that you can afford - you won't regret it. And don't be afraid to save for longer to get something better

Hope this helps
George

[RobDickinson]

IMO in your financial position just deal with a few missed shots.

[chris.mapey]

I'd personally stick with the one body and get better glass...

However, have a look at a used D70 on ebay.

I still use mine (I upgraded to a D300 a few months ago) as it still can deliver great pics.

I looked at the prices they were making when I upgraded and decided to keep it rather than let it go for (comparative) peanuts.

Chris

[GetCarter]

Don't get the D1!

I had one, and they were great at the time, but they have HOPELESS batteries (I had to carry 3 with me all the time and would flatten them all in one day) - and times have moved on in the past 7 years and A D80 or D200 will take better photos than a D1