I've been weighing the 5d mkII and the d700 for a while now. And when i finally make up my mind to get the d700 and all the goodies that go with it. My local shop tells me that i might want to wait cause nikon is going to be coming out with a newer d700 (d700x or d800). So now once again i'm puzzled. Is there any truth to this and what might the advantages be on the d800? Thanks!
Of course it's true, Nikon will come out with a D800. But when is only the first question, the second is what the specs will be. As for those answers, only Nikon knows, everything else is a guess. So, to get back to your core question, if you want to go Nikon, I'd get a used D700 now and start adding glass to the kit. Then when the D800, or D700x or whatever is released you can sell the D700 (taking only a slight hit) and move to the next body.
orangeujealous wrote:
And when i finally make up my mind to get the d700 and all the goodies that go with it. My local shop tells me that i might want to wait cause nikon is going to be coming out with a newer d700 (d700x or d800).
What I find puzzling is that the photography shop warned you against a potential sale for them. I wonder if that means the release is going to be really soon?
If not, then I'd want to buy something right away so that I could be shooting in the meantime and getting used to the ergonomics, the menu system, etc. If you are going to go full-frame then buy non-DX lenses.
There is always going to be a newer model of camera, always. The lenses get upgraded at a much slower pace.
Best to you with your purchase, hope you get something soon.
Lisa
Orange, it's hard to provide concrete advice in this case. Your profile says nothing about you, why you shoot, what you shoot, what your skill level is, what your current gear is, whether you need this upgrade or not, or anything else. And whatever advice you get will be limited by all of those.
If I imagine that this is a clean-sheet purchase -- as though you have nothing at all, or will be selling everything you had before -- and if I assume that only the high-ISO, shallow-DOF, wide-over-long characteristics of an FX camera will suit you, then I'd also assume that good glass is absolutely critical for you. So, if you're really agonizing over body choices, I'd suggest that you get a used D300 right now.
The D300 will give you the AF engine, body layout, weather-sealing, and virtually everything else you get from the D700 except the larger sensor. Used D300 bodies in great condition should be easy to find on the B&S for about $1,000. Then, start buying good lenses. Once the next upgrade arrives (D700s, D700x, or D800), or once you decide that getting great shots now is more important than getting the newest-body-on-the-block, then you can upgrade from your D300 to whatever your new body will be.
I'm of the "the worst image is the one you didn't get" school of thought, so waiting for a body upgrade just means lots of images that I didn't get in the meantime.
Honestly, how many people have really been burned by buying a lens or camera just to have a new one announced? I don't remember reading too much... maybe a handful here on FM.
Remember, even when Nikon announces a new product, it takes several months to see them in stores and even then it could be sold out for another month or two.
poisonpill wrote:
Honestly, how many people have really been burned by buying a lens or camera just to have a new one announced? I don't remember reading too much... .
I've never been burned buying a lens, but I have bought a camera only to see it lose hundreds of dollars in value seemingly over night. When Nikon comes out with a D800, that would be the time to buy a used D700. Make someone else take the big $$ hit and put the money you saved towards first class lens, pro level tripod, or lighting.
I have heard (but not confirmed) that the sensor used in the D700 is no longer being manufactured. If true, then a replacement for the D700 will come sooner rather than later. Have said that...
It sounds like you have done some research, compared the 5DII to the D700 and determined that the D700 is the better camera for your purposes. Having owned both, I think you made a good decision. So, the D700 meets your needs. Now, ask yourself what doesn't the D700 have that the replacement body might. If you need better high ISO performance, a second card slot or faster AF, perhaps you should wait and see. Otherwise, I'd buy the D700 now.
IMHO, the D700 will still be an awesome camera even after its replacement hits the market. It has outstanding image quality and high ISO. Stick an MB-D10 on it with some AAs and you got 8fps.
orangeujealous wrote:
Yeah i agree. I'm going to be picking it up tomorrow! Thanks everyone along with the 14-24,24-70,70-200 and 105 macroVR. Can't wait!!
Did you win the lottery? That is a serious gear purchase! Enjoy, and happy shooting.
Avi B wrote:
Yes, you should wait. If that wait is 1-2 years, don't blame anyone but yourself
Very true. I picked up the D700 the first month of availablity. If I sold it today, I would lose about $1000 from purchase price and it's been worth every penny. No regrets.
Orange, and once you have all that gear in hand and start shooting, you'll be happy. If a new camera does get announced within a year, your camera won't suddenly stop taking pictures. My D50 and D1h still see regular duty here Good luck, and share some shots when you can
Two23 wrote:
I've never been burned buying a lens, but I have bought a camera only to see it lose hundreds of dollars in value seemingly over night. When Nikon comes out with a D800, that would be the time to buy a used D700. Make someone else take the big $$ hit and put the money you saved towards first class lens, pro level tripod, or lighting.
Kent in SD
The same rule applies to photography as to stock market. You lose money only if you sell it...sell it now. If you're buying a camera as a short-term investment, you should wait. If you don't care about taking video and buying your camera for you photos only, there is nothing stops you from buying D700 today. As a normal user, your camera will last years from now regardless of how many updates may come out.
Your shop don't know squat. 
Get what'll work for you now, or miss a years worth of shots. 
