D90/D300

[Geoff M]

Hi Guys

I am considering an upgrade from my trusty D70s and have been looking at the D90 and D300 as possible options but unsure which way to jump. I have been, and still am very happy with the D70s and probably don't use all of it's features to full advantage.

The lens of choice I use is the 18-200VR as I like to travel light and considering my main mode of transport is a motorcycle, carrying lots of gear is out of the question. Would the performance of this lens improve on either of the latest bodies?

So to users of both or either of the afore mentioned bodies why should I choose one over the other? Obviously there is a cost saving by taking the D90 option (approx $800) but what am I missing out on?

Thanks for your thoughts, all though I have a feeling I may be more confused after your input.

[chrisk]

geoff, my kid brother and a good friend have the d90 and i like using it alot. to me it comes down to 3 key things.

1. do you prefer a smaller or larger body ?
to me the d90 is too small to be comfortable.

2. do you change settings often ?
if you do the d300 is worth the extra dosh. the ease of changing settings on the fly is invaluable and with the d90 if i want to change things its not so easy.

3. AF
the d300's is unbelievable. if you need fast AF and a large range of AF points, (fast moving objects, macro work), then again, the d300 is golden. the d90 is still very good but just a bit more limited.

there are also some other things that to me are minor points.
fps, (i rarely use the max fps anyway),
ability to fine tune lens', i dont think the d90 has it and i found this quite helpful

the d90 is capable, just like the d300, of outstanding IQ. it just comes down to whether the extra bells and whistles are "must haves" or "nice to haves". i'm sure you'll be happy with either of them.

[gstark]

Obviously there is a cost saving by taking the D90 option (approx $800) but what am I missing out on?

Not a whole lot, and you get a very usable camcorder thrown in for free.

If you're still essentially satisfied with the D70, then the D90 will knock your socks off. I see it as the natural successor to the D70, with the D300 being a more high performance - essentially pro-level - option.

Consider it this way: given a choice of a D2x or the D90, which would you choose? Substitute the D300 for the D2x in that equation, but keep the same answer.

[Geoff M]

Thanks for the food for thought so far. I have not handled either camera as yet, but of course I will before making the decision, but how does the body size of the D70/D90/D300 compare? The D300 is obviously the larger but where do the D70/D90 sit, is one larger than the other or are they more or less the same?

[Geoff M]

Obviously there is a cost saving by taking the D90 option (approx $800) but what am I missing out on?

Not a whole lot, and you get a very usable camcorder thrown in for free.

If you're still essentially satisfied with the D70, then the D90 will knock your socks off. I see it as the natural successor to the D70, with the D300 being a more high performance - essentially pro-level - option.

Consider it this way: given a choice of a D2x or the D90, which would you choose? Substitute the D300 for the D2x in that equation, but keep the same answer.

It must have to be a D90 then?

[gstark]

It must have to be a D90 then?

If you don't see the D2x as your replacement, then yes. The D300 is more like the D2x than the D70, despite its size. But Nikon now refer to the D300 as the flagship DX body, so take that as you will.

Size wise, all three bodies are similarly sized. The D90 is now my first recommendation for anyone considering the purchas of a DSLR.

[MatthewRoberts]

My first dslr is the D90. I have no issues since purchasing in September. I reckon I have taken about 2000 snaps and a few great vids!

I have recently purchased the 18-200 to replace my twin lens kit and just find it awesome! I would recommend getting the D90 and spending the extra 800 on a decent lens (or two ).

I have found the D90 to be a very beginner friendly body, easy to handle, and the results in P / Auto modes are just outstanding!

I have a young family - so the video feature really helped my decision to upgrade to a DSLR.

I must admit I have been a Canon lover all my point-and-shoot days and had my heart set on a 40d or 450d until I used a mates 40d at kids party and was bit disappointed by it's chunkiness and newbie friendliness.

I played with a D90 in harvey normans and fell in love straight away! I compared the Nikon D300 - very similar in specs (almost identical) on dpreview.com and couldn't justify the extra bucks. In the end the HD video feature got my heart made up!

Best advice I can give you is to go to a reseller and test drive them. Look for your local teds.com.au or if your in sydney pop in to nikononbroadway.com. If you like reading reviews goto kenrockwell.com or dpreview.com.

[Geoff M]

Well it took a while to decide, but I have now purchased a D90. Picked it up yesterday with a MB-D80 grip. Now the fun begins. First impressions are very good, but I do tend to find exposures are a little overexposed, but may be thats just me! I will post some images soon. Thanks all for the advise.