nikon... or... nikon???

[sburatorul]

I hate to make another of these x vs x threads but I really can't make up my mind.

After some time spent with my d60 I decided it is time to upgrade due to lack of auto focus, not so great high iso performance and the bath of coke my camera recently took...

So now I must decide what to get... Should I get a d90 or should I spring for the d300? I know the differences and the similarities as well as the fact that the d90 has slightly better iso performance but than it comes down to how easy it is to operate them. I hate the fact that the d60 doesn't have dedicated buttons for white ballance, iso and release mode and now I want as many buttons as possible.

Been to a store and played with both. As expected the quality of photos is similar but the d300 does feel better in my hand with all the buttons in all the right places. Is this aspect worth the price difference? Maybe people who use them or both can shed some light on my problem. Thanks!


If you are looking bitterjeweler, I hope I properly used the Shift Key.

L.E.: The d300s is out of the question as the price is to big for my budget and filming isn't really my thing.

 

[newb]

I haven't used either, but from my years in industry I can tell you, having a tool that is comfortable for you to use is huge. When I set my budget for a DSLR, it came down to Canon vs. Nikon and the deciding factor was comfort.

 

[jnm]

well, sounds like you've done all the research on extra features of the D300, now you need to tell us (and really just yourself) if those would benefit your photographs and benefit enough to justify the added expense.

as for the button layout, that's always an important consideration and again if it's going to make enough of a difference in your photos then it's worth the consideration. if you shoot a lot of fast action stuff, weddings, etc. where the moment matters and you feel you can adjust the D300 quicker/easier then it's probably worth it. if you shoot a lot of stuff in studio or landscape and can take an extra moment then it's probably a non-issue.

 

[kundalini]

Been to a store and played with both. As expected the quality of photos is similar but the d300 does feel better in my hand with all the buttons in all the right places.

Besides budgetary concerns, ^^ that is the next concern since you already know the spec differences.

 

[TJ K]

What do you plan on shooting? Do you feel like you "need" the 51 point AF extra durability and faster fps? You have to make the final decision we can't do that for you. GL
TJ

 

[fausto66]

well i can say i jumped from the d60 to d90 few mons ago and absolutley love it...being still new to digital...i find the d90 more user friendly and noob proof but im still learning and cant somplain

 

[bluefan70]

IMO, the D90 is an excellent choice. I just picked one up a few weeks ago, and I'm loving it so far.

 

[inTempus]

May I suggest the Canon 1D Mark IV?

 

[sburatorul]

Thank you all for the suggestions and ideas. inTempus, that is a good sugestion but if I had the money for that I would get the d3

 

[kajiki]

I was facing a similar choice ......d90 or 300

a D2HS popped up and I nailed it for $600. Horses for courses, I use manual focus lenses, and shoot in bad weather plus, I just couldn't stretch to the $900 or so a used D300 commands these days.

 

[Derrel]

Do you feel like you are, "behind the 8-ball?" If you purchase a D300, will, "you feel snookered?" Can you make the ,"bank shot?" when conditions are tough? Do you think that you can "run the table" with any camera, or do you need to have your "custom-made two piece pool cue" to do your best work?

(I looked at your Flickr,and know you like pool/billiards).

Seriously...how do you feel about the equipment? Can you play a good game with a house cue, or do you prefer your own cue stick? Do you think the D300 or D300s and a higher-spec'd camera would make any difference? Is the metering with manual focus lenses in the 300 series important to you? some people feel that they like,need,or want the custom cue stick...

How long do you plan on keeping the camera? Have you thought about waiting a little bit longer to see what Nikon announces in February 2010?

 

[Sachphotography]

May I suggest the Canon 1D Mark IV?

LOLNO!

 

[Sherman Banks]

D300 is dropping in price big time so you might find one of those cheaper than a D90. Both are good cameras though. D300s 8fps without a grip is pretty dang cool though (if you want to shell the $).

 

[dak1b]

canon all the way! :thumbup:

 

[djacobox372]

Don't forget about AIS lens compatibility when considering a d300 over a d90.