Need Suggestion on Camera Body Upgrade

[Matt Tucker]

I am looking at a new dslr body (going to stick with Nikon b/c of the lenses I already have) and wondering how many guys moved from the D200 to the D300 and if the move was substantial enough.

I currently shoot a D70 and haven’t really found a need to move as I was buying lenses.

[josh w.]

Hey Matt-

I upgraded from my D70 to a D200 a few months ago… and wow what a difference.  The improved AF and frame rate are worth it alone.  Not to mention the better viewfinder, lcd screen, build quality, custimization options, etc.

I still shoot the D70 as back-up and I am amazed at the difference between the two.  If you can afford a D300 (I couldn’t) go for it, but I really don’t think you’d be dissapointed either way.

Josh

PS I was shooting at a volleyball game indoors the other night, and was really impressed with how decent ISO 1600 was- I wouldn’t have even considered that on my D70.

[josh w.]

Just thought I’d add that I wish I could have afforded a D300 because I think it is a pretty big jump from the D200… those 51 AF points and the Active-D Lighting really make me drool.

[Buzz Bryson]

Have had a D200 and have a D300.

[Matt Tucker]

Thanks guys.

[olle bulder]

Don’t forget to reed what Ken Rockwell has to say about the difrences between a D300 and a D90. The D300 offers a pro body but if you don’t need al the buttons you can find al the functions(and more) in the D90 menu.

I’m a happy D90 user 🙂

[Douglas Barnes]

Don’t forget to reed what Ken Rockwell has to say about the difrences between a D300 and a D90….

Ken’s got an entertaining site. Just don’t take everything you read there as gospel…;~)

I’ve owned or own a D70, D80, a D200, a D300, and a D700. The biggest jump is from 6mp (D70) to 10-12mp (D200-D90/300). Once there it’s a matter of glass and technique. The D90 and the D300 share the same sensor (mostly), and the D300s adds video (yawn). So my advise is to snag a D200/300 and spend the extra cash on glass. Good glass!

[J A Y M O R R]

I also second what DB just said about the jump to a 200/300.

[Matt Tucker]

I am already working on the glass (going to be picking up the Tokina 11-16 very soon) and have enough faster glass to get by.

[Douglas Barnes]

Matt, It really depends on how much telephoto action you do. For general landscape/fishing shots any AF will be better than your D70. Especially with the Tok. 11-16mm. However, start shooting waterfowl and/or sports then the D300 will shine with the right lens, settings, card, etc. (Brett Colvin or Tosh Brown might have more insight here…)  😎

The camera’s processing engine is something to consider and they get better with each generation. The D90, D300 (and beyond) color is standard and more consistent to each other which makes a big difference down the road when using multiple bodies. Hope this helps. db

[Matt Tucker]

i do alot of whitetail deer photography and have been reading about the auto focus a bit.

[Brett Colvin]

Hey Matt:

[Buzz Bryson]

Seconding and lumping what DB and Brett said (and it’s been a while since I’ve used the D200), I can’t recall any single reason I’d go with it over the D300, other than price.

[Aaron Christensen]

Just wanted to jump in and say thanks for the thread and all the advice.

[Matt Tucker]

Guys I really appreciate the input.

[Matt Tucker]

I ordered a used D200 from KEH today.

[Author]

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