[low.pfile]

...
Regarding the DOF, I played around with the link provided, and, MOST of the calculations I got is FX has wider range of getting subjects of varying distance in focus.  This translates to less bokeh given the same lens and same distance away from subject using the same F stop, right?

Viggen,
No, it is the opposite. on FX the background drops out of focus faster than with DX. I can clearly see this in the samples from the other link I have above http://www.jimgamblin.com/blog/?p=209

And from my own experience with many cameras of different sizes: the smaller the sensor the more difficult it is to attain a shallow depth of field (what you call bokeh). FWIW, I have a D700...great camera.

[rklein]

Good products like Copper Hill or Eclipse will take care of any oil.  In addition, it has been reported that the oil stops after a 1,000 - 1,500 clicks.

The D600 oil problem were on early models.  I've been using a D600 for several months, now. Other than some dirt I picked up while changing lenses I've never had a single problem. And the fact that I got some dust on the sensor is not a problem. It's just normal business. Lots of oil would not be normal business ... but I've never seen even a little oil.

Even if oil appeared on the sensor  - it's just sensor cleaning. Nothing really to worry about.  I check the sensor and will clean it if needed. Dust blower, static brush or wet cleaning; in that order until the sensor is clean. I would not hesitate buying a D600/800 because of the oil issue.   

OR

Wait and buy the D610.   

Regards,

Randy

[viggen]

low - what you said make sense.  I get it now.

randy - I've been tracking D600 reviews on Amazon.com hoping to find indications that the oil on sensor issue has been resolved.  But, on a weekly basis, new reviews submitted mostly say they still experience the issue.  Usage pattern wise, most reviews there state they do not experience the oil leak onto sensor until after a few thousand shutter actuation.

During last year's BFD, amazon.com had the body plus the zoom lens package for $1,999.  I was kicking myself for not biting but glad I didn't after the oil on sensor reviews started coming out.

[rklein]

Viggen:

I fully understand your position.  These cameras ain't cheap!!!  I did want to share with you a sample picture taken last night with my D600.  I shot a tomato popper on a sheet of computer paper.  As you can see...no oil issues...yet(knock on wood...  ).


Based on your responses, I would just wait for the newer models that are coming out.  It shouldn't be too long of a wait.

Regards,

Randy

[viggen]

Thanks for sharing the shot, Randy!  It could very well be that 95% of D600 owners do not have issue with their sensors. 

According to this article from 2 weeks ago, the D610 should already be available (which they are wrong).

And, according to this article, the retail price should be lower (which most likely they will also be wrong).

http://www.inferse.com/8225/nikon-d5300-d610-coming-early-next-week/

[viggen]

Ended up getting a D7000 w/ 18-140mm kit from BB this evening.  $799 plus tax.

Probably rid the 18-140mm since I already have a 17-55mm.  So, if I can sell the lens for $300, camera would cost me only $500.

[Rocket]

Hi,

I upgraded my Nikon D90 to 7000 a few months ago.  I paid about $790AU which was for the body only and I think you just got a fantastic deal.  I've been really happy with the D7000 which i used on my holiday to Vietnam.  I also bought a Nikon 18 - 300mm zoom lens and it took some fantastic pictures for me but it was oh so heavy.

Anyway, good luck.

Cheers Rod

[viggen]

Thank you for your reply Rocket.

I too am loving the D7000.  I took many indoor shots of my infant at 2000 iso that I otherwise couldn't have taken with the D90 because it tops out at 640 for anything useable.  Definitely worth the upgrade.

I took the D90 w/ 17-55 2.8 and monopod to europe last year and it was a bit straining on the back.  In case you don't know, the lens is a "pro" one and weighs a ton.  But, the pics are worth it.

[ThuanDB]

I was about to propose several choices for you to make: d610 (new), d600 (refurbished), d7100, d7000, and used d700.  Now that you have got the 7K, congrats!  I envy you on having also the 17-55 2.8, a great choice, perhaps even best lens to go with a mature crop-sensor body like the 7K.

If someone looks for a macro lens, I recommend Tokina 100mm 2.8.  Back to the agile and solid 7K, don't change lenses too often, and get an advanced lens cleaner kit anyway.  Having more than one body helps, too.

Enjoy D7K features that are missing from the D90:  16mb 14-bit raw, af fine tuning, etc.

[viggen]

Thanks for your reply Thuan. 

Other than the amazing sensor, I like the dual sd card slots and the U1/2 profiles.  I just wish I can chose which slot to save raw files instead of having it be defaulted to slot 1.

The camera I bought came with an 18-140mm vr lens.  It's not designated as a macro but took some pics of my aquarium, and pics of my fishes came out very very well.  I'd say the lens is less than a foot away from subject at 140mm with vr allows me to take some really close up and steady shots.  Really have to pump up the ISO though because easier to focus at f8+.

[ThuanDB]

Glad you mentioned those two card slots and U1/U2 - I like them too.  So useful I take for granted and nearly forget until meeting something w/o it (U1/U2) - the D800 comes to mind.  For macros and landscapes, I'd consider a decent external flash and a tripod, in case you don't have them yet.  Last time I stepped out to the backyard and shot some wild flowers with the 100mm lens, I went down to f/36 or f/45 for maximum detail.  A tripod and flash were handy.