It's the D700-Was: Upgrading camera body-D300s vs D700?

[Flea77]

My big concern is not so much the price difference between the D300s and D700, but with the lenses I would have to get to get the same field of view.

For example, my 80-200 at 200 on a D300s becomes a 300mm 2.8. In order to get that close at that aperature, I would have to purchase a 300mm 2.8 which is VERY expensive.

So yes, try them both, see what works in your situation and in your budget and then go from there. FF is great, and produces excellent images, unless you have to crop the heck out of them because you can't afford to replace the glass too.

Allan

[TheFantasticG]

I'm going to pick up a D300s when the replacement comes out. D300s is better than the D90 in the low-light noise department according to the testing out there (I think dpreview.com has said as much?)... or I'll get the replacement. D400? Maybe.

[Sweet Caroline]

I just want to attest to the high ISO capabilities of the D700. I have had the D300 for two years, and just got the D700. I'm in awe. Seriously. Of course, I don't usually need a lot of reach.

Caroline

[Flea77]

Originally Posted by TheFantasticG

I'm going to pick up a D300s when the replacement comes out. D300s is better than the D90 in the low-light noise department according to the testing out there (I think dpreview.com has said as much?)... or I'll get the replacement. D400? Maybe.

Actually, according to Nikon D300 vs D90 high ISO noise comparison

"starting from ISO 1600 and above, I noticed that D90 performs a little better in controlling noise."

According to Flickr: Discussing D90 vs D300s ISO 3200 in Nikon D90+300s Superclub

"My photos on my D90 come out more sharper than my D300s, the general settings are if not equivalent on both cameras" and "Can someone help me understand why my D300s' photos are coming out lower quality than my D90 at ISO 3200?"

Now that is not to say the D300s is inferior to the D90, it has a LOT going for it, but it seems the D90 is superior at controlling noise for some reason.

Allan

[TheFantasticG]

Hmph. I thought it was the other way around. Oh well, mark one for my memory failing.

I'm still holding out for the D400 regardless :P

Interesting discussion in that Flickr thread though.

Mr. OP might find this link useful.

[78novacaine]

some examples I just took with my d90 to give you an idea of the noise levels if you want to save a lot of coin over the d300s, all shot in RAW, conversion done in Lightroom 3 using it's standard noise reduction and sharpening software, shot with 35mm AF-S at f5.6, left the white balance sooc, more detailed crop is at 100%, and larger crop is about 1/3 of full size image and resized to 993x993 pixels, and I am by no means a PP genius, in fact this was my first time ever using Lightroom's NR software, lol

ISO 1600


By davidmsager at 2010-08-16


By davidmsager at 2010-08-16

ISO 3200


By davidmsager at 2010-08-16


By davidmsager at 2010-08-16

ISO 6400


By davidmsager at 2010-08-16


By davidmsager at 2010-08-16

[erinag99]

Edited my original post, but thought I would post it as a reply too.

Well, my husband made the decision for me. Today he surprised me with a D700 as an anniversary/birthday/Christmas present! WHOOOOOP!!!! I am so excited!! Can't wait until the battery is charged and I can start playing with it; I've got a lot of learning to do as this is such an upgrade from my D50. I'm also super stoked about taking it on our Glacier trip at the end of the month.

He done good!

Erin

[KenJulio]

congrats! Go out tonight and get put her to use!

[timbertoes]

Awesome Erin, congrats, its a huge step up from the D50.

[KenJulio]

Bryan - you'll be just as ecstatic when yours arrive!

[Redneck]

Congrats! The same happened to me, except my wife was the one who made the gift.

[timbertoes]

Originally Posted by ken74

Bryan - you'll be just as ecstatic when yours arrive!

my D700 is in the camera bag now. with an extra 100 clicks on it :)
and Hanky's 17-35 lens too.
I guess that makes me a wedding photographer.
j/k. or not....
lets see...wife shoots with the D300, me the 700....yep.
Its craigslist time.

[timbertoes]

p.s. Nikon rocks. Erin knew that too :)

[erinag99]

Originally Posted by timbertoes

Awesome Erin, congrats, its a huge step up from the D50.

Huge step up is an understatement. I'm almost overwhelmed by it! It's like learning a whole new camera.

[wwong]

Congrats! With a fast tele (f/2.8) you are golden. Be sure to read the manual, there are a lot of options to learn.

FYI, D700 max FPS is 5, 8 w/MB-D10 using AA or optional EL4 (another ~$200!!), no increase with the standard EL3e. D300/D300s is 6/7 standard, 8 w/MB-D10.

Crop factor and ISO performance are the only things I consider between the two. Otherwise, it is D700 all the way.