| Author | Thread |
|
|
09/22/2008 10:36:11 AM · #1 |
I'm thinking about getting a D300 but I've heard that the D90 is better with noise.
For the people that have D300's
- Are you happy with it?
- If you could afford to change, would you go to the D90?
- How is the D300 in low light situations?
- What do you like the most about it?
- What do you like least about it.?
Thanks |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 10:46:15 AM · #2 |
Originally posted by bmartuch:
I'm thinking about getting a D300 but I've heard that the D90 is better with noise.
For the people that have D300's |
- Are you happy with it? Hell Ya
- If you could afford to change, would you go to the D90? only for the d700 or d3
- How is the D300 in low light situations? I can now shoot iso 1000 without blinking an eye up to 1600 with some PP work after...
- What do you like the most about it? size, price, versatility, iso performance, and its whole load of features...
- What do you like least about it.? it's not the d700 and it's not the d3
Thanks No problem |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 10:51:16 AM · #3 |
I just got the D90 due to it basically being a D300 in a D80's body.
My needs don't require a metal body and the extra environmental sealing which is all I really see as a difference besides a few button rearrangements here and there.
If all you care about is image quality my research and hands-on playing has shown that they are 99% the same.
I don't know about you, but I sure could use that extra $800 for some new glass (I got the 105 AIS which I love btw with the savings - only $90 at a pawn shop).
That does bring up 1 somewhat important difference that I kinda care about - no metering for old AIS lenses.
It works but you have to guess the exposure and chimp it till it's right.
Also, TTL flash won't work (obviously - but threw me off at first).
|
|
|
|
09/22/2008 10:53:04 AM · #4 |
- Are you happy with it? Very!
- If you could afford to change, would you go to the D90? No, the D90 seems like a step backwards from the D300, from a professional DSLR standpoint.
- How is the D300 in low light situations? Quite good. I use ISO 1600 quite a bit, and have been very pleasantly surprised with the results.
- What do you like the most about it? The 8 fps frame rate is awesome with the battery pack -- comes in super handy for sports. Low noise is also hugely beneficial. Self-cleaning CCD is great.
- What do you like least about it? Ummm. Can't really say I have a major complaint about it...!
|
|
|
|
09/22/2008 10:53:35 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by bmartuch:
I'm thinking about getting a D300 but I've heard that the D90 is better with noise.
For the people that have D300's
- Are you happy with it?
- If you could afford to change, would you go to the D90?
- How is the D300 in low light situations?
- What do you like the most about it?
- What do you like least about it.?
Thanks |
Yes, I am delighted with this camera. No, I would not change to the D90 as I view this move as downward, not upward. Since I also own the D3, I do not have any concerns about low light. However, the D300 seems to be a very good performer in low light. I love telephoto, so I like the x1.5 magnification that I get from this CCD (versus the D3). When i first held the camera, it did not feel right to me. Once the battery base was added, it was ideal. So, the battery base is mandatory from my perspective.
Cheers,
Michael |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 10:54:11 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by rswank:
That does bring up 1 somewhat important difference that I kinda care about - no metering for old AIS lenses.
It works but you have to guess the exposure and chimp it till it's right.
Also, TTL flash won't work (obviously - but threw me off at first). |
I love my D300 and the fact that I can use my old AIS lenses is the main reason for the benefits to me of the D300 over the D90. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 12:10:23 PM · #7 |
I'm a little confused, One person says they can use their old AIS lenses(IE the ones with the tab that sticks out to communicate the Aperture setting) Yet someone else says there is no metering with the older lenses. So which is it, does it provide meeting for Non AI lenses or not Or were you guys refering to lenses with or without CPUs?
|
|
|
|
09/22/2008 12:13:12 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by jhomrighaus:
I'm a little confused, One person says they can use their old AIS lenses(IE the ones with the tab that sticks out to communicate the Aperture setting) Yet someone else says there is no metering with the older lenses. So which is it, does it provide meeting for Non AI lenses or not Or were you guys refering to lenses with or without CPUs? |
Not confusing at all:
The D300 meters AIS lenses, the D90 does not. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 12:30:32 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by jhomrighaus:
I'm a little confused, One person says they can use their old AIS lenses(IE the ones with the tab that sticks out to communicate the Aperture setting) Yet someone else says there is no metering with the older lenses. So which is it, does it provide meeting for Non AI lenses or not Or were you guys refering to lenses with or without CPUs? |
Just because there is no metering on the D90 doesn't mean you can't use it.
It works just fine, but you have to dial in the exposure manually and chimp until you get it "right".
Not too hard or time consuming at all with instant feedback on digital.
Plus, AIS also means Manual Focus so my pace is already slowed down and more deliberate.
I enjoy shooting with this as it allows/forces me to think more about what I am shooting.
Would I rather have the D300? Hell yeah I would, for the AIS metering and the beefier build.
But for me it's not worth the extra $800.
I think the resulting images are more or less the same quality and that to me is the most important.
Others have their own needs, but I don't have a lot of old glass and I don't shoot in harsh environments.
|
|
|
|
09/22/2008 01:29:27 PM · #10 |
Thanks a lot for the help. I had been thinking D300 all along and then I read the information about the D90 actually being better than the D300 as far as low noise. That's why I decided to ask here.
I will be ordering a D300 soon.
Thanks. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 01:38:35 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by bmartuch:
Thanks a lot for the help. I had been thinking D300 all along and then I read the information about the D90 actually being better than the D300 as far as low noise. That's why I decided to ask here.
I will be ordering a D300 soon.
Thanks. |
yes... soon your transformation will be complete, and you will join us on the dark side!!! |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 02:13:22 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by bmartuch:
Thanks a lot for the help. I had been thinking D300 all along and then I read the information about the D90 actually being better than the D300 as far as low noise. That's why I decided to ask here.
I will be ordering a D300 soon.
Thanks. |
Out of curiosity, what does the D300 have that the D90 does not which is worth $800 to you?
What is the killer ability that tipped the scales for you and why?
thx |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 02:19:26 PM · #13 |
 rswankI've been tailing you abit, since you got the D90....I'm thinking of upgrading my D50 to the D90....don't think I can afford the D300, and love my D50 but ready for an upgrade, and I 'think' the D300 is too much camera for me.
one question, the D50 shoots, jpeg or jpeg+raw. when shooting jpeg+raw the jpeg is a low version. I saw on the D200 that it shoots jpeg-fine + raw....does the D90 do that too? I always shoot jpg+raw....but sometimes I don't need the raw (for just snapshot pictures) and I still have to convert it as the jpg is low quality...
|
|
|
|
09/22/2008 02:23:32 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by rswank:
Originally posted by jhomrighaus:
I'm a little confused, One person says they can use their old AIS lenses(IE the ones with the tab that sticks out to communicate the Aperture setting) Yet someone else says there is no metering with the older lenses. So which is it, does it provide meeting for Non AI lenses or not Or were you guys refering to lenses with or without CPUs? |
Just because there is no metering on the D90 doesn't mean you can't use it.
It works just fine, but you have to dial in the exposure manually and chimp until you get it "right".
Not too hard or time consuming at all with instant feedback on digital.
Plus, AIS also means Manual Focus so my pace is already slowed down and more deliberate.
I enjoy shooting with this as it allows/forces me to think more about what I am shooting.
Would I rather have the D300? Hell yeah I would, for the AIS metering and the beefier build.
But for me it's not worth the extra $800.
I think the resulting images are more or less the same quality and that to me is the most important.
Others have their own needs, but I don't have a lot of old glass and I don't shoot in harsh environments. |
are we talking about the tab that locks the aperature? If so, it won't meter on the D90? |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 02:26:30 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by dassilem:
rswankI've been tailing you abit, since you got the D90....I'm thinking of upgrading my D50 to the D90....don't think I can afford the D300, and love my D50 but ready for an upgrade, and I 'think' the D300 is too much camera for me.
one question, the D50 shoots, jpeg or jpeg+raw. when shooting jpeg+raw the jpeg is a low version. I saw on the D200 that it shoots jpeg-fine + raw....does the D90 do that too? I always shoot jpg+raw....but sometimes I don't need the raw (for just snapshot pictures) and I still have to convert it as the jpg is low quality... |
The D300 allows you to pick the quality of the jpeg (basic, normal, fine) that you collect along with the RAW file . I believe the D90 does the same thing. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 03:17:40 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by bassbone:
Originally posted by dassilem:
one question, the D50 shoots, jpeg or jpeg+raw. when shooting jpeg+raw the jpeg is a low version. I saw on the D200 that it shoots jpeg-fine + raw....does the D90 do that too? I always shoot jpg+raw....but sometimes I don't need the raw (for just snapshot pictures) and I still have to convert it as the jpg is low quality... |
The D300 allows you to pick the quality of the jpeg (basic, normal, fine) that you collect along with the RAW file . I believe the D90 does the same thing. |
Yep it does the same thing.
Originally posted by dassilem:
are we talking about the tab that locks the aperature? If so, it won't meter on the D90?
|
The D90 will not meter older Manual AI and AI-s lenses.
All the lenses in your profile will work fine.
I have this lens(105 2.5) and while it does not meter (I have to turn the aperture ring myself, set the ISO - auto-iso won't work - and manually choose the shutter speed) this is my favorite lens right now.
The exif shows 0mm f/0 but with the right shutter speed.
If I had a bunch of AI/s glass it would matter more to me but 95% of my shots are with modern (post 1986) technology so I could care less (considering it would cost $800 bux).
eta Here is a good chart (although I hesitate to send more traffic Ken-dawgs way ;)
//www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm
Message edited by author 2008-09-22 15:28:56. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 03:50:50 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by rswank:
Originally posted by bmartuch:
Thanks a lot for the help. I had been thinking D300 all along and then I read the information about the D90 actually being better than the D300 as far as low noise. That's why I decided to ask here.
I will be ordering a D300 soon.
Thanks. |
Out of curiosity, what does the D300 have that the D90 does not which is worth $800 to you?
What is the killer ability that tipped the scales for you and why?
thx |
For me, It was a few things.
The fact that it can meter AIS lens because I have two of them.
The ability in low light situations. I was concerned that it might not be as good as the D90.
I also love to take sports shots (baseball, track, football, lacrosse) and I've known that it is a superior camera for sports.
ETA. This is the article that caused me to wonder:
Here
Message edited by author 2008-09-22 15:53:41. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 03:58:51 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by bmartuch:
Originally posted by rswank:
Originally posted by bmartuch:
Thanks a lot for the help. I had been thinking D300 all along and then I read the information about the D90 actually being better than the D300 as far as low noise. That's why I decided to ask here.
I will be ordering a D300 soon.
Thanks. |
Out of curiosity, what does the D300 have that the D90 does not which is worth $800 to you?
What is the killer ability that tipped the scales for you and why?
thx |
For me, It was a few things.
The fact that it can meter AIS lens because I have two of them.
The ability in low light situations. I was concerned that it might not be as good as the D90.
I also love to take sports shots (baseball, track, football, lacrosse) and I've known that it is a superior camera for sports.
ETA. This is the article that caused me to wonder:
Here |
Thanks.
So basically because of:
- AIS metering
- faster fps (forgot about this, might be important to some - D90 is still way faster than the D50/D70)
The noise characteristics at high-iso are, for all intents and purposes, equal.
|
|
|
|
09/22/2008 04:01:19 PM · #19 |
I've been looking at both recently.
Specs wise-
The 300
-body magnesium alloy vs aluminum and plastic
-14 bit vs 12
-auto focus (and this one's a biggie) 51 points (15 cross-type sensors) vs 11 points (1 cross-type sensor)
-metering 1005 px sensor vs 420 px
-bracketing 2-9 frames vs 2or3 frames
-shutter 1/8000, sync up to 1/250 (1/320 w/ reduced GN) vs 1/4000 sync to 1/200
-white balance same 1005 px sensor vs 420 px
-viewfinder 100% coverage vs 96%
-continuos shooting speed 6fps (8 with grip and upgraded batts) vs 4
-sync terminal standard vs no terminal
-flash compensation 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps vs 1/3 or 1/2
-weight 825g vs 620
-dimensions 5.8in x 4.5in x2.9in vs 5.2in x 4.1in x 3.0in
-storage CF vs SD
The 90 is the first DSLR to shoot video, an interesting feature. It also has a lot of preset flash modes and some retouch functions.
As I see it, it comes down to this, the D90 is a top end prosumer DSLR (probably one of thebest), and the D300 is lo end pro gear. I think this puts them arguably on similar levels, however, the differences that are there are present with the pro shooter in mind. That doesn't mean you can't shoot pro with the 90, heck, there are plenty of folks just on DPC alone that shoot professionally and make money with far lesser cams than either of these. The biggies for me are the build, speed, metering and that killer focusing. In the end, it probably just comes down to what are your wants, needs and goals, photographically.
eta-source - dpreview
Message edited by author 2008-09-22 16:04:24. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 04:10:30 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by taterbug:
I've been looking at both recently.
Specs wise-
-auto focus (and this one's a biggie) 51 points (15 cross-type sensors) vs 11 points (1 cross-type sensor)
|
I'd be interested to play with both side by side.
This is definitely a big difference but I'd be curious to see how big of a difference it makes in day to day shooting.
Are all 15 cross type sensors 2.8 sensitive, not just the center?
I figured the 11 pt. is a huge improvement over the 5 pt. from the D70.
I also must disclose that the biggest reason I got the D90 was that I got it for $100.
I sold my D70s for $300 and had almost $600 in Amazon gift certs so it was almost a wash to upgrade vs. having to explain to my wife why I just spent $900! ;)
Message edited by author 2008-09-22 16:11:00. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 04:13:12 PM · #21 |
Are you happy with it? Very happy.
- If you could afford to change, would you go to the D90? No.
- How is the D300 in low light situations? See below, I'm not as impressed as others.
- What do you like the most about it? Fast FPS, 100% viewfinder coverage, 51 point autofocus, LiveView, LCD.
- What do you like least about it.? Noise above ISO 200
Others have said their experience with noise levels on the D300 is exceptionally good, even up to ISO 1600. I don't share that view. I made a classic stoopid mistake on a recent trip to Georgian Bay, where the scenery is stunning. I mistakenly left my camera on ISO 800 for the entire trip and didn't notice (not even when I was getting HI warnings under normal light conditions at f/4, stoopid). The results were terrible. I couldn't salvage very many photos. Here's one from that trip under cloudy skies; note the noise in the clouds. Not too bad, but this was the best of a very bad lot. Anything above 200 is noticeably noisy to me. Compare with the clarity of this picture at ISO 200. I don't know if other light conditions would produce better (or worse) results because I'm not sure of the technicals that would produce high noise at those levels, but I'm always surprised when I read how D300 owners are impressed with performance at ISO 800, even 1600. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 04:16:08 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by rswank:
Originally posted by bassbone:
Originally posted by dassilem:
one question, the D50 shoots, jpeg or jpeg+raw. when shooting jpeg+raw the jpeg is a low version. I saw on the D200 that it shoots jpeg-fine + raw....does the D90 do that too? I always shoot jpg+raw....but sometimes I don't need the raw (for just snapshot pictures) and I still have to convert it as the jpg is low quality... |
The D300 allows you to pick the quality of the jpeg (basic, normal, fine) that you collect along with the RAW file . I believe the D90 does the same thing. |
Yep it does the same thing.
Originally posted by dassilem:
are we talking about the tab that locks the aperature? If so, it won't meter on the D90?
|
The D90 will not meter older Manual AI and AI-s lenses.
All the lenses in your profile will work fine.
I have this lens(105 2.5) and while it does not meter (I have to turn the aperture ring myself, set the ISO - auto-iso won't work - and manually choose the shutter speed) this is my favorite lens right now.
The exif shows 0mm f/0 but with the right shutter speed.
If I had a bunch of AI/s glass it would matter more to me but 95% of my shots are with modern (post 1986) technology so I could care less (considering it would cost $800 bux).
eta Here is a good chart (although I hesitate to send more traffic Ken-dawgs way ;)
//www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm |
thank you both... |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 05:45:13 PM · #23 |
| BTW - the price difference is not $800, at least not anymore. B&H is selling the D300 (body) for $1,575 and the D90 for $1,000. In addition they are selling the D300 with free shipping at the moment. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 05:58:23 PM · #24 |
I took a look at the Rockwell shtos comparing the D3, D90, D300 & D200 at ISO 3200 and all otehr settings equal. He orders their noise performance (subjective) as D3, D90, D300, D200. I see why as he shows that the D300 had reduced detail in the fur of the bear more. My only question is that it is obvious that the shots are not identical. The D300 shot is framed to have less while fur in the frame which made it a little under-exposed (IMO) which may have well resulted in a bit more noise to remove by his setting of NR Normal.
The problem with these type tests are that they are can be subjective (as in Rockwells') and influenced by slight changes in exposure and the like. There are better tests out there to look at, for example DPReview. It will be interesting to see what they say after they do a full review on the D90.
In any case I just ordered the D300 mainly for the 51 point AF, faster burst speed and better viewfinder. I also already own a D200 and love the tank like build. It will now become my backup and enable me to carry a second lens mounted when needed.
Good luck in your search. |
|
|
|
09/22/2008 11:48:30 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
The problem with these type tests are that they are can be subjective (as in Rockwells') and influenced by slight changes in exposure and the like. There are better tests out there to look at, for example DPReview. It will be interesting to see what they say after they do a full review on the D90.
|
DC Resource does the best job I've seen for a thorough apples to apples comparison.
Open each of these in a separate tab and compare side by side.
d300
d90 |
|
