[SteveMD]

My trusty D40 has taken 10,000 piccies and I'm looking to get something with more hard buttons. I want to stay in Nikon DX mode because of my glass so can someone please tell me why I would choose a D300S over a D90?

I know the 300 has dual card slots but what else does it do to warrant me buying one.

I read that the D90 is probably going to be replaced by a D7000 soon but the D400 is still 18 months away and will probably only improve on the 300 with more megapixels and 1080HD video (300 does 720). Both of those features are blah blah to me anyway.

So....why a D300S over a D90?

Thanks.

[scollins]

Do you need video? If not, buy my D300 so I can upgrade to a D700!



I went with the D300 over the D90 awhile ago for the following reasons:

D300 felt better in my hands (slightly bigger chassis than the D90.)

D300 has better weather sealing, plus a magnesium chassis, while the D90 is more plastic. I felt the weather sealing was worth it since I'm in the Pacific NorthWet...

I didn't put video capability high on my list.

Also, right now Nikon is offering some pretty nice rebates when you buy a D300s with some lenses or an SB-900 flash. Might be worth looking into further....

[KANdaddy]

I'm also trying to decide between a D90 and D300s. Anyone else have opinions? Also, I hear a lot of people "upgrading" from the D300s to D700. Why? Besides a larger sensor and larger ISO range, I can't see what they major difference is.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

I'm also trying to decide between a D90 and D300s. Anyone else have opinions? Also, I hear a lot of people "upgrading" from the D300s to D700. Why? Besides a larger sensor and larger ISO range, I can't see what they major difference is.

The D300 is the top of the line DX camera from Nikon, while the D700 is the "entry level" full frame model. However, the D700 is very similar to the D300 in terms of ergo's, layout and features. The big advantage to me is the much better high ISO performance. I actually like the extra reach I get from a DX sensor on my lenses, so that would be one disadvantage to moving up to FF. The D700 also has a built in pop up flash. Not very powerful, but works great as a "commander." This is the only FF model from Nikon that has a built in flash.

Also, many accessories for the D300, such as the battery grip, work on the D700. Besides, the D700 is about half the price of the next FF Nikon model (D3s). So you are looking at $1500 --> $2500 --> $5000 --> $7500 when going from D300s to D700 to D3s to D3x....

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by scollins

The D300 is the top of the line DX camera from Nikon, while the D700 is the "entry level" full frame model. However, the D700 is very similar to the D300 in terms of ergo's, layout and features. The big advantage to me is the much better high ISO performance. I actually like the extra reach I get from a DX sensor on my lenses, so that would be one disadvantage to moving up to FF. The D700 also has a built in pop up flash. Not very powerful, but works great as a "commander." This is the only FF model from Nikon that has a built in flash.

Also, many accessories for the D300, such as the battery grip, work on the D700. Besides, the D700 is about half the price of the next FF Nikon model (D3s). So you are looking at $1500 --> $2500 --> $5000 --> $7500 when going from D300s to D700 to D3s to D3x....

Damn...decisions. I am pretty much sold on the D300s but noisy low-light/night photos really bug the crap out of me. I have for the most part been able to remedy this through post processing software. Also, I plan do to some motorsport photography and I hear the D700 is horrible for sports photography as the shutter speeds can't keep up and get progressively slower once as you keep holding down the shutter.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

Damn...decisions. I am pretty much sold on the D300s but noisy low-light/night photos really bug the crap out of me. I have for the most part been able to remedy this through post processing software. Also, I plan do to some motorsport photography and I hear the D700 is horrible for sports photography as the shutter speeds can't keep up and get progressively slower once as you keep holding down the shutter.

To me, low-light/night photography is all about long exposures and tripods. You shouldn't get a lot of noise in those situations, since you'd be using lower ISO's. At least, that is what I do....

I've never heard the D700 is "horrible" for sports. 5 FPS with the standard batteries is OK, but not stellar. The D300 shoots 6 and the D300s shoots 7. But upgrade either the D300 or the D700 to the EN-EL4 batteries, and they'll both shoot 8 FPS. 8 is pretty good for sports. Of course, the D3s will shoot 9 FPS in FF 14bit mode, while it will blister along at 11 FPS in DX mode. From what you describe, it is more about the buffer filling up and the cards not being able to keep up with write speeds. Superfast CF cards can help alleviate that, but how many files do you really need in a burst?

If I could get a D3s, I'd jump on it a second! But the price tag is just too steep for a guy that doesn't use his gear to make any money.....

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by scollins

To me, low-light/night photography is all about long exposures and tripods. You shouldn't get a lot of noise in those situations, since you'd be using lower ISO's. At least, that is what I do....

I've never heard the D700 is "horrible" for sports. 5 FPS with the standard batteries is OK, but not stellar. The D300 shoots 6 and the D300s shoots 7. But upgrade either the D300 or the D700 to the EN-EL4 batteries, and they'll both shoot 8 FPS. 8 is pretty good for sports. Of course, the D3s will shoot 9 FPS in FF 14bit mode, while it will blister along at 11 FPS in DX mode. From what you describe, it is more about the buffer filling up and the cards not being able to keep up with write speeds. Superfast CF cards can help alleviate that, but how many files do you really need in a burst?

If I could get a D3s, I'd jump on it a second! But the price tag is just too steep for a guy that doesn't use his gear to make any money.....

Makes sense. I feel you on the cost thing too. Guess I will stick to getting the 300s.

[SteveMD]

OP here...so today I will shoot down to Best Buy and get a feel of the 300S - Amazon has it right now for $1450 which is awesome. My daily lens is the Nikon 18-200 VR which is big in itself so I have that with me and will try out the combo.

I plan to keep the D40 for snapshots. It is just such a great little camera but I really want to do some HDR and need bracketing capabilty. I also want hard buttons for metering, AF etc rather than haveing to putz around in the menu system of the D40.

So... here's what I have so far for the 300 over the 90: newer model (by a year), magnesium construction (D90 is plastic) and somewhat weatherproofed, twin card slots, 7fps out of the box, 51 point AFS. Amazon has the D90 for $829, D300S for $1450.

Hmmmm....

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

OP here...so today I will shoot down to Best Buy and get a feel of the 300S - Amazon has it right now for $1450 which is awesome. My daily lens is the Nikon 18-200 VR which is big in itself so I have that with me and will try out the combo.

I plan to keep the D40 for snapshots. It is just such a great little camera but I really want to do some HDR and need bracketing capabilty. I also want hard buttons for metering, AF etc rather than haveing to putz around in the menu system of the D40.

So... here's what I have so far for the 300 over the 90: newer model (by a year), magnesium construction (D90 is plastic) and somewhat weatherproofed, twin card slots, 7fps out of the box, 51 point AFS. Amazon has the D90 for $829, D300S for $1450.

Hmmmm....

Yea. I have read a ton of reviews and what it comes down to is the shutter speed. if you plan to shoot sports then its D300s all the way. If you don't then it seems the D90 and D300s will basically shoot exactly the same quality pics. I believe the D90 will do the bracketing you want too. Although I run all my photos through an HDR program if I think they will look good that way.

[SteveMD]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

I believe the D90 will do the bracketing you want too. Although I run all my photos through an HDR program if I think they will look good that way.

Which HDR program are you using? Photomatix? Any tutorials out there? Some of the HDR pics of Bimmers I see here are off the hook. That's what I want to do.

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Which HDR program are you using? Photomatix? Any tutorials out there? Some of the HDR pics of Bimmers I see here are off the hook. That's what I want to do.

I use Photomatrix but I am going to switch to HDR Photostudio 2. I read a couple of reviews that say it is mind blowing.

So what did you decide? 300s or D90? i am still a little on the fence.

[SteveMD]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

I use Photomatrix but I am going to switch to HDR Photostudio 2. I read a couple of reviews that say it is mind blowing.

So what did you decide? 300s or D90? i am still a little on the fence.

I didn't go to Best Buy - work issues. Turns out they have neither in stock anyway according to their web site.

There is a Ritz not far from me. I'll check it out tonight or tomorrow.

I did find this though - D40 on the left, D300S on the right - looks like a friggin beast!!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomroyal/2168822100/

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

I didn't go to Best Buy - work issues. Turns out they have neither in stock anyway according to their web site.

There is a Ritz not far from me. I'll check it out tonight or tomorrow.

I did find this though - D40 on the left, D300S on the right - looks like a friggin beast!!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomroyal/2168822100/

Haha...yea I have held it as well along with the D90. It is a beast. But it feels more serious. I don't know....I figure if i go D300s and end up not utilizing it all, which I doubt, i can always sell it. But chances are I will probably try things I never would have with a lesser camera in order to explore all the d300s can do.

[SteveMD]

Well...my search to hold a 300S in my hand has been fruitless. There isn't a Best Buy anywhere that has one, ditto Ritz Camera.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Well...my search to hold a 300S in my hand has been fruitless. There isn't a Best Buy anywhere that has one, ditto Ritz Camera.

Did you try these guys?

http://www.servicephoto.com/

[rodi]

but which one would you rather carry around all day/week?

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by rodi

but which one would you rather carry around all day/week?

The one that takes better pictures

[BillLee]

Originally Posted by KANdaddy

The one that takes better pictures

the canon behind it?

[SteveMD]

Well I found one in Delaware at a Best Buy in Wilmington. It wasn't listed on BB's site but I was told that the store may have one and they did.

I loaded up with BB coupons including a 10% off.

Price was $1699. 10% off and $65 in Reward Zone coupons so I got it out the door for $1465 PLUS.....I had a coupon for triple rewards points so I will get almost $88 back and best of all...Delaware has no sales taxes.

D300S for $1377. Yeah!!!

Photos to follow.

[SteveMD]

Here we go. It's obvious which one is which.....

[scollins]

Congrats!! It is a lot beefier than the D40. For me, that isn't a problem as I have somewhat large hands. The D40 felt like a toy to me, while the D300 felt solid.

I think you'll be very happy with the new purchase!

[KANdaddy]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Well I found one in Delaware at a Best Buy in Wilmington. It wasn't listed on BB's site but I was told that the store may have one and they did.

I loaded up with BB coupons including a 10% off.

Price was $1699. 10% off and $65 in Reward Zone coupons so I got it out the door for $1465 PLUS.....I had a coupon for triple rewards points so I will get almost $88 back and best of all...Delaware has no sales taxes.

D300S for $1377. Yeah!!!

Photos to follow.

Nice! I'm jealous.

Hmmm....soooo tempting. I have a coupon for 12% off @ BB and I'm Premier Silver so I should get a good chunk back in points. Too bad sales tax here is nearly 10%....tempting....tempting........