Need opinions on buying a D300
My D50 is dying on me, so I am looking at the D300 as a replacement. I can't afford one at the moment, but I need a camera body as I have two weddings in August. They are both informal and both know I have never done a wedding. However, I want the best I can possibly give them as my name will be associated with those pictures, even though they are not expecting the quality of a seasoned wedding pro. I want time to get used to the new camera.
I can afford a D80, used d200 and used D2h. Each one has a feature I like, but misses one or more the other lacks. I want 5 fps or more, great battery life, large LCD, and good high ISO performance at 3200. Every time I settle on one of those 3, I can't pull the trigger on buying it.
The D300 has everything I want, but can't afford unless I use credit. I work full time for a newspaper and have the use of a Canon Mark IIn. I freelance for another paper that's owned by the same company. The editor of the freelance paper said they have no problem with me using that camera, but if I break it while using for freelance, I am responsible.
A D40 will probably be an eventual full time body for my 18-200. I need AF for my pro lenses so it's out right now. I would buy any of the other 3 as a back up, but I know I would not be satisfied if it's a full time body. I hate debt, but I also hate paying twice. If I were just messing around, I would get a D40 and be done with it. However, I have had a taste for a pro body with the Canon and I want the best for pictures that will be in the public. Each time I think I could spend $700 on a D80,D2h I could spend another 2-300 on a D200. Then it's spend another 800 for the camera I want. Of course, the prices of a used D2h or dropping fast, but I don't how well it would for weddings as it's geared for newsprint and sports, at least from what I have read. I have thought of getting a D40 and the D2h. I know the ultimate decision is mine, but would like to hear opinions.
I can afford a D80, used d200 and used D2h. Each one has a feature I like, but misses one or more the other lacks. I want 5 fps or more, great battery life, large LCD, and good high ISO performance at 3200. Every time I settle on one of those 3, I can't pull the trigger on buying it.
The D300 has everything I want, but can't afford unless I use credit. I work full time for a newspaper and have the use of a Canon Mark IIn. I freelance for another paper that's owned by the same company. The editor of the freelance paper said they have no problem with me using that camera, but if I break it while using for freelance, I am responsible.
A D40 will probably be an eventual full time body for my 18-200. I need AF for my pro lenses so it's out right now. I would buy any of the other 3 as a back up, but I know I would not be satisfied if it's a full time body. I hate debt, but I also hate paying twice. If I were just messing around, I would get a D40 and be done with it. However, I have had a taste for a pro body with the Canon and I want the best for pictures that will be in the public. Each time I think I could spend $700 on a D80,D2h I could spend another 2-300 on a D200. Then it's spend another 800 for the camera I want. Of course, the prices of a used D2h or dropping fast, but I don't how well it would for weddings as it's geared for newsprint and sports, at least from what I have read. I have thought of getting a D40 and the D2h. I know the ultimate decision is mine, but would like to hear opinions.
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Comments
Don't take what I say too seriously because I'm a Canon guy:
The D200 and the D2 model Nikons had a reputation for somewhat poor image quality at higher ISO settings. I can give you names of bird photographers that had D200's, and gave up on them in favour of a 30D Canon.
HOWEVER - the latest Nikon incarnations are completely different - they provide superb image quality, and have some very desirable features. If I was buying today, a D300 would be considered very seriously. IMO, these models are kick-*** cameras.
So perhaps going into debt for one of the new Nikons is the best long term strategy.
That's the way I am leaning. I am a Dave Ramsey disciple so debt is hateful to me, but I am also the kind who likes to buy once and I stick with things till they break apart.
I will be purchasing a D300 within the next two months. It will increase my debt by $1,800, but that will only be for thirty days. So the interest on the CR card debt will be minimized. Don't forget you will get a Tax Rebate of $600 if single or $1,200 if filing joint by mid May, any Fed Tax refund you normaly get when you file plus your ready cash to eliminate the debt or a large portion of it.
If you have an Equity loan credit line, you can also consider that (Usually a lower interest rate than the CR card) - just make the payback as soon as winfalls come your way. Use credit wisely, and it can be a good thing. Just construct projectid cash benefits above the norm, and pull the triger.
It sounds to me that you will not be happy with anything less.
Good luck with your decision!
The Roadrunner
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
Newegg.com has differed payments for 12 months, no interest if paid off in a year if I read it right. Interest will accumulate of course if not paid, but the plan is to pay off quickly.
I had come from a D80.
IMO, the differences in the D200 to D300 didn't warrant me spending an additional 800.
You can buy two lightly used D200s for the cost of one new D300.
ISO performance seems to be the argument for the newer Nikons, and the eternal prize of the Canon user. In my experience, I haven't needed it. I think it depends on your shooting style and your subjects. Granted, there are other benefits to the D300, and you certainly do pay for them.
j.
(voice of fiscal responsibility)
hmmmmm..
I doubt if an insurance agent would think it ethical for them to insure someone else's equipment, even though I believe you mean to suggest protection for Jon.
Borrowing another's equipment always has some responsibility and risk attached. The correct method would be to "rent" the equipment and that transaction usually can be insured (or is intrinsically insured in the agreement of the rental.)
Sometimes your own insurance will cover other people's items under your care, but usually only for a very short term and not usually for items that you use for income. An insurance agent could help to clarify the limits to your existing policy for sure.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I am not getting the D300 right now, but I am going to start a camera fund. I am probably going to get some overtime hours and more freelance as spring sports are starting. I have decided that I am not going to get the other cameras. I may get them as backups after the D300, but I know I will happier with getting a D300. Thanks for the ideas and the time to bounce them around.
There is some very sound advice above...but something that was not mentioned and I am very surprised is the tought on you backup camera......if you already own a D40 then keeping it as a back is okay.....but I personally hate to have to think about how different cameras operate during times such as "WEDDINGS".......that is a time you need to concentrate on your 'art" not how a different camera will operate if needed.....when I buy cameras I buy 2 exactly alike.....that way if one does die then my replacement is the same and all features are the same, they will use the same memory cards and have the same mp's......the only camera I carry that is not a duplicate is my 8mp Konica Minolta A2 and if I have to bring it out for a wedding or portrait shoot, something is really wrong....it will do the job grat but the lcd and electronic view finder are not bright enuff to do weddings comfortabley...........
I don't own a D40. I mentioned getting one as a possible full time body for my 18-200 lens after getting a D300 or something else. I would like to get two D300's but I can't. Weddings are not my thing and I tried to talk the couples out of hiring me to do them explaining my lack of experience or proper backups.
If weddings were my full time gig, or I did them all the time, I would buy two D80's. However, my side income comes from freelance photography for the local newspaper and the D300 has the features that best suit that, besides the D2h and D200. The D300 seems to me to have the best of both of those so my strategy is to just get the D300 before the weddings, but hopefully pay in cash or at least pay down a substantial amount.
I think I would like to do weddings eventually and tips like redundant cameras WILL BE remembered, but these two are informal: one on the beach and one is a second marriage with not much fanfare.
John
http://www.imagengineer.smugmug.com/
I remember something from my Juriprudence Class that said "So long as you have an ensurable interest, you can get a policy". It seems to me if I borrow a piece of equipment and sign off on my responsibility, I have an insurable interest in the equipmen as well as my financial being. He can always tell his agent about the situation for the final decision. In fact, he can probably get a temporary rider for a limited price at a lower rate. He has to make sure he is covered - that is for sure.
Roadrunner
Just pull the trigger and you will not regret it...:D
-Toyse