I have just started researching to purchase a new Nikon body. So far it looks like it is between the D90 and D300S. I’ve had my D70 since 2004 and I really feel the need to upgrade! 
I plan to keep the D70 as a second body.
Any recommendations from Nikon shooters out there are more than welcome! 
Here are some of my questions/comments/concerns so far:
- Is the D300S too heavy with a 70-200 2.8 lens to shoot hand-held?
- Some people have commented that going from the D70 to the D300/S would take some time to figure things out. Is it that complicated? I like shooting in aperture mode and manual. I don’t use the Auto mode at all.
- Will all my DX lenses work? I hear they will.
- Lens thread: In dpreview.com, I see that the D300S uses “Nikon F (with AF contacts)” compare to the D70, D90, and D300 which have “Nikkor AF / F-mount, D-Type.” Is this something I should be concerned about?
After researching more, it looks like I won’t have any problems with the above. The only item that I am somewhat concerned about is the weight. But I guess I will just have to play with it to know for sure!
Pricing:
- D90 is around $810.
- The D300S is around $1800!!!
What do I shoot?
- Dancing performances in a theater setting.
- Basketball games.
- Portraits (usually outside/not studio)
- Golf
- Landscapes, people, etc etc.
What I like about the D90 over the D300s:
- Pricing!
- Color quality for RAW is better according to the DxO Labs (http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMark-Sensor)
What I like about the D300s over the D90:
- Better auto focusing. 51 points against 11!
- Better in low light situations and high ISO.
- Magnesium alloy body and rubber protection against dust.
- INFO button.
- CF and SD card support.
- 7-8 fps compared to the D90′s 4.5fps.
Update:
After many hours of research, I have decided and have made the purchase!!!
And the winner is … *drum roll* …………… the D300s!!!!! Better focusing and better performance in low light situations were the MAJOR factors in my decision. All of the other features are also awesome! I bought it on Amazon.com. I used all the Amazon.com gift certificates I had and birthday money! And it should arrive this Thursday October 1!!!
I’m excited!
–Jess
P.S. The photo below shows the D300s with the MB-D10 Multipower Battery Pack which I haven’t purchased.
Nikon D300s
I’m also doing my research to get me a Nikon, I’m not a professional though…I’m just looking for a good camera to take pictures of concerts I go to, some are indoors and definitely they are at night.. so it should be a camera with a good flash built in system.. I found your blog post very very useful!!! keep us posted.. and post pics if possible ; ) … you got me as a follower now.
Thanks. Mia Nakamatzu.
@Mia N
Hi Mia!
Thanks for your feedback! I am really enjoying the D300s very much! I recently did a photoshoot for a dancing performance. It was on a stage and yes, I had to deal with low light situations and the dancers moving pretty fast! But I really like how the camera handled. I didn’t use flash as previous years. However, most of the time I was at 1600 ISO and only used two lenses: 50mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8. =) The noise is acceptable and I got sharp images!
How is the research going? Have you made a decision? I’m curious to hear what camera models you are looking at.
Jess