D300 or D90

[Spectral]

So currently I'm shooting with a Nikon D40. I've had it for just over a year now but I have been starting to come to the conclusion its just not enough camera for me.

I want to do more indoor shooting without a flash and the ISO on the D40 and the noise aren't working real well for me. I just came back from a family function yesterday and a quite a few photos just were not usable because the noise was too much and I do not have any noise reduction software.

Onto the D90 and D300 though. I am debating what camera is worth it for me to get. The D90's HD Video is cool but I'm not sure how often I would use it though. I have been researching the 2 cameras and a lot of things I have read have compared the 2 and I'm just not sure if I want to spend that much more to get the D300 over the D90.

Any thing you guys can lend to help me decide? I won't be making the purchase until after the New Years.

 

[fightin14]

From what I have heard, get the d90 and save some money.

 

[Spectral]

That's what I'm thinking.
I'm hoping someone can give more specifics. I know the D300 has a weather proofed body but I don't know what kind of advantage that gives me. I also know that the D90 has a better Dynamic Range than the D300 and if that is more advantageous for my needs.

 

[kundalini]

The D300 is much more robust. Look at the material each chassis is made of.

Weathersealed.

51 point AF system.

6 fps out of the box. 8 fps when gripped.

You get THREE numbers stamped on the body. The only thing better is to have only ONE number.

TBH, I really haven't researched the D90. The video IMO is not worth it yet. It's a cool feature, but it heats up the sensor quickly and is good for only short bursts.

I can vouch that the D300 is miles ahead of the D80. Budget constraints would be the only reason to not get the D300 IMO.

 

[Spectral]

The D300 is much more robust. Look at the material each chassis is made of.

Weathersealed.

51 point AF system.

6 fps out of the box. 8 fps when gripped.

You get THREE numbers stamped on the body. The only thing better is to have only ONE number.

TBH, I really haven't researched the D90. The video IMO is not worth it yet. It's a cool feature, but it heats up the sensor quickly and is good for only short bursts.

I can vouch that the D300 is miles ahead of the D80. Budget constraints would be the only reason to not get the D300 IMO.

The D90 is a how many point AF system? and the D90 is 4.5 correct?
And budget is a semi issue but if the D300 is a better camera I can wait. I want whats best for me.

 

[andrew99]

I recently went through the same process. I chose the D300 because:
Better build quality, larger, heavier, pro-feeling camera.
Much better autofocus (51 point with 3D tracking vs 11 point), and auto-focus fine tuning on a per lens basis
Automatic CA correction
Reportedly better metering
Faster frame rate (6 vs 4.5 - 8fps with the battery grip)
The D300 has a lot more switches and controls on the body
Lots of little things like more flexable bracketing options, more menu options, etc.
And I already have a Sony Handycam!

If you want a smaller, lighter camera and making short video clips are important, and you use scene modes, then the D90 is a good choice, but if you want more of a pro camera, the D300 is the way to go.