9 replies to this topic

[Stas]

Hi guys. I want to change my camera. Now I have D200. I want to change it for D7000 or D300, but I can't make my choise. Help me please.

 

What camera like you? Why? Thank you.

[iNYONi]

Hi Stas, I recently went from D3100 to D7100. My Brother has the D7000. I havent used the D300 so cant comment on that one. I'm sure the D7000 however will be a fantastic purchase for you. It's a great camera, lots of features and produces fantastic shots..

[Merco_61]

Not an easy choice to make... The D7000 is a good camera but the D300 has *much* better ergonomics and the 12 MP files is not a great handicap since they are quite clean up to ISO 1250 and usable up to ISO 3200 with some denoising. They can be printed pretty large. I feel handicapped using the prosumer cameras, but that can be because I have got used to having the buttons on the small pro cameras available. Upgrading from the D200 to the D300 or D300s is much easier than to the D7x00 or the D6x0 because the ergonomics and menu system are so similar. If you like to crop or if you need really high ISO, the D7000 is better.

 

/Peter

[K-9]

The D300 is larger and built like the D700, so if you like a chunkier body, go for that.  For most other aspects, the newer D7000 is the way to go as most of the specs are better.  Watch out as some early D7000 bodies had issues with the autofocus.  Either way, be careful buying used.

[Stas]

So did I understand wright? D7000 wins in functionality and d300 wins in ergonomics?

[iNYONi]

Nikon D300 Specs,

• 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
• ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
• Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
• Custom image parameters
• Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• Buttons sealed against moisture

Nikon D7000 Specs

• 16.2MP CMOS sensor
• 1080p HD video recording with mic jack for external microphone
• ISO 100-6400 (plus H1 and H2 equivalent to ISO 12,800/25,600)
• 39-point AF system with 3D tracking
• New 2016 pixel metering sensor
• Scene Recognition System (see 2016 pixel sensor, above) aids WB/metering + focus accuracy
• Twin SD card slots
• 3.0 inch 921k dot LCD screen
• Live View/movie shooting switch
• Full-time AF in Live View/movie modes
• HDMI HD video output
• Up to 6fps continuous shooting
• Lockable drive mode dial
• Built-in intervalometer
• Electronic virtual horizon
• Shutter tested to 150K actuations

If it was me, I'd go for the D7000, I think it has much better features

[Merco_61]

The D7000 is more modern, but try to borrow or rent one for a day or half a day to see if you can stand the controls after being used to a D200.

[Stas]

I don't think that ergonomics will be a big problem. I know that I will need some time to studie it. But often I saw the phrases on forums like: "D300 is higher class camera, that's why it is better". I studied all characteristics of both camera and I think that d7000 is better. So why people wrote that d300 is better? Maybe I missed or didn't understand something?

[Merco_61]

The D300 is more robust, better watersealed, has a larger grip and it has assignable buttons so that you can have af-on, FEL, DOF preview and temporary spot-metering available without going into the menus to change settings. That is what makes it part of the pro class. Prior to the D7000 the prosumer bodies had shutters rated for only 100000 actuations, something that some who write on forums have not noticed has changed.

The D300 was contemporary to the D90, and many think of the D7000 as just a newer D90. The D7000 has inherited as much from the D300 as from the D90 so the gap is *much* smaller

[Chrisf]

Both have some similar features,but what gives my vote to the 7k is user friendliness.