I'm wondering if I'm going crazy but it just doesn't make sense to own gear I don't shoot.
I do love photogrpahy but I can't find the time to enjoy taking a pic and its been like that for a while, at one point I thought I would do some weddings on the side as a side gig but honestly, I hate running after people, I'd rather shoot landscape, and fine art.
I have a D300 with 17-55mm and a Sigma 30mm f1.4 with a SB600.
They all just sit there.
I was thinking maybe I should sell it all and get a portable D40. Keep my Sigma 30mm f1.4...........Not sure what I would do with my 17-55mm yet.
I had a D300, but then sold it and bought an Olympus E-420 because of its small size. I just find that I'm much more likely to carry a smaller camera around (the E-420 fits in one little LowePro bag with an extra lens). The D300 wasn't so big anyway, but it was just a bit too much for me to want to bring along on casual outings.
I have now learned that I would really prefer multiple cameras for different uses. The E-420 is good in controlled situations, but something like a D700 would be much better for more demanding times, when I need things like great AF and low light performance.
I'm much happier with my E-420 and wanting a D700 than I was with just a D300. The size and simplicity of the E-420 makes photography feel fun and pure again, because it physically and functionally isn't in the way at all.
The question you have to ask yourself is if you will even use the D40? If not, sell it all and get a quality P&S. A camera is only good if you use it.
If you do decide to go D300->D40 (or D90 like someone suggested), realize that your CF cards won't work in either the D40 or the D90. That's another cost consideration.
Mike Mohrmann wrote:
The question you have to ask yourself is if you will even use the D40? If not, sell it all and get a quality P&S. A camera is only good if you use it.
+1
Maybe a m4/3 body or G11 would be something you'd be more likely to make images with.
A DSLR, even if it's smaller, is still not pocketable or something that's easy to carry when your not specifically out to take photos.
I haven't had the D40 myself, but I've read that it supposedly gives very, very nice images and colors. For landscapes and fineart though, if you're planning on printing, you may be limited by 6 MP. I recently got an E-P1 + 20mm 1.7, and that is a sweet and fun combo. I find myself bringing it with me more than I do with my DSLR. And the best camera is the one you bring, so...
Maybe a m4/3 body or G11 would be something you'd be more likely to make images with.
A DSLR, even if it's smaller, is still not pocketable or something that's easy to carry when your not specifically out to take photos.
+10 If you don't use it why leave it in a bag until it is worth nothing.
A D40 with the 30 and a 16-85 or Tamron 17-50VC will be more than enough for almost everything the average person needs to shoot. Apart from the famous "duck in the pond at 300mm" shot.
for those two subjects your going to notice the resolution drop, absolutely get something cheaper and lighter but keep the 12mp resolution. d90 or d5000.
Moving from a D300 & 17-55 to a D90 & a 16-85 shaves an entire pound off of the weight of the camera & lens setup, and wouldn't give up much if any IQ while expanding zoom range at both ends. VR makes up for f2.8 on hand hold ability at least. You wouldn't give up much low-light capability if you hung on to your Sigma 30 1.4.
mrkon wrote:
sell the 17-55 and get a used GF1+14-45 kit for $800?
+1
The GF1 is a great option. If you haven't looked at them, do some research on it. I have a friend that just stepped down from his DSLR to go this route.
I'm very satisfied with having a D60 (two, actually - one for my wife when we travel, 2nd body when I shoot alone) and for the money they're hard to beat. I picked them both up as refurbs in the $250-$275 range.
Before I did this i seriously considered M4/3, but I really enjoy a real viewfinder.
From what I found out, it's not the camera. My photos suck just as bad with a D60 as with a 5D MK II.
If you aren't using it much, it is just dead money sitting in the closet. To figure out what to replace it with, think carefully of what you like to photo. Will a good pocket camera such as Canon G11 or Panasonic Lumix do that? Or, a D5000 with kit lenses? My guess is that if you aren't even taking what you have with you, something that fits in your pocket might better fit your style.
I see no reason keeping gear that is not used. Unquestionably, the D300 is a great camera but the D40 is also very good in its own right and it is lighter and easy to carry anywhere.
But if you do not use the D40 either....
