Nikon d300s

[Rafterman]

I will gladly go for the d7100

Don't rule out the D7000 either. The D7100 is $1,200 for the body alone, while the D7000 can be picked up for $900 new or $750 refurbished (what I bought). I don't know what your budget is, but even if you buy a new D7000, that gives you $300 extra to put towards a nice lens over the D7100. IMHO, the D7000 would be fine to shoot skateboarding, snowboarding or surfing. The lenses you buy will better determine what you can shoot effectively. As mentioned above, something wider would be better for skateboarding, while surfing will require some reach (at least 200-300mm I'd say). The D300s is a great camera to be sure, but keep some other options open, because pretty much anyone here will tell you that quality glass is the most important thing, not the body.

 

[runnah]

go for the D300. It's rugged reliable and produces a great image.

 

[12sndsgood]

Not exactly the same cameras as what your asking about, but I own a D7000 and just recently picked up a D300 and more and more I find myself going to the D300 to use. I don't notice much diffrence in photo quality but the D300 just feels better and i keep winding up with it in my hands.

 

[Dominantly]

I can't believe they still sell the D300s, as I see no place for it in Nikons current lineup.

Choose the D7000 if you want:
better resolution
The ability to capture a wider dynamic range
Better color depth
Better image quality
Better ISO performance
Higher ISO range
Better battery life
The ability to autofocus video

Choose the D300s if you want:
More autofocus points
weather sealing
dual card slots
heavier body

 

[coastalconn]

I can't believe they still sell the D300s, as I see no place for it in Nikons current lineup.

Choose the D7000 if you want:
better resolution
The ability to capture a wider dynamic range
Better color depth
Better image quality
Better ISO performance
Higher ISO range
Better battery life
The ability to autofocus video

Choose the D300s if you want:
More autofocus points
weather sealing
dual card slots
heavier body

By more AF points you mean better af system, You forgot to add 8 fps with grip, much longer battery life with en-el4 battery in grip, dedicated af-on button, direct controls for metering and AF mode and a 10 pin connector (for those that need it) and it's not just the weather sealing it is the full magnesium body. Yes it still has a place in the Nikon lineup for wildlife and sport shooters....

 

[Dominantly]

It doesn't come with a grip, so I didn't mention the increase in fps. The D7100 shares that same fancy AF system, and a magnesium alloy body with moisture/dust protection.

If a couple FPS are worth it, then that's cool, but I'd never be able to purchase such a camera when a new model exists that blows it out of the water in image quality capability, not to mention $500 cheaper which is money towards glass.

 

[Usul]

There are no rumors of a D400... there is a small group of people hoping/wishing/dreaming for a D300 replacement.

Ok, i'm a one of that 'small' group

 

[shadowlands]

If you can live without video, hop on a D300 and bank the left over money for glass!!!

 

[coastalconn]

It doesn't come with a grip, so I didn't mention the increase in fps. The D7100 shares that same fancy AF system, and a magnesium alloy body with moisture/dust protection.

If a couple FPS are worth it, then that's cool, but I'd never be able to purchase such a camera when a new model exists that blows it out of the water in image quality capability, not to mention $500 cheaper which is money towards glass.

Sorry I was thinking used market. The D7100 is going to be a great camera I think. It's a shame about the buffer. I fall too much in the woods and I have seen a 5dm3 shatter because it doesn't have a full mag alloy body, not sure why Nikon didn't include a full mag alloy body, a bigger buffer and a higher frame rate, there are a bazillion people waiting for the D300 replacement and the D7100 is so close.... but for many people it will be great.

 

[scaquariumdiver]

I love mine! I would like to upgrade my glass soon. The 18-200 is a fine lens, but I want something a little faster.

 

[robolepa]

The D300s is an outstanding camera. I just sold mine on ebay a couple weeks ago after purchasing the D600 in November, and it was really hard parting with it. I got a better sensor with the D600. The image quality blew me away the second I started shooting with it, but that's the only real endorsement I can give it. I shouldn't say that - it has other features I like in addition to the image quality, but ever time I have to use that lockable exposure dial, (which is identical on the D7000 and D7100), it's all I can do not to heave it out the window. Is it just me?

 

[cupic]

I agree above .The D300s is classed as pro DX and with grip its complete.The added bonus is I use the D300s with D700 and control are full all arguments the same so it works

cheers

 

[Kyyo24]

i absolutely LOVE mine! my first camera was a d3000 and once i learned what i wanted to shoot and realized its limitations, i upgraded to a used d300s. sure you can get better resolution, higher iso and more mp with these newer cameras but will it make that big of a difference? the build quality doesnt compare to any other dx camera (new ones) and i love the button layout, mostly iso, white balance and quality on top and AF-ON. you wont realize how much you like this button layout until you get use to it and then try to go back to another camera that doesnt have it. i have a grip on mine and its a beast and with 8fps and with its af system is good enough for anything you want to shoot. the lens will determine what you will use it for, ive used 17mm for landscape all the way to 500 for sports. ive looked at the new cameras and theres somethings that are better but theres enough i dont like, like the button layout, so until a REAL upgrade for it comes out, ill hang on to it.

 

[Centropolis]

I can't believe they still sell the D300s, as I see no place for it in Nikons current lineup.

Choose the D7000 if you want:
better resolution
The ability to capture a wider dynamic range
Better color depth
Better image quality
Better ISO performance
Higher ISO range
Better battery life
The ability to autofocus video

Choose the D300s if you want:
More autofocus points
weather sealing
dual card slots
heavier body

Two words for the sports photographers choosing between the D300s and D7100:

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