Nikon D200 vs D300 – are the features worth the uprade?
June 16, 2008
I have owned and handled both The Nikon D200 and the Nikon D300, both cameras are sturdy and built to take the punishment but if you ask me, the D300 has an edge and advatage in the low light category. The D300 gives cleaner and crisp photos at high ISO.. making ISO 800 and up more acceptable than that of the D200. You can finally walk around with your 85mm 1.4 and do street shooting without having to worry about the quality of photos you get knowing that the camera can handle high ISO.
Another advantage (maybe for the D2X and D3 users) is that the Nikon D300 can use the ELN4 and ELN4a and shoot with 8FPS.. giving you the advantage if you are into sports photography.
Here are some of the reasons the D300 is a good buy.
- The Self Cleaning sensor is a big help especially if you are on the road.. say good bye to visible dust on the your photos!
- 3.0″ LCD monitor (0.9Mpx), perfect for the Live View Function.
- (AF): 51 points, tracking by color, auto-focus calibration up to 20 separate settings by lens.
- 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor for bigger prints
- powerup 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, blackout 100 ms
- able to shoot 8FPS using the ELN4a Battery used on D2xs and D3 Cameras.
- ISO Performance of D300 is clean and crisp.
At the End of the Day, both cameras can deliver, its just choosing that camera that will best suit your needs. Cost is a concern for many thats why D200 being an older model, will be more affordable but if price is of no concern, the D300 is the better buy with more features.
I would even admit that the quality of the D300 can easily challenge that of the D2x at high ISO.. my D2x stays in the bag if the ISO goes higher than ISO 640 and even at 640 the quality leaves much to be desired.
Will a better camera beat the D300? definitely, time dictates that a replacement of the D300 will be coming.. will it be better? it depends what you are looking for and if the d300 can fulfill all your needs now… The next generation will probably pack more Megapixel power into the unit.. and more hitech features.
Comparison between a Nikon D80 vs D60 vs D40 – Which one should you buy?
March 4, 2008
Off hand, If someone were to ask me which camera to buy, I would suggest the following cameras for Beginners or people in the market for a new SLR.
Nikon D80 – For the Serious Hobbyist the needs the heft and bulk of the D80.
Nikon D60 – For the new kid on the block (going with new technology and features)
Nikon D40x – For the Budget and Quality conscious newbie that wants good quality photos.
Compare Nikon D80 vs D60 vs D40
Both D60 and D40 wont Autofocus with non AF-S Lenses… The D80 can focus on none AFS lenses but all units can still use Manual lenses.
The D80 is a mini D200 and the D60 seems like an upgraded D40..
For the Budget conscious the D40 wins hands down.
The Low light, high ISO winners are the D40 and the D60.
The D80 has 11 focusing points while both D40 and D60 just have 3.
The D60 is the only one that has the dust removal feature.
Only the D80 and The D60 have white balance bracketing.
The D60 has an improved LCD
The D60 has auto LCD rotation
The D60 has stop motion movie (frame rate and image size can be selected)
The D60 has active D-lighting
According to the Nikon Brochure only the D60 and D40 dSD-HC compatible -?
The D80 is the only one with grid lines on demand.
The D80 has the heft and Bulk of a camera that can be taken outdoors.
The Ergonomics on all cameras are great!
We can go on and on with the differences but I think the main differences would be for the intended use.
A major factor that people also tend to overloook is that, they need to feel and touch the camera and make sure it feels right in their hands. I have met a few photographers that have bought cameras based on specifications but once they use it, and they dont “feel” or like it… they just let it go even at a loss. The camera has to feel right in your hands. Especially if you are going to use it often.. bad ergonomics can lead to wrist or hand strain.
If I were to chose a camera from the list above, I would go for the Nikon D60.. i would place my money on Technology.. my answer is based on experience.. having used several nikon cameras already inlcluding a d70, d40, d2x, d200, d300 and even half breeds like the Fuji S1 and S2..
always remember its not the price or model of the camera that makes you good.. its your eye and talent and the camera is only a tool to capture the image. Dont be a gear head! Be a photographer!
- Check out the Comparison of the D90 vs D80 vs D60
