D90 or D300

[jascha777]

I am seriously considering buying a Nikon 300 f4 +1.4 conv and was
wondering which body to go for,isthe D300 really £450 better than
the D90?
many thanks,
Mark

[KCFoggin]

As someone contemplating upgrading to the D90 you might want to do what I did and do a search in the Gallery using D90 or Nikon D90 and take a look at the photos.

[Duke Leto]

Mark there are quite a few threads on this subject on BF but it really depends on what you want and how you use it.
IMHO yes the D300 is worth the extra, not only is it a Nikon Pro body but it has the latest AF system I believe the AF system in the D90 the multi-cam 1000 is the same as the D200, the D300 has the multi-cam 3500DX like the D3 which has the multi-cam 3500FX, its weatherproofed and has a menu system that can be configured in such a way it makes configuration changes very quick.
If you don't need it or won't use it stick to the D90, if you will use what the D300 can offer you won't regret it.
BTW the 300/4 and a 1.4 is a super combo (which I use as a walkabout setup on a monopod) albeit a little short for some situations

[Gentoo]

As a person who owns both, I will say that it depends on what you want out of it. Personally, I would agree with Steve that for bird photography, the D300 is a better choice just because of it's AF system. Frame rate is a little faster too and this can be nice for those action shots.

The picture controls are almost identical for your colors and such (you're using a digital SLR so despite what you may have been told, this matters as it replaces film that gave great colors).

I posted a review/comparison on nikonrumors that you can check out here:

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=197

[GavinM]

For similar money it's worth remembering you could buy a used D2x. If you like a deep bodied camera, then it's a no-brainer for me.

[Duke Leto]

For similar money it's worth remembering you could buy a used D2x. If you like a deep bodied camera, then it's a no-brainer for me.

I agree but there's no disputing the benefits that the newer AF system in the D300 delivers, the D200 and D2X (and D90) share a similar AF system and when using the D300 its vastly better

[Gentoo]

I agree but there's no disputing the benefits that the newer AF system in the D300 delivers, the D200 and D2X (and D90) share a similar AF system and when using the D300 its vastly better
Yep! There's really no comparing the AF.

[GavinM]

I've honestly found the D2x to have better AF in low light conditions (i.e. England) most of the time. This is with Sigma long lenses and the Nik 80-400. Purely anecdotal opinion, never did any tests, the D2x just feels better to me. I didn't keep the D300 for this reason.

[Duke Leto]

Gavin the D2x has the same AF as the D200, the D300 has a much improved AF as I still own as use both there is no comparison, the D300 is miles better than the D200.
I have a pro photo buddy who uses a D300 as a second body to his D3 rather than his D2x as manages noise better and has the better AF.
I've no doubt that the D2x is a superb body but I can't really see how it can be compared with anything but the D200.

[Gentoo]

Gavin the D2x has the same AF as the D200, the D300 has a much improved AF as I still own as use both there is no comparison, the D300 is miles better than the D200.
I have a pro photo buddy who uses a D300 as a second body to his D3 rather than his D2x as manages noise better and has the better AF.
I've no doubt that the D2x is a superb body but I can't really see how it can be compared with anything but the D200.agreed:t:

[seaspirit]

I've honestly found the D2x to have better AF in low light conditions (i.e. England) most of the time. This is with Sigma long lenses and the Nik 80-400. Purely anecdotal opinion, never did any tests, the D2x just feels better to me. I didn't keep the D300 for this reason.

There is some merit to that claim.
Have a look at the following review comparing the D300 with D200 and D2x.
http://www.bythom.com/nikond300review.htm
In the last table the author lists differences between the D300 and the D2x. AF is one topic, and there is no winner as both have their advantages in different areas (low light AF for the D2x).

Ulli

PS: Autofocus modules in D200 and D2x are different (CAM1100 versus CAM2000) whatever the consequences are

[Duke Leto]

Ulli, thanks I didn't realise that the AF was different, my mistake.

[albatross02]

Hello,

I think D 300 has a real mirror look up.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_lock-up

It can be helpful for macros in bad light condition or night shots ( e.g. Gecko pictures ).#


Best regards
Dieter