Nikon?

[jimhobson]

O.K. I'm completely fed up with Canon, their products and their reps!
I've sold all my Canon digital. I kept my Canon 1n, 27-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8 and 50mm 1.8.

I hate to switch systems again, but I feel it's necessary. I'm looking at a new D90 or D300 used (not "S"). I've been checking the specs. on the Nikon lenses but that doesn't always represent how they are in real image quality. Anyone have any suggestions? Starting with something for landscapes.

[Steve (FloppyDog)]

I'm sure either would work well. I think we have a couple of people here that shoot with a D90, I don't know about the D300. I've also been looking at the possibility of getting a D300s to replace my D200. The D200 is a great camera, but it has some noise issues at high ISO's which has caused me some problems.

[john101477]

Hey Jim, I shoot with the D90. Great little camera. Here are a few things that I have learned about the differences in cameras. First off, The D300 has a better AF system, 51 point compared to the D90's 11 point. The big advantage in this is while shooting sports or panning. The D300 also has a higher fps D300 is roughly 7 fps while the D90 shoots 4.5fps. both of those numbers go up a little with a battery grip. both cameras take the same image upto ISO 1600, after that the D300 has a slight advantage on the D90. What sets the D90 apart though is the in camera computing. The D90 is just plain smarter, more ergonomic, and some of the accessories are a little cheaper such as the wired remote shutter for $40 vs the D300 wire remote at $120. The D90 does have auto functions as well but I find that I only use these once in a while when I am having issues with lighting. There is a lot more to it than this but IMO if it is a choice between the D90 and D300, my choice would still be the D90. if it was the D300s vs D90, I would probably go with the D300s.
I might add Jim, I am unsure as to the model of canon you had, but if it was in the rebel series that is the reason I switched. you have some amazing lenses in the canon line and if it was me I would probably look into the better canon cameras. The rebels IMO are garbage. Most of the other cameras they make are pretty good.

[Steve (FloppyDog)]

Last night I went to a shop in Portland for a hot light setup and walked out with a D300s. Today, I'll take it out and stretch it's legs and see how we do.

[jimhobson]

OK, now I'm jealous! I think at this stage a 300s is overkill for me.
John:
Thanks. Probably a d90 for me.
Too long of a story for here but, I had a XTi and then an XSi. Autofocus is the one thing I need and both were terrible. I thought it was me until I checked the forums. It's wide spread. I even sent it back (the XSi) and they said they cleaned dust off the sensor. Nothing changed. I went to a Canon seminar with a Q&A with the "Canon Pros" to find out what was wrong. $40.00. There were 2 wedding photgs and a portrait photog who dominated the Q&A hour, with inconsistent auto focus, exposure problems and 580ex problems. They (Pros) blew smoke! and everyone realized it. Blaming photo shop for poor image quality?? To add insult to injury, we were to receive a FREE camera bag for attending. I figured a Canon bag. Nope, a no-name bag made for manual cameras and the inserts were sewn in backwards to boot!
I'm sure there are many good or great Canon cameras out there, but I think they have a major quality control issue going on. I think they know it too by the answers they gave at the seminar. It bothers me that other people with other Canon cameras are also having the same issues. I'm gun shy now.
Thanks for your input.
Floppy, good luck with the 300s.

[john101477]

Steve, ... lucky you man. I played with one for about 2 hours last month. The Af and shutter speed really was impressive. very nice. look forward to seein some shots with it.
Jim, you will like the D90. takes a little work getting used to the controls after a canon, but all in all it is a great little camera. light weight and well made. I was gun shy of canon as well hence the reason I switched to nikon. My only lucky break was I only had about $800 worth of glass at that point.

[Steve (FloppyDog)]

My wife has taken a shine to the D200 (which means I'll eventually lose it) so I knew I had to find a replacement for it eventually.

It took it out yesterday to the coast and am more impressed with it than expected. The 7 fps is a bit faster than the D200 at 5 fps which made it fun to play with. The big thing is getting around the noise issue the D200 had which to me is huge. Another major reason I chose it was because it (like the D200) has the PC socket for studio strobes. Also, the weatherproofing is better than the D200 because it has slip-on covers that go over the sockets that hang attached to the camera so they don't get lost. The D200 has caps which I've already lost two of them (so much for weatherproofing). One I found a replacement for, but I had to pay $10 and order it from a place in China.

[jimhobson]

When trying to decide (D90/D300) the PC socket was an issue for me also. I don't do studio work anymore so I discounted it. Nikon also has a hot shoe to PC adapter as does Wein. A D300s would be nice.