D300s now? Or wait?

skysailor · August 19, 2012

Thinking of a D300s. Looked at a D800...maybe in another life? Any real advantage with a 300s over my D200? I'm a hobbyist at best.
Thanks guys
Lyle

babowc · August 19, 2012

I would definitely wait.

Matthew Saville · August 19, 2012

The D300s is a huge leap forward from the D200, for sure. The D200 was the runt handicapped brother to the already handicapped D2X, while the D300s is one of the best crop-sensor cameras ever made from an era where Nikon was truly kicking but in the DSLR body scene. The D300s is basically a D3s with worse ISO performance. If you don't really need to go higher than ISO 800 or 1600, the D300s is one of the best buys you can make right now.

Having said that, if a D400 happens it will be an AWESOME camera too, with incredible steps forward if it is anything like the D800. It may not be as FPS-intensive as the D300s, (8 FPS with a grip) ...but it could rock in every other respect.

I'd wait, if only to see if a D400 can cause the price of a used D300s to drop like a rock.

The only reason I'd go for a D300s now is if I found a screaming deal on a mint condition one, and / or if I had a ton of work / shooting to do with the camera in the next few months.

Of course let me make one thing clear- I'd MUCH rather have a D700, compared to either a D300s or a D400. But that's just for my line of work, which is low-light photojournalism and portraiture. In that respect, the D300s can't hold a candle to the D700, and the D400 may also fall short depending on the ISO performance and overall reliability in low light.

Sorry for only adding to the confusion!

=Matt=

jmphotocraft · August 19, 2012

In your shoes I would get a D700, or a D7000 if I wanted video. For stills both of those cameras are better than the D300s.

babowc · August 20, 2012

I think D7000 vs D300s debate is largely a toss-up.
I used a D700 and both D7000/D300s, and I really enjoyed that the D300s had the same layout as the D700.
But I favored the lighter D7000 when I was travelling..

For what it's worth, I got rid of the D300s and kept the D7000.

Matthew Saville · August 21, 2012

jmphotocraft wrote: »

In your shoes I would get a D700, or a D7000 if I wanted video. For stills both of those cameras are better than the D300s.

Really the only reason to go with a D300s over a D7000 is, control and performance. If you need 8 FPS and you need certain functions of the pro body button layout & customization, then you need at least a D300. However for most casual shooting, and even professional shooting, a D7000 is probably the best camera on the market.

A D400 would surely beat the D7000, however. Again, the main reason to go with a 3-digit series Nikon is the affordable pro-grade control and functionality. If you'd rather save some weight, size, money, ...and yet not forfeit any bells or whistles, then the D7000 is it...

=Matt=

skysailor · August 22, 2012

Should take a serious look at the D7000. I've heard good things about the sensor? Processor? Is it a dust sealed metal body like the 300s? It has to be a big step up from my 200?
Thanks for all the input.
Lyle

babowc · August 22, 2012

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d7000/

Nikon states weather-sealed magnesium body.

Matthew Saville · August 23, 2012

babowc wrote: »

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d7000/

Nikon states weather-sealed magnesium body.

The D7000 is a perfect "adventure" camera thanks to this rugged construction, however it still forfeits a few of the functionalities that a D300s would provide. Personally, I prefer how the buttons are laid out on the 3-digit series bodies, in fact almost moreso than the 1-digit flagship series bodies.

But, if you're not the type to need all sorts of nerdy customizations at your fingertips, a D7000 is not going to feel like a shortcoming at all.

The one main feature I miss on a D7000, FYI, is the one-click zooming during image playback. On the semi-pro bodies, all you gotta do is tap the joypad center button and you get 100% image playback zoom, even off-center if you used an off-center focus point. Super handy for shooting in any fast-paced situation. (Which happens to be how I make a living, lol...)

=Matt=

skysailor · August 23, 2012

One more dumb question, then I'm shopping for a D7000. Any reason to believe this camera would have any issues with non-Nikon lenses? I have some nice Sigma glass. Thanks
Lyle

thegridrunner · August 23, 2012

The Nikon D600 is about to be released, full frame at 24mb, 5fps, full 1080p video, and a host of other goodies. Get this camera instead of the D7000 (since I moved to D800 full frame, I hardly use a crop sensor). The full frame pictures just look better (also, the new D600 will shoot crop frame if you need it).

babowc · August 24, 2012

D600?
Was it announced by nikon?

skysailor · August 24, 2012

thegridrunner wrote: »

The Nikon D600 is about to be released, full frame at 24mb, 5fps, full 1080p video, and a host of other goodies. Get this camera instead of the D7000 (since I moved to D800 full frame, I hardly use a crop sensor). The full frame pictures just look better (also, the new D600 will shoot crop frame if you need it).

So, it'll shoot fUll frame with the correct lens, otherwise cropped frame? Just looked it up. Release 13 September. Sneaking it in between the D300s and the D800? Will there be a place for a D400? I'm waiting to have a look at the 600.
Lyle

Matthew Saville · August 24, 2012

Full frame costs a pretty penny to be FULLY taken advantage of. No pun intended.

Even if a D600 comes out at around $1999, which it certainly could now that the D700 is discontinued, the lenses required to take full advantage of the FX frame will cost hundreds more. (A couple / few thousand, by the time it's all said and done...)

Yes, you can set the camera to automatically crop to a DX mode when a DX lens is used. However it is a little difficult to go back and forth between shooting full-frame and trying to remember to frame your subject within the little DX box outline that shows up in your viewfinder. I've done this before and it makes precise composition kinda tough.

But of course these are not long-term reasons to avoid FX, only short-term reasons. The only reason I'd like to have a D7000 and a 16-85 DX, for example, would be portability and affordability. No matter how small and how cheap they make the D600 and the 24-120 FX, the DX equivalent will always be smaller and cheaper.

Also, the last thing to consider is that the D600, like the D7000, will miss out on a handful of the flagship-style control buttons and customizability / functionality. Personally for me, this is a deal-breaker for my full-time work, (weddings and other active type things) ...and almost a deal breaker for my part-time hobbies. (Nature and architecture, but also various types of action...)

Sorry for perpetually trying to muddy the decision making! Just remember, there will always be a new camera worth waiting for; but each day you wait you may be missing out on something. Or, just get out there with the gear you've got, and keep shooting until something comes along that you just KNOW you need, even without seeking advice from crazy people like us!

=Matt=

skysailor · August 24, 2012

Oh, nothing crazy about you Matt. I really appreciate the opinions and advice I get here. Being that photography is just a hobby for me, I'm 90% sure the D7000 will do the trick for me. Unless the D400 comes out in the very near future (while I'm headed out to buy the 7000!) I'll be picking up the 7000. Anything more than that, has more bells and whistles than I could ever learn to use. Kind of wish it had a CF card though. Don't think that's a deal breaker though....
Lyle

thegridrunner · August 24, 2012

Wait another 2 1/2 weeks before deciding what camera to buy. Nikon may release something by surprise. Also, wait until you see what features the D600 will have. Since you are a recreational photographer, you may find that the D600 contains everything you need and then some. I speak from experience when I say the pictures look better in full frame. The higher pixel density per image will cut down on the noise and the pictures will look sharper and cleaner. You will also be getting the most up to date sensor with cleaner pictures at higher ISO's. The D7000 tops out at ISO 1600 in terms of noise (to my tastes) with reduced dynamic range. You will be able to go higher with the D600.

newb · August 24, 2012

I love my D7000. I too am a hobbiest. I spent money on good Nikkor lenses, and with them mated to that body theres not a lot left for me to want.

LRussoPhoto · August 27, 2012

Matthew Saville wrote: »

The one main feature I miss on a D7000, FYI, is the one-click zooming during image playback. On the semi-pro bodies, all you gotta do is tap the joypad center button and you get 100% image playback zoom, even off-center if you used an off-center focus point. Super handy for shooting in any fast-paced situation. (Which happens to be how I make a living, lol...)

=Matt=

I have a 300s, what is the joypad your talking about? One click zooming, i didnt know about this feature? Please explain!

cmadness · August 27, 2012

I've owned most of them (d200, d300, d7000) all are great cameras. I just sold my d300 for $550 because I moved to a d700. My d300 was put to work with around 144k clicks between me and the previous owner. It was a great camera and I miss it but my d700 is pretty much the same body. I really don't miss my d7000, I really loved it when I got it new, but after using the d300 I really felt the size was perfect for me and loved the extra control on the body. A d300s does have some nice features but it's holding on to its value as well as the d7000. For what used d300 are going for l'd take another look and perhaps save a lot of money.

Just my advice.

babowc · August 28, 2012

QuadRacer041, go into your Menu settings-> Controls -> Multi selector center button -> adjust in Playback mode -> Zoom on/off.

LRussoPhoto · August 28, 2012

babowc wrote: »

QuadRacer041, go into your Menu settings-> Controls -> Multi selector center button -> adjust in Playback mode -> Zoom on/off.

Thank you

skysailor · September 2, 2012

Found a new 7000 body for 850$. Is this good? It's from a reputable dealer.
Lyle

ziggy53 · September 3, 2012

Your definition of "reputable dealer" is likely much different from mine. I highly recommend purchasing from:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/735002-REG/Nikon_25468_D7000_DSLR_Camera_Body.html
http://www.adorama.com/INKD7000.html?gclid=CLim9ZWxmbICFYhFMgodmDEAjg
http://www.tallyns.com/tpp/amazing/itemdesc.asp?ic=25468&eq=&Tp=
http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/nikon_d7000_16_2mp_dx_format_cmos_digital_slr_with_3_0_inch_lcd_body_only_/nz0701

Each of the above are legitimate Nikon dealers with an excellent record of service, before and after the sale. None are able to offer the price that you quoted but I can vouch that you will get a very fair deal from all of them.

Be sure to check out our threads:

Buying a Camera? How To Not Get Ripped Off.
Where to Buy and Where to Rent, Thread Index

skysailor · September 3, 2012

Thanks for the heads up there, ziggy. This is one of the best known dealerships in Canada. These guys have been in business since at least the '70's. I often buy in the States, but right now, Nikon has some better deals north of the border. Can't vouch for this being a "regular" price, though as I know the store manager on a personal basis. This may be a body they've "handed to customers" for a look see. Either way, I'll watch my step if I do buy it. Giving it a couple of weeks before doing anything. It's a big purchase for an amateur. Cheers
Lyle

D300s now? Or wait?

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