D80 UPGRADE TO D7000 or D300S

[TJC]

I would appreciate any help / advice from anyone as to upgrade

My main use would be for Macro work and taking photos of our local fotball team which is usually not on sunny days.
I use the Sigma ringflash for the Sigma 105 and 150Macro lenses for Macro work

The d300 (which I have on loan for a week) menu looks very complicated as against the D80but the picture quality against the D80 is superior , but the frame rate is also far superior.
The D300 feels comfy so does the D80

Can anyone offer advice,
How does anyone rate the D7000 especially shooting Raw

Any comments appreciated

TJC

[markgozz]

I have the D90 and I have no personal experience of either the D7000 or the D300s but out of all the reviews and forum posts that I have read the D300s would most deferentially be my choice , read the reviews and see how they feel in hand by trying them out in store if you can.

Highly competitive image quality at all ISO settings
Excellent high ISO performance with low noise and good levels of detail
Highly configurable Auto ISO function (can set maximum ISO and minimum shutter speed)
7 frames per second continuous shooting speed (8 with battery grip)
Makes good use of its dual media card slots
Sophisticated AF system with effective subject tracking
Excellent build quality with magnesium body and environmental sealing
Good ergonomics, well shaped and comfortable hand grip
Well-placed and configurable buttons
Menu is well organized and quick to use despite its size and the camera's complexity
Large and bright viewfinder with 100% coverage
(Relatively) quick contrast detect AF in live view
Good quality 720p video output
Easy switch between stills mode, movie mode and live view
Contrast detection available in movie mode
External microphone socket
Useful Active D-Lighting feature protects highlights as well as boosting shadows
Reliable flash exposures
Comprehensive wireless flash control
Wide range of accessories (WiFi, Battery Grip, GPS)
Good battery life
Sophisticated interval timer feature
Comprehensive software bundle
Built-in AF assist lamp

I know which one I would go for .

[greenwing]

Mark, surely the D7000 has pretty much all of the features you list, and exceeds the D300s in some areas, such as High ISO performance and 14-bit RAW shooting speed. The D7000's AF & metering systems are the first of a new generation. It has some limitations, such as the 3-step bracketing as opposed to 9 on the D300s, but I prefer the fact that its 2 user settings are easily recalled where the D300s forgets the settings when you make a change.

I had the D80. I upgraded to the D300s, but now would probably choose the D7000.

Chris

[OldBoy]

They look about the same except the D7000 is 16.2mp against the D300s 12.3 and it's better for low light.

[markgozz]

I know I may be a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to new tech but “when it comes to the AF system and focus points, the Nikon D300s has a pro-level AF sensor with 51 focus points and 15 cross-type sensors “ ideal for sports photography , a full magnesium body , excellent weather sealing , up to 8 fps ( with the battery pack ) . I'm not sure that the extra mega pixels and higher ISO would make that much difference in the real world , and don't even get me started on video capture . Less about the bells and whistles and more about the down to earth grunt for me .

[greenwing]

I suspect there's not a lot of real-world difference between 51 and 39 focus points, or 15 and 9 cross-type sensors. I think that the D400 (or whatever) and the next FX cameras will use a version of the D7000's AF system rather than the D300s system. Is 7 or 8 fps really that much better than 6, especially when the 7 or 8 becomes 2.5 when shooting the highest quality files? The ability to crop a bit more (from more pixels) and use a faster shutter (due to the higher ISO ability) might be useful for both football and macro.

Chris (Devil's Advocate)

[markgozz]

I hear what your saying Chris but I still think the D300s will give you a better platform to grow from if you want to take your photography on to higher levels , and I couldn’t possibly comment on what might be coming off the production line next but I can confidently say that which ever camera TJC goes for in the end he will not be disappointed with it . ( D300s D300s D300s ) It's your choice

[amk1977]

I agree wholeheartedly with Greenwing. The D7000 would be my choice hands down over the D300s. Although both good cameras and an improvement over the D80, the sensor in the D7000 is much better, especially for low light and its ability to handle noise, together with its improved EV when compared to the D300s, which can make all the difference in recovering blown highlights or detail in shadows from RAW files. Since TJC will be using it mainly for macro and football on often dull days, being able to push the ISO up to achieve decent shutter speeds to avoid blur, without ruining the image with noise is an essential prerequisite.

I see no point in paying £100 more for an otherwise identical camera body with an inferior sensor, which at the end of the day, is the heart of the camera. 51 AF points really aren't going to be that more advantageous over 39 (most of us use spot focus anyway) and wont make that much difference in the real world. Ok, a magnesium alloy body is nice but drop either camera and you'll most likely knacker them both.

The following link is DXOlabs comparison of all 3 camera bodies.

I currently own the D90. The only cameras I'd consider upgrading to at the moment would be the D7000, D700 or D3s. Short of a lotto win, the last two ain't happening any time soon lol.

[TJC]

Many thanks for all those who answered my enquiry
It was quite revealing as to which way different people rate their own priorities in reply to anothers.

The 300 that I had on loan was ecellent at ISO 2000 for a dull day but the lcd didnt seem to show a sharp image, I wasnt able to download to a PC as the relevant cables were not on loan.

The D80 doesnt give me much of a problem with the footy photos as I up the ISO to 800 / 1000 and set the speed to 1ooo also. If the good photos are keepers I then put them thro a noise reduction program.
I always shhot RAW

The only sticking point with the 7000 is that Ive heard of the 6fps goes down to 1 fps when shooting RAW or am I not understanding this correctly, whereas the 300s can shoot TIFF and the 7000 doesnt.
Also as I mentioned the menus onmj the 300s seem complicated and I cant get my head around some of the choices as against the simple menus on the D80, I admit the 80 is not in the same league being enthusiast only and not semi pro.

The other thing I forgot to mention is that this will be my last camera purchase as I have just been diagnosed with something you wouldnt want. Do not cry for me Argentina or feel sorry that is something I dont want or need.

I just want to make the last purchase a good one for Macro and the footy

Thanks again for all the replies
I still havnt made my mind up, but will try to get a demo on the 7000 first

Any other comments or replies with regard to the choice of camera only would still be appreciated

TJC

[greenwing]

Originally Posted by TJC

The only sticking point with the 7000 is that Ive heard of the 6fps goes down to 1 fps when shooting RAW or am I not understanding this correctly, whereas the 300s can shoot TIFF and the 7000 doesnt.

The D7000 shoots at 6fps even in RAW 14-bit mode. The buffer is not as big as the D300s though, so it will slow down sooner than the D300s. That said, the D300s can only manage 2.5fps in 14-bit RAW mode.

Yes the D300s can save TIFFs. If that is useful to you...

Chris