On a budget, I need some advice choosing a camera to fit my needs.

[SamBleu]

Hey everyone, Sam here. So Ive been working my butt off all summer to save up enough for a decent camera and lens(s). I finally have about $1000 saved up, I make about 200+ every week, so making a little more money isn't a problem. The thing is, I am going to start a photography business in a few months, and I need to figure out which camera is suitable for my needs, but will produce the photos I need to make my Ideas work. I'm not very technological savvy so I don't know what alot of the specs are on the sheets at the Nikon site, so I need some help telling what is better for what, and so on.
I'm not completely naive though, I took a year long course in high school on photography, and my teacher ( who is a very tough grader, not to mention a brutal critic) told me I was talented enough to do it professionally, and that given the proper equipment I could do wonders.He taught us the basics like f stop, aperture, care of our equipment, shutter speed and other things. I've always wanted to do photography, Ive just never had the means to do it properly. For years I've been using my camera on my phone and cheap film cameras, and I'm done messing with that. I'm ready for the big leagues .
So I really love the Nikon D300s, but will settle for the Nikon D7000. I like a crisp image that will be clear when I blow it up to do minor editing, something that can capture mid action shots clearly, that is very versatile because I like to do many different kinds of photography, something that will withstand temperatures,can do lovely head shots but still be perfect for those candid shots. Ive used a nikon D40 and 50 before, but I just wasn't satisfied with the quality of the picture. I want to provide quality photos for my clients and wont settle for anything less than what is practically best for my business. I've never worked with a cannon before, only nikons, so It would be nice to stick with nikons ( so I don't have to relearn what Ive already become accustomed to) but If you know of a cannon that is perfect for what I need, by all means, tell me about it. Ive read that buying a simple body and exceptional lenses make for great photographs, but which cameras with what lenses will get a shot that is noticeably professional, almost like the ones in magazines ( though I know their cameras are in the upper thousands) but something that isn't like the ones you get off the point and shoot ones.
Id like a camera that can produce smooth images such as the ones in the attachments.



Sorry about the massive paragraph, and If my writing wasnt clear, Im pretty tired but wanted to get on here asap and get started.
thank you for all who read

Sam

[K1W1]

I don't quite understand what you are asking here.

A D300 and a D700 are entirely different cameras and neither is less than $1000 for the body let alone the lenses to go with them. The D700 is currently out of stock at all major US resellers and is due to be replaced with the D800 (?) later this month. A D800 body will be much much closer to if not more than $3000 than it is to $1000. You will need to then buy at least a couple of pro class lenses that could be in the $1000-$2000 each range. Once you have the equipment you will not achieve images like you have posted straight from the camera. Those images are carefully lit (lots more expense) and post processed (add computer and software expense). The first three images in particular owe more to the photographers use of creative lighting than they do to the actual camera being used. I'm sure that the same photographer probably could have used a D40 or D50 and achieved a very similar if not the same result.

[TheWengler]

D7000 is the other camera the OP is interested in. Anyway, I pretty much agree with everything else K1W1 said.

[SamBleu]

I know the 7000 is not less than $1000, That's just how much I have so far. And I have lighting equipment and backdrops already that I know how to use,and editing software so I know its not all the camera. But I've seen professionals use D40's for professional pictures, and it just doesn't look crisp like the sample photos for the more expensive models. The images look misty and not as vibrant or sharp. I just dont know If I should settle for a D90 and get an expensive lens, or buy the 7000 and keep saving for an expensive lens and pair the two together for pictures I'll really be happy about.

[K1W1]

D7000 is the other camera the OP is interested in. Anyway, I pretty much agree with everything else K1W1 said.

yes he edited his post after I replied. I suspected that was the case but it was not what was written.

[K1W1]

The images look misty and not as vibrant or sharp.

That's lens not body.

[SamBleu]

Oh okay, so I could settle for a D90 and buy better lenses and get similar results to ones taken with nicer bodies? That's a relief! Thanks so much for the advice And I'm a girl :P

[XaiLo]

There's a good argument to be made for either body, I have no experience with the D7000, but from what I have read and observed. It place is well deserved in Nikonia, the D90 is a fine camera with very good image quality. If you're looking for that extra something in tonality, a used D300s or D700 are more viable options. Though you're apt to get better image quality through a superior peice of glass and a so so body... but then again all the bodies named here are good and capable of delivering. good luck and I agree with Kiwi too.

[timmciglobal]

The d7000 has some really nice advantages over the D90 not the least of which is fantastic image quality as low ISO 100, dual SD card, better build and superior AF.

Depending on price difference I'd say a used D7000 would definitely be worth it over a new D90.

fredmiranda.com/forum a very good place to see about finding a used camera in buy & sell section. Under a persons name will show the # of feedback positive/negative they have from previous buy/sell transactions.

Having used the d7000 quite a bit I can say I love it. ISO 6400 is such an unreal tool to actually be able to use the only thing I miss from d90 is expanded bracketing options.

Tim

[Camerajunkie]

It's all about the glass at the stage of camera you can afford to buy. The glass (and the photographer) are what makes the image. (Okay, and the light.)