Nikon D300 and D3

**Paul** · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 02:13 PM

I'm looking to upgrade one of my D200s to either the D300 or D3 but I'm stuck in a quandary!

There are many reasons I want to upgrade because of what both of these cameras offer but the main reason is are the vastly improved noise at high ISO which Nikon have shockingly been lagging behind for many years.

The reduced noise on the D300 compared to the D200 is amazing to say the least and then there is the D3 which offers a further 2 stops again. The D3 is a full frame sensor and would love to get this but it has a hefty price tag. Also the D3 accepts the Nikon DX lenses but there are restriction to the size of the image. A little over 5 MP I think which leaves one of my pro DX lenses limited.

The D300 still uses the DX crop so if I upgraded to a D300 I can still use my 17-55 lens which is great workhorse for weddings and although the noise is much improved is not as good as the D3.

I've read a number of articles that say unless you shoot sports, the D300 is the perfect all rounder.

I have no idea which road to take but I don't want to loose money unnecessarily with buying the wrong camera. My head is going to explode soon if I'm not able to decide.

I was wondering if anyone out there has experience with both D300 and D3 models?

I find it hard making decisions the best of times but this is driving me crazy!

kenny h · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 02:51 PM

Did I read that nikon might up the pixel count on the D3 in the future?If so I'd be unhappy not to have waited.I'm going to seriously consider the D300...it looks pretty awesome to me

**Paul** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 03:06 PM

It does but I've read it comes into its own when purchased with the battery grip with extras. I'm still looking into that but I know it cost about £100 more than the D200 grips and I'm still not sure what the extra grip accessories are.

What are in favor of the D300 so far is that it still uses the same batteries as the D200 and last a lot longer in the D300. It still has the sensor crop so I get the full MP with my DX lenses oh and yes there is the price.

Although the noise is greatly reduced compared to the D200, the D3 is better again but can I justify spending nearly £2k more?

I've not heard about the increased pixel count on the D3, has any information been released yet or is it just speculation or rumor?

Have you seen the improvement in noise between the 200 and 300? I'll post some links if you haven't! They are pretty impressive!