D90 or D300s

[slgreen10]

I currently have a Nikon D70 but am looking for a new camera. I am considering the D90 and the D300s. From what I have read, there is not much of a difference between them unless I am missing something (which is quite possible). Also, I have read that shooting at ISO greater than 1600 with both cameras produce alot of noise in the pictures. Is this true? I mostly photograph weddings and sports but am interested in all types of photography. I consider myself an intermediate photographer and am looking to improve my skills so I don't want to purchase a camera then need another one in a year or so. Your opinions are appreciated.

[ihsankhairir]

the D300s is targeted for semi-pro photogs. means it has more control over manual settings and configurations, plus it's heavier and sturdier (weight is not an issue since for semi-pro to pro photogs the lenses themselves are sometimes heavier). D90 is a mid to high end beginner's camera.

D300s can be used with some old lenses (pro photogs who moved from film to digital still keep their useful lenses). it can be used with compact flash memory. you can capture your images in jpg, nef or tiff.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by slgreen10

From what I have read, there is not much of a difference between them unless I am missing something (which is quite possible).
(...)
Also, I have read that shooting at ISO greater than 1600 with both cameras produce alot of noise in the pictures. Is this true?
(...)
I don't want to purchase a camera then need another one in a year or so. Your opinions are appreciated.

1: There are some rather substantial differences between the two, but the imaging chain is very similar. The D300s has a much stronger body, faster and more subsantial AF system and motor, higher framerate, CF/SD card compatibility, and a few other items.

2: Shooting any camera besides a D700/D3s at 1600 is going to give you a lot of noise. That's physics. I've tested both and have to say that I've found up to 3200 to be useable, with 6400 being an emergency-only situation. 1600 was quite nice and will blow your D70 out of the water

3: In that case, get the D300s.

[kirbinster]

That advice is coming from someone that makes money selling cameras

I have a D90 and a D300 (long story) but if the D90 existed when I bought my D300 I would probably not now own a D300.

[candleman]

i have a D80
wanting an upgrade due to Noise issues..

i've figured the D300s is what i need.. Osmosis already noted a few differences.

[wannabephotographer]

If you're serious about weddings and sports get a D700.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by candleman

i have a D80
wanting an upgrade due to Noise issues..

i've figured the D300s is what i need.. Osmosis already noted a few differences.

First to the D300s wins. Race starts NOW.

[slgreen10]

Hi Everyone:

Well, I finally made the decision (last week) and purchased the D90 and I love it.

Yesterday, I got a tamron 70-200mm 2.8 and so far, I love it. I was debating between the Nikon and the tamron but the tamron won due to the cost. The only concern is that it does not have the VR. Any opinions on this? I mostly do sports, weddings right now but am branching out to other types of events.

[candleman]

well.. you made your decidion so congrats,

i (since my above posting) ordered a D300s as i'm gettimg more and more wedding work, i have two more lined up for this winter, and was offered a position as a second shooter by a local wedding photographer. nice really to get a call like that

my reasoning for the D300s over the D90 was the insane AF system, 7fps and and rugged build/weather sealing.

once i had bought the camera, i learned it the dual card slots can put Jpegs to one card and Raw to another at the same time. Insurance cant buy that kind of protection.

VR is really preferable for long focal lengths as your handshake is more pronounced. but f/2.8 is nice to have.
i dont know about the Tamron,, but my Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 is very dissapointing wide open, soft and mushy at the edges to the point of looking like its out of focus.

so you may find you need to shoot f/4 to get any sort of sharpness.

[dea_serenitee]

I also consider buying a D300s, besides messing with one in the store for a while and liking it so much I found this website aswell. Maybe it will help you, if you haven't read it already :

Nikon D300S Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Cheers!