where there’s smoke there’s forum fire
I have a D70S right now, but would like to get a better camera since I'm gonna go back to school and finish my degree in photography. I want the D700, but can't swing the price right now, so that leaves the D90 or D300. What are your thoughts and recomendations?
The video feature is not a concern for me either.
Welcome to the forum Skid. I still use a D70 myself though I get to play with other Nikon models at work :^) But I'm waiting to see if Nikon announces a full frame camera around the price of a D300. If not then I can wait for the D300 replacement although I really prefer a full frame camera so I'll probably get the D700 replacement or if the price comes down on the D700 before it's replacement shows up(doubt it) I'll get that instead.
What school are you studying at? I'd recommend you go with the D300S if you absolutely have to get a camera now. Yes I know everyone and their mother is going to tell you to get a D90 but trust me the D300S is built for the abuse a "pro" needs to give it.
Or even better, get a used D700. You won't regret going with a full frame camera.
If you can hold out until March, there could be some newer stuff on the horizon. That said, I'm skeptical that it will be a D90 successor. For a while, the D90 and the D5000 were way to close in price point and functionality to make people want to buy a D5000. \
The two obvious solutions to that problem would be to introduce an updated D90 with better features at a higher price point, or cut the price on the D5000 to make it a more attractive option.
It appears they went with the latter. So I expect the D90 to be the High End consumer cam for the next 6 months +. If you can find a good deal on a D300 go for it. Otherwise I'd go D300s. Its got some subtle feature enhancements that make it worth it. I also like the option on storage media (CF vs. SD cards).
If you are after a photography degree, then I'd go ahead and shoot for the D300s. It will serve you well for a long time. Its probably all the DX camera you will need for years to come.
Thanks Niko! I'm going to the Colorado Institute of Art. They now offer a BA in photography. I need to upgrade because the D70S is not on the "list" of approved cameras for the school. I was leaning towards the D90 because I think it does everything the D300 will do..just cheaper. I could be wrong on this, that's why I'm on here asking.
The D90 is a good camera Skid don't get me wrong but if your going to actually make a living from your gear you need to invest in it. The D90 will be good for now but you'll quickly find it's limits and you'll be looking to upgrade again soon after. The D300S or D700 on the other hand will be with you for many years. As long as video isn't a concern for you.
As Niko wrote, go for used d700, New d300s or used d300 if Your budget is tight. As for d90, well... It's a good option if You need to add some lenses to Your stock, but assuming You have a camera allready and You specializing You will certainly benefit from the additional features the semi-pro cameras can offer.
I've been using a D90 for a little over a year would only buy the D300s for three features (if you need them) 1) 100% finder coverage - particularly useful if doing copy work, 2) Can better use older lenses (AIS) and the PC-E lenses and 3) Faster auto-focus. The additional card slot is handy as are the higher shooting speeds (I don't care, I never machine gun). The D300s is heaver and somewhat more robust, but it's also more than double the cost for the same sensor.
If the D90 is on your school's list of approved cameras, I'd get the D90 and save my money.
When I was shooting professionally, I always used two bodies (sometimes three) and preferred for them all to be the same, you might also want to bear that in mind too.
I forgot to ask about your lenses Skid. I no longer buy DX lenses because I want to upgrade to FX with my personal gear. If you already have a number of DX lenses then the D300S is what I'd recommend. You'll need things like the PC sync flash and remote sockets found on the D300/S
I'd recommend the D90 if Skid was in high school but not for a photography degree. I know the D90 is a good camera and I firmly believe a good photographer can take great pictures with any camera but if Skid is going to make a living off of this he needs pro gear.
just checked ebay and there are couple sellers that are willing to get rid of their d300 for +/- $1000, IMHO it's a bargain for this price, at least if You consider buying d90 (which is a great camera, but I wouldn't use it as a prime body if photography would be my primary source of income, although I would use it as a second body).
If you can afford it go for D300, D90 is more then OK but D300 is not just the better body but much more, AF and viewfinder for example are much better and that is important for me.
As Adamz have mentioned older D300 can be found at a very good price right now and if you are after photography there is no significant difference between D300s and D300.
Thanks everyone for your replies. The lenses I have for my D70S are Nikon 18-70mm Nikon 50mm and a Quantaray 70-300mm. I also have a SB600 flash and a set of CyberSyncs.
There's no wrong answer here, Skid. Can you tell people like to help decide how to spend other people's money around here? (I do it to keep from spending my own money.) Either camera will work and I love them both. I agree with what Ted said but would add that the D300 is better for shooting in bad weather as it has better weather sealing. The D90 is ~$800 on amazon and you could get a nice lens (the 16-85 to replace the 18-70, maybe?) for the difference if you went with that instead of the D300.
edit: Or maybe the D90 kit with the 18-105.
I guess although I too am a student and I can empathize with having a low budget, I think if you buy a 1000 dollar camera right now, you're 1000 dollars further from a future upgrade to a full frame camera. Can you hold out for a little bit longer and get the full frame? It will likely save you money in the long run, especially since with a DX sensor, the temptation to buy DX lenses is very high, thus leading to a potential waste of money investing in lenses you won't use on a future full frame camera.
I guess I would take Niko's advice and hold out for a D700. Full frame sensors really make an unimaginable difference.
Yes try to get a used D700 or maybe a refurbished one? Many people write off these options but the truth is, many refurbished models often go through more strick testing back at the factory than brand new ones! This is really saying something to because unlike the D300 which is made in Ayuthaya Thailand, the D700 is made in the Nikon Sendaiin Japan and products have to meet strick guidelines when assembled. Reburbished ones get retested so many people believe they are even better than new models. Personally my entire collection has been purchased as used. I just traded in my brand new Tokina 11-16mm for a used 14-24mm in order to knock the price down $1200 for when I jump to a FX body. The 14-24 is a great sample nice and warm. I tried 6 used samples.
I think that my plan of attack is going to be to get a D90 for school which starts in Jan. I just need the body and can pick one up for about $600. Then I'll wait to see what happens with the D700 or if they come out with a D800 next summer. This way I figure I'll have 3 cameras...the D90 for school, the D700/800 for important projects/paid gigs and the faithful D70S for a knock around throw in the jeep kind of camera. Thanks for all the input and suggestions.
Well it's your choice Skid good luck with school and share some of your homework with us :^)
Sure thing Niko. I'd post some of my uneducated work here now, but not sure on how to do it.
Here's how:
Just put them in the Photo-A-Day :^)
No problem Skid just start a new thread if you want critique or if you want to show off a series of pictures. Or post it into one of the photoaday categories. Here's the "code" you use to have your picture show up.
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=1022#post-17019
Private Message me if you have problems or need additional help.
yeah...that didn't work out as planned.
If the image ends in .JPEG/.JPG (basically the letters in capital) it won't work. .jpeg/.jpg should work.
Alphanikonrex, I have some photos on flickr but I can't seem to be able to post them like I do on other forums.
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