What do I want to buy?

[waffeliron]

Hello all, Id like a bit of advice please..........

So im going to be buying a new camera soon, I have been Nikon for about 5 years so im going to stick with that but I cant decide what model to go for.

Im thinking either a D2xs or a D300, second hand they are around the same price. Cant justify spending more than a grand really.

Has anyone tested the 2 cameras? I have used the D2x quite a lot and am comfotable using it but I know it is now a little outdated. On the other hand the D300 has a nice big screen but I would have to get the grip seperatlly.

any suggestions?

[Frank Lopes]

I have used the D300 and I love it. It feels "right" and the quality of the images is great.

I would take a look at Nikon's latest: D90, which is a little more than half the price of the D300

Sure it is not as robust as the D300 but the image quality is just as good.
Also, high ISO tests suggest to be slightly better than the D300.

Just my 2 cents...

Originally Posted by waffeliron

...
Im thinking either a D2xs or a D300, second hand they are around the same price. Cant justify spending more than a grand really.
...

[igot2pman]

The D300 Is a good choice, I OWN one. Here are some recent pix from a cruse I just went on.

First one is ISO 3200 and next two are 6400. Only minor editing in light room (ie. crop, contrast and exposure, no noise adj). The fourth one is with the on board flash of a random couple. The last is a long 2.5sec exposure. All the pictures were only light room edited. "Quality" reduced by at least 50% on export to fit 100K limit.

Its a very good camera and the ISO performance in my view is AMAZING when exposed properly. I nearly shoot the whole 7day cruse without a flash (8,000 pix total). I have also taken over 30,000 pictures with it so far and still working perfect.

The EXF data can be seen by saving the image to computer, then right click and go to properties. Then go to summary and click advanced.

Hope this helps,
-Keven

[shamrock2008]

D300 is a great camera so is the D90....

[fpellerin]

The D2Xs is still a great camera but the D300 handles high ISO shots much better. That alone, IMHO, makes it the better choice of the two.

[bpurvis]

Hey Waffeliron,

What did you end up buying? I too need to buy a camera and don't know what to get. I've read reviews until I'm cross-eyed and still don't feel any wiser. These are my needs:

I need to keep the price under $1000 and that would include a lens. (I know this really limits my options.) Primary use would be shooting old photos for restoration.
Secondary use would be nature photography, and of course there are those family shots that everyone takes. I'd like to go with Canon or Nikon - no preference there.

I'll also need to spend money on lighting, filters, reflectors, and all that good stuff, so my camera budget is not very flexible. I also don't know which lens would best fit the photo restoration work.

Suggestions anyone?

Becky

[Nasturtium]

Becky,

Do you have a preference as far as brand?

[bpurvis]

I think either Nikon or Canon.

[igot2pman]

Becky,

Filters today are not needed any more unless you are looking for a special effect (star filter), protection (UV filter), or neutral density. Color filters were used to correct lighting color balance. Digital cameras no longer need them as they have digital white balance.

(Prices from B&H without shipping)
Nikon D60 SE SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens - $600
SB-600- $225
Hoya UV pro 1 digital filter- $24
Collapsible reflector - $50
Tripod- $100

Total $1000

Down falls:
No motorized screw for normal AF lenses. Can only use more expensive AF-S lenses. Can come back to get you later as you can save some money by buying AF screw lenses.

No commander mode, allows you to command a SB-6(8)(9)00 wirelessly via the onboard flash. A very useful tool when you want an off camera flash. You would need an SB-800 (discontinued) or SB-900 that has commander mode plus another Nikon flash SB-6(8)(9)00 if you go with the D60.

The next best thing:
The D90 is the cheapest camera ($1000 body only) with AF screw capability and commander mode. If you want commander mode on a D60, the added $450 for a SB-900 could easily justify the cost of upgrading to the D90.

Hope it helps,
-Keven

[waffeliron]

Hi, I ended up getting the D300 and to be fair its amazing! if tyou can afford to pay anymore i would deff get one

[igot2pman]

This just in! Might be stretching your budget, but might be worth it.

EOS Rebel T1i EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit- $900
-15.1mp
-1080p video @20fps

More info HERE

I don’t know much about Canon, but this camera seems worthy of mention. At this price there is still room to purchase your reflector and UV filter. It comes with onboard flash (like the Nikon), and the lens also has image stabilization (like the Nikon) which can make up for a tripod.

Between the Nikon and Canon I suggested, I see the Canon better in 3 areas:
-15.1mp vs. 12.2mp
-9 vs. 3 AF points
-1080p video vs. "stop motion video"

So is it worth the extra $200? up to you if you would need or use the extra features.

Hope it helps,
-Keven

[bpurvis]

Thanks everyone. After reading all the suggestions, I think I'm going to wait until fall and spend a little more. I'll go and handle a few cameras and learn a bit more about the different available features. Appreciate all your help!