Hey everyone,

I have a great kit with a D700, numerous lenses but I am looking for a lightweight setup. One that I can take when I dont want to take my big gear bag.

I am thinking a 35 1.8 DX and a d3000. My question is how are people finding its iso capabilities and will it make a good compliment to a lightweight setup.

Thanks,

Tobin

In such a case I use my D700 without grip and a 50/1.4 or a Tamron 28-75 2.8 and that is a lot lighter and smaller as a D700+grip+28-70 2.8(Nikkor). I tried it in the past with a D50 with my D200 and D300, but I used it more as 2nd camera than as lightweight replacement.

I'd put the D5000 at least one stop ahead of the D3000's ISO performance - the D3000 uses the CCD sensor that was in the D200, D80, and D60 while the D5000 has the much improved CMOS sensor from the D90 & D300s. The 5K is ~4 ounces heavier than the 3K, and $100 more in the body only configuration, but those are both tradeoffs I'd make to get the much better sensor.

My 2 cents.

I looked at the 3k and 5k before settling on the D90. The 3k and 5k were just too small for me. Also not having the aperture wheel (sub command wheel) was a minus for me. But I like what they had to offer as entry levels.

Thanks guys, its looking like the d5000 will be better for me. I want something small that I am more willing to take on a hike etc.

Keep the comments coming guys!

I just find a way to cram my D700 and my Tokina 19-35mm in my bag when I am going light weight. I don't find the smaller cameras comfortable enough to carry around all day. Even if it is just for a hike.

I focused on small and got a D60 (pre D3000) about 18 months ago. I put a battery grip on it so my right pinky had somewhere to sit. Works great for me as a light weight daily carry rig and the battery grip added just enough mass/grip surface to balance it better in my hand.