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

Photography camera, d300s, d70, d90, dslr, nikon, Photography, purchase