I have enjoyed reading the forms for a few months. i've done a lot of research and I have decided to go with the D80 or D300, the D300 is the camera I really want but I'm just concerned not knowing how to shoot manually. Will the D300 be to difficult to learn since it will be all trial and error? I'm also thinging of the 18-135 or 18-200 VR lense. I will be shooting pictures mainly of weddings, sporting events and family gatherings. I have been taking pictures for many years but only with film SLR and then point and shoot cameras. I am ready to jump in and have fun with the big league. Any professional advice would be highly appreciated.
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D300 For Beginners
- Thread starter MILT931
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Joe Marques
Veteran Member
If you read Peterson's book Understanding Exposure and truly understand the basics of manually controlling exposure in varying circumstances then you will have no trouble operating the D300. It was how I learned to shoot unforgiving slide film with my Nikon N90 and only had a handful of blown exposures out of 720 (20 rolls of 36 exp film) images on a trip to Yosemite, Carmel and San Francisco 10 years ago.
The challenge with the D300 is really getting it set for your preferences - extensive choices (which can evolve over time - the default settings are fine).
Joe
The challenge with the D300 is really getting it set for your preferences - extensive choices (which can evolve over time - the default settings are fine).
Joe
The D300 has a programmed auto mode you can use. It requires little understand of the camera to take great pictures in this mode, my 7 year old daughter takes some great pictures in this mode. No reason not to get the D300.
Also the D300 takes a better jpeg right out of the camera then say the D200, that tends to need a little bit more PP. So the D300 would be a great camera for beginners.
Also the D300 takes a better jpeg right out of the camera then say the D200, that tends to need a little bit more PP. So the D300 would be a great camera for beginners.
AllOtherNamesTaken
Senior Member
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I'm of the opinion that if you buy a D300, you will be excited about it, you will play with it a lot, do lots of reading on these forums & the manual, etc. etc.. I think you will get to know your way around it much faster than you might think. Get the D300 and you won't regret it. If you buy the D80, you will just want a D300 shortly after.
Mark
Mark
nico3d
Leading Member
it can be really abrupt to start with a D300 especially since you are saying you dont know how to shoot manual.
My bet is that you'll be more comfortable with something more user friendly for starters and then, when confident enough make the leap forward.
D300 may be frustrating and even disappointing if you dont know much.
I made the leap from my D50, a camera I had for two years and knew it to bits and found the leap really really difficult the first 2 months. Now i m getting to tame it and every day I love my D300 more and more. I could've never started with this beast before something like the D50 though.
maybe you can wait until D90 comes out.
good luck !
My bet is that you'll be more comfortable with something more user friendly for starters and then, when confident enough make the leap forward.
D300 may be frustrating and even disappointing if you dont know much.
I made the leap from my D50, a camera I had for two years and knew it to bits and found the leap really really difficult the first 2 months. Now i m getting to tame it and every day I love my D300 more and more. I could've never started with this beast before something like the D50 though.
maybe you can wait until D90 comes out.
good luck !
I'm not a professional, however the D300 is my first DSLR after shooting an Olympus OM-2n film camera for many years. I do not regret for a minute getting the camera. I also picked up the 18-200 as a general purpose walk-about lens and have the 24-70 also. Check out the just posted review of the 18-200.
RonHrl
Senior Member
Analysis. As I mentioned at the outset, the Nikon D300 is not a digital SLR camera for those who just want to dabble in photography. Neither is it for those who just like having the latest, coolest-looking camera hanging around their neck. Tyros need not apply. Seriously, snapshooters should steer clear. I hate to put it that way, but it's the truth. You can lock it in program and get good shots much of the time, but the Nikon D300 will do the equivalent of bucking you to the dirt if you mess with it without checking the manual to understand what you're doing. However, if you're willing to take the time to learn, just as I said about the D200, the Nikon D300 will be a faithful, eager, and ingenious servant to your photographic endeavors. It won't just serve you, it will teach you. I'm not talking about help menus, I'm talking about image results.
From another review: The D300 is a complex camera with numerous options and custom setting possibilities. The behaviors for various settings and AF modes will also take some time to fully master. Therefore, the D300 is not a camera for casual photographers who prefer a few simple beginner scene modes rather than the need to customize a complex camera. For those consumers, the user-friendly Nikon D80, $1000 (review), and Nikon D40x, 18-55mm kit, $749 (review), DSLRs are more appropriate
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Ron
CP 5700, D70, D300
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl
Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts. --Bernard Baruch
From another review: The D300 is a complex camera with numerous options and custom setting possibilities. The behaviors for various settings and AF modes will also take some time to fully master. Therefore, the D300 is not a camera for casual photographers who prefer a few simple beginner scene modes rather than the need to customize a complex camera. For those consumers, the user-friendly Nikon D80, $1000 (review), and Nikon D40x, 18-55mm kit, $749 (review), DSLRs are more appropriate
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Ron
CP 5700, D70, D300
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl
Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts. --Bernard Baruch
I disagree
My 7 year old daughter played with the D300 a few weeks ago, had the camera (a friends) for the weekend.
She was able to take better pictures with the D300 then she is able to take with my D80 in program mode.. The auto focus is that good on the camera.
It’s actually a good camera for someone who knows very little about photography to use. I could question the cost value for the camera if you are not going to use all the function but it’s not hard to use.
You can always grow into the camera from there
So, it's an easy camera for a 7 year old, need I say more?
My 7 year old daughter played with the D300 a few weeks ago, had the camera (a friends) for the weekend.
She was able to take better pictures with the D300 then she is able to take with my D80 in program mode.. The auto focus is that good on the camera.
It’s actually a good camera for someone who knows very little about photography to use. I could question the cost value for the camera if you are not going to use all the function but it’s not hard to use.
You can always grow into the camera from there
So, it's an easy camera for a 7 year old, need I say more?
Keko379841
Forum Enthusiast
Come on guys, the D300 is almost a professional tool!
My question would rather be, is it worth spending that much money on a 1st camera.
My approach would be to get a starter kit and progress from there.
Another point to consider is how proficient you're with technology, the D300 is the most complex DSLR yet...
Of course, you can use ANY camera as a P&S and get good results.
And if money is no concern, just go for a D3 it's a better camera and will give you better results than the D300.
--
Humans fear time, yet time fears photography...
My question would rather be, is it worth spending that much money on a 1st camera.
My approach would be to get a starter kit and progress from there.
Another point to consider is how proficient you're with technology, the D300 is the most complex DSLR yet...
Of course, you can use ANY camera as a P&S and get good results.
And if money is no concern, just go for a D3 it's a better camera and will give you better results than the D300.
--
Humans fear time, yet time fears photography...
Eric Richard
Well-known member
I agree, get the D300, and use P mode until you get a handle on the other modes. Otherwise, I think you will regret the d80 if your heart is with the d300. You'll be able to grow more with the D300 in the long run. Enjoy!
Eric
Eric
Eric Richard
Well-known member
If your VCR/DVD player is still blinking 12:00am then maybe the D300 is too technical. If you can read, then review the manual and grow into the D300.... its not that difficult.
Eric
Eric
, the D3 would be too big for my 7 year old daughter to hold comfortably. She would get better results with the D300.
All kidding aside, if you read the post the OP is looking to get a D80 or D300, but feels he will not be able to handle the camera because he does not shoot manually. He wants to use it for wedding, sports events and family gatherings.
I see no reason for him to feel the need to get the D80 over the D300 because of that. He says he likes the D300 it is the camera he really wants.
He will not be any better off with the D80 over the D300 if the D300 is what he wants.
I already siad it might not be the best value if he does not use the extra bells the D300 has.
All kidding aside, if you read the post the OP is looking to get a D80 or D300, but feels he will not be able to handle the camera because he does not shoot manually. He wants to use it for wedding, sports events and family gatherings.
I see no reason for him to feel the need to get the D80 over the D300 because of that. He says he likes the D300 it is the camera he really wants.
He will not be any better off with the D80 over the D300 if the D300 is what he wants.
I already siad it might not be the best value if he does not use the extra bells the D300 has.
I think you should consider your budget also.....
The D300 is much more expensive. After the D300, you will want a good external flash, better lenses (2.8 lenses which cost over $1,000 each, the 18-200 isn't a great lens), and many other add ons.
Aside of that, the D300 is by no means an camera for a beginner. It has taken me 3 months just to grasp how to take photos with the D300. There are some huge advantages such as 7 frames per second, better auto focus and better colors etc.
But for $400 you can get the incredible D40 which in P mode, can give you amazing results with the stock 18-55mm lens.
So do you want to spend $400 or $4000?
You can get the same results out of both cameras. Remember, the camera will not maketh your photos better, the camerman willeth.
The D300 is much more expensive. After the D300, you will want a good external flash, better lenses (2.8 lenses which cost over $1,000 each, the 18-200 isn't a great lens), and many other add ons.
Aside of that, the D300 is by no means an camera for a beginner. It has taken me 3 months just to grasp how to take photos with the D300. There are some huge advantages such as 7 frames per second, better auto focus and better colors etc.
But for $400 you can get the incredible D40 which in P mode, can give you amazing results with the stock 18-55mm lens.
So do you want to spend $400 or $4000?
You can get the same results out of both cameras. Remember, the camera will not maketh your photos better, the camerman willeth.
My VCR blinks and my 15 year old son has to show me how to use my cell phone and the various remotes hanging around our house. However, I love my d300. I just don't care about the rest of the stuff. I am an a IT Manager and don't want to mess with a lot things like blinking time when I get home.
Besides it makes the living room look like an airport at night. Cool... LOL
Besides it makes the living room look like an airport at night. Cool... LOL
DLondon wrote:
"Aside of that, the D300 is by no means an camera for a beginner. It has taken me 3 months just to grasp how to take photos with the D300."
If it takes 3 month for you to just grasp how to take photos.
Maby its to "PRO" for you
DLondon wrote:
"Remember, the camera will not maketh your photos better, the camerman willeth."
Not true ! If you want to take high iso shots its not true... even if you are the best !
Not every one shots in a studio, or daylight.
(And yes the pro will do better with the same camera!).
There is nothing wrong in having a D300 even if you dont understand M-mode.
I dont belive that everyone ho got it can handle M-mode ! ?
"Aside of that, the D300 is by no means an camera for a beginner. It has taken me 3 months just to grasp how to take photos with the D300."
If it takes 3 month for you to just grasp how to take photos.
Maby its to "PRO" for you
DLondon wrote:
"Remember, the camera will not maketh your photos better, the camerman willeth."
Not true ! If you want to take high iso shots its not true... even if you are the best !
Not every one shots in a studio, or daylight.
(And yes the pro will do better with the same camera!).
There is nothing wrong in having a D300 even if you dont understand M-mode.
I dont belive that everyone ho got it can handle M-mode ! ?
Michael Firstlight
Veteran Member
Hummm, I duno, maybe you want to step up a notch to a Hassleblad HD3 II instead? Just kidding.
Actually, if you are serious about learning a DSLR, yeah, I’d go for a D300 if cost isn’t an issue for you; I don’t buy into the notion that another DSLR will be easier to learn. You can start by using it in Program Automatic mode then go from there.
My wife is new to it as well – she’s only ever had a point and shoot upto this week. I just bought her a Canon 40D (she’s Duke, I’m UNC – get the picture?). To get her started I showed her how to set ISO (she’s using auto ISO at first), setting white balance (she’s using Auto WB first), how to pick the metering mode (she’s using matrix), how to set the operating mode (she’s using Program Auto mode at first). In about 15 minutes she was shooting and learning more features on her own - I think I opened pandora's box as she's asking me about color temp now.
All you have to do is read the manual (what a concept!) or even better - get a full color guide to the D300 at Amazon (easier to read). Its not rocket science. Now, to get the most out of the camera, you need to read and experiment. If you are the type to do that, the D300 is a good choice and you’ll grow with it; if however, you are the type not to research, read and experiment or will just stop at automatic mode, go for a good point and shoot and save your money.
Mike
Actually, if you are serious about learning a DSLR, yeah, I’d go for a D300 if cost isn’t an issue for you; I don’t buy into the notion that another DSLR will be easier to learn. You can start by using it in Program Automatic mode then go from there.
My wife is new to it as well – she’s only ever had a point and shoot upto this week. I just bought her a Canon 40D (she’s Duke, I’m UNC – get the picture?). To get her started I showed her how to set ISO (she’s using auto ISO at first), setting white balance (she’s using Auto WB first), how to pick the metering mode (she’s using matrix), how to set the operating mode (she’s using Program Auto mode at first). In about 15 minutes she was shooting and learning more features on her own - I think I opened pandora's box as she's asking me about color temp now.
All you have to do is read the manual (what a concept!) or even better - get a full color guide to the D300 at Amazon (easier to read). Its not rocket science. Now, to get the most out of the camera, you need to read and experiment. If you are the type to do that, the D300 is a good choice and you’ll grow with it; if however, you are the type not to research, read and experiment or will just stop at automatic mode, go for a good point and shoot and save your money.
Mike
I'm certainly no professional--
When I got my D70 several years ago, I started out in Auto and after I got comfortable with the buttons/switches I needed to use, I read up on Aperture and shutter priority, and started experimenting with them. The more I experimented, the more I learned, and wanted to learn. Now I like shooting in Manual when I want even more control.
With the D300, P mode is similar to 'Auto' on the D70 and the aperture, shutter and manual modes are exactly the same. There's certainly more things to play with on the D300, but the cool part is you don't need to become proficient at all of them before taking pictures. You can take it as slowly or as quickly as you want. You can let the camera help, or you can do things on your own.
I had briefly considered the D80 before getting the D300, but once I got the D300, I in no way regret the decision. If you can afford the D300, I would certainly give it some serious consideration.
One plus for me is that the D300 is certainly a much better camera than I am a photographer. The fun part will be using it to improve my skills/knowledge and narrow that gap.
Best of luck with your decision.
Regards,
Mike
When I got my D70 several years ago, I started out in Auto and after I got comfortable with the buttons/switches I needed to use, I read up on Aperture and shutter priority, and started experimenting with them. The more I experimented, the more I learned, and wanted to learn. Now I like shooting in Manual when I want even more control.
With the D300, P mode is similar to 'Auto' on the D70 and the aperture, shutter and manual modes are exactly the same. There's certainly more things to play with on the D300, but the cool part is you don't need to become proficient at all of them before taking pictures. You can take it as slowly or as quickly as you want. You can let the camera help, or you can do things on your own.
I had briefly considered the D80 before getting the D300, but once I got the D300, I in no way regret the decision. If you can afford the D300, I would certainly give it some serious consideration.
One plus for me is that the D300 is certainly a much better camera than I am a photographer. The fun part will be using it to improve my skills/knowledge and narrow that gap.
Best of luck with your decision.
Regards,
Mike
Thanks for everyone's help on helping me decide on a D80 or D300, I'm the type of person that likes a challenge, I will probably go with the D300. It's nice to know there are good knowledgable people on this form that is willing to give good constructive advice. Hope to be make my purchase soon. Thanks again.
Milt
Milt
choinga
Forum Enthusiast
Just get the D300...you know you want it!!!
In all seriousness, I had the D80 for a year and then bought the D300 - love both camera's. I think if you get the D300 your desire to consume information will be much greater than with a D80 that you can slap on "Green Auto Mode" and start shooting away. My little sister was so impressed with my D80 that her husband bought her one for her b-day and I honestly don't think she's ever had it on anything but "A" (kinda sad, actually...but she gets some great pics).
So, if you just want a DSLR but crave an "Auto" mode - then the D80 is your camera. As stated though, the 300 as a "P" mode that handles some of the heavy lifting for you - provided the light is good - when you get in a low light situation and need to make some 'manual' adjustments the "P" mode won't help you out that much.
So, if you are like me and many others on this forum and have a strong desire to learn this stuff to the best of your ability with the time you have to spend on it - then go with the 300. Trust me, you won't be sorry. the 300 is an amazing body and I just leave it sitting on my desk so that I can pick it up and play with during the day when I have a few minutes here and there.
You'll take beautiful pictures with either camera - but if the $$ isn't an object and you are willing to spend even more on glass (whatever you do - don't spend all your $$ on the 300 then go with a cheap kit lens) then you will be a very happy camper.
I try not to think that my primary rig (A D300 w/MDB10 grip + 70-200mm VR + SB-600) is $4000 worth of stuff hanging around my neck, but damn...I sure take some nice pictures with it!!!
So - GO BUY THE D300!!! (I'll go ahead and pimp Cameta here as well - I've bought both my Nikon bodies and a few other pieces of gear from them - great experience, only sell USA gear, will continue to do business with them - don't go surfing on the web for the cheapest 300 body - you'll end up with something that you might not be very happy with)
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-Ken
Nikon D300 / D80
In all seriousness, I had the D80 for a year and then bought the D300 - love both camera's. I think if you get the D300 your desire to consume information will be much greater than with a D80 that you can slap on "Green Auto Mode" and start shooting away. My little sister was so impressed with my D80 that her husband bought her one for her b-day and I honestly don't think she's ever had it on anything but "A" (kinda sad, actually...but she gets some great pics).
So, if you just want a DSLR but crave an "Auto" mode - then the D80 is your camera. As stated though, the 300 as a "P" mode that handles some of the heavy lifting for you - provided the light is good - when you get in a low light situation and need to make some 'manual' adjustments the "P" mode won't help you out that much.
So, if you are like me and many others on this forum and have a strong desire to learn this stuff to the best of your ability with the time you have to spend on it - then go with the 300. Trust me, you won't be sorry. the 300 is an amazing body and I just leave it sitting on my desk so that I can pick it up and play with during the day when I have a few minutes here and there.
You'll take beautiful pictures with either camera - but if the $$ isn't an object and you are willing to spend even more on glass (whatever you do - don't spend all your $$ on the 300 then go with a cheap kit lens) then you will be a very happy camper.
I try not to think that my primary rig (A D300 w/MDB10 grip + 70-200mm VR + SB-600) is $4000 worth of stuff hanging around my neck, but damn...I sure take some nice pictures with it!!!
So - GO BUY THE D300!!! (I'll go ahead and pimp Cameta here as well - I've bought both my Nikon bodies and a few other pieces of gear from them - great experience, only sell USA gear, will continue to do business with them - don't go surfing on the web for the cheapest 300 body - you'll end up with something that you might not be very happy with)
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-Ken
Nikon D300 / D80
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