Nikon SLR Cameras

Nikon d2x or something else?

Andrew
Andrew

I have a nikon d5000-wich is a good camera btw… Ready to upgrade to a better camera… I have a small nome studio and do 90% of my work-portraits(kids, family)… I have a tight budget after i sell the d5000… Of about 900$… I was thinking of getting a d2x because it suites my needs, and is far better than a d5000(considering also that is a pro body, a horse machine and takes all the nikon lenses)…
So should i go with the d2x or is there something else that i should be looking in to? Thanks…

Added (1). I have strobe lights, flash lights and all the equipment needed… I need a faster shutter and a camera that takes all the nikon lenses… So what i need right now is definitely to look at a better camera…

Jeroen Wijnands
Jeroen Wijnands

That kind of money and studio work… D90, D200 perhaps a d300. I'd try to find a gently used d90 or d300 with a grip

OMG I PONIES!!1
OMG I PONIES!!1

Get something else.

Studio lights, modifiers, a lens upgrade, an extra lens, a proper tripod (not some $50 p.o.s.), software, hard drives for backups, whatever you need for your studio work.

The D2X will not give you better image quality. It will mostly give you a few things that you don't need in a studio environment such as 8 frames per second and weather sealing.

If you're considering a cheap body for a built-in AF motor, get an old D80. If you're looking for a cheap body that will also meter with manual focus lenses (why?!) get an old D200. Both of those use the same generation sensor as the D2X.

If you want an all-round improvement over your D5000, get a D90, D7000, or D300/ D300s - in increasing order of cost and features. Get the least expensive option that offers stuff you actually require.

The D2X might make you look like a rock star but I'm pretty sure that your clients would prefer a gear selection that makes THEM look better.
---
added:

I suggest a D200 then. I might be biased because I'm still using a D200 myself, but here's my thinking:

* A D200 is roughly $600 cheaper than a D2X (prices at KEH.com). You don't need the extra features of the D2X so spend the price difference on glass instead. You want the in-body AF motor for the world of possibilities with older lenses, right? Then reserve some cash to buy one or two.

* A D200 costs $200 more than a D80, but several of the extra features on the D200 actually could come in handy: metering with manual focusing lenses, more dedicated controls on the body for metering modes, AF modes, bracketing, etc. The D200 is also a substantially beefier camera that "looks & feels" like serious instrument. I'm guessing that you're willing to spend a bit extra for that, too.

* The D200 is slightly cheaper but still much higher specced than the newer D90, which was simply a replacement model of the D80. My wife uses a D90 so I have some experience with that camera as well. The main advantages of the D90 vs. The D200 are the added video and live view features and better high ISO performance - which you shouldn't require in a portrait studio. At base ISO there's no difference in image quality.

* The D200 is roughly $500 cheaper than a D300(s). Same story as the D2X(s) - you don't require the extras so spend the price difference on lenses instead.

When budget permits, make your next upgrade the D700 and skip everything in-between. With the full frame D700 you can use Nikon's dedicated portrait lenses as intended (the 85mm f/1.4, 105 and 135mm DC… Take your pick.)