From Pentax ZX-5n to Nikon?
Visitor Doug Heimlich wrote in to ask:
”Hi, George. I have used a Pentax ZX5N Manual SLR camera forever, and I believe it is now time to join the 21st century in purchasing a digital SLR camera (yes, I am very committed to buying a SLR still). I am not new to the SLR, as mentioned, and have had some use with a “pocket” style digital cameras. I love taking landscapes (especially National Parks) and shots of wildlife, but would love a camera that could do it all, from up close, night shots, action etc. I am also interested in purchasing a 70-300mm lens.
My question to you is this:
What camera would you recommend to a person who I have just described above? Would appreciate your input!
Hello Doug!
Thanks for stopping by. You just brought me a lot of memories with your Pentax Z5-5n Before switching to Nikon, that was my camera of choice along with their by then Pentax PZ-1p. I loved the Panorama feature on both of them.
As for your question, there is no such thing as a do-it-all camera but there are a few options that will fit most of your shooting needs. Let me start by saying that Canon has a few options as well. But I don’t know their line to recommend in specifics. For the moment I’m shooting with the 1.5x crop factor which since you are coming from 24×36 format, it could be a format clash. I happened to me too, but by the time I made the switch, there were no specifically designed lenses for the crop format. So my handsome 28-70 f/2.8 lens, became a 42mm lens (@ 28mm) on my new Nikon camera. Now there are plenty of lenses to choose from and I admire the great support Nikon is giving to their DX (digital) format.
Based on what you describe, you are a ”passive shooter”. In my opinion, passive are those of *us* that don’t need 10 FPS and a plethora of features that we pay for but don’t need based on the nature of our photography, in this case landscape. Depending on your budget, I would suggest the new Nikon D7000. That’s the heck of a camera and I’m currently doing social events with one of them and knock on wood. The other option a little less pricey but still good is the Nikon D5100. This second option comes with the same mega pixels count and a second lens, the Nikon 55-200 VR (Vibration Reduction). Add to that set (or even if you decide to go for the D7000), a Nikon 35mm F/1.8 DX lens, and you will have a very nice set that will cover most of your shooting needs including low-light and landscapes. The Nikon D5100 replaced my wife’s Nikon D5000, click here if you’d like some of the initial pictures I took with it. Coming from your present Pentax ZX-5n, in my humble opinion and suggestion, you can’t go wrong with the Nikon D51000 kit. Whichever model you choose above the Nikon D5100, is icing on the cake ;o)
Be advised that those links provided are from our main affiliate, they do offer a great service. If you do click on the link and complete your purchase, I receive a small commission which is used to cover the publishing expenses of this site which is like a hobby to me. Feel free to browse around other sites my friend. Also, those links I’m sharing here have reviews of the the gear I’m suggesting, make sure you read them too. If you have further questions, feel free to leave them on the comments section below.
You have a great one Doug!
George
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