d90 or d300?

AHarvey · 12 Jul 2009 at 15:49

Hi all,

Anyone got any experience with these cameras?

I am wanted to upgrade from my D60 and these are going for similar prices second hand, although I am stuck on deciding which one to go for.

The D90 is newer so has newer tech but the D300 is more weather proof and as I would like to get into wildlife photography it is looking like the more attractive camera.

I was hoping people here have experience with them and can point out the obvious pros and cons of each one!

Mud · 12 Jul 2009 at 15:59

I don't think you'll find many people who've owned both because -as you say- they're not horrifically dissimilar, and further, since the D300 is older D300->D90 is an unlikely move. I've got a D90 and am considering which of the successors to the D300 and D700 to upgrade to. My reasons for upgrading from the D90 are better autofocus and quicker framerates, and that's about it. Neither are bad on the D90, so it's really not a pressing issue. The sensor on the D90 is incredible and affords you about 12EV at ISO200, which never ceases to blow me away even when pixel-peeping.

For similar pricing I'd say get the D300 as it's obviously the more professional camera, but I question whether that's accurate. I'd have thought 2nd hand D300 vs. new D90 was likely closer in price, though admittedly I'm not looking for either at the moment.

greywolf · 12 Jul 2009 at 17:03

I went for a D90 over a D300 for the simple fact that its cheaper and that the money saved would go towards a better lens which I though was more important than having a D300 coupled with a cheaper lens.

Snapshot · 12 Jul 2009 at 17:55

There's also a considerable difference in weight, says a D90 owner.

this_is_gav · 12 Jul 2009 at 22:12

I do a bit of sports photography, so I went for the D300 (6 fps, 8 with the grip, vs 4.5fps). I also needed radio studio flash ability, and I don't think the D90 supports this, only firing wirelessly from a hotshoe-mounted flash (or infra-red controller) or from the pop-up flash (urgh).

I liked the weight of the D300 too - it balances better when pared with better glass - but weight and feel are very much a subjective matter.

If the lower FPS or relative inflexibility of flash doesn't bother you (you do still get the ability to control off-camera flash via the excellent Nikon wireless system), I'd have gone for the D90. I'm constantly considering one as a 2nd body (to replace my D40x, as good as it is...).