D200 Upgrade: Is it worth it? - DPChallenge Forums

11/28/2008 01:34:25 PM · #1

I'm contemplating moving up to the D300. I've got a D200 now and I'm fairly content and I'm sure many of the shortcomings I face are my own and not the camera's. However, I like the idea of the bigger screen and the sensor's dust removal system. I also have heard that the D300 has less of the noise issues I see in the D200. I'm know that there are DPCers who had made this upgrade and I'd like to know their thoughts on it, especially afterwards. I thank all in advance for their insight.

alanfreed

Nikon D6

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

11/28/2008 03:07:03 PM · #2

I didn't personally have a D200 before getting a D300, but I have talked to quite a few people (mainly sideline photographers at Steelers games) who have said that the upgrade was well worth it. A few people have told me that the D300's handling of low light situation was worth the upgrade on its own.

breadfan35

Nikon D3

11/28/2008 04:15:25 PM · #3

I'd say it's worth the upgrade for the LCD alone. Handling will be almost the same as the D200. If you can swing it cost wise though, get the D700 over the D300 unless you need the reach.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/28/2008 08:41:14 PM · #4

Bump for the evening crowd.

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/28/2008 08:49:09 PM · #5

the lower noise is what I have heard a number of D200 - D300 convertees preach about the most.. it is pretty impressive.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

11/28/2008 09:59:19 PM · #6

I went from a d200 to 300, but its was more that I wore out my d200 (176,326 cycles) mostly due to time-lapse so it was more a cost benefit $800 or so for a new shutter assembly or $1500 for a whole new camera. The D300 does make iso 640 & 800 a realistic option, IMO not so on the d200. I seldom go past 200, so that wasn't a big deal for me. Like others have stated the rear monitor has enough resolution for it to be a real photographic tool. But I feel I paid a lot for live view, which in my opinion has very little usefulness. The dust removal system is OK, but not as effective as Olympus cameras. One of the first things I did with my d300 was to use my bellows, something I wasn't willing to do with the d200. I had to end up cleaning the sensor with a swab, some I never did with my E1/E300.

BTW I was surprised that I had to purchase another AC adapter with the D300. The new adapter also works with my D60 (with adapter), so at least I have one less thing to carry around. Lastly I know this might not be a big deal to 99% of those out there, but I shoot alot for services that often kick back my (c) in the exif info, and now with the latest firmware with the D300 Nikon has added a proper copyright symbol. Saves me about 30 minutes a week.

robshookphoto

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

11/28/2008 10:28:39 PM · #7

I'd say definitely. The d300 has awesome upgraded autofocus and 8 fps speed with the battery grip... who cares if you don't need it? plus great noise performance and image quality. but if you can do it, the d700 makes a lot of sense feature wise - its basically the same as the d3 which is the best nikon has to offer. And if youre willing to sleep on the upgrade idea for a little longer, the d3x should come out within the month to conveniently bump the price of the d300 and the d700 down for you

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

11/28/2008 11:12:32 PM · #8

I'm leaning away from the full frame sensor at this point because my 17-55mm 2.8 is a DX lens. I'd like to wait too but i just got my bonus and it'll disappear quick. The D300 is less than $1500 at B&H...

cbeller

Nikon D300

11/28/2008 11:35:12 PM · #9

I hardly ever pull my D200 out of the bag, now that I got my D300. The difference in noise at high ISO is amazing. I can shoot ISO 800 and not even think twice about it. If you have the money to spend, I think you will be very happy.

amathiasphoto

Nikon D300

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

11/29/2008 12:06:15 AM · #10

WELL worth the upgrade- besides, the d200 makes a great backup

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

11/29/2008 01:03:52 AM · #11

Have you tried one out in person? If you do anything that requires tracking moving objects, I would recommend you try one out in person to see how different the AF is. Some links you might find useful, as well.
D200 owners who upgraded to D300
Side By Side Comparison

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

11/29/2008 11:03:25 AM · #12

Those links are great.

Anti-Martyr

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

11/29/2008 03:33:41 PM · #13

Originally posted by cbeller:

Ditto. Noise at 800 is practically nonexistent.

togtog

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/29/2008 03:36:10 PM · #14

All of you use too many words.

Short answer: Yes.

See? Easy, saves time and pixels.

breadfan35

Nikon D3

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

11/29/2008 06:09:05 PM · #15

Originally posted by neophyte:

I'm leaning away from the full frame sensor at this point because my 17-55mm 2.8 is a DX lens.

Don't let that stop you. Sell it and get the 17-35 f/2.8 to replace it. You should be able to do that and not be out much money if any at all. If you think 17 is wide on DX, wait until you see it on FX!

Or keep it. The D700 has a DX crop mode...

Message edited by author 2008-11-29 18:14:44.

Anti-Martyr

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

11/30/2008 12:14:25 AM · #16

Isn't it supposedly better to shoot DX lenses on FX mode, and then crop yourself? I've heard from a few people you get more resolution that way....

breadfan35

Nikon D3

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

11/30/2008 12:47:20 AM · #17

Originally posted by Anti-Martyr:

Isn't it supposedly better to shoot DX lenses on FX mode, and then crop yourself? I've heard from a few people you get more resolution that way....

On the new D3X it might be as good as a D200, but otherwise no. DX crop mode on the D3 and D700 yields a 5.1 megapixel image.

11/30/2008 10:12:33 AM · #18

I think I'm going to go for it... Stay tuned!