Nikon It is... But which one?

[Starman Photo]

I've decided to go with Nikon but I'm trying to decide between two models. D7000 or D300S ??? I've already compared both models on retail websites and also read a discussion between the two on Nikonites forum. However, I'd prefer to know the valued opinion of our beloved TPF members since I learned to trust the advice given on this forum, especially from the regulars. This is also one of the reasons why I chose to go with a Nikon. (Special thanks to OverRead,LightArtisan,Derrel,Stradawhovious for helping me decide.)

So basically, what in your opinion are the major deciding factors between the two models and is the price difference worth it?

I luvs you all...

Thank you in advance :hugs:

 

[Light Artisan]

Well, glad I could be one of the ones who's helped this far... Let's see if we can get you the right one.

I'm a big fan of the D300s, I loved mine - ergonomics are second to none and it's a real workhorse, there's no denying the abilities of this camera.

But...

For me, the D7000 was my choice and it's since replaced my beloved D300s. The main reason for me was high ISO performance. Some of the wildlife I shoot doesn't wait for the best of lighting conditions and I found the D300s lacking a bit to get the right exposure - D7000 has come through with flying colors (literally).


Ringneck Pheasant by Light Artisan Photography, on Flickr

That said, it really depends on your main shooting goals...

D300s has more focus points, 51 vs 39 (I haven't noticed a difference here).
D300s has a higher FPS (8 vs 6).
D300s has a larger buffer for more continuous shooting.
D300s is full magnesium alloy body, D7000 is partial.
D300s has (to me) better ergonomics.
D300s has a PC sync terminal (need AS-15 on the D7000 if you need this).

D7000 has a dedicated video button.
D7000 has better video capability.
D7000 has a virtual horizon view in the viewfinder (very handy).
D7000 has better high ISO performance.
D7000 has double the metering pixels.
D7000 has (in my experience) better white balance control.
D7000 has a MUCH better battery life, simply phenomenal.
D7000 has dual SD cards instead of 1 CF and 1 SD.
D7000 can sync the time to your PC or GPS unit, I find this handy.

 

[sobolik]

"So, in summary, which camera is superior? Clearly, it is the Nikon D7000." "at this time, it just does not make sense to buy the D300s anymore."

Ever since Nikon released the new Nikon D7000, I have been getting a lot of emails from people who are asking if they should go with the D7000 or with the older Nikon D300s. To make it easier for our readers, I decided to post a quick comparison between the two in this “Nikon D7000 vs D300s” article.



Nikon D7000 vs D300s


Nikon D7000

The new Nikon D7000 is a new generation DSLR that sits between D90 and D300s, which can be classified as an “semi-professional DSLR”. It features a brand new sensor from Nikon, which has been specifically engineered for the Nikon D7000 and possibly other upcoming cameras. The Nikon D7000 is the second camera announced this year by Nikon with the new Expeed II processor, allowing faster image and video processing up to 1080p (the previous Expeed processor could not handle more than 720p video).
Here are some differences between Nikon D7000 and D300s:

1. The first and the most important difference between the D7000 and D300s is the sensor. Nikon D7000 has a 16.2 Megapixel sensor, while the D300s has a 12.3 Megapixel sensor.
2. The new sensor on the D7000 also has different specifications – its ISO range is from 100 too 6400 in native mode and up to 25,600 in expanded or “boost” mode, while D300s goes from ISO 200 to 3200 with a boost to ISO 6400, a difference of one full stop in native and two full stops in expanded mode.
3. Base ISO on the Nikon D7000 is 100, while it is 200 for Nikon D300s.
4. The new Expeed II processor on the Nikon D7000 is capable of full HD (1920x1080p) @ 24 fps (frames per second), while D300s can only go up to 720p (1280x720p) @ 24 fps. D7000 can also shoot 720p at 30, 25 and 24 fps and 424p at 30 and 25 fps; Nikon D300s only records video at 24 fps.
5. Both cameras have magnesium alloy bodies, with the D7000 only having top and back covers made of magnesium alloy, while D300s is fully covered.
6. Nikon D7000 comes with a new TTL exposure metering with 2016-pixel RGB sensor, while D300s has the older 1005-pixel RGB sensor.
7. Both cameras employ dual slot storage systems for writing, but with different types of cards – Nikon D7000 uses dual SD card slots, while Nikon D300s uses Compact Flash and SD cards.
8. Weight-wise, the Nikon D7000 is approximately 140 grams lighter than the D300s.
9. Nikon D7000 shoots images at 6 fps, while D300s can shoot at 7 fps and can go up to 8 fps with the MB-D10 battery grip.
10. Nkon D7000 is slightly smaller than the D300s, measuring 132x105x77mm versus 147x114x74mm of D300s.
11. When it comes to AF system and focus points, the Nikon D300s has a superior pro-level AF sensor with 51 focus points and 15 cross-type sensors, while D7000 has 39 focus points and 9 cross-type sensors.
12. Nikon D7000 has Scene Modes (such as Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Sunset, etc) to make it easier to take pictures for beginners, while the D300s does not.
13. Nikon D7000 has a lot more White Balance options for more accurate WB control than D300s.
14. Nikon D7000 is controlled remotely using MC-DC2 cable via the GPS socket, while D300s can be controlled with any Nikon 10-pin remote control unit.
15. The price difference between the two cameras is significant – Nikon D7000 is priced at $1,199, while Nikon D300s is priced at $1,699 (although the current price is around $1,459).

So, in summary, which camera is superior? Clearly, it is the Nikon D7000.

Nikon D7000 vs D300s

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

If shooting sports get the D300s. For everything else get the D7000.

 

[impulsive1]

If shooting sports get the D300s. For everything else get the D7000.

I would choose the D7000 over the 300s for indoor sports. That high ISO performance would definitely make up for poor lighting in gyms.

 

[KmH]

The D7000 is a new class of dSLR. It's performance for it's price makes it a real value.
The D300s is about due to be replaced. I expect that replacement to have all of the upgrades the D7000 got, plus more. The full frame D700 is due for replacement too.

Consequently, I expect the prosumer category to also be re-classified when the D400(?) and D800(?) launch.

Poor Canon.....

However, I never recommend waiting for new releases.

 

[Starman Photo]

Thank you all so much for your incredible help. I've made up my mind... D7000 it is :camera:... I will probably get one during this week and post a pic for C&C after some practice shots.


You've all been great.

 

[Light Artisan]

Congrats, can't wait to hear your thoughts and see your first work with it.