Transitioning from 35mm to dSLR...advice needed

[willg]

Hi all...fairly new to the forums.

I've been away from the photography arena for several years due to a myriad of issues, but I'm ready to wade back in. My dilemma is choosing a body. Glass I'm less concerned about as I know what I want.

I'm looking at the Nikon line (since my old 35mm was a workhorse and I loved it) and have been leaning towards the d7000. However, I have found a reasonable deal on a 300s.

Anyone have advice to share? I have held both and like the feel of both. As I enjoy cityscapes/landscapes, the higher MP of the d7000 is a draw, but I like the 51 point AF of the 300s. I shoot a lot in hand as opposed to tripod as well.

Thanks!

Will

 

[PJL]

More AF points are usually to attract people who do work tracking objects in motion, usually sports photography or nature photography. If you're primarily doing landscape and cityscape work, it's not really that much of a concern for you, in my opinion. In your situation, I would focus most on technical image quality.

On this page you can do direct image comparisons between the D7000 and the D300s. Notice that they have different color renditioning in RAW. The D7000 seems more vibrant to me. I also like its higher ISO performance better; the D7000 also has a better ISO range.

Nikon D7000 Review: 21. Compared to (RAW): Digital Photography Review

Compared directly to one another, the D300s only has advantages in frame rate and number of autofocus points; otherwise, the D7000 seems equal or superior in every category.

 

[willg]

Thanks! I was thinking along the same lines.

Will

 

[KmH]

The D300s has a much better build.

The D7000 is still mostly plastic whereas the D300s has a full metal body.

Then D7000 still has it's roots in the entry-level category with features like only having 3 auto brackets to the D300s's 9 auto brackets, and lacking a PC and 10-pin connector ports.

However, the D300s will be replaced soon and it's replacement (D400?) will have all of the D7000's features - plus.

 

[PJL]

The D7000 is still mostly plastic whereas the D300s has a full metal body.

DPReview says that the D7000 and D300s are both magnesium alloy. Are they incorrect?

 

[xjoewhitex]

The D7000 is still mostly plastic whereas the D300s has a full metal body.

DPReview says that the D7000 and D300s are both magnesium alloy. Are they incorrect?

No they are.. but the d7000 is only half, when the 300s is full.

 

[willg]

Yeah I managed to get my hands on both the other day. After researching them and playing with both, I pulled the trigger on a d300s. I got a good deal and was able to get some nice glass. Now I just have to be patient while I wait for delivery (and I am NOT patient, lol). Thanks for all your advice!

Will