Upgrade D90 to D300s - advice

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Jason
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Sorry if this has been asked before.

Just like the idea of upgrading to a faster more robust camera.

I want to sell my D90 for £500 and buy the D300s with christmas money (so a £500 upgrade cost).

I am a total amateur with no concept of where or what to photo so cant give any more info apart from "all the gear no idea".

So is it worth the diffrence in cost.

What you recommend.
 
Based on your comments above, I would recommend learning more, using your camera more, and determining what genre(s) of photography interest(s) you the most before considering upgrading your camera. Also, in my opinion, there is not enough difference between the D90 and D300s to justify the £500 upgrade. The £500 could be better spent on buying good lenses which again you would determine once you've used your camera more.

Btw, welcome to the forum too :)
 
Thanks for the welcolm.

Just been doing some looking.

Quite a few heated comments regarding this topic.

Looks like its not a question easily answered.
 
If you are very new to this, I reccomend that you check out "Nikon helpline" on youtube, and check the various amazing functions on the D90. I got my camera in Novemeber 2008, and have only started to use it properly now. There is so much to it.

Unlike some of the prosumer cameras this camera has a great level of customisation, as such the more you tweak the better your results. The results I get now are far far greater than what I got at the begining. Lenses will make a great deal of difference too. Your first port of call will be the cheapo 50MM 1.8 or 35MM 1.8.

I think for a real upgrade later down the line you should get a D700. I know that is what I will be getting next, or the next itteration of it.
 
i think its worth learning the camera you have first the d300 is alot more advanced, and its alot more money to spend if you decide you dont like it, also the d300/d300s is nikons highest spec crop sensor dslr, the differences between the d90 are, the d300 are the d300/d300s will do 8fps also the d300 has much better build quality and is weather sealed, and also has a much better af system.worth every penny.
as for the d700 its only a step up if you want full frame and not a crop sensor.
 
I agree with all the advice you have received, learn to use what you have, when that starts to restrict your photography, then that is the time to upgrade.
 
at the time i had a d80 and was going to upgrade to a d200

but i bought more lenses and invested in them due to bodies change more than the lenses doo.

i now have a d300 and love it.

but understand how to use it in manual, i would learn you camera and invest in the glass...

then before you know it, a D400 / D800 will be out.
 
The more kit you have the slower will be the learning process! Learn what you have inside out - and when you discover the equipment shortfalls - as opposed to yours - that is the time to upgrade - and the path will be obvious.
 
awp said:
The more kit you have the slower will be the learning process! Learn what you have inside out - and when you discover the equipment shortfalls - as opposed to yours - that is the time to upgrade - and the path will be obvious.
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good advice
 
Never been one for good advice.

I will get the d300s tomorrow
 
I'm assuming you wanted to hear "The D90 sucks, you should get the D300s"? ;)

Still, when you get your D300s, start off simple. Don't try to learn everything at once. Andrew's advice was very good and still will hold true with the D300s.

Limit yourself to learning one aspect of the camera at a time (spend a whole day shooting in aperture priority, another day shooting in shutter priority, another day shooting full manual controls, another day only using a specific lens, another day only using natural light, another day using flash as your primary light source, and so on). Even if you end up not using all the features every day, it's good to know how they all work in the event that you do need to use it at some point in the future.

If you take it a step at a time and learn how each of the different aspects of both photography and your camera work, you'll learn and develop your abilities much faster than blindly shooting away and not paying attention to what you or the camera are doing.
 
Don't forget you will be eligible for a free sb900 worth ~£340 if you are registered with Nikon and purchase a d300s new. You can ask them to post the voucher on to you and you can redeem it for the new flash @ Nikon UK. Expires on purchases 17th Jan and offer runs till Feb I believe. offer
 
CGeezer said:
Don't forget you will be eligible for a free sb900 worth ~£340 if you are registered with Nikon and purchase a d300s new.
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I was told that it was only registered owners of D200 bodies (one of the reasons so many people were confused why they didn't receive one).
 
just put a link in thread above and contacted Nikon yesterday they said i should register to get the offer posted out to me. Didn't say what camera I had :) and it is on the purchase of the d300s not sale of what you had I believe. Just registration will work.

I raised a ticket 3 seconds after registering asking where my voucher was :lol:

Thank you for contacting Nikon regarding the Flashback promotion.

This offer was sent to registered Nikon (DSLR) owners who have opted in to receive marketing communications. If you are a Nikon owner but have not yet registered with us and you would like to receive this offer, please register your D200 camera at www.nikon.co.uk and opt in to receive marketing communications. You can opt out once you have claimed your free SB-900 if you no longer wish to receive special offers.

You will be sent the offer via post so please provide your physical address.


Thank you for cooperation.

Kind Regards,

Aleksander Nowak
Nikon Europe Support
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HTH
 
Kaouthia said:
Limit yourself to learning one aspect of the camera at a time (spend a whole day shooting in aperture priority, another day shooting in shutter priority, another day shooting full manual controls, another day only using a specific lens, another day only using natural light, another day using flash as your primary light source, and so on). Even if you end up not using all the features every day, it's good to know how they all work in the event that you do need to use it at some point in the future.
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I think that's brilliant advice, thank you for this comment :thumbs:
 
The D300s is the old D300 with all the good bits from the D90 added to it. The info button and the addition of movie recording came straight off the D90. Also they have added auto focus during movie shooting in the mix over the D90, but it isn't what you call speedy. The body alone shoots really fast even without a battery grip, but unless you put glass that costs more than the body on it you'll not get most of those frames in focus. If you're trying to stop time, as in motorsport or wildlife then I'd say jump in with both feet, but consider that to get the best from it you'll need some 2.8 or lower lenses. I have made sure that all mine are FX format lenses despite the camera being DX. That ensures that when I finally have enough to spend out on the D3x or equivalent in 10 years time! I'll not have to fork out on new glass. You'll not regret buying the D300's but as said before me on here the leap between the two is not a big one, nor even is the D700 as that is a slower 300's with full frame. (ok very basic appraisal but an honest one having used both)

Your mind seems set and I can say hand on heart you'll not be disappointed, just make sure you come to Leicester and buy it form me!

Chris
 
Kaouthia said:
I was told that it was only registered owners of D200 bodies (one of the reasons so many people were confused why they didn't receive one).
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According to Nikon Support -

This offer was sent to registered Nikon (DSLR) owners who have opted in to receive marketing communications.

I emailed them yesterday having just bought a D300s. I am now waiting for confirmation as to whether I'm eligible having been a registered Nikon owner who is opted in and has received all the other crap marketing communications since I bought my D70, apart from the one that really matters! :D

I better be.... :bonk:
 
Take your time I had a D40 for 12 months, then a D80 for 20 months and now a D300s,
I was ready for the upgrade but the free SB 900 pushed my to make the change.
I learnt a lot from the net and magazines one of the best sites for tips & tricks for all your Nikon needs is "D-Town TV" just google it & enjoy what you have got, the D90 is a exceptional camera,
Billy
 
never understood why people upgrade and buy better cameras before learning the basics definately money to burn, i guess thats probably why my friend can take better pictures and make a business for herself on her d60 with kit lens than the guy i know who uses a D3 and £5k worth of lenses lol
 
18-270 said:
The D300s is the old D300 with all the good bits from the D90 added to it. The info button and the addition of movie recording came straight off the D90. Also they have added auto focus during movie shooting in the mix over the D90, but it isn't what you call speedy. The body alone shoots really fast even without a battery grip, but unless you put glass that costs more than the body on it you'll not get most of those frames in focus. If you're trying to stop time, as in motorsport or wildlife then I'd say jump in with both feet, but consider that to get the best from it you'll need some 2.8 or lower lenses. I have made sure that all mine are FX format lenses despite the camera being DX. That ensures that when I finally have enough to spend out on the D3x or equivalent in 10 years time! I'll not have to fork out on new glass. You'll not regret buying the D300's but as said before me on here the leap between the two is not a big one, nor even is the D700 as that is a slower 300's with full frame. (ok very basic appraisal but an honest one having used both)

Your mind seems set and I can say hand on heart you'll not be disappointed, just make sure you come to Leicester and buy it form me!

Chris
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If you are who I think you are its your fault.
My uncle will not be pleased as he is still shooting a D40.
 
No mention in the offer of what camera you have just what you need to purchase. If you have not made a claim raise a ticket and get your sb900 gratis :)
 
i'm up to around 4k shutter clicks on my D90 and i'm still learning the aspects of photography and the d90, but i've just spent 1200 on a new lens :bonk:

take a look on flickr at all the pics taken with a d90. i'm nowhere near that good and i dont think i will be for a very very long time!
 
seventythree said:
i'm up to around 4k shutter clicks on my D90 and i'm still learning the aspects of photography and the d90, but i've just spent 1200 on a new lens :bonk:

take a look on flickr at all the pics taken with a d90. i'm nowhere near that good and i dont think i will be for a very very long time!
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we are all still learning mate, and i dont think we will stop learning, as for your pics, i`m in no posistion to judge yours but you`ve got some great pics on there, nice one.:)
 
seventythree said:
i'm up to around 4k shutter clicks on my D90 and i'm still learning the aspects of photography and the d90, but i've just spent 1200 on a new lens :bonk:

take a look on flickr at all the pics taken with a d90. i'm nowhere near that good and i dont think i will be for a very very long time!
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I'd say £1200 well spent! I'd not complain at the shots you're taking! Sometimes your shots only have to make sense to, and please, yourself to be worth all the money you throw at them, never let anyone take that away from you :-)
 
I think it's a lot more about what you feel comfortable with, having to justify using a lesser camera to learn the basics is all well and good but on the other side of the coin a photographer will grow into a better camera and not be restricted and feel the camera's features are holding him back. Just my $0.02c's worth.
 
18-270 said:
Now I'm wondering who you think I am! I am the Manager of a certain well know photography shop in Leicester... That will be tough to work out :wave:
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I just got the macro lens from your Tuesday - snobbery over the tamron

Loved the feel of the d300.
Now I want one.

I am tall good looking (dont mind saying so myself, you at work tomorrow).
 
Philx1979 said:
Why wont your uncle be pleased? whats wrong with a D40?
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Nothink wrong with any camera, I have been using a Fuji S7000 for the past few years.

My uncle is the posh one of the family.
 
Yes.

He is happy as the Blus are still undefeated.
Didnt get to see my nan boxing day as I was hung over, will now have to travel down at some stage to say hello.
 
Philx1979 said:
we are all still learning mate
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Even Joe McNally still says he learns something new on every single shoot. He says they day you know it all is the day you sell all your equipment and become a photo editor. ;)
 
The Nikon 105mm macro is the business

Best lens yet

So much fun over christmas
 
Characteristics said:
Yes.

He is happy as the Blus are still undefeated.
Didnt get to see my nan boxing day as I was hung over, will now have to travel down at some stage to say hello.
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LOL I'm sure your excuse will differ to that of the truth when you see her! Well you know more than anyone that a deal can be had from me, so if you're in the market for that D300s just say ;-)

Got any shots from that 105 yet?!
 
I am a firm beleiver that every day is a school day and when you stop learning is the day you should turn pro or give up.

I love to learn
 
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