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Nikon D60 Stay with it, or upgrade ?

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jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
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Topic starter
 

I have the Nikon D60, and I have had this for a few years now. I am just getting the hang of aperture priority and shutter priority modes, this was after keeping it on auto for ages. I was thinking of upgrading, but I was just wondering is it really worth it ?

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 5:31 pm
cas-couple
(@jandce)
Posts: 436
Reputable Member
 

The only reason to upgrade as far as I can see is if you want to buy non AFS type lenses (ones without a built in auto focus motor) as these usually are slower to focus anyway there is not really a need to upgrade.
Do you shoot in raw mode (nikon neff file format) if not start to try it and you will find you can get better images this way,you will need software to process them (we use elements 9) this will cost about £60 for the latest version elements 10,but this is a lot less than a new camera.

Hope this helps

Cas & Jon

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 6:00 pm
channelman
(@channel)
Posts: 52
Trusted Member
 

What would you upgrade to? Its worth considering what you do with your pictures also? Don't go chasing model numbers - sure way to overspend on the hobby!

The D60's a good camera - I'd be minded to keep getting used to using it in manual mode then look to upgrade to a D300/s in time which without using in manual all the time would be a waste . .

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 6:24 pm
jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
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Topic starter
 

there is not really a need to upgrade.
Do you shoot in raw mode (nikon neff file format) if not start to try it and you will find you can get better images this way

Hope this helps

Cas & Jon

I have never tried shooting Raw, I did go to a photography club a few times, this was to get a few hints and tips. But I was veered away from shooting Raw, but I suppose I could always give it a go. The only reason I was thinking of upgrading was because the quality of my images was pretty poor. I just thought it was my lack of experience at first, but after a visit to Jessops, I was persuaded to purchase a filter. After this failed to produce really sharp clear images, I was told with the D60 being an entry level, I should upgrade for better quality images.

But there again, a sales person will always try to sell you something, wether you need it or not  ???

Maybe I need to get out and about, and keep trying to get better images. ( must be my lack of experience )

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 6:32 pm
jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
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Topic starter
 

What would you upgrade to? Its worth considering what you do with your pictures also? Don't go chasing model numbers - sure way to overspend on the hobby!

The D60's a good camera - I'd be minded to keep getting used to using it in manual mode then look to upgrade to a D300/s in time which without using in manual all the time would be a waste . .

Thanks that looks like a good bit of advice. But what put me off at the camera club I used to go to, other members had better cameras than mine. Members would often say to me, thats only a basic entry level camera you have !

I am only using the camera for my own personal enjoyment, I am not out to impress anyone  😉

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 6:39 pm
cas-couple
(@jandce)
Posts: 436
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I forgot to ask which lens/lenses you have as if you have a kit lens only 18-55 mm then sometimes they can produce soft images.
A better lens is always better than a better camera as it is the lens that does the most important work.

we use Nikon and upgraded last summer from a very old d70s to the d7000 and in good lighting conditions you can't tell the images apart.

Have a look at this website as we find it useful for learning new things and getting advice on our images,we are under cas-couple on there as well.

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 6:42 pm
barelee
(@leefos)
Posts: 587
Honorable Member
 

The D60 is a good camera.  I still miss it, although now have a D300 and D300S.  Unless you specifically need more pixels, or better performance at high ISO settings I would say you would be better off putting your money into a better lens.  When I started buying good lenses was when I suddenly started liking at least some of my own photos!

What lens are you using now?

Boundaries are there to be stretched!

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 6:44 pm
cherry and john
(@cherry-and-john)
Posts: 1433
Member
 

Jon, it sounds like you had a typically arsey comment made by a typical club member who obviously didnt understand the first thing about camera selection.  Ignore stuff like that,  it's just not worth the effort to be concerned about it.

We actually used D70's professionally for many years, mostly in manual mode (or at least in shutter priority/manual focus mode). Why would you want to use auto????  It was more than up to the job we needed it for, but that's actually the nub of the issue. It's pointless having this or that camera recommended to you as its all about what you actually want to a) mainly photograph and b) how the resulting images will be displayed.  If what you have delivers what you need, then what you have is fine for you.

I'm afraid that too many people chase newer brighter shining models simply because they are there (and they've somehow managed to convince their 'other half' that they really must have those extra pixels/better features ... 'just in case, dear'. :-). Somehow that never seemed to work for me, maybe because she was a pro as well, bummer.

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 7:02 pm
jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
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Topic starter
 

To the guys asking above:
The Lenses I am using are the Sigma DC 18 - 55 1:3.5-5.6 HSM and the Nikon DX 55-200 1:4-5.6G ED

The reason I bought those lenses, was thats what my pocket money dictated. I do not know a great deal about cameras or lenses, as I am still feeling my way around. Although I have had the camera for years, I have been too scared in the past to take it off auto...It's only a short while I have been trying out both aperture and priority modes. I know I have a long way to go. But I will have fun learning  🙂

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 7:06 pm
jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Jon, it sounds like you had a typically arsey comment made by a typical club member who obviously didnt understand the first thing about camera selection.  Ignore stuff like that,  it's just not worth the effort to be concerned about it.

I'm afraid that too many people chase newer brighter shining models simply because they are there (and they've somehow managed to convince their 'other half' that they really must have those extra pixels/better features ... 'just in case, dear'. :-). Somehow that never seemed to work for me, maybe because she was a pro as well, bummer.

Thanks I suppose you are right, I stopped going to the club, too many snooty comments !

I can't convince my partner I need another gadjet, she always says ( You would like it, you don't need it )  I suppose she is right, as always lol

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 7:22 pm
jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
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Topic starter
 

Hi photomatic, yes I could always do with a few hints and tips. Why what did you have in mind ?

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 11:16 pm
John Hardisty
(@john-hardisty)
Posts: 9
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Why change to bolster up the profits of camera companies? Does it do what you need? is it broken? can you afford to upgrade to the latest all singing and dancing camera?  Spend the money out practicing using your present camera, and enjoy it..................lol

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 11:36 pm
jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Why change to bolster up the profits of camera companies? Does it do what you need? is it broken? can you afford to upgrade to the latest all singing and dancing camera?  Spend the money out practicing using your present camera, and enjoy it..................lol

Yes, No , No ,  lol ..I think I will put any camera purchase on hold, I will wait till the camera dies  ;D lol

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 11:45 pm
jonsbare
(@jonsbare)
Posts: 18
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Topic starter
 

I'm not sure, what is your preferred genre, landscapes, or people? I shoot a lot of nudes so tend to be studio based, but it is a lot of fun.

I was into Motorbikes a few years ago, I took loads of bike photos..Then I tried a little outdoor shoots, mainly topless in settings such as parks and gardens. Never tried doing studio stuff..

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 11:58 pm
John Hardisty
(@john-hardisty)
Posts: 9
Active Member
 

Sorry I wasnt trying to make you change your mind on buying a new camera. But it is so easy for the media to convince us that we must have the latest gadget, even when the difference with what we have got a the new all singing and dancing model is very minimal.
  The important point is as  the last postee pointed out what you want to do with the camera. General, portrait or landscape. If your current model dos'nt do want you want try to get one that does.  Best wishes and a happy new year.

 
Posted : January 9, 2012 2:36 pm
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