D90 vs D300s / practical advantages

[marteee]

Excuse my ignorance, I'm rather new to DSLRs (and photoradar) but I was hoping for some basic advice, please. I'm thinking of upgrading my Nikon P5000 - of which I'm very fond (I've had it since the model first came out and I'll keep it for underwater photography and digiscoping). I've been looking at both the D90 and the D300s. I can read the technical specs of both and I appreciate that the D300s is a superior camera but for someone like me, is it worth the extra expense? What are the practical benefits of the D300s over the D90? If I was to get the more expensive model would I make use of the higher specs or would it be money I could spend on an additional lens, for instance? And if I'm asking these questions in the first place, should I even be considering something like a D300s? (my thought was that i would be future proofing myself as I plan to keep the camera for at least five years). Your thoughts/comments appreciated, ta.

[chris-p]

Hi Martee, welcome to the forums

I have a D90 and I would say that probably the biggest difference between the 2 cameras is the weather proofing on the D300s. Internally tney are pretty similar. I didn't buy a D300 (the 's' model didn't exist when I bought my camera) mainly because I couldn't afford it!

As for future proofing... digital technology moves on at quite a pace and it's the camera bodies that get superceded or upgraded as the manufacturers bring out the latest sensor or processor.

Personally, unless you want/need the weather proofing of the D300s I would go for the D90 and spend more a better lens.

Decent quality lenses hold their value much more than camera bodies do and lens technology doesn't jump at anywhere near the speed that camera tech does.

For the sake of completeness I will say that the D300s has a newer AF system and a newer metering system, a faster maximum shutter speed (1/8000 while the D90 has 1/4000) and it has a faster capture rate of 7 fps. You also get 100% viewfinder coverage and the ability to save shots as TIFF files.
To be honest though, none of these really make a huge difference for me.

It really comes down to how much you want to spend and if you really want/need the weather proofing.

[OldBoy]

Chris P makes a good point but either camera will serve you well. If you are going to buy extra lenses over the next five years then the D300s might be your best choice. If you are just buying a camera and only a couple of lenses, then the D90 will do all you want. So to cut it short, it depends on what budget you have for the next five years.

[chris-p]

OB, I don't understand why the D300s is better if you're buying more lenses?! Have I missed something?!

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by chris-p

OB, I don't understand why the D300s is better if you're buying more lenses?! Have I missed something?!

I didn't want to be long winded in my reply so I said that. Assume the OP is going to invest in a few more lenses whould show that he was going to push the camera to it limit and in that case the D300s would be a wise investment. Otherwise, if he was going to just use the kit lens and possible one other then he wouldn't be using the camera that often and the D90 would be fine.

[chris-p]

Ah, fair enough.

I think it's a case of budget more than anything, as we've all said above.

[marteee]

Thanks guys - that is very helpful information. Budget is, unfortunately, a strong consideration (as I guess it is for many of us mere tax paying mortals). A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have thought twice but with a young daughter and all her needs - as well as the missus - i have to think a little more carefully now. I'm still torn... I had sort of come to the sensible decision that the D90 would more than serve my needs - and allow me to buy additional lenses sooner - but as a biologist and diver I often find myself either at water's edge or just plain getting down and dirty in the mud - so maybe the D300s would better suit. (or am I just making excuses to get the higher spec model...). I take it that other than the warranty issues, there's no real difference between US and UK models?

[zenmer]

Ok I'm going to throw another thought into the equation !!!!
How much do you know about photography ? (not wishing to sound rude here)

The D300s does not have dial modes so you have to set the picture for yourself, exposure?shutter speed etc. So you need to understand how these things effect the end result. The D90 does have the mode dial. Not sure if the D300s has dual card slots but if not it will take CF cards, whereas the D90 takes SD cards
| would suggest that you pop into a local camera shop and try them both out to see which suits your needs best

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by marteee

Thanks guys - that is very helpful information. Budget is, unfortunately, a strong consideration (as I guess it is for many of us mere tax paying mortals). A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have thought twice but with a young daughter and all her needs - as well as the missus - i have to think a little more carefully now. I'm still torn... I had sort of come to the sensible decision that the D90 would more than serve my needs - and allow me to buy additional lenses sooner - but as a biologist and diver I often find myself either at water's edge or just plain getting down and dirty in the mud - so maybe the D300s would better suit. (or am I just making excuses to get the higher spec model...). I take it that other than the warranty issues, there's no real difference between US and UK models?

If weathersealing is important then it's the D300s. The D300s is a duel slot taking a compact flash in one and SDHC in the other.

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by marteee

...but as a biologist and diver I often find myself either at water's edge or just plain getting down and dirty in the mud...

Me too. And I still have my D90, which has never fallen in the sea or been damaged in my lab. A decent bag and a bit of care and it'll be fine. In fact you could buy a D90 spend money on a good waterproof bag (there is even the Lowepro Dryzone which has a bit in it made like a drysuit and is completely watertight) and save the rest!

As an aside... dare I ask what sort of biologist?