Downgrade from a D300?

  • Thread starter Thread starter gingerweasel
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gingerweasel

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Hi Guys,
I've had my new camera for about two months now and whilst I am absolutely chuffed with my choice events have conspired against me and I've found myself unable to spend some of the funds I had planned for additional kit.

This leaves me with a great camera and a really good walkabout lens but I'm lacking some of the kit I wanted for certain areas of my photography which has mean't I'm not using the camera as much as I would like.

I was discussing this with my better half today and she suggested I downgrade to a less expensive camera and use the additional funds for the other kit. Seems to make a lot of sense so I figured I'd ask you guys your thoughts?

Also what camera would you recomend if I did downgrade? (something less expensive obviously but something that can still get great results)
 
What kind of budget have you got? Would you prefer to stay with Nikon?

What kind of photography shots do you favour?
 
Think it would have to be a D90, not sure you'd be happy with anything other than that (if you're intending to stay nikon that is?)
 
D90 is the logical choice same sensor as the d300 so same IQ, less features and lower build quality. You will probabley free up £250 by changing, but do it quick as D300 prices are falling fast.
 
It seems to me you curently have a great camera and walkabout lens presumably giving you the flexibility to try various things? What areas of photography do you want to tackle which your current kit restricts you from doing and what items of kit do you feel you're missing out on?

I'd just give it some thought - a lot of photographers would love a D300 which gives great image quality, and more kit wont necessarily mean you get better images. ;)
 
I must admit I am torn.. I love the new camera (still getting to grips with it) but I had planned to pick up some studio lights (softboxes etc...) to work on the type of images shown above. At the moment I'm using it for walk about stuff but that wasn't originally my intention.

Can't decide at the moment... Wanted to see what you guys thought...
 
Another one to consider (especially for studio work) would be the Fuji S5 which is a bit of a bargain these days and should release about £400 to you. Slower than the D300 (by a long way!) but excellent colour rendition and good build quality
 
daveproctor said:
Another one to consider (especially for studio work) would be the Fuji S5 which is a bit of a bargain these days and should release about £400 to you. Slower than the D300 (by a long way!) but excellent colour rendition and good build quality
Click to expand...

:agree: although I took a shot with mine a week ago and I'm pretty sure it's still writing to the card :lol:
 
If all you're going to save is £200- 300 then I'd think twice. That amount isn't going to make a huge difference and it won't buy you much in the way of extra lenses.

Only you can make the decision of course. If you're pushed for cash at the moment then it may make sense, but if it's just that you need other lenses, then I'd just hang on few months and get them later. I've made hasty decisions in the past and regretted it later.
 
Thanks for all the comments guys.. a lot to think about.
 
Actually kevshore has hit it on the head - keep what you've got and enjoy it

The D300 is a superb camera and if you downgrade you'll probably find yourself missing it badly

Good luck whatever you decide

Flash In The Pan - I did say it was slower then the D300 :-)
 
...or think about a D200 - almost the exact same body & feel. You'll be missing the better autofocus and sensor (amongst other bits), but it's still a lovely camera and won't let you down in a studio setting...

Just my 2p's worth :thumbs:
 
Looks like you're in a bit of a pickle.

New price D90 = £649. New price D300 = £899 (Currys sale).

Second hand price D300 = no more than £800. So you'll only save £150 making the swap to D90. No way its that sensible.

Looks like you're stuck with what you've got unless you go way lower to D60/D40 territory. Not really studio grade cameras eh?

Just get a bar job, or do some nightclub work with the D300 until you've saved the money you need for the rest of the kit. Shouldn't take too long.
 
Keep the D300

wishlist
- stand
- umbrella
- remote flash
- pocket wizard

now I have seen adverts for a kit but they are still ranging in the 300-500 uk. Pocket wizards aren't cheap, eBay for 180 ish.

what you can do with
- 105macro d or vr (300-500 second hand)
- flash gun if you don't have one (sb400?)
- lumiquest soft box for flash gun (30 ukp)
- tripod (jessops 30ukp)

alternatively if you a blue peter fan
- a box
- a3 tracing paper
- Velcro
- Sellotape
- bedside lamp/table lamp

cut a hole in the box. Take box apart and use Velcro to re form box ( easier storage ). Put tracing paper over the hole. Put lamp outside box. Put object on other side an you have soft(er) light. Add another a3 paper over some books for smoother back drop. Use flash onboard if required

:)
 
Don't get rid of the D300. If you want to swap just because you're not using it that much then there is a very simple answer....GET OUT THERE AND USE IT.

I have a D300 (well 2 actually) and I have the 18-200mm VR and have had some very good results from it. As a basic kit there are few situations where it won't get the job done. Keep what you have, use it and slowly save up for whatever other kit you want to buy.
 
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