D300 for Weddings

Mahoneyd187

Mahoneyd187

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Danny
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Hi all

I hope to start shooting weddings this year.

I currently shoot with a D200 but would like to upgrade.

Is anyone out there shooting weddings with a D300 that can comment on its pros and cons, especially concerning ISO performance please?

Thanks in advance

Regards

Danny
 
I have D300s rather than D300. Not sure how much difference there is between the two.

I normally use a D3 so I'm probably already spoilt quality wise, but this summer I had to buy a D300s in a hurry when the shutter went suddenly on the D3, and I was disappointed with the image quality, particularly 800 ISO upwards.

Like I say, if I wasn't used to the D3, I probably would have been delighted with it.
 
A review like that from a D3 user is a good thing :)

I'm really torn between a D300/s and the D700. I shoot primes currently and my lenses are fx so no problem there.

Mind you D3 isn't too much more for a lightly used one on eBay, maybe I should look at that?
 
I have D300s rather than D300. Not sure how much difference there is be
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tween the two.
for stills, basically none. Think it has an extra button for 'OK' that uncle ken loves, and 1 fps more without a battery grip, but that's it.

if you've got the glass... pretty sure I saw a D700 on here for £1200 the other day.

then again, you can get almost 2 D300's for that, and they are /very/ good cameras - and you only get 1 stop of real world high iso performance by upgrading to the D700.

You -need- two cameras for professional event (eg weddings) photography, so if you can only stretch to £1300ish, get two D300's. They're good, capable cameras. If you can stretch to two of them, buy 2 D700's.
 
While I like my D300, I tend to avoid going higher than 800ISO. Its just about ok then, but for weddings would not want to go any higher. D700 is far better.
 
cambsno said:
While I like my D300, I tend to avoid going higher than 800ISO. Its just about ok then, but for weddings would not want to go any higher. D700 is far better.
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pah, 1600's fine, especially with lr3's noise reduction.

In any case, I thought wedding photogs could just get away with black and whiting and 'insta-art'ing anything that came out too noisy :p *ducks*
 
I bought a D300s as a back up for the D700. The difference in low light capability is massive. If you are thinking of shooting weddings or any other low light scenario, the D700 is the one to have. In the studio the 300 is fine.

Also, if you already have FX lenses then make the most of them with the D700.
 
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Sold on the D700. I don't want to limit myself and really want to start shooting weddings.

Thanks everyone :)
 
Inside a fairly well lit church i struggled to get above 1/60 on ISO1000 f2.8 with my D300, some came out slightly blurred, but i was using it @ 135mm with no VR :(
Not an ideal spec for weddings unless you are using a shorter lens.
 
Graham00 said:
Inside a fairly well lit church i struggled to get above 1/60 on ISO1000 f2.8 with my D300, some came out slightly blurred, but i was using it @ 135mm with no VR :(
Not an ideal spec for weddings unless you are using a shorter lens.
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Hmmm damn....

I said I'm sold on the D700 for my next business purchase, but as I want to shoot weddings this year...I know I need two. And if I'm honest with myself I'm not in a position to spend £3400 on cameras.

Is using a D300S for weddings a definitive no no? I'm a bit uneducated in this arena because I just don't know any other wedding photographers, so the only real life opinions I can get are online.

Or even...the new D7000 apparently has better ISO than the D300S, some say comparable to the D700? Is it worth considering the D7000? I wouldnt feel entirely comfortable as it's small, with less than good ergonomics for my hand size etc, but if the IQ is better, and it's more flexible...may be a consideration if it'll stand up to professional use? :bonk:

If I didn't need a back up as well this wouldnt be a problem dammit!! :thumbsdown:
 
I've shot weddings with a d300 - as others have said its not the best above iso 1600 so low light can be an issue, but it is quite doable

but the d700/d3 is a better choice if you can afford it. FX sensors also have a certain quality about the DX doesn't

I would avoid the d7000 for professional work, they are a great camera, but I don't think the body is up to the hard work of a wedding or 3
 
I use a 300 as my second camera to my 700. As far as pushing iso up it's not in the same league as the D700.
As soon as I'm able I ll be getting another D700 to replace it. I use fast glass with both and I have missed shots through the D300's shortcomings.
Phil.
 
Philx1979 said:
no brainer d700 all the way
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until you read this bit ;)

I said I'm sold on the D700 for my next business purchase, but as I want to shoot weddings this year...I know I need two. And if I'm honest with myself I'm not in a position to spend £3400 on cameras.
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yes a d700 is a better choice all other thighs being equal, but a d300 is quiet capable of shooting a wedding
 
boyfalldown said:
until you read this bit ;)

yes a d700 is a better choice all other thighs being equal, but a d300 is quiet capable of shooting a wedding
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It is under certain circumstances but if you want peace of mind knowing that your camera can handle extremely low light then no.
 
PSILVERMAN said:
It is under certain circumstances but if you want peace of mind knowing that your camera can handle extremely low light then no.
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I never said a d700 wasn't the better choice, it is - but a d300 is certainly more than capable of shooting them (especially, if as the OP you're worried about budget). People did shoot weddings before July 2008 ;)
 
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It's certainly not a straight simple argument as to which is better, I have no doubt in my mind a D700 or above (D3/s and so on) would be the better camera for the purpose.

All things considered, and seeing as somebody has openly mentioned they have missed shots due to having to use the D300, I think I'll hold off on the wedding shooting entirely until I can afford to equip myself as well as I feel I need to, to be comfortable in taking the work on.

I'll stick to portraiture for now and my D200 :) In the mean time I'll invest in the lenses I need, as I currently only own prime lenses. So 24/8-70 and 70-200 2.8. Then bodies.

Expensive game to play this isnt it! lol
 
Danny

Remembering your other post I think you have other priorities than kit upgrades, look to maximise the use on what you have now. If you need more kit see if you can borrow first, then rent, then look at buying S/H and as a last resort buy new.

Your kit is really aimed at studio portraits so I would strongly advise (given your situation) to focus 100% on and leave the weddings alone until you have some income. Unless you get a booking when the borrow > rent > buy equation should kick in.

I have a D300 and I have used it at weddings (now my backup), not great in low light but perfectly capable, as is the D200 TBH. Remember pros managed to get results on D200s and Fuji S5 Pros until the D300 came out. The newer the camera the easier it gets and the more challenging conditions you can work it, but they are not neccessary.

If you want to get into weddings I would suggest looking at the whole kit as you are weak in the lenses and have no backup. On a really restricted budget I would be looking at a second body - D300/D200/Fuji S5 Pro and S/H Nikon 35-70 f2.8 and Nikon 80-200 f2.8 (even the push/pull is good). I got both lenses for under £500 a few years back, alternatively look for some S/H sigmas (make sure they as f2.8).

Plus if you are looking at weddings then Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance is a must.
 
SimonTALM said:
Danny

Remembering your other post I think you have other priorities than kit upgrades, look to maximise the use on what you have now. If you need more kit see if you can borrow first, then rent, then look at buying S/H and as a last resort buy new.

Your kit is really aimed at studio portraits so I would strongly advise (given your situation) to focus 100% on and leave the weddings alone until you have some income. Unless you get a booking when the borrow > rent > buy equation should kick in.

I have a D300 and I have used it at weddings (now my backup), not great in low light but perfectly capable, as is the D200 TBH. Remember pros managed to get results on D200s and Fuji S5 Pros until the D300 came out. The newer the camera the easier it gets and the more challenging conditions you can work it, but they are not neccessary.

If you want to get into weddings I would suggest looking at the whole kit as you are weak in the lenses and have no backup. On a really restricted budget I would be looking at a second body - D300/D200/Fuji S5 Pro and S/H Nikon 35-70 f2.8 and Nikon 80-200 f2.8 (even the push/pull is good). I got both lenses for under £500 a few years back, alternatively look for some S/H sigmas (make sure they as f2.8).

Plus if you are looking at weddings then Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance is a must.
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Hi Simon

Absolutely and I couldnt agree more! (Now I have my sensible head back on lol)

I'm sticking to Portraiture 100% for the time being, I have enough kit to do the work for that. And I think my kit will evolve as I do, and my business hopefully grows. If I stay on the portraiture route, I may still however look to purchase a second body, but 100% it will be a D300, and my D200 will become my back up. My primes have been perfectly fine for my mobile portrait work thus far, but as the summer comes, and more customers may want outdoor fun portraits, I may look at going for the 80-200 2.8 af-d for the flexibility. Then I'll get something wider once the need arises. Do you think this sounds like a reasonable plan?

Thanks again for the great advice I really appreciate it :)

Regards

Danny
 
although i said a d700 all the way, i dont actually own one lol

i own a d300s and a d90 and i`ve shot 3 weddings with those, although we were blessed with good weather and good locations (well lit) we done good.
 
Mahoneyd187 said:
Hi Simon

Absolutely and I couldnt agree more! (Now I have my sensible head back on lol)

I'm sticking to Portraiture 100% for the time being, I have enough kit to do the work for that. And I think my kit will evolve as I do, and my business hopefully grows. If I stay on the portraiture route, I may still however look to purchase a second body, but 100% it will be a D300, and my D200 will become my back up. My primes have been perfectly fine for my mobile portrait work thus far, but as the summer comes, and more customers may want outdoor fun portraits, I may look at going for the 80-200 2.8 af-d for the flexibility. Then I'll get something wider once the need arises. Do you think this sounds like a reasonable plan?

Thanks again for the great advice I really appreciate it :)
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Plan sounds reasonable, but I would strongly caution you to wait before buying anything until you need it. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless they were in the same position as yours but consider holding back on buying backup kit straight away and wait until you have a better financial position first. Judge the next purchase based on your needs, correct pricing and products will only need a few jobs to bring the cash in to cover your next purchase.

For outside (lifestyle) portraits you may find you need a portfolio before you'll get a client, your studio stuff is great but I don't remember anything location based. To get this I suggest you consider renting a 70-200 f2.8 and offer a family location portrait shoot to some friends / work colleagues of your parents with a 7x5 or two thrown in. The key is to do the viewing properly and upsell some framed prints at a massively reduced price (e.g. 50% - 75% off) ensuring that there is still some profit to cover the lens rental, the costs of the job and perhaps an extra sample print or two for you to sell more to others with. Just make sure the clients know it's a special "thank you" price and the photos will form part of your portfolio. Do a good job and more than likely you will get word of mouth reccomendations.

Also get to know local togs (Pros, Semi-Pro and Non-Pros), do a TP studio meet or something in your garage with a TFP/CD model. The key is to get local tog friends. In an emergency they may be inclined to lend you something for free (or a small fee), certainly not a guarantee and definately not something to rely on but a possible alternative to extensive backup kit. I know a number of people that I would lend stuff to in an emergency and I also know I would drive it to them at the drop of a hat if they were on a job and called; I am pretty sure I could get the same help in return.
 
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