Any D300 users?

[Tobyh]

Hey all,

I'm seriously considering upgrading from my D50 to a D300 and am wondering if anyone else can give me some opinions.

In particular things that have caught my eye - better noise handling, faster FPS and I would like a mirror lock-up ability also. The higher res is a bonus of course.

Anyone had any experiences? is the D-Light utility on it any good?

Thanks

TobyH

[ron1863]

Hi Toby, I don't have one but that's an excellent camera you have and if I didn't have so many Minolta fit lenses it's the one I would go for.

[mh68]

Originally Posted by Tobyh

Hey all,

I'm seriously considering upgrading from my D50 to a D300 and am wondering if anyone else can give me some opinions.

In particular things that have caught my eye - better noise handling, faster FPS and I would like a mirror lock-up ability also. The higher res is a bonus of course.

Anyone had any experiences? is the D-Light utility on it any good?

Thanks

TobyH

I know Dave (pressld2) is using the D300, so if he doesnt see this thread it may be worth dropping him a pm

Mark H

[pressld2]

I always spot threads with D300 in the title!

I upgraded from a D70 and have no regrets whatsoever. I haven't found the noise handling to be much better than the D70 was - I think you need the D3 for a significant impovement there. I will still only reluctantly go as high as 800 ISO unless I want the noise for creative effects.

But the extra resolution is great, the fps rate is outstanding, the big 3 inch screen is very clear and sharp and the 51 point focusing system is amazing. I also use the mirror lock-up facility (which the D70 didn't have either) but I confess I have not yet played with the D Lighting. I really must do that soon!

There are several other D300 users around too, the ones that immediately spring to mind are WhiskeyBottle, seajay and peterjclarke.

You might also be interested in this thread: http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...5-my-d300.html which includes a much more detailed discussion of the noise performance.

All pictures in my Gallery posted since February this year were taken with the D300.

Let us know what you decide...

Dave P.

[Tobyh]

Excellent, i'll go check that out..

Thanks!

[delros1]

i started with the d70,soon followed by the d2oo,which i thought would last me along time,but after all the great write ups on the d300,ifell for it hook line and sinker,and i am so glad that i did,the live screen on the back is awsome,the in camera sharping is far better than the d200.
the d light is a truly remarkable tool,not just for brighting shadow,but it also add a little some think to a river or seascape

ps i always shoot in nef raw,and at the top settings,the blue crane digital dvd on the d300,is also a great help in getting to know the camera,amazon,did have it for sale a few mounths back.best of luck and happy shootting.

[Seajay]

Hi TobyH,
Sorry I missed your thread but have been very, very busy lately.
I have the Nikon D70s, D80 and a few months ago purchased the D300 and I am so glad I did! This camera is awesome and I haven't even used live view or the noise reduction as yet! Like Dave I stay below 800 normally but eventually I shall experiment. There is so much to learn. What I love about it is the way all the controls are placed so well to hand - brilliant design. Just a matter of practice to learn them. Like driving a car or touch typing I suppose.
I have dabbled into the D lighting and it does preserve highlights on bright contrasty days but you must remember to turn it off when your done though I suppose it's useful for people who print photos straight from camera as you can get a perfect image for printing in most cases without editing software.
Most definately recommended!
The proof of the pudding is in the eating and boy, am I putting on weight

p.s. Don't forget the camera metering system, the sensor self- cleaning and the very solid build of camera and lenses. Go to a dealer and ask to look at one - see for yourself.

Colin

[DOXHOPE]

There was a really big jump from the D80 to the D200, but, not so big a jump from the D200 to the D300, so if you have anything below the D200, go for a D300, they are really good. Ive been shooting a lot at 800iso lately and the results are very, very good..as good at 800 as a lot of its competition is at 400

[DrNickBurton]

The D300 is a really great camera - best DX format camera in the world. I can heartily recommend it! It's particularly good for wildlife photography because -

- while Nikon are starting to bring out full frame cameras, the DX format D300 still gives you the x1.5 crop factor that you get with the D50 (no need to buy longer telephotos to achieve the zooom you are used to)
- 12 Mp (speaks for itself)
- it's fast in terms of wake-up time, and gives 6 fps
- it's low light performance is great. Even at ISO 800 there is very little sign of noise, and can still give good results up to 1600. This means you can keep keep shooting, even in twilight.

You wont regret it!

[Tobyh]

Ok I'm pretty much sold on it. Had a hands on at a local shop and really liked it. The Liveview screen looked fantastic.

Just one noob question wqhich I want to make sure of - I assume my current lenses that are fine for a D50 will be fine on this. I can't see why not but the nit in me needs to ask

Ta!

TobyH