Chosing a new Nikon Camera help

narkley

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I am a photo enthusiast and I enjoy taking pictures of sports along with landscapes and wildlife. I currently own a Nikon D80 and want to upgrade. I am thinking about the Nikon D2X just to learn on, or the Nikon D300? which do you think would be a better choice for me? Thanks
 
What's wrong with learning on D80? What is it about the camera its self the limits you?
 
oh, nothing is wrong with learning on it, i just want to get a new camera that is a step up. Thanks
 
D300 is better than the D2X/D2Xs. I ought to know, as I have both.
 
yes, the D300 will meter with AI lenses. no AF of course.
 
Upgrade to the D90 + a new lense for the cost of the D300
With the same sensor and newer technology it is better in many ways.
It is only lacking some features I do not use.
I have had both and several D2Xs.
 
For sports the D300's 51 focus point, 15 cross-type points, AF module blows away the 11 AF point, 1 cross-type point, D90 AF module, and I too have both.

But, I would also counsel hanging on to the D80 till it becomes limiting rather than upgrade. If I had money for gear, I would upgrade glass first.
 
Upgrade to the D90
With the same sensor and newer technology it is better in many ways.

Could you elaborate on this a bit please?

Also, it's not the same sensor.

D300s
Multi-CAM 3500DX

D90
Multi-CAM 1000
 
I started out in the digital revolution with the D80. Nice little camera. But, I bought all my glass (okay mostly.... the expensive stuff anyway) while I had only the D80. The only limiting factor for me was the D80's ISO. I still held out until I was sure that I "had" to have better control/results in low light/high ISO images. Here's another reality check..... will the upgrade be a financial burdon, hardship, put on credit, cause for arguement with SO? If there is the slightest possibility for a yes answer, then the upgrade is untimely.
 
I don't mean to sound rude (or too repetitive of others' posts), but if you're just looking for a "step up," you likely won't truly benefit from an upgrade. As said before, think about what you can't do with the D80 that you can do with a "step up." Do you need higher ISO's? Video? More FPS? Better AF? I think unless you upgrade with something specific in mind, you'll be disappointed. Your wallet will thank you.
 
For sports the D300's 51 focus point, 15 cross-type points, AF module blows away the 11 AF point, 1 cross-type point, D90 AF module, and I too have both.

Not at all.
Because I only use the center "cross type point" and often easily flop my wrist for Vertical shots, I find the D90 faster and more accurate to use than the D300.
It often wasted time hunting for focus with the 51 focus points. My understanding is that the D300s is much better than the original version due to improved technology most of which is from the D90.

The D90 is actually rated higher in picture quality in many tests and comparisons.

I also like the feel, size, and handling of the D90 much better. Especially without the battery packed vertical grip.
 
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It often wasted time hunting for focus with the 51 focus points.
There is the ability to set focus points from (going on memory) 9 to 21 to 51 points. You are not obliged to use 51 points. By reducing the number of focus points, this will aid in quicker acquisition.
 
It often wasted time hunting for focus with the 51 focus points.
There is the ability to set focus points from (going on memory) 9 to 21 to 51 points. You are not obliged to use 51 points. By reducing the number of focus points, this will aid in quicker acquisition.

My point exactly.

Features I do not use even on my D3.
 
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The D90 is actually rated higher in picture quality in many tests and comparisons.
Interesting...
What tests, where? :)~
Based on what I read on dpreview, d90 is actually a bit softer then d300 :(.
Can't wait to save up and get 300s - it'll be like having both in one :D
 

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