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Limited D300 Upgrade Options

(7 posts) (5 voices)

Started 10 months ago by Sarum
Latest reply from Sarum
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1. Upgrade from d5100 to D7000 or save for 70-200 f2.8 vrii

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d300 upgrade

Sarum

junior member
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 5
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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

Posted 10 months ago #
tcole1983

preferred member
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 1,553
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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.

Posted 10 months ago #
sevencrossing

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Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 1,265
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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

Posted 10 months ago #
Sarum

junior member
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 5
offline

@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 :)

Posted 10 months ago #
donaldejose

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Joined: Mar '11
Posts: 1,043
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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.

Posted 10 months ago #
shutterdancer

preferred member
Joined: Apr '09
Posts: 327
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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.

Posted 10 months ago #
Sarum

junior member
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 5
offline

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.

Posted 10 months ago #

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Limited D300 Upgrade Options

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