anyone choose a D300 over a D90?

Harvey_nikon

Harvey_nikon

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Hi all,

Considering upgrading from my D60 to a second hand D300, however the D90 is also in this price range.

Did anyone here choose one over the other and if so, why?

I've been told the D300 is a lot more rugged which appeals as the majority of the things that interest me are outdoor based.

I am just looking for peoples experiences :)
 
If its in your price range a D300 would be the better choice, in my opinion.
 
D300 is a different class of camera but the D90 is very good at it's price point. A SH D300 will go for £725-800 and a new D90 is around £650, maybe £550-575 SH. I had the D300 as my back up and swapped it for the D90 and didn't use it much. I kinda regret doing it despite the qualities of the D90. A D300s or D400 is on the way and so prices will reduce as people seek to upgrade and offload the current D300. Might be worth waiting, but likely to be 2-3 months or so!
 
I have not used the D90 or in fact the D300 (I have a D200 which is basically the same!). The D300 is built better, it is a nicer size in the hands and the basic functions are easier to access so you will use them.
 
There is loads of information about this scenario in the forum (just like D80 or D200?). Here is a very similar thread on the very next page!
 
I have recently upgraded from a d40 to a d90, but was also looking at the d300. I had the opportunity to try both before buying.

I ended up choosing the d90 purely because I felt that personally the d300 was a bit "too much camera" for me. I'm glad I picked the d90, it's menu system, high ISO ability etc are a large step up from the d40. I found that the AF system overall on the d300 was superior, but, I've found it hard to distinguish the pictures apart. :thumbs:
 
JDholic said:
I have recently upgraded from a d40 to a d90, but was also looking at the d300. I had the opportunity to try both before buying.

I ended up choosing the d90 purely because I felt that personally the d300 was a bit "too much camera" for me. I'm glad I picked the d90, it's menu system, high ISO ability etc are a large step up from the d40. I found that the AF system overall on the d300 was superior, but, I've found it hard to distinguish the pictures apart. :thumbs:
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That's the way I felt when I bought my D80 - the D200 just felt like it was too complex for me at the time....
 
I was another in the same boat a few months ago when I was looking to upgrade from my D50. I tried both, but eventaully went for the D300 and certainly have not regretted it since.

It got my vote based on low light performance, I don't need a video mode, build quality and slightly higher fps shooting.
 
fordpop said:
I was another in the same boat a few months ago when I was looking to upgrade from my D50. I tried both, but eventaully went for the D300 and certainly have not regretted it since.

It got my vote based on low light performance, I don't need a video mode, build quality and slightly higher fps shooting.
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Same here, although I was coming up from a D100...

I suppose that if you wanted the higher framerate on a D300, you just get the battery grip and the different battery...
 
I don't know why people keep thinking the D90 is the D300 just with a cheaper price tag...

Some things not already mentioned:

100% viewfinder on D300 (a big advantage for those of you who compose their shots in camera and not with the crop tool!)

Better, faster AF system (no, they are not the same - Multicam 3500-DX on the D300, the older Multicam 1000 on the D90 - thats the same AF system as the D80). The real killer punch in the D300/D700/D3 is the AF system, it was a HUGE leap forward for Nikon.

Faster shutter speeds - up to 1/8000 vs only 1/4000 on D90

Basically, one is a "prosumer" camera, the other one a "pro" (although I hate that term really, perhaps just "top end of the range" is better)
 
desantnik said:
I don't know why people keep thinking the D90 is the D300 just with a cheaper price tag...

Some things not already mentioned:
Click to expand...

They probably think that from looking at the images that come out of both cameras. :)

Those things are all valid points and have been mentioned in the other thread I linked to. ;)
 
The trouble is that a lot of people don't really understand the real difference between low, middle and high end stuff...

Basically its all to do with getting higher hit rates, which is what someone attempting to make money from photography needs - a better chance of each click turning into £££££
 
I'm sure the decision is a lot simpler than it seems.

I'll be getting a D90 in september. The only reason i wont be getting a D300 because its £300 more expensive and i would need a lens as well as its my first camera ever.

If you have the money, go D300

If you don't, get a D90.

Simples *meerkat sound*
 
Krydel said:
I'm sure the decision is a lot simpler than it seems.

I'll be getting a D90 in september. The only reason i wont be getting a D300 because its £300 more expensive and i would need a lens as well as its my first camera ever.

If you have the money, go D300

If you don't, get a D90.

Simples *meerkat sound*
Click to expand...

It is simple, until people look at 2nd hand D300's for similar money for a brand new D90.
 
the last d300 on here went for £775, and i think thats a fairly typical price. still a difference, but i reckon its a closer gap than people think.

id definetely consider the d90 a top end consumer camera, and the d300 a 'prosumer'/pro camera though. build, 100% viewfinder, af etc.
 
Krydel said:
How similar? You can pick a D90 with kit lens new for £750 and i see body only D300s on ebay for £900 or so :/ You would need to spend at least another 100-150 for a lens on top of that surely?
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Don't check e-Bay for your prices. ;)
 
Well I and a few others no doubt, just missed out an a major bargain in the classifieds on AVForums. :(

D300
Battery Grip
18-200mm VR
105mm Macro
50mm f/1.8
Crumpler Bag
Bundle of CF cards, Filters, Tripod and accessories.

How much do you think?
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£1250! :eek: :bonk:
 
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