Opinions on a new digital camera

[Christopher]

I grew up shooting with a Nikon FE2 and love the camera. About 8 years ago I got a Nikon Coolpix 3200. Unfortunately, since purchasing the digital camera, I've found that I spend less time taking pictures and am not as happy with those that I do take. I'm not entirely sure why that is.

I'd been thinking of a D300s for sometime and had pretty much decided that was what I was going to get, but today I looked at a D7000. In looking at the differences between the two, I don't know that I would notice the difference between them. I was wondering what the opinions on this board were about the two and would spending the extra money on a D300s be worth it for a hobbyist like me? I suspect I know the answer, but wanted to ask anyways.

I use the camera for my own enjoyment. I don't photograph weddings or use it to make money.

[ravncat]

Depends a bit on your budget, there's two (and a half) main sets of differences,
image quality, and body quality. (And AF performance)

IQ - the d7000 has a bit more resolution and better really high iso performance. Honestly, from an old coolpix, either will blow you away. The quality differences are there, but are not such an earth shattering thing. At lower ISO (film speed) you'll have a hard time telling them apart. They can both print excellently at the maximum size a home printer can print. Lenses are going to be the bigger thing there.

Body quality is where the bigger differences are. d300 has a heftier body, with better weather sealing, and more dials and buttons for better control. It's also heavier. If you're coming from an fe2 - the d7000 is going to be more along the size lines.

AF systems - im not familliar with the d7000, but I bet both cameras will give you good performance.

Both are good choices. The d7000 is the go to for highest possible image quality and smaller size - d300 for more ruggedness and handling and more weight. So that's the simple distinction between the two. I'd recommend you go to a store and see which you like the feel of better.

[mbrobich]

If you rough it(hiking) quite a bit and carry a very heavy lens like a Sigma 50-500 then the D300s might be better. But if you like lighter weight and slightly better ISO performance and HD video to boot get the D7000. This is the way I went as I have wide hands, but short stubby fingers( I really loved the D5100 even better was a little smaller yet)

[sk66]

I bought a d7000 after drowning my d3...i wish I had gone back to a d300 (which i owned pre d3).....The differences are minimal..t really depend upon personal preference and subject. For acton (what I do) I say D300 for everything else D70000.
The D5100 is *almost* the same as a D7000.

[Christopher]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like for my use, I'm not really going to notice much difference. That may change if I start doing more than just taking pictures with my camera. I'm going to get some hands on time with both of them at the store before making my final decision.

Right now I'm leaning towards the D7000. Mainly for cost reasons.

I haven't researched what lens I'm going to go with. I use a 55mm macro lens almost exclusively with my FE2 and will probably look for something comparable as my first lens.

[ravncat]

That lens should still be compatible, if you still have it.

[Christopher]

That is good to hear. I do still have the lens. I wasn't sure if it would work or not. The digital SLR world is new to me. Thank you.

[Scottm]

aside from a few features, the D7000 will win almost any battle against the D300/300s. Many sites have indicated that the prime reason that the D300 is still on sale is simply because Nikon have the stock available. Sure, there may be a specific reason why someone would want a D300 over a D7000, but if it is a simple choice between the two and there is no specific reason to go for the D300, the D7000 should be the choice, based on simple performance and the cost savings are simply a bonus

[ravncat]

Originally Posted by Scottm

aside from a few features, the D7000 will win almost any battle against the D300/300s.

IQ wise, sure. But start looking at handling (Camera dials, buttons, ruggedness), build and weather sealing and camera performance (buffer, etc) then the d300 comes out ahead.

to paraphrase Thom Hogan, "I don't think the average D300 user is going to be interested in the D7000. On the other hand, if you're buying from scratch and considering either a D7000 or D300s, then things are a little different. You have to figure out which of the things that are different between the two cameras is more important to you. But if you're a raw shooter who's at max frame rates all the time, make sure you're happy with the (d7000) buffer"