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My first DSLR. Help! Nikon D7000?

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HipSnip
Posts: 273 - Karma: 97
Hey guys. So title says it all. I am buying my first dslr. I have always been into photography and filming, but have never decided to take it to the next step and buy a nice camera. What I want..

I want a camera that will take awesome photos. I will be using it outdoors mostly. Nature shots while hiking, fishing, and other activities. And a TON on the ski hill. Shots of friends. This is one of my main reasons to get it.
Besides taking awesome photos with my camera. I will be doing some filming with it as well. I have a go pro 2 HD, but would like this as another choice.

Soooooo here we go. What camera? If i do something, i wanna do it right, so my price range is up to 1,000. I've done research, but I want to hear your guys input from a people who have used cameras in similar situations as I will be. I've been strongly leaning towards the Nikon D7000. I guy in my area is selling one with 6,500 actuations, 18-55mm lens, and speed 400 flash. Great condition. For only 700.

Let me know what you guys are thinking. Ideas. Anything. +K
Jul 30 2013 8:32PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
what the fuck is a speed 400 flash?

Having used the d7000 I can tell you it's a phenomenal crop photo body, best I've ever used, that said, if your budget is 1000 I wouldn't get it, you don't have enough left over.


If you really want to shoot video(the d7000 is not good for video, because of the pathetic aperture controls) get a 550d, 350$ that'll set you back, then get a decent tripod(2-300$), spend 50-100 on cards and batteries, and grab a tamron 17-50(300$). Might be a little over budget, but that's what I'd do personally.

and if you can live without shooting video you can get a cheaper setup, either canon or nikon both have great cheap photo bodies.
Jul 30 2013 8:42PM
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HipSnip
Posts: 273 - Karma: 97
Hey! thanks for the input!!

Speedlight SB-400 flash. My bad! Haha.

Okay. That makes sense. Not enough for extras for it. Even with the used one for 700, you would steer clear?

Okay. So that would shoot better film? Plus would open up more doors/options because id have more lenses? Would the photo quality be less? Thanks again.
Jul 30 2013 9:15PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
Ah got you, the sb400 isn't worth a lot so I'd skip that deal.

I mean you'll get similar quality on both, the d7000 will do better at high iso, but the 550d is still capable.

The main problem with shooting on the d7000 is you're limited to 30p, even at 1080p you can only get 24p, on the canon you can get 720p60 and 1080p30. Also with the d7000 in live view every zoom effectively becomes a prime, as if you zoom, you have to exit live view, zoom, then go back into live view, otherwise the exposure fucks itself up. Trust me it gets annoying, and you will just end up shooting at the one focal length.

550d takes some great photos, the buffer isn't the best, but it's usable. + with more money to spend on lenses it'll hold value better.

Are you gonna be shooting outdoors exclusively during the day? indoors too? night time? do you need fast autofocus for the photos?
Jul 30 2013 9:22PM
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HipSnip
Posts: 273 - Karma: 97
Gotcha. Sounds like the 550d is more what im looking for video wise plus will hold its own in photo.

I will mostly be shooting in day time when im outdoors. quick autofocus? Often? probaly not really often. But im sure cathcing animals or tricks would be easy with a quick focus. And ill be using the camera a little bit everywhere, so sometimes inside.
Jul 30 2013 9:40PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
yeah 550d will work perfectly for you I reckon, might be worth trying to get a 600d though(over here it's the same price, not sure about over in the US), it's near enough an identical camera, but the 600d has a flip-out screen which is really handy.
Jul 30 2013 9:41PM
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HipSnip
Posts: 273 - Karma: 97
Awesome. i found this guy who is selling a 600d with two lenses in my area as well.
Heres the link

http://madison.craigslist.org/pho/3959239027.html


check it out and let me know what you think! + major K
Jul 30 2013 10:00PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
"we bought it to take pregnancy photos of the wife"

That SD card could contain content that could scar you for life.
Jul 30 2013 10:06PM
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HipSnip
Posts: 273 - Karma: 97
Oh god.......I never thought of that...... Now I NEED to have that camera!!! Those would be priceless. Haha.

In all honestity though. Good deal?
Jul 30 2013 10:18PM
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p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
those two lenses aren't worth much, neither is stellar. Also, the only accessory that is really useful/worth paying for is the orange case, and thats only if it is a decent one (aka not a cheap knock off of a pelican case). Body only is around $400 ebay, and that was just what I saw on buy it now, so I would say there are better deals out there. It may be a decent deal, but you probably don't want/need most of the accessories, so it isn't worth paying for them
Jul 31 2013 5:25PM
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homestar
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 4,197
I just bought a refurbished t3i with the kit lens for 450. Looks and works like it's brand new. The extra accessories aren't worth the 200 dollars. Check out B&H photo and Ebay.
Jul 31 2013 5:51PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7604 - Karma: 20,092
The D7000 is a great camera, I really like the video from it, but have only used it with primes so I have not experienced the zoom issue described above. I also use it primarily for photos. The controls on the camera body make adjustments really easy and fast.
A D5100 might be a good, more affordable option too. It has the same sensor as the D7000, made by sony. The articulated LCD might be handy for video as well.
As somebody said, 550D is a good option too.
I like the D7000's more robust build and metal body as I only use it outside and I'm rough on equipment.
Jul 31 2013 7:57PM
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