Camera Question

[FDCPR]

I am considering upgrading to a new camera in the future, in no hurry actually. But I would like some input from others on whether to go full or cropped sensor. My normal shooting is wildlife in the wild, keeping to a cropped sensor adds even more length to the lens. Are there other attributes in the full frame sensor that I am missing that would make this a better choice? I currently use a D-200 and never upgraded to the D-300 as I don't need the high ISO available with it. I'll either wait for the next release from Nikon, or go full frame sooner if this is a viable change. I've looked hard at all the full frame offerings, even considering the D3x. I know I can shoot the full sensors in crop mode, but that really doesn't make sense to me, why spend that kind of money then not use it all. For the subjects I principally shoot I feel it is not the right choice. Any ideas as I am open to hearing from the experts?

[OsmosisStudios]

The big advantage to going full-frame is high-iso noise characteristics. The D700/D3 have the same MP count as a D300, but have twice the surface area and thus collect twice as much light per pixel. That means you can shoot up at the 6400/12800 and not worry too much. The D3x isnt quite as proficient in this, but is still better than any crop body.

If you're doing alot of wildlife that requires a very long lens, then sticking to a D300 (or waiting for an update, which is supposed to come out this year) might be a wise choice. The focal length advantage will outweigh any other advantages.

However, if you've actually considered the D3x, then you've got more choices than problems. I cant recommend it for wildlife. Landscapes and studio, yes, but not wildlife. What that means is that you can sit back and spend all that lovely cash on some really really good glass

[FDCPR]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The big advantage to going full-frame is high-iso noise characteristics. The D700/D3 have the same MP count as a D300, but have twice the surface area and thus collect twice as much light per pixel. That means you can shoot up at the 6400/12800 and not worry too much. The D3x isnt quite as proficient in this, but is still better than any crop body.

If you're doing alot of wildlife that requires a very long lens, then sticking to a D300 (or waiting for an update, which is supposed to come out this year) might be a wise choice. The focal length advantage will outweigh any other advantages.

However, if you've actually considered the D3x, then you've got more choices than problems. I cant recommend it for wildlife. Landscapes and studio, yes, but not wildlife. What that means is that you can sit back and spend all that lovely cash on some really really good glass

Thanks for the help, I am waiting for the next update at the end of the year. I am just trying to get an idea of whether to go full or crop sensor. Yea, saving money does mean better glass. I have a rather unusual situation to feed my gadget fund that most people don't have. It takes a while to save it, but it gets there eventually and I like to use it wisely.

[EnergyStudiosInc]

Originally Posted by FDCPR

Thanks for the help, I am waiting for the next update at the end of the year. I am just trying to get an idea of whether to go full or crop sensor. Yea, saving money does mean better glass. I have a rather unusual situation to feed my gadget fund that most people don't have. It takes a while to save it, but it gets there eventually and I like to use it wisely.

I own a D300 and a D200 and use it with prime lenses. also, I own 2 zooms, both are F2.8 lenses.(17-55mm & 70-200mm) I agree with OsmosisStudios on his take on using a full frame sensor to using an APS-C sensor. In my case, I shoot social events and small parties which my D300 and D200 perform great. I went ahead and rented a D700 from a local camera shop for a few days and took several hundred images during those days. after closely studying those images, I decide to stick with my DX sensor cameras and save my money and perhaps get some extra glass like a fisheye or macro lens. The D700 is a great camera but for my style of shooting it's overkill. Good luck !