thinking of up grading. what say you?

[point-&-shoot]

im thinking of up grading from my D80 to either a D7000 or a D300s. im just wondering if it is worth the extra money to upgrade? im looking for something that will produce sharper images so the higher megapixels of those two cameras are attractive. and im also looking for something with better metering capabilities.

any input would be appreciated.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Just Do It! ©

 

[tirediron]

Sharper images are very little about the camera and VERY much about the lens. If your pictures aren't sharp, stop and make sure you're doing everything right: NOT shooting wide open (no lens is at it's best wide open), shooting at an appropriate shutter-speed (1/FL), and using a support/rest/tripod whenever possible.

The MP count for the D80 (10.2) vs. the D300 (12) is small enough to make virtually no difference. The D7000 (16.2) however is another story. The main issue with the D80 is it's poor high-ISO performance which is well addressed in the D300. I've not used a D7000, nor seen enough information to make an informed comment on it's abilities.

What you will get with the D300s is very good high-ISO performance, excellent auto-focus, a magnesium chassis and weather-sealing. If I was going to upgrade, that would be where I would go, regardless of the few extra MP in the D7000.

 

[redtippmann]

Don't do it for the MP's. A lot of people think quality comes from how many MP's you have. That is not the case as stated above. I would only upgrade if the D80 is hampering your abilities. I was using the D50 before I finally got a new body, mainly because it was a pain to use during a shoot mainly because auto focus wouldn't work. And it had the notorious wacky viewfinder. I also find having the extra pixels helpful when I am editing. (and it can shoot 14-bit raw!)