To D300 or Not

[ColColt]

I feel sure this question has been asked before but since I'm looking into it, I thought I'd ask anyway. I'm trying to justify the D300 in light of having the D200 and wonder why there's about a $8-900 difference in them since they look obviously alike exterior speaking but, I know the sensor is different and it's better at low light and a few other points but that's a big difference in price. In short, those that have both do you feel it's worth that difference?

[Rooz]

you dont need to have both to know there is a vast difference in performance. its huge in every aspect but especially in lower light.

[ColColt]

I see what you mean. I found this article and it's quite a revelation between the two.

http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Nikon-D300-Digital-SLR-Camera.shtml

[r3g]

Is your D200 limiting you? If its not I would put that money elsewhere like for lenses or other gear. You havent gotten your moneys worth for your current camera until you push it to its limit. Then and only then should you upgrade.

[jcon]

The D200 is very limiting. Anyone thinking of an upgrade from the D200 I will always suggest they do it. It just sucks at anything over ISO800.

[K1W1]

If I already had a D200 I would at least wait until the D400 is released then go for the new model (using the buy every second release principle) or pick up a EOL D300 if the initial D400 previews indicate that there is no huge advantage.
I would not be buying a D300 in short term at least.

[ColColt]

The D200 is not really a limiting factor but for the most part I have all the lens I need at this point having just acquired the 80-200 f/2.8. I think the D300 would give better quality in low light and I seldom, unless necessary, see the need in going to ISO 800 but, the D300 could handle that better than the D200 from all accounts.

I even thought of another D200 as a backup since the price is right but, the D300 would be an upgrade and improvement over anything I'd want to zonk cash into for a body. The D700 is out of my price range and I imagine the D400 would assuredly be more than that.

[Rooz]

the d400 won't be more expensive than a d700. it should come in at around the price of the d300 originally, somewhere between $1800-$2000USD. i think kiwi's point has alot of merit. waiting for a d400 will serve 2 purposes...allows you to buy the latest and greatest incarnation since you already have a kit to use, and also allows you to look at a d300 at "run out" prices.

aong with the regular incremental improvements in the sensor etc, my suspicion of the major upgrades to a d400 would be:
video
flip screen, (hopefully a 3inch 920k screen)
15-18mp
improved LV performance

the other things i'd really like to see are:
custom mode shortcuts added to the body somehow rather than accessed thru the menu
faster flash sync speed, although i dont know how possible this is with a mechanical shutter
expanded iso range with 8mp RAW shooting mode
control wheel like the newer canons
built in VF curtain
PUF with bounce capability

if any of those things interest you then i'd wait.

[K1W1]

Another point worth considering is that as soon as the D400 is released there will most likely be a heap of D300's on Craigslist and ebay from the "I must have the latest" crowd.
Look at the bargain Panasonic Rooz purchased from somebody with the same mentality.

[K1W1]

the other things i'd really like to see are:

faster flash sync speed, although i dont know how possible this is with a mechanical shutter


Just a random thought.
Could a higher flash sync speed be obtained by somehow harnessing the LV and Video modes? I mean obtained by Nikon here not by a user hack.

[ColColt]

Perhaps the wait would be worth it. I want something with less noise than the D200 for sure but I don't trust ebay and Craigs List is questionable from what I've heard. If I go the used D300 route at all it would be from Nikonians-or maybe KEH in Atlanta although their used prices aren't that great over a new one. Especially in EX+ condition.

[r3g]

Ebay is fine as long as you pay attention to the feedback of the seller yoru buying from. I buy from ebay very often (thats where I got my D90).


The good thing about craigslist is its local so you get to see the product in person for yourself before you buy it. If anything is out of the ordinary dont buy it ;)