Hello, I am a young photographer. I own a Nikon D7000 that I got for one of my pictures, I also have a 50mm 1.4D and an old 80-200mm 2.8D, I like to take portraits most of the time with the 50mm and love shallow DOF. I was wondering if a D300 with an 85mm would really give me better pictures? I would keep the D7000 with the 80-200 for music shows for the extra crop ( Don't want to use the 80-200 for portraits as it's too heavy ). I don't really mind the body features, just want my pictures to look nice and I have a little extra cash to invest in photography :)
Nikon D7000 vs D300
(10 posts) (10 voices)-
Posted 9 months ago #
-
I do not believe the D300 will give you better photos than the D7000.
Upgrading to a full frame camera may/could/might/will. ;- )
Posted 9 months ago # -
No. What makes you think an older body with worse performance would give you better pictures? It is older DX technology with a worse sensor. Other then the FPS, 51 point AF and maybe a better constructed body I don't think the D300 offers anything over the D7000. If you want to shoot the 85 then just get that and use it on your D7000. The only reason I believe anyone would get the D300 over a D7000 is if you were shooting in the elements all the time and you were shooting sports or moving subjects in good light and needed the weather sealing and FPS.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Agree with Tcole (and I do have a D300).
Posted 9 months ago # -
What they said.
Your question should have been I have a D7000, how should I invest some spare money I have, and the answer is: Invest your money in glass!
Posted 9 months ago # -
warprints said:
Agree with Tcole (and I do have a D300).+1 I have a d300 as well.
The question of the 85mm would be a great choice. I love it on DX and FX. Does it auto-magically make photos better? No, but no lens does. It does have a different "look" (compression, shallower DOF) that I prefer over the 50mm on DX.
Classic prime kit has always been a mix of the 28/35/50/85/105 (FX equiv). DX has moved that a bit, but a 35mm 1.8, 50mm, 85mm, (50/75/125-fx) is a great kit to shoot for. I normally take the 35/50/85 and swap the 85 & 105 in and out for stuff. the 80-200 is great but I agree, it does get heavy quick and not easy to just "carry" around.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Leinadbc;
First, if you DO decide to buy a D 300, for heavens sake DON'T buy the older, 300 model; buy the newer 300s; but based on your question, (and I'm not necessarily trying to discourage you from buying a new camera), at this point in time, I would seriously advise you to A. keep on saving up your money, and in the meantime, keep learning more and more about photography !
Yes, the D 7000 IS newer technology than either one of the 300 series cameras; but for anyone trying to convince you that "the 300 has an "inferior" sensor, (as compared to the 7000,) and that a 300 has "worse performance" (because it has been around longer, indicates to me a serious lack of understanding and knowledge about Nikon cameras.
Nikons, (just like ALL complex electronic products), are "aimed" at different "markets"; the 7000, while being newer, is FAR from being "superior"; you're attempting to compare yesterday's $1,700 product, with today's $1,200 product; I can guarantee you, ANY manufacturer can put a lot more into ANY product that costs another $500 dollars ! And saying "there is virtually no difference .........is sheer nonsense !
But more to the point.......which is for your desire to "take better pictures"; unless you are worried about using your camera as a Videocam, I can flat out guarantee you that: in the hands of of knowledgeable photographers (with each camera), the guy with the D 7000 is going to have one heck of a time, trying to make "better" pictures with it, than an equally competent photographer will make with a D 300 or a D 300s ! ( Both are extremely capable bodies; yes, the 7000 produces larger files on the media; but that isn't always what "makes better pictures" !
You already have a very capable camera in your hands; but you have NOT begun to "master" it YET ! Until you do, keep learning; you sound to me like a very bright young man..........you just don't keep improving your skills as a photographer, by buying a newer camera every few years; you learn by "doing", and by making a few mistakes, then learning HOW to eliminate the mistakes. (And believe me, there are many reasons why the 300 series bodies sold for $ 500 more than the 7000 !
Posted 7 months ago # -
Don't buy a D300. Save your money and when you want to move to FX, get a D600. Its controls are very similar to the D7000. Meanwhile, as you buy more lenses give some thought to how they would work with a future FX body. Your 50mm is actually shooting at 75mm now. The 85mm 1.8D AF lens is a good choice for not much money and on an FX body it will about equal the angle of view you now get with your 50mm. I think you would like it for portraits with shallow depth of field. Nikon's old 60mm 2.8 macro AF lens could also be a consideration. Look at this thread for some ideas. http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=9682 I am in the process of adding more lenses to it. Next up is the 85mm 1.8D AF lens for portraits.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I own the D300 and the D7000 and more than a few others. I use the D300 and The D7000 in the field a lot. Don't bother buying a D300. I won't sell mine, out of respect for what I have accomplished with it. Fact is new bodies and new technology have an edge. I sold a D700 I had as it wasn't being used as it had no video mode. I could have sold the D300 but as it had been in some awesome settings....I just won't sell it. But don't go buying a D300 to move UP when you have a D7000. I would buy a very highly rated lens for the D7000 Most of the vets here have already stated this. Good luck!
Posted 7 months ago # -
I have Both Camera and the D300 Is better. But The ISO Goes to the D7000, But the D300 Is Overall better focusing. Etc.
Posted 7 months ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.
