Quote:
Originally Posted by PS*
Krossk,
I think he just likes to expose some knowledge of whatever he talks about but doesn't really know much!
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That's just a bit presumptuous on your part - but rather than disputing how much you think you know about about me, I'll stick to my original intent to help you make an informed purchase.
Let's start with the basis for my statement:
I currently shoot with a D300, and prior to that with a D80 (the "little brother" of the D200)
I also have a colleague who currently shoots with a D200 (and hates it citing poor focus tracking) after upgrading from his D50.
- The D300 has a much improved CCD sensor than the D200 CMOS which provides better low light/ISO performance - meaning that you will be able to shoot with smaller apertures and/or faster shutter speeds with the D300. In addition to the usual JPG files, it also supports 14 bit RAW files and native TIFF format, whereas the D200 is only 12-bit RAW.
- The D300 has a 51 point focusing grid (.vs. 11 on the D200) which will increase the likelihood that shots composed off center or shots of moving subjects will be in focus. The D300 also has 3D focus tracking for moving subjects as well.
- D300 supports up to ISO 6400 (.vs. 3200 on the D200)
- D300 shoots up to 6 frames per sec. / 8 fps with grip (.vs. D200 = 5 fps)
- Active D-Lighting on the D300 preserves shadow detail in high contrast lighting.
- D300 has 3" LCD (.vs. 2.5" - D200)
- D300 has Live View and self cleaning sensor
- My experience shows the D300 battery life to be much better than my D80
- If you want to split hairs, the D300 is slightly lighter than the D200 ( by 0.02 lb )
- And of course the obvious commercially advertised feature- D300 = 12MP .vs. D200 = 10MP
I can't really speak to the D300s and the difference in price, but the ability to use both SD and CF media is an apparent benefit. I wouldn't care for video either, but if you can get the 300s for $100 less than the 300, I wouldn't let it stop me from buying it.
Good luck with whatever you decide.