adamz said:
poster - get a grip for d90, attach big glass and tape the name - trust me most clients will never know.

as for d200 - well, I like it more for shooting people - skin reproduction is much nicer

d300 - the cmos sensor is better when You shot often above iso 400

haha nice one Adam. I already have D200 and don't need a second body. My next upgrade will be D700 or Canon 5D M II or the new upcoming III.

poster - get a grip for d90, attach big glass and tape the name - trust me most clients will never know.

as for d200 - well, I like it more for shooting people - skin reproduction is much nicer

d300 - the cmos sensor is better when You shot often above iso 400

shivaswrath said:
...the D90 image quality is to that of the D2xs:D3 (it's THAT substantial).

Someone's been studying analogies for a standardized test...

For most situations, I don't see why you'd need a D300 when you could use a D90. (I know you don't want to hear that, inseinej. I'll shut up now.)

poster said:
I would say go with the D300. Yes D90 has the same sensor etc. But sometimes having a D200/300 is good even for your clients.

I used to have D70s and anytime I found a good gig as a second shooter I was asked what camera I had, they almost always wanted something like D200/300 at the minimum. So sadly I couldn't do these gigs. So I upgraded to D200.

So I will say this, if you like the ergonomics of D300 go for it you won't be disappointed.

that's true - I had that problem when trying to second shoot with others; D700 minimum entry, which IMO is absurd. That's whY i try to shoot solo now, their loss. . .but good points. . .ironic though because I feel like the D90 image quality is to that of the D2xs:D3 (it's THAT substantial).

I would say go with the D300. Yes D90 has the same sensor etc. But sometimes having a D200/300 is good even for your clients.

I used to have D70s and anytime I found a good gig as a second shooter I was asked what camera I had, they almost always wanted something like D200/300 at the minimum. So sadly I couldn't do these gigs. So I upgraded to D200.

So I will say this, if you like the ergonomics of D300 go for it you won't be disappointed.

D90!!!!

Despite it's imminent replacement, it's a great body, REALLY competitively priced (esp with the rebates), and I would HIGHLY recommend coupling it with a pro 2.8 lens from the current rebates. . .

I dumped my D200 (sadly) recently and opted NOT to get the D300s because the D90 sensor is JUST that good.

LOL ! guys ! hehe .. ROFL !

@ inseinej : Get the D300 ! if you like that level of camera and features and you are serious about photography .. just go for it. .. There was a big jump between a D200 and a D300.. Its a great camera. The D200 is also really good if you keep it below 800 ISO. But the Dlighting stuff itself will be worth the difference in price between a D200 and a D300. of course the DR and improved focus system are also well worth it. (notice I didnt mention MP - it really is a minor factor in the scheme of things). The power of the focusing motor also got a boost (great for large non AFS lenses if you are inclined that way)

With the lens choices.. We cant really help you very much if we dont know what lenses you currently have. Lenses are bought usually to complement a system of lenses that you already have and tailored for the target subjects. I dont have any of those lenses and will probably not want any of them.. but thats me and my system of lenses. I am not saying they are bad choices.. I have recommended all 3 of them to people before but it suited their situation, it may or may not suit yours...

yup, get a new d90

Just like has been posted earlier. Get a New Nikon D90 for about $780.

Mark

I agree with Niz

Buy a new D90 with the kit lens instead, it is the same sensor as the D300 and will be less money and brand new.

That would be a list of lens to buy (to start with). I appreciate the offer on helping me decide what "level" of camera to go with but I'll respectfully decline. I've done my home work, played with both, and ended up deciding to go the pro-sumer route. It's hard to say but I get feeling from both sellers that the shutter count has not been reset (who knows though right?

It seems like the average used market price of the d200 has depreciated quite a bit, however I can't imagine it going much lower. My thought here is that if I ended up with a d200 for around 550 600$, I imagine assuming it's still in good shape it could be sold for around the same price....(and in a perfect world the d300 would of dropped a bit by then).....just some rambling....hopefully this (possibly) new d4 will drop the price of the d300....probably wishful thinking...:(

Shutter activations are NOT a good indicator of camera usage. The count can be reset so the count might actually be a lot higher.

I currently have the D200, D300 and the D300s. I stay in this price range because all my glass is Nikon F/2.8 except for my Sigma 28-70 F/2.8. I really like how the D200 shoots but when it comes to color and upgrades the D300 is 10-times better.

I still use the D200 but to be honest with you haven't picked it up in almost a year because of the increased quality of the 300's. Both camera's are rated at 150,000 clicks and both cameras can be sent to Nikon for repair and cleaning.

My suggestion is to purchase what you can afford and not worry so much about the clicks. The D300 is going to allow you to shoot in more places especially if you are buying lenses that are F/4. The D200 has horrible grain starting at ISO 800. I have shots hit newspapers and magazines with the D300 that the ISO is at 3200.

As always it's what you plan to do with the camera after you get it that should help you decide what one to purchase. Take a look at http://www.keh.com if you want to buy a trusted digital camera. They offer professional evaluations on all equipment they purchase and sell.

Hope this helps.

Ty

I agree with what hearty wrote, but I assume by cheaper glass you mean non-AF-S, and if you're looking for that the D5000 doesn't have the autofocus screw and the D90 does.

Is that the list of lenses you have or want to buy? .. What lenses do you currently have?

Why are you going to a prosumer level camera? Its 2 levels above your current camera.. If you are ready for the weight and features go for it !! However if you are happy with the D40 features.. why not consider a D3000 or a D5000 or a D90. the D90 and D5000 has more features than the D200/D300 in some respects.

The main question is why do you feel you need to upgrade.. List the reasons.. and we can help you better..

So I am looking to upgrade from my D40, looking on my local craigslist I see a couple options:

D200 with 14k Actuations, body in great shape.. asking 550 (body only)

D300 with 50k Actuations, body in great shape.. asking 875 (body only)

I've done a bit of research and got the gist of the differences down I think (LV, Sensor Type, High ISO Performance, Better LCD Screen..maybe others..).

Usage: Landscape, CityScape Long Exposures, some wildlife. I'm really not going to be doing a lot of low light shooting...

Question: Considering the actuations, is the D300 REALLY going to be worth the extra $$ or the money saved going for the d200 better spend on some better glass??

btw for either camera, any glass suggestions? I've compiled this list to start with:

Nikon 50mm 1.8
Sigma 18-250 OS HSM
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens

I won't lie, I'm getting pretty excited at the prospect of more\cheaper glass options with either of the two above cameras over the D40...

Anyways, thanks in advance for any input!