Nikon D300s

[PrettyInInk87]

Good deal bad deal? Good idea to get one used?

Nikon D300s

 

[Markw]

I wouldn't call it a steal. That's about the going price for a used D300s. Personally, I'd say wait and see what Photokina has to offer. D600, D400, or D7100. All of them would likely bring the price of the D300s and D7100 down.

Mark

 

[PrettyInInk87]

It's either this or the D700 but I only have 500 right now. I'm working hard to get the other 500 and thought this would be a good camera for a good price. You think I could offer just a bit less without low balling?

 

[KmH]

The D300s is a very capable camera, and will remain so for years to come. Some seem to think its a must to have the latest and greatest. Anything announced at Photokina will likely still be months from shipping.

IMO it is better to let early adopters pay the most a particular camera model will ever cost, and be the real world, paid for the privilege, testers of new cameras.

It is somewhat of a canard that the price of used cameras goes down substantially when a new model is announced. Used prices may go down slightly, but it's rarely very dramatic.

 

[coastalconn]

Do you need video and 2 card slots? The D300 (non s) is the best deal around right now imho. I picked one up 2 months ago from KEH in "bargain" grade for $546. It had about 37K clicks on it and was in very good condition. I love it and almost never use my D90 now. What do you shoot? What are you upgrading from?

 

[Derrel]

Used D90 bodies are available for under $500 these days.

 

[PrettyInInk87]

I actually don't have a camera. I've had point and shoot cameras but that's about it, just use my phone now. I want to learn and not feel the need to upgrade later, stick with this camera for a while. I'll be saving up for some lenses as well.

Since I love animals so much I'll most likely be into photographing my tarantulas, geckos, snakes, and other bugs.

 

[coastalconn]

In my humble opinion jumping from a p&s to a D300/s could be a very frustrating experience. There are no "auto" or scene modes. You are shooting in program, shutter, aperture or manual. A D90 or a D7000 are more beginner friendly and are both very good cameras. If money is an issue (it always is for me) and you eventually want several lenses stay away from the entry level models. Many disagree with me, but in the long run you can save a bunch of money buying older "D" type lenses that will not auto focus on the lower models...

 

[PrettyInInk87]

I plan on buying a few lenses. It probably could be frustrating but I think I can do it.

 

[PhotoWrangler]

If you have $500, and you are saving another $500, and you're already looking at crop bodies.... why not look at a brand new D7000?

 

[orb9220]

Unless you can specifically state why a D300s? As wanting the robust build and weatherization?
Or metering older Ai or Ais manual lenses? etc...
I have a D90 and would love a D300 for those mentioned reasons. But otherwise the D90 is a better buy at the moment. Tho like mentioned the D300 are at particularly good used prices right now.

Then first choice a used D7000 with 18-105vr can be had for $800-$900 refrub and has newer tech and will give the most performance capability. Second choice my D90 still performs outstandingly and can be had used or refrub for $500-$600 body only or with 18-105vr kit lens for around $700.

And will be a great choice starting out and camera you can grow into for next 2-3 years. And pretty much sates my desire for a D7000 for the most part.

 

[PrettyInInk87]

Wow, I guess I have no support here. Everyone wants to bring me down to get something I don't want. I know it'll be difficult but I can learn. I'm a hands on person so I'll figure it out once the camera is in my hands. I'm up to 600 saved now and should have the rest by the end of the week if everything goes as planned. I'll just have my friend teach me. Thanks! Also, I'm not putting anyone down and appreciate the feedback.

 

[PhotoWrangler]

Yup. Derrel, Keith, Mark, Coastal.... Shame on y'all for not offering any support.

 

[tirediron]

Oh dry up! No one's trying to bring you down or not show support, they're suggesting alternatives which could save you money and enhance your lens budget. Markw answered your question, and I agree with his answer as far as the price of the camera goes. If you want the D300s, then fine, get one. If you want a camera, then consider some of the options presented by the very knowledgable members who have posted above.

 

[PrettyInInk87]

Ugh. This is why I stay away from forums. Thank you.