Jason Ostoforov
Active member
I recently picked up a D700 to replace my D300 about a month ago and haven't really had a chance to put it to the test (crummy weather). Prior to my D300 I had a D70s and D80.
Coming from D40/60/70/80 the D300 is a huge jump up in IQ and features IMHO. I liked the the D80 but when I got the D300 I couldn't put it down it was a pleasure to use.
Going to from a D300 to D700 I would say the differences in upgrading not as drastic as mentioned above but still I a slight improvement. My main motivation for switching was getting a FX sensor as I mainly shot landscapes and having the extra wideness is great. I have not used the Tokina 11-16 but should be a more than capable lens on a DX sensor. To be honest you will be hard pressed to see any difference is IQ between the D300 and D700 except for better ISO performance on the D700.
I must be honest, prior to deciding to get the D700 I got my hands on the Canon 5D Mk2...and I must say I was blown away with its capability. For example I was able to read 12 inch text (crystal clear) on our courthouse which was about a mile (1.5 km) away, whereas the D700 all you get is some contrasty areas which is hard to even decipher as being text in the first place. I am a Nikon guy at heart, I think the D700 is more well rounded camera than the 5D Mk2...but may be an option for you?
If you are willing to consider the 5D Mk2 here are a few of my reasons why I didn't get it: AF system is dreary...extremely hard time to locking on to things (compared to Nikon, but when it did was very accurate and fast), build quality questionable (in my hand the CF door would creak and if you gripped the handle hard it didn't feel all that rigid), Menu system somewhat difficult to use (time would fix this likely, but a lot of features are hidden in menus, whereas Nikon has buttons on the body to adjust almost every conceivable thing you use on a regular basis), ergonomics where good but handle has to small for my hand (holding it for a few minutes hand would cramp up). Those are the main ones anyways
I do regret selling my D300 for the D700, only because I couldn't wait for Nikon's rival to the 5D Mk2 (D700x/D800) as I have two spectacular trips coming up and needed a camera ASAP. In your case I don't think the extra $1500.00 or so is worth upgrading to D700...I would suggest in getting some nice glass (14-24 F2.8) comes to mind...till then practice on the D300 for 6 months or so (sell it..I sold mine for about $200.00 less than I paid for it)...get the D700x/D800 and then you will ultimate resolution (more MP for enlarging pics) with likely the best landscape lens to date (compatible on both DX and FX bodies).
My two bits worth!
J
Coming from D40/60/70/80 the D300 is a huge jump up in IQ and features IMHO. I liked the the D80 but when I got the D300 I couldn't put it down it was a pleasure to use.
Going to from a D300 to D700 I would say the differences in upgrading not as drastic as mentioned above but still I a slight improvement. My main motivation for switching was getting a FX sensor as I mainly shot landscapes and having the extra wideness is great. I have not used the Tokina 11-16 but should be a more than capable lens on a DX sensor. To be honest you will be hard pressed to see any difference is IQ between the D300 and D700 except for better ISO performance on the D700.
I must be honest, prior to deciding to get the D700 I got my hands on the Canon 5D Mk2...and I must say I was blown away with its capability. For example I was able to read 12 inch text (crystal clear) on our courthouse which was about a mile (1.5 km) away, whereas the D700 all you get is some contrasty areas which is hard to even decipher as being text in the first place. I am a Nikon guy at heart, I think the D700 is more well rounded camera than the 5D Mk2...but may be an option for you?
If you are willing to consider the 5D Mk2 here are a few of my reasons why I didn't get it: AF system is dreary...extremely hard time to locking on to things (compared to Nikon, but when it did was very accurate and fast), build quality questionable (in my hand the CF door would creak and if you gripped the handle hard it didn't feel all that rigid), Menu system somewhat difficult to use (time would fix this likely, but a lot of features are hidden in menus, whereas Nikon has buttons on the body to adjust almost every conceivable thing you use on a regular basis), ergonomics where good but handle has to small for my hand (holding it for a few minutes hand would cramp up). Those are the main ones anyways
I do regret selling my D300 for the D700, only because I couldn't wait for Nikon's rival to the 5D Mk2 (D700x/D800) as I have two spectacular trips coming up and needed a camera ASAP. In your case I don't think the extra $1500.00 or so is worth upgrading to D700...I would suggest in getting some nice glass (14-24 F2.8) comes to mind...till then practice on the D300 for 6 months or so (sell it..I sold mine for about $200.00 less than I paid for it)...get the D700x/D800 and then you will ultimate resolution (more MP for enlarging pics) with likely the best landscape lens to date (compatible on both DX and FX bodies).
My two bits worth!
J
