Full-Frame versus Crop-Sensor?

A lot of sense and truth there Rod.

When you do decide to go with it Rod and if you decide to go down the second hand line I would well recommend a visit to one of the Wilkinson branches of which there are quite a few close to you. I got my 5D II from the Lancaster shop. A very freindly knowledgable bunch both on the phone when I reserved it and face to face in the shop. I have also used the Kendal shop on many of my safaris to Ambleside. I did buy a couple of lenses for the 5D 'on-line' through Mifsuds of Brixham. Again very helpful and freindly on the phone and offer a 28 day (I think) return policy, but that was not necessary. I got next day delivery and all were packed and secured extremely well. My mate knows them from his photo shop sales days and said I would not have any problem with them.

Thank you for the good advice Dave. 

 I have bought equipment from Wilkinsons in Preston, Southport and most recently Liverpool. As you say, the staff is well able to give help in choosing what will suit the customer. They will probably be my first port of call when the time comes. 

My fingers are itching already..... Self control is something I have never suffered from. 

Being on a limited budget, I have generally bought my camera equipment second hand. I have fantasised about owning the latest camera brand-new but usually only get to buy it about five years after it has been released. It is rather like buying a new or used car, but DSLRs depreciate even quicker ! What was the 'bees knees' five years ago is still pretty good these days. 

Ironically, in a discussion about full frame, I have just bought a crop sensor camera (Canon 7D Mark 1) to complement my 5D when I need longer 'reach' or faster frames-per-second for action shots. The 7D Mark 1 is now flooding the second hand market now that the Mark 2 version has been released. The price difference between the new version and the original is significant (£1600 new, £400 second hand).  

As for second hand dealers, I can recommend London Camera Exchange on the basis of my experience of their Reading branch. The gear is fully checked, often looks brand new and comes with a six month no-quibble warranty. I think your nearest branch of LCE, Rod, would be Chester. 

As for the full frame versus crop sensor debate, it is really horses for courses. Unless you are looking at professional full frame DSLRs, the crop sensor cameras will offer higher frames-per-second, giving them the edge for action shots. If the interest is primarily landscape and portraits, then the full frame camera excels. 

My D70 was bought from the London Camera Exchange in Chester, (2003 I think) and they took time to ensure that I was buying the right product for me at the time. It really was the "bees knees" and I was truly thrilled to own such a piece of kit which felt like my Nikon film cameras did and was even capable of of accepting the lenses. 

Once the time arrives for me to dip into the Burkey Coffers,I will be putting Wilkinsons and LCE on my list of portals to cross.

I still, at my ripe old age, have the capacity to feel like a kid on Christmas Day when I buy a new toy, regardless if it is second hand or not. I also still love my D300, as it silps into my grasp, like the hand of of someone special. It went through a hurricane with me in October, taking images until I had to take shelter and needed less than the vigorous drying down I needed! The multi functions it has may well no longer be at the cutting edge, but it does a job for me. I am not a pro, never will be, so my demands are not based on earnings, just the joy of slinging the yellow and black strap over my shoulder (usually the left one) and getting out there in search of something that catches my eye.  As for the D70, it's worth buttons now, but when I do use it, it too can give images that please me and I have no desire to trade it in for buttons. It wouldn't cover the cost of a new flash gun. 

Ramblings done.  

Some interesting ramblings there, Rod. I agree with you that the old DSLRs like the Nikon D70 (and the Canon 20D), both of which came out about 10 years ago, still have much to offer and can be bought for buttons second-hand. The sensors are in the 6 to 8 Megapixel range, which is more than adequate for most purposes, and the fact that the photo sites on the sensor are well spaced contributes to good noise performance. The relentless pursuit of greater Megapixels has often compromised the noise performance of the later models.

The downside perhaps is that these older cameras have tiny viewing screens by modern standards. Otherwise, they are capable of excellent performance, and for someone who wishes to dabble with a DSLR on a limited budget, they are worthy of serious consideration. Unfortunately, most beginners feel they must have the latest gear, but there are advantages in learning on a more basic camera in the same way as learning the basics of film photography in the old days.

I agree it is always fun to evaluate a new 'toy' , even as in my case, it is rarely brand-new. And as you say, building up a relationship with your favourite camera.. 

It will join my bus pass in the wallet. Oh, the sweet joys of getting old. Free eye tests, the prospect of new knees, hips, and eye lenses, BUT maybe a new lens for the trusty Nikons too. 

To end on a semi sensible note: full frame is the way to go!  

I intend never to grow up.