Nikon D3000

[8mileshigh]

I'm thinking of replacing my Nikon D70 with a Nikon D3000 because the D70 seems to have chronic dust issues with the image sensor, especially with I head south during the winter months. When I get back, I have to spend hours retouching with Photoshop.

The newer Nikons claim to have some kind of improved technology to keep the sensors cleaner. I'm interested in the D3000 because it's also 10.2 MP instead of the 6 of the D70.

I have enjoyed the D70 but think it's time to move on.

Any photo bugs out there?

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

One thing about some of the newer Nikons is, they don't fit my hand as well as the larger body D70 did. I have kind of long fingers, so maybe that's the prob. Maybe fit for you would be better... check one out, they look like great cameras.

My D70 still takes great shots, but the flash quit working... so I am thinking of an upgrade as well.

[pokey]

You can clean the sensor

http://www.bythom.com/cleaning.htm

[ezyrydr]

might be worth the extra bucks to get the D5000 over the D3000. The 5000 has the same sensor as the much more expensive D90.

[8mileshigh]

Yes, I thought about the D5000 as well and may go that route and get the Sigma 10-20mm zoom so I can start as photo service photographing properties for real estate agents. It is apparently one of the rescession proof domains out there so I'm going to give it a shot.

I have had my sensor cleaned at least 6 times over the last 2 years at $40.00 a pop and am getting fed up with it.

[smiert spionam]

The 5000 will give you a better sensor, for sure -- better dynamic range, and an extra stop or so of noise performance. Both the 3000 & 5000 are built on the smaller chassis, which you might find frustrating. No top data LCD, one control wheel, a small viewfinder, lots of menus to get to basic settings, and no AF with lenses without motors.

The D90 is the current evolution of the D70 platform, but with much better noise performance, viewfinder, AF performance, and shooting speed. I just sold a nice clean one for essentially around $650US (with some other stuff). Dealers have refurbs for around $700, and new for less than $800. I know being upsold is frustrating, but you'll get a LOT more camera.

Cleaning your own camera sensor is not a big deal -- $40 a pop is just pouring money down the drain. A $10 Giottos blower and a small artist's camel hair brush are all you need.

[whitehall]

Yep, I'm in the same boat. There is nothing wrong with mine, I would just like the larger display. But not the smaller body. I watch ebay , something will pop up sooner or later.