D300 vs. Canon 50D

[nsjuice]

Greetings all. Just so it wouldn't be biased info, please feel free to comment on my dilemma with the two cameras.

Veer me to the dark side would you? :)


My original post is in the Canon DSLR forum: http://dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42112

Thanks for your time!

[JTL]

Well, both are excellent cameras.

But, as a long time Nikon film shooter, then Canon digital SLR shooter and recent Nikon DSLR shooter...I have to say that with the introduction of the D300, D700, D3 and D3x, I'm firmly back in the Nikon camp for now. Better ergonomics and usability (and comparable image quality). Though, if you're going to be making heavy investments in pro-quality glass, Canon has a bigger and more flexible selection. But, Nikon's flash system is superior. Ah, choices, choices...

If you just a hobbyist, and don't plan on making a mega investment, I would base the decision primarily on which camera "feels right" to you. To me, that's a lot more important than any technical and functional differentiators.

[nsjuice]

Thanks for the support JTL. I understand what you are saying.


Are there any other significant things that I am overlooking in the Nikon that can overcome my feelings for the Canon?

For instance are the 50+ focus points in the Nikon very useful in everyday shooting?

Treat me as a noob, for I am.

[ssil2000]

this sort of comparison has been exhausted, at this point you dont even know what you will be shooting, its hard to say if 50 focus points is going to benefit you, if you are going to be shooting action when you need to track your subject yes, if you are not going to do that then probably not.. having said that its not like its going to hurt having them there in case you one day do need em :)

you really need to establish your goals, I understand at this point you dont know or think you want to shoot "everything" thats great but in reality as you start shooting there will be things that you will really like shooting, this could be something you didnt even plan on!

d300 is a great camera it has great high ISO performance, ergonomics, its got the nikon CLS inbuilt which (IMO) has a lot of value. however, as you may have read in the nikon forums lately a bit of fustration in regard to lenses, dont get me wrong, nikon have OUTSTANDING pro glass but we are missing the GREAT glass inbetween the pro glass and the consumer glass which canon does offer and is very good from all accounts.

i cant speak on behalf of the 50d because I have never held one or shot with one so I cant say good or bad of it.

if you can maybe let us know a bit more about what kind of things you plan on shooting and your initial budget (so we can determine what sort of glass you will be buying) it may be easier to offer advice.

good luck!

Sergio

ps - rooz ignore the first 5 words of the 3rd paragraph (its still rubbish!)

[Rooz]

this is a pretty easy one to answer really. the d300 is widely recognised as the best crop body around. you can hunt around and canvas other opinions as much as you like but thems the facts.

the catch is that it costs $400 more. that $400 can be put to better glass if you buy a 50d. what you should be asking yourself is this: is the d300 worth the extra $400 .

neither will disappoint you in any way. so really its up to you which you prefer. if you have a better "feeling" for canon, then get the canon.

[nsjuice]

Indeed exhausted.


My usage concerns would be action shots, low light, and then your basic every day-portrait/landscapes.

Future glass purchases would be Low lights, wide angles.


how does the D300 compare on weather/dust resistance? Sensor cleaning?

[nsjuice]

if you have a better "feeling" for canon, then get the canon.

To tell you the truth.. ive been riding the Canon train up until now.

I've been focusing my energy on the 5d Mark!! release price so much, it gutted me when it came out. too much for my blood.. and i'm upset.


The D300 opened a new door for me.

[Rooz]

then my advice is stick with what you have until mid next year and get a MkII when the prices stabilise. is there a particualr "need" you have right now to upgrade bodies ? if you really need a body now, pick up a cheap 40d and save like hell for the MkII next year.

just keep in mind that for action shooting, the d300 and d700 will still be better performers than a MkII. the mkII will be better for landscapes and still life and will ultimately, (i suspect), provide the best image quality in ideal conditions. so you have to know what you are going to be shooting here and what your priorites are.

i think you're looking for a "bashing" sort of brand debate. we dont generally do that here on either side. all camera systems have alot to offer and are all very capable. maybe try dpreview if you want flamewar sort of responses.

[nsjuice]

great advice Rooz.. i don't have anything to hold on to. This will be my firs SLR purchase.. (more in depth explanation in link to Canon forums).

I was looking for a debate of some sort, but nothing out of line as you stated from the other forums.

If the subject was Toyota vs. Honda.. I would put in my ConstructiveCriticism for I own them and fix them on a daily basis.

But in this case, I've done my research enough these last few days. I just can't see myself spending that much money based on the MkII. I've got other addictions to feed.

I guess I was just looking for some sort of ..." cover up" to make me feel better about my decision..

I'm coming near that end. Finally.


I've always been at the "other" camp and didn't know what was on the other side of the fence.

My fault.


Thanks to your replies, I'm more at ease now.

[Rooz]

whether you buy a 40d, 50d, d90, d300 etc you are gonna have a tool that can produce excllent image quality. enjoy whatever you get.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

The advantage of the Nikon can't be overstated. You can then post on the Nikon DSLR picture of the day thread. A rare privelidge where great guys and gals make an honest attempt to help you learn in a friendly way.

I do like the Nikon CLS (flash) system Ssil mentioned. I don't know how Canon do it but I love the Nikon system.

Re the glass I sure feel the pain about the lack of F/4 lenses. But the Nikon consumer & prosumer lenses are still wonderfull in their own ways.

[XaiLo]

If you're not leaning one way or another by now the best I can suggest is to rent the two most likely bodies and take them for a test drive. At this point it's like trying to explain to someone why I prefer the way a BMW roadster handles over a Jag or Porsche, but if it came down to buying I'd go with a Mercedes roadster. All of them are fine cars but what makes the Mercedes the right car, is me. I'm able to drive the way I want to in the Mercedes it fits me, I fit it. You can't get the answer you're looking for without a certain level of familiarity. In this case the best camera is going to be the one that helps you to be the best photographer you can be and allow you to proficiently accomplish the task at hand. hth

[Cyberwlf]

The 50D from reviews ive read was a bit of a backward step for Canon from the 40D. The 40D was my main comparison against the Nikon D300 before I got mine. I love my D300.

[nsjuice]

Just thought I'd follow up with my final decision.

You all have been tremendous help.

Thank you all.

My lens and grip arrived yesterday via UPS from Adorama, not in a good way. Delivery guy was too lazy to ring the doorbell and just literally tossed the box over my front yard gate.

Luckily, no damage to the lens.. that I know of at least.

picture of my dirty mirror. :)


http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o189/nsjooce/DSC_0171.jpg




Case closed.

[Rooz]

literally tossed the box over my front yard gate.

omg ! lol lucky man theres no damage !
congrats on the cam, you're gonna love it. what lens did you end up with ?

[nsjuice]

Thank you.

I got the Wide from Sigma for now. 10-20. I love it.


stilll doing research on a standard lens.


The 3rd party Battery grip is awesome!

Loving the picture quality, more than on the Canon 40D I borrowed.


Learning controls and settings, a bit more advanced than what Im used to.. all in all, also the best.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Congrats and looking forward to seeing some more of your shots on the forum.