Mini update: sold my D300, and to fill the void I've got a Nex-7 for now. I am however keeping hold of all of my Nikon lenses, and will use a Nikon lens adapter to utilize them on the Nex.

I'm hopeful that within the next year or so Nikon might get round to bringing out a D400 or something similar that will be worth considering. And, if that does happen, I'll be glad I didn't sell the lenses too!

Hopefully I wont be without a Nikon body for too long, but had to make a decision that was right for me in the mean time.

Lots of us in the same boat Sarum....we might not be pros,but we really need an upgraded pro style DX body! Nikon might not release a D400,but in my opinion,if not, they will be losing out on a serious chunk of change,and possibly a lot of diehard Nikon users as well.

Wait a few more months. Hopefully, by then more certain information on the D400 and D600 will be out. Both would be good upgrade paths for you.

@tcole - Yes, the D600 does look very interesting indeed. Does seem to be a lot more certain than the D400 at this stage. Might be worth holding out for. It seems like more of a sequential/natural upgrade path to me too - in that the financial investment wouldn't be quite as intimidating as going up to a d800 (hopefully).

@sevencrossing - I love this way of thinking! I really do think the D800 is a fantastic piece of kit. Unfortunately though I think it's just too expensive for someone like me who is essentially just a *very* enthusiastic hobbyist :)

Sarum said:

I bought the camera approximately 5 years ago, and it has served me very well,......
....... D800 - Utterly fantastic all round,

so if you write down the cost of the D800 over 5 years

Does getting the D800 make anymore scene

I am not convinced we are getting a D400 but it looks like we getting a DX better than than the D7000 in the next year or so

See the D400 thread...you aren't the only one in the same boat. I don't have a D300, but a D5000 and my next step is hopefully going to be the D300S update...the D400. I think many are waiting that don't have the funds or need a D800. The D600 is another viable option, but still we are all waiting. I think we might hear something in September, but who really knows. I think we are 99% sure the D600 is going to be released. We don't have any concrete D400 rumors that I know of.

I have also looked at all the Nikon options and none look appealing atm. I don't "need" a new body right now so I am just waiting it out since it is more of a want. Not sure what to offer people if the actually do need something. I am going to try and build my portrait portfolio right now and then upgrade when something else comes along and go from there. If I made any significant money I could then maybe look at something like a D800, but I highly doubt that.

Hi Guys,

I'm in a bit of a dilemma at the moment, because I'm not really sure how I should upgrade and move on from my current D300 (non S version).

I bought the camera approximately 5 years ago, and it has served me very well, but I'm beginning to feel that the technology is getting a little old and I want to upgrade to something new. Now, the problem I have is I literally don't know if there's a viable upgrade option for me if I stick with Nikon

On top of the functionality that I already currently have with my D300, which i want to maintain or improve on, I'm looking for a camera that has better low light abilities, and very good video functionality. I had a GH1 previously and I used the video mode frequently, and loved it.

My options appear to be this:
1. D300S - pretty old, doesn't improve on much other than the video option, which is relatively poorly implemented compared to newer cameras these days.
2. D7000 - potentially an option, but not really an upgrade more of a sideways move. In some areas it's better than the D300, in other areas it isn't
3. D700 - Fantastic for stills ability, but no video support (one of my requirements)
4. D800 - Utterly fantastic all round, but it costs £1700 *more* than a D300S. Then i'd need new lenses too. Given the price is multiples more, it doesn't feel like an upgrade that I can afford. It feels like a very different, very expensive camera that's not a natural upgrade unless you've got lots of spare cash or you take photographs for a living, which I don't unfortunately.

So what does that leave? well, other manufacturers. I feel like there are only limited upgrade options without spending a fortune, and as i'm only at the prosumer level i'm not ready to do that right now.

Based on the above, I feel that these would be my best options right now:
1. D7000 as a temporary measure and hope that a D400 finally sees the light of day. Excellent for stills, ropey on video.
2. Nex7 - very decent alternative. I like the smaller size, and the excellent quality of stills/video. Lenses would be a pain, but I'd be happy to stick to one decent prime like the Zeiss 24mm for 90% of the time.
3. X-Pro1 - Excellent alternative where images are concerned, but has it's operational foibles. Video mode very poorly implemented.
4. 7D - least favourite option, but then if I describe most of the things I want, it seems to match pretty well.

What I really want to ask is - has anyone been in the same situation? What, if anything, did you do / are you planning to do to upgrade from your current D300 (and/or D300s)?

Many thanks