Purchase Used D300 or new D700 - input ya'll? ;-)

[srwatters]

I don't understand your reasoning Donna. Does the D80 make salable images for you now with the glass you have? If the answer is what I think, then tell me why it doesn't make sense as a second camera. Now the D80 images will look different compared to the FX body, but having the D700 will not make one bit of difference in how the DX shots look. Certainly using the D300 as a second body will give you more confidence since those two are prosumer vs the consumer D80, but I don't think it's a deal breaker. Plus I guarantee you will have a learning curve moving to FX, so why not start that now.

Again, just my humble opinion having moved from D70 to D200 to D3 & the H2. YMMV.

[Wes]

Given your needs and the type of shooting you do I would think that you could go either way. However, from a long term investment standpoint, I think that the D700 would serve your needs better and allow you to grow more.

I struggled with the same decision myself earlier this year. I bought my D3 last year because of my need for high ISO capabilities (night time and indoor sports) and kept my D200 as a backup. For MY needs, the D200 was not a suitable backup for the D3 so I sold it. I'm currently without a backup camera but hope to have that remedied soon with the D3s (or maybe a D700 if I cannot swing the D3s). For my needs, it makes sense that both bodies have the same capabilities.

As Scott would say, "YMMV".

[aerosolcheese]

Donna, if the D80 is working just fine for you, and all you need is a backup, then why not pick up a D90? For $800 or so, it's a steal.

[Cajungaltx]

Thanks everyone for your input - I appreciate the feedback/experience of each of you.

I'm going to pick up the D700.

There are a few reasons for this.

1.) I always buy more computer power than I need, because I know, eventually, I'll need more computer power. ;-)

2.) I'm in this (photography business) for the long haul, and while I definitely agree with Bryan that they 'equipment' can't fix lack of skill - I feel that I'm at a point where my camera's ability is frustrating me/causing issues. Even with good glass, low light issues have caused some serious stress at a few shoots because I knew if I got over 400 ISO I was gonna have noise issues.

The D700 definitely exceeds the D300 with the higher ISO if its needed.

It's good to know that everything but my 30 will work on the D700 - especially considering that I realized that my 30 seems to be missing. *sob* I used it at a church event, and THOUGHT it was in my bag...but it doesn't seem to be. I'm checking with the grounds folks to see if they found it....but I'm not holding my breath...

[Redneck]

Good decision.
I own both, the D300 and the D700. The D300 really is an excellent camera, but the D700 is more superior and it will allow you to shoot high ISO without losing image quality.
So when you shoot weddings and sports the D700 is one of the best choices you can make.
Congrats! I know you will love it.

[toverman]

I think you'll be happy with your decision. We're finally getting to the point where digital sensors are maturing and the camera model makes a bigger difference than it used to ... skills are important, and you have those. But even longtime pros have noise to contend with. Stellar high-ISO performance will make your fast glass more useful and valuable.

Don't forget that cropped sensors don't give you further reach, just a limited field of view that gives you the effect of the focal length being longer. I own and regular use DSLRs that are full frame, 1.6x crop and 1.3x crop. You get used to it and think beforehand which body/lens combo will give you the results you want. I don't do the math, I just have gotten used to the subtle differences.

[lhdvies]

Excellent decision Donna-You are going to love it!!!
I have both of them & they are both stellar cams, but the 700 is in a class by itself IMO.

[Jim Victory]

Skills are important but having good equipment makes using those skills easier and less stressful.

I have owned a D300 and shot with a D700 and you will love the latter on many different levels. It is simply a superb camera for the type of work you do.

Congrats!

[Glider]

Donna...Adorama has Nikon factory refurb D700's for $2169. I just got mine, upgrade from my D300. Now, prudence says dispose of the D300 along with the crop sensor lenses (only 2). While I've been shooting Nikon for 50 years and used to be a pro, now it's a hobby. But I'm having a hard time turning loose of the D300--a great camera--and disposing of it also means getting rid of the Nikon 12-24 whcih has become a favorite lens.

[jstevensphoto]

Looks like most of your lens are full-frame, so I would definitely look at the D700. I love mine, but when I switched from APS-C to FF, I had to get several new lens. I love the ability to shoot in low, natural light at high ISO. It's heavy, especially with a fast lens, but small price to pay for outstanding performance. Good luck.