I need some help and/or opinions for a new camera

[Coach]

For Christmas my beautiful wife said I can upgrade my D200. I don't know what to do. My choices are:

1) D7000
2) D700 (Used) in excellent condition, 25000 actuations and only $1000.00
3) D600
4) D800

I consider myself a advanced amateur photographer . I have both DX and FX lenses. I take mostly landscapes but I also do some weddings and portrait photography.

Today there are some really good deals on the D800's and the D600's now so the prices are good.

There isn't a rush to get this new camera. My DW and I will be doing Disney and the Fantasy in November of 2013 so I just want to get something before then so I can practice and get familiar with the new body

Should I wait to see what the, yet to be announced, D7000 or D300 successors will be?

I will be keeping my D200 because I do like it and it has become sort of a trusted and faithful dog if you know what I mean.

Any help or opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[havoc315]

First question is, do you want full frame or crop?
Crop obviously saves a lot of money, and has the advantage of more reach with your lenses.
Full frame costing a lot more, giving you wider shots and the advantages of a bigger sensor.

 

[YesDear]

From your description, I would recommend the D800. I have had a D200 and now have a D800. I have played with the D600. The reason for my recommendation has more to do with the feel of the camera. The D600 feels more like a D7000 that feels more like a D90. The D800 has more of a feel of a D200. The lack of a flash sync bothers me with the D600. I feel you will be happier with the D800 if you like the D200.

The D700 is a great deal if price is the issue. Also if you shoot a lot of sports the D700 will do a better job with shot bursts.

The image with the D800 is amazing.

 

[SplashMo]

The D700 is a nice camera and that is an amazing price.

D600 would be plenty likely. However check for the feel of the camera. The grip is a little square for some.

THe D800 and D800E work wonders locked down on a tripod. Walking around they do well. However it is good to shoot at a faster shutter speed than one is use to. 2-4 times faster to get less bluring.

Great lenses for the camera are the 1.8G primes such as the 28/1.8G and 85/1.8G

 

[SplashMo]

I would pass on the D7000 as you have the D200.

Here are some reviews of the FF cameras:

http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/09/24/nikon-d600/
http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/03/25/long-term-review-the-nikon-d700/
http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/03/23/first-impressions-review-the-nikon-d800/

 

[DSLRuser]

i was recently in your same situation (march 2012). I decided on the d7000.

I did not have the budget for the D700, the D600 was not yet announced.

For me, i put the extra money i would have spent on the full frame body, to higher end FX lenses. Knowing that my next camera will be full frame in x number of years, i wanted my glass to be ready.

you can shoot DX bod with FX glass.....but you would not want to shoot FX body on DX glass.

for me, the D600 is a D7000 light. It is missing a few key features (flash sync being 1), but is full frame.