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

[erinag99]

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Originial Post:

At some point within the next year, I am hoping to upgrade my camera body and I'd like some advise on what I should upgrade to. Currently I'm using a Nikon D50, which I have really enjoyed, but it's not completely meeting my needs. One of my other hobbies includes showing dogs in agility and eventually flyball which are fast paced events and are typically held in very poor lighting conditions. My D50 doesn't seem to be able to handle the low light and doesn't have the FPS that I need, so I would like to upgrade to something that can. I'm currently looking at the D300s and the D700 and their respective grips. Will the D300s suit my needs or will I need to look towards the D700?

Thanks for the help!

Erin

Nikon D50
Nikkor 50mm f1.8
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8
Sigma 70-200mm f2.8

[ChristopherCoy]

I'm holding out for the D700. Full frame is a light hog...

[revjvegas]

ISO on the D300s only goes to 3200; you get to 6400 on the D700.
And then then about the only other difference between the two bodies is FX vs DX.

All the other features between the two are pretty much exactly the same.

So, is it worth it, to you, for another $1k to get better ISO and full frame?

Also, keep in mind that it is likely that the D700 will have its successor coming out soon.

[shamrock]

I haven't shot with a D300s, but i have a D300 and a D700. For what you want to shoot, the D700 will probably be the best choice. I love mine.

[bondarnes]

Keep in mind that your lenses are probably DX and even though they will work on a full frame body, there will probably be some vignetting, especially on the wide angle shots. So you might want to add upgrading lenses to your price.

[PhotoByLeal]

D700 ROCKS @ night!
I love mine, since I switched over from a cropped cannon!

[erinag99]

Thanks all. I'm sort of torn between crop and full frame, but the big issue for me is that I need a camera to be able to handle low light without a flash. I don't mind spending the extra $1k for the D700, if it's what I need (I would just have to save longer). On the other hand, if the D300 will work for me, I'd rather save the $1k and spend it on new glass.

Don, I don't own any DX lenses. At the time we purchased it, we just bought the D50 body as I had a couple of lenses from my film body and none of the lenses I have aquired since then are DX. Thanks for the heads up though.

[Tom]

the big issue for me is that I need a camera to be able to handle low light without a flash.

Why? If you know how to use flash, you can get much better light than with natural.

[PhotoByLeal]

Check this thread & pics out when I first got my D7oo with not so GREAT LOW LIGHT GLASS!

Capitol meets 6400 ISO & Inside # 3200 ISO @ f/5.6!

[erinag99]

Thomas, I can't use a flash in these situations; it's a *huge* no-no. Flashing a flash in the eyes of a dog as they are running along a narrow board several feet in the air can be distracting and dangerous. I'd be run off and have some pretty pissed off people on my hands.

Angel, thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Erin,

It really comes down to IF you need the high-ISO capability of the D700. If so, then you will be blown away by the performance of the D700. The D300 and D300S can't compete with the D700 in the noise department. It's just another level above the D300.

However, if you can't get close enough to these dogs, then you'll definitely benefit from the extra 50% (effective) reach that the D300 gives you.

Putting myself in your position, I would pop for the D700. It will never disappoint you.

- Wil

[WarrenG]

The D300 is a very capable camera and has certain strengths, however, if you will primarily use it to shoot at night or in dark areas, you will quickly realize the noise issue. I could have used a D700 or D3 Saturday night!

You might think about renting each of the bodies and shoot a practice event... see how they work for you so you spend your money the best way.

W

[Redneck]

I own both, the D300 (my backup) and the D700 and I can tell you that the D700 is way more superior handling low light. If you expose right, you can easily shoot at ISO 3200 to ISO 6400 without producing noticeable noise. Once you shoot the D700 you will never want to give it away. On the other hand, when you buy the D300 you will always wonder what you might be missing.

[erinag99]

Thank you everyone for your input. It's greatly appreciated! I was leaning towards the D700 and your opinions are pushing me that direction even more. Once I get closer to purchasing, I'm hoping to rent both and see which works for me. Can't wait!

[Junomech]

I currently use a D300. My next upgrade will definitely be the D700. I could get some more glass for my current camera but I'd rather wait and get a new body. I am holding out till the new cameras are introduced in the coming year.