Choosing Between D300s & D7000

[Naois]

I currently have a D40x, which I bought as my first dSLR and as my knowledge of camera's increased, so did my yearning for a better camera. The D40x doesn't have great high ISO performance, nor could it act as a commander with my SB800s, and it can't sync with flashes faster than 1/200, to name a few. Even with all the shortcomings, I couldn't justify replacing a functioning camera for my hobby.

The sensor is finally on it's way out! I have a white dot in the same place with every photo, regardless of which lens I use. It only stands out when the ISO is higher than 200, but I do like to go into 400 and even 800 on occasion. (Even if someone has an easy fix for this, I don't want to hear it - this is my excuse to buy a new camera!)

So, the issue of picking the right camera has come up. I've done my initial research and I'm not sure which one to get. It seems they both meet my needs.

The D300s is considered a professional grade camera and the D7000 is not?

My first thought was to go for the D300s as it has a 51 point auto focus system, vs the 39 on the D7000. The D300s also can shoot slightly faster at 7 frames per second vs 6 which isn't a big concern of mine anyhow. The D7000 has more mega-pixels but I don't think I need them as the largest print I ever made was an 8x10, and I've learned to crop before taking the picture, so having the additional space for cropping is also not really a concern.

During my research I came across a website that rates camera sensors and it clearly puts the D7000 ahead of the D300s in color depth, ISO quality and dynamic range. The site is DxOMark - Welcome to DxOMark.

What are your thoughts on these camera's? Would you get the D7000 or the D300s and why?

Thank!

[OsmosisStudios]

Do you need faster framerates? The somewhat improved button placement? the extra weight/durability? In that case, get the D300s.

If you dont and are concerned more with image quality, then get the D7000

[Almond.Butterscotch]

If you want both however, and can put up with a dead pixel for a couple more months, the D400 should be announced mid-to-late this year.