Nikon upgrade dx or fx?

I'm using a D3000 with 18-55 and 55-200 dx lens' at the mo and pretty much grown out of them.

I'm a hobby photographer at the mo but really trying to get into the business doing work experience etc.

My question is I'm looking to upgrade and can't decide on a camera and lenses. I have been looking at the D7000 with a good dx prime, maybe the 35mm 1.8. But looking to the future maybe I should look at an fx, the D700 or similar?

I have around £1000, maybe £1500.

Develop a 5 year plan, with the goal to go full frame or high-end Dx.

Start now by keeping your camera, but invest in FX lenses. Buy one a year or whatever your budget allows. Buy one good lens at a time rather than 2 or 3 inexpensive lenses.

The only exception to FX lenses is if you want a super-wide angle, you have to buy that in a Dx lens to get the full range (they don't make 11mm lenses in the Fx format). If you move to FX, you can sell a good Dx lens for almost what you paid for it. A good Dx lens, not a kit lens.

Buy good glass; f/2.8 for zooms, f/2.8 or better for primes.

Your photography will improve as you will be able to shoot in the fringe conditions a lot better with good glass than a full frame camera. So might as well start to enjoy that now. And you will re-learn some techniques, which will also help you when you go to a better camera later.

Instead of buying a D7000, buy a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. It is less expensive than a D7000, and you will enjoy the capability of that lens over the 55-200mm you now have.

After you have your lenses, then go for the Dx or full-frame camera. Buying a $4K to $6K FX camera without having the lenses to go with it is not the approach to take.

If you get the idea that lenses are more important than the camera, then you are correct.

http://www.althephoto.com

I couldn't agree more with AWBoater. Plan ahead, and work out where you want to go.

Your 3000 is a good enough body and upgrading to a 7000 doesn't give you a great deal more unless you need to work outdoors a lot.

I also agree with upgrading to the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8, however it may also be an idea to get a good prime, take a look at the AF-S 50mm f1.8.

You could also find out whether you have much to gain from full frame, get youself an F80 or F100.