***Kathy***

[cop]

Did you end up getting the Nikon D7000? If so, have you been happy with it? I've been looking at getting a new camera and there is a bundle on Amazon with the 18-200mm lens (which I've also been wanting) but I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to pull the trigger.

[mrsjason]

Yes! I have two D7000s And I also have that lens you mentioned. Although I don't use the lens as much as I like since it doesn't do well in low light. For portrait sessions I mostly use my prime lenses since I have time to set up the shot and move around. I am not really able to use the 18-200 too much for weddings since 9 times out of 10 I need it to be a fast lens. But this, I'm sure, you already know

As for the camera, it's been great! It's better than the D40 with it's capabilities and does much better in low light. I haven't hit any limits yet with the D7000, but I am dreaming of the day when I upgrade to a professional grade camera. I have shot a few weddings with another pro's camera (D200 and the D800) and I love the quality of those cameras. They are much smoother. However, there is a significant jump in price so the D7000 it is for me! One of my D7000 has been acting up and I am going to have to send it in a be serviced for the second time, but I don't think it has anything to do with the actual camera itself. I *think* a small tiny person in my house *may* have pulled it off the kitchen counter onto the floor :/

[cop]

I'm glad to hear that it has worked out well for you. Judging by the pictures on your pro site and FB, it's a great camera. I've been having issues with my D90 and have been thinking about replacing it, but I don't need something pro-grade and I don't want to spend a fortune. From what I've read, it seems that the D7000 is a better buy than the older D300s and anything higher grade than that is a much bigger leap in price and bulkier.

I've been wanting the 18-200mm for traveling. I know it's not so great in low-light, but most of the pictures I take when we travel are outdoors so I think the sacrifice of aperture range is worth it for the added flexibility of more zoom. I still have a nice 50mm prime, but I don't use it much these days, especially since the kids are far away.

Thanks for sharing your perspective on the camera. I value your professional opinion.

[mrsjason]

Speaking from my experience, it has served me well. I have put many miles (for lack of a better term!) on them since I have owned them, which has been less than a year. I am hard on them and don't always take the best care of them but they haven't given me any issues - well anything that wasn't self inflicted!

I haven't shot a D90 but I find the controls are much easier to use on the D7000 than my old D40. I also bought a very helpful non-Nikon manual that I reference all the time. I think it cost around $80 and if you have a few extra $ I would recommend getting it. IMO the Nikon manual is crap. I can't remember who wrote the non-Nikon manual and I am too lazy to walk out to my car right now to get the book but I will let you know that the author tomorrow if you are interested

Oh and the 18-200 lens is pretty light in terms of zoom lenses so I think you will be happy with it for the purposes you desire.

[mrschelseap09]

*butting in*.... the D7000 is supposed to be the upgrade to the D90. It should be a perfect fit for you COP

[cop]

Thanks for butting in, Chelsea.
Your feedback is also very much appreciated!
I agree that it seems like the best upgrade for someone like me who never ambitions to try to go pro.

Kathy, I'd love to know the name of the manual. It's good to hear that your D7000s have withstood some heavy use. I know I won't be using mine as much as you do as a pro, but it tends to get bounced around a bit.

[mrsjason]

Ok, here is the link to the manual.....

bythom.com/nikond7000guide.htm

I haven't read it all, but it is easy to flip through and find the exact "how to" on what you are desiring to do. I find this manual is very easy to read and not confusing which is nice for a dummy like me because sometimes I get lost with too much technical stuff

[cop]

Dec 10, 2012 1:30:09 GMT -5 mrsjason said:

Ok, here is the link to the manual.....

bythom.com/nikond7000guide.htm

I haven't read it all, but it is easy to flip through and find the exact "how to" on what you are desiring to do. I find this manual is very easy to read and not confusing which is nice for a dummy like me because sometimes I get lost with too much technical stuff

That sounds perfect for me!

I saw he also has a Photoshop guide. Do you have any recs for good Photoshop guidance? I'm thinking about springing for upgrading that soon too. I don't want to squander my opportunity to take tons of pictures during my two years living in and traveling in Europe.

[mrsjason]

Dec 10, 2012 16:51:24 GMT -5 cop said:

Dec 10, 2012 1:30:09 GMT -5 mrsjason said:

Ok, here is the link to the manual.....

bythom.com/nikond7000guide.htm

I haven't read it all, but it is easy to flip through and find the exact "how to" on what you are desiring to do. I find this manual is very easy to read and not confusing which is nice for a dummy like me because sometimes I get lost with too much technical stuff

That sounds perfect for me!

I saw he also has a Photoshop guide. Do you have any recs for good Photoshop guidance? I'm thinking about springing for upgrading that soon too. I don't want to squander my opportunity to take tons of pictures during my two years living in and traveling in Europe.

I don't know much about his PS guides so I can't weigh in on that, but I learned most of my knowledge through Scott Kelby's PS books. They are super easy to read (again, too much technical stuff and I am lost) and I still reference them from time to time. Scott Kelby is a God when it comes to PS, LOL

[cop]

Thanks for the recommendation.