5 replies to this topic

[alternative minds]

Is trading a canon t3i for a Nikon d300 a good deal? I know this is a Nikon forum but please give your unbiased opinion.

[Afterimage]

Snapsort says the Nikon D300 is the better camera:

http://snapsort.com/...i-vs-Nikon_D300

 

DxOMark gives a similar story:

Canon EOS Rebel T3i, EOS 600D vs Nikon D300 vsCanon EOS Rebel T3i, EOS 600D vs Nikon D300 vs

 

All that being said the D300 is like 6 years old at this point. It's a fine camera, still highly regarded even to this day but just "how used" is that D300? If it has a low shutter count it might be a nice swap. The D300 was a higher end body than the entry level Rebels ever were, more like a "pro-level DX body" vs. and "entry level beginner's camera". I suspect their IQ performance will be similar despite the D300's age but the D300 will likely have a better range of features (FPS for example).

 

In short... hard call. It would all come down to the condition of the D300. 

 

In the spirit of full disclosure I have never used nor handled either of those cameras and hesitate to make any kind of recommendation

[Merco_61]

I would say that it depends... The D300 is two canon generations older and does not do movie recordings. Most D300 owners have used them quite a bit.

The D300 was competing against the EOS 40D and 50D and has very much better ergonomics than any Rebel.

 

A D300s on the other hand is very much upgraded, and when they came out the cool thing to have was a Nikon again so there were quite a lot of them bought by doctors, dentists and lawyers who baby their toys and don't use them as much as the shutterbug does. This is said with tongue firmly planted in cheek, but they *are* easier than the predecessor to find with low shutter counts.

[alternative minds]

Thanks for your input. I ask because I currently shoot with the t3i as well as a d200. I saw on Craigslist someone selling the D300 w/3 lenses...3 lenses that I don't own. They're selling it because they said it was more camera then they needed. I figured my not offer to trade my entry level Rebel for the more professional D300. I would also be adding to my lens collection. While I do like the video on the t3i I don't really use it...I'm guessing if the 300 is in good shape it'll be a good trade

[Merco_61]

Thanks for your input. I ask because I currently shoot with the t3i as well as a d200. I saw on Craigslist someone selling the D300 w/3 lenses...3 lenses that I don't own. They're selling it because they said it was more camera then they needed. I figured my not offer to trade my entry level Rebel for the more professional D300. I would also be adding to my lens collection. While I do like the video on the t3i I don't really use it...I'm guessing if the 300 is in good shape it'll be a good trade

Then it seems to be a good deal for you. When checking the D300 out don't forget to look for swelling rubber on the grip, they are a bit sensitive to being stored in warm or high-ozone environments. Good luck.

/Peter

[alternative minds]

Will do, thanks!