Recommend D300 for first time DSLR user?

[digitalj]

Hello all,

I have been reading this forum everyday for several months now and have really enjoyed what people have to say. I want to tell you about what kind of photography I do and see if you would recommend a D300 as my first slr.

I have only owned 1 digital camera in the past and that was a Canon Elph S230 3 megapixel camera. I wanted to give that camera to my wife's mother as a gift because she wants nothing more than a 3 or 4 megapixel camera but can't afford a new one. I started to research another camera purchase and was led to this forum. I have 2 kids now, a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 month old. I would like to do a lot of indoor photography, macro shots, and outdoor photography. I guess I am looking for a camera that is quick and does well in not-so-great shooting environments. At first I started to think that I would like something small so I bought the Canon G9 but returned it 2 days ago. I couldn't seem to hold it without shaking and I wasn't too impressed with the shots indoors even with the onboard flash. I was able to get decent macro shots but couldn't seem to get good results with shooting non-macro shots. The more and more reading I do it appears that a slr may be my best way to go. Part of me is wondering if I would actually use a slr as often as I would with a p&s because of the size.

Have any of you gone from a p&s to a slr for the first time and found that you use the slr as much or even more than you did with a p&s? If so, how would you feel about me moving to the D300 as my first slr? The reason I am thinking of the D300 is because:

1. I want to buy a slr and feel that I will be happy with it for a very long time.

2. I don't want to buy somthing like a D40 or D40x because they are too small for my hands. I like the grip on something like the D80 or the D200-D300. I can hold onto them better.

3. I like all the improvements on the D300 like the 51pt af system, CMOS sensor, Live View, nice LCD, etc. If I buy somthing like the D200, I will wish I bought the D300.

4. If I buy something like the D80, I will wonder if I should have just spent a little more and gone with the D200 or D300 and will wonder if I would have been happier with the nicer more featured models.

5. At the current moment, I don't need to shoot fast paced images like sports or what not, but in the not too distant future, I can see myself needing a camera for these types of settings.

However, how many of you actually use your slr for occasions like dinner parties, birthday parties, holidays, etc? Do you use your slr for the "everyday" occasions, or is it just sitting in your bag for "the special occasions" like weddings, etc. The slr would be my one and only camer for now until later when I could get a nice p&s to go along with it. I am a college student who is getting more and more interested in photography and would like to purchase a camera that does well in most shooting environments. Please offer some advice as to whether a D300 would be a good camera to go with for the type of shooting that I want to do and understanding that I don't really want to purchase an "outdated" camera if you could afford something newer and nicer.

I want to wish everyone a happy new year and to have fun shooting. Be safe whatever it is that you are going to do tonight.

 

[brian surguine]

I think a D300 would be a little too much for dinner parties, birthdays, etc.. It's a fully professional camera, and there are buttons everywhere and settings that you always have to be careful of before you shoot. I own a D40 and I picked up a D300 today - and I loved it - but I'm not sure right now if I have reason to buy it. Yes, it's a nice camera, but something like a D80 would be simpler to operate on more casual occasions.

I'm trying to convince myself that I should only get the D300 if I get paid for my photography work - but it's hard. I strongly suggest picking it up and trying it out to see if you're comfortable with it.

brian

 

[digitalj]

also, I would like to post that I am fine having a learning curviture with a new camera; especially moving from a basic p&s to a slr. I plan on reading the manual and testing it a lot to get the photos just right. I just wanted to throw that in so that you would know that I understand there would be a learning curve.

 

[agileimages]

You listed all of the reasons there to get one. And there are no more fast paced events/subjects than 2 kids. Trust me, I have them and the fast shooting of the D300, or any dSLR for that matter makes it worth having. If you've budgeted for it, go for it. I'll be the first enabler you'll meet here at this forum. My wife is no "photographer" but she feels comfy picking up the D300 or D200 we have and firing shots of our son.

Enjoy your new D300. I sure enjoy mine.

--
You Pay for What You Get - DMB

 

[digitalj]

Brian,

That is a good point. I am really looking for an all around use camera. I talk to a photographer who took my wedding photos up in Washington state a lot. He honestly feels that if I am going to buy a slr, he would personally go with a D200 (which he has) or a D300. He feels that I would be much happier with what the D200 and D300 has to offer. I was also wondering myself if the D80 and D300 are really that much in size difference. Going from a D40 to a D80 is a big size increase, but is going from a D80 to a D300 that much bigger? I too am just a little confused as to what I would actually be happy with. If I bought a D40, I personally would wonder if I should have gone with the d80 due to its lens compatibility and is easier for me to hold onto since it is a little bigger. Decisions....Decisions....

 

[digitalj]

Thanks for writing back so soon! I am at work and it is really slow so I thought it would be a good time to make this post. Let me ask you a question since you have a D300 and kids. When your kids have a birthday party at someone else's house, would you go ahead and bring the D300? If not, why not? Would you think it is too big to bring or would feel embarassed bringing such a large and expensive type of camera? If I go to a D300, it will be my only camera to use on those types of occasions until I could afford to get a nice p&s.

 

[George Payne Jr]

Go with you gut insticts. I owned a D200 and sold it today and picked up a D300. It sounds as if you have talked yourself out of the D40 & D40x, and why buy the D200 when you can get the D300. I have a D80 as well and it's a very nice camera. I look at it this way...buy something you can grow into! Yes, the D300 is a lot of camera and probably more than you need for what you have stated, but once you get the D300 in your hands it will open a whole new world for you! If money is of concern, get the D80...if not spend the extra money and buy the D300. You will love it! Just my thoughts!

Happy New Year!
George
--
D300,D80,D50
Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR, 18-200 VR, 50mm 1.8
Nikon 85mm 1.8, Nikon 70-300
SB800

 

[CarlC]

The D300 and it is great for birthdays and family pictures. As far as I am concerned not too big. I use it with a 50 1.4 for this type of situation but with a zoom it would still not be too big. I like the feel with the vertical grip. If can get the best, it will last longer. It is just amazing the improvement has come about in 5 years. Enjoy.
--
Just an amateur
http://www.moosehead.smugmug.com

 

[digitalj]

This is the type of information that I am looking for! Thank you.

 

[Willy S]

Why not D3? With your reasoning that is the camera to get.

Remember, you need to buy a lens as well. I would advise you to get a D50. For a beginner, that is a camera you won´t outgrow fast or even outgrow at all. I has anything you will ever need and money is better spent on a good lens, if you want good image quality.

 

[Kerry Pierce]

Have any of you gone from a p&s to a slr for the first time and found
that you use the slr as much or even more than you did with a p&s? If
so, how would you feel about me moving to the D300 as my first slr?
The reason I am thinking of the D300 is because:

I'd guess that the vast majority of folks that own a d200 or d300 had a P&S digital camera first. It wouldn't really matter which dslr that you buy, there are learning curves of various levels of difficulty with all of them. As long as you're willing to learn how to operate the camera properly, the d300 is an excellent camera that will not likely ever be the limiting factor in capability.

There are quite a few folks here that are willing to help you by answering questions that you will have. So, it's not like you'd have to learn everything by trial and error on your own. Whatever camera you decide to buy, you're going to be better off by experimenting with it and asking questions in the forum that is appropriate to the camera or brand. IMHO, it's much, much easier to learn how to use a dslr than it is a film slr.

--
my gallery of so-so photos
http://www.pbase.com/kerrypierce/root

 

[monte12345]

WITHOUT consulting any manuals? If not, I would suggest the D80, it's much more suitable for a newbie. I have been using cameras (SLR, Medium Format, Large Format, and DSLR) for over 30 years and still find the D300 intimidating after a full month of using it. It is the MOST flexible and controlable camera the I have ever used but that does come at a cost. It is also the most complex camera that I have ever used and NOT intended as a "Point & Shoot". In fact, it completely lacks the Point & Shoot modes that are pre-packaged with the D80.

However, it you are willing to commit to learning how to use the D300 properly, probably a 6 month or more process, it is an incredibly flexible instrument capable of stunning results.

 

[digitalj]

Very very good answer to my question. If I spend the money on a slr, I want to get one fairly new like the D300 knowing that as I own it for the next remaining years, I will know I had the best one my money could buy at the time. I can't afford or have the need to buy a d3. By the amount of information I have read on this forum, I am sure that if I have any specific questions I know I can feel comfortable asking users on this forum. I actually think that a D80 or D200 woud also work for just about anyone, but from seeing the features that the D300 has over the other cameras, I feel that I can justify the price increase for the D300. I would like to have the CMOS sensor, 3" high pixel count Live View LCD, better autofocus system, ect. Thank you for your input.

 

[arthurking83]

First up!! There is nothing wrong with owning a semi pro camera as an introduction to photography!

The post where someone mentions the D3, is rubbish! It's way too big! There is hardly any difference between a D50/70/80 and a D300 in size(where anyone wil actually notice!

having started with a D70s myself, I always wanted to get into the Dxxx body level simply because it allowed me more flexibility with my choice of lenses!

If you want to save some $$$ on lenses, and scour ebay(among many places) fro great old manual lenses.. then spend the extra money on the D300(or D200 if you feel) in the end it's worth it!

If you want to get stuck in the more of Auto everything, then forget any camera bar the D40x!!
D80 ius a nice cam, but the Auto and programmed modes are a waste of space.

I've never used them(except to see what they did.. once!) and always use [A] or [M] mode.. on occasion in mode when high shutter speeds were necessary.

If you want to get deeply involved with photography, then the D300 is th eonly option.. anything less(except for a D200) wil frustrate you in the end.

Don't make the same mistake I made 2 years ago!

They are not complicated to use, as people make them out to be, as you simply set it to any of the Exposure Modes like M, A, S, or P(never used that either) and you adjust the parameters you need to.
I've currently settled on Auto ISO(maxed to ISO3200) and shoot!

And here you have people trying to explain that this body is too advanced to use?

Total rubbish.. and if that was the case then any DSLR would be a wasted effort with the myriad of configurations available(compared to a P&S).

Buy a D300!..... and save money on lenses

 

[agileimages]

I bring it. My family/friends know I am a photo nut and they are used to it. I take it anywhere I think I might miss a photo if I leave it at home. For parties, I take a reasonable lens and usually take the grip off to make it easier to tote. Most people appreciate that you'll get a good photo of the event.
--
You Pay for What You Get - DMB

 

[Scott O]

For a different perspective, read what Ken Rockwell recommends http://www.kenrockwell.com He seems to be well-based in reality.
--
Scott Oberle

 

[C Engelke]

1. I want to buy a slr and feel that I will be happy with it for a

very long time.

Depends on how adicted you'll get and have to buy a "Nikon D400" in 2009 ;-)

2. I don't want to buy somthing like a D40 or D40x because they are
too small for my hands. I like the grip on something like the D80 or
the D200-D300. I can hold onto them better.

This is a good argument. Good pictures are also made because you feel comfortable with your "tool"; if you always regret having bought a D80 or D300 when using a D40, it doesn't make sense....

3. I like all the improvements on the D300 like the 51pt af system,
CMOS sensor, Live View, nice LCD, etc. If I buy somthing like the
D200, I will wish I bought the D300.

Yes, but do you really need 51pt AF? CMOS? Live View? What are you shooting?
A D40 makes great pictures too.

4. If I buy something like the D80, I will wonder if I should have
just spent a little more and gone with the D200 or D300 and will
wonder if I would have been happier with the nicer more featured
models.

If the D300 is just a "little" more than a D80 for you, go ahead.
The D80 is great, the D300 is great too.

I went from D80 to D300 because it was too slow for my kind of work (performance/dance); but I don't regret to have started with a D80. Now I know a little bit better what I need.

However, how many of you actually use your slr for occasions like
dinner parties, birthday parties, holidays, etc? Do you use your slr
for the "everyday" occasions, or is it just sitting in your bag for
"the special occasions" like weddings, etc.

If you fear to take your camera out, you'll miss the best pictures. I learned to relax and take my DSLR almost everywhere (...well, almost...). I don't have a P&S anymore, that's making it more easy. Just don't forget to take it back home.... ;-)

 

[JackBNimble]

I've got both the D40 and D300. I think of the D40 as one of those electronic pianos capable of great sound reproduction - and you can get it to play a tune all by itself with just one button! The D300 is more like a Steinway Grand, i.e. a masterful instrument, but it takes a bit more operator skill to get impressive results.

After 3 weeks with the D300, I'm still very much on the learning curve. I wouldn't call it a beginner's DSLR, and you might get frustrated - as I did - when the first pictures out of the box don't look like some of the pros on this forum.

I'd second the motion to put your money into some good lenses. With the money you'd save from the D3, for example, you could get the D300, a D40 backup body, and some killer glass.

Happy New Year from Colorado,

Jack

 

[fauyeung]

Hi, I think me and you have similar family size... (2 yr 4 months old daughter and 3 months old boy)...

I originally purchased the D70, and then felt that I needed more features. I then bought a D200, and then felt another need for the LCD screen and low ISO noise.. so bought the D300 in early December.

When I looked back to my pictures taken with the different Dxx cameras several night ago, I could see the learned curve that I experienced.

Both the D40, D50, and D80 are great cameras, and you will get great experience using them. If like others have said that budget is not an issue for you, I would recommend to get the D300. The D300 is a totally new camera and the pictures you get out-of-it without post-processing are purely amazing. Now, I spend only minimal time on PP but spend more time to entertain my kids - my wife surely appreciate the D300 so much.

In terms of the lens, the 18-200mm VR is a great lens to begin with. By using this lens, you will get to know what the limitations are and what range you enjoy taking more. For myself, I began with 18-200VR, then 50mm 1.8 (so cheap), then 70-200mm VR for indoor low light shots.

I surely bring my D300 / D200 / D70 out to shoot pictures with my family all the time. In addition, I bring my P&S along to take videos or candid pictures.

No matter which cameras that you plan on getting, you will have a steep learning curve, as there are just too many settings in the dSLR nowadays. Enjoy your tool, and take more pictures and you sure do not want to wait too long, as you want to capture all the childhood memories of your kids at this EARLY STAGE.

--
Regards,
Frankie

 

[LeoIsNoPro]

based on your previous experience, you can start with an used D70(D70s). if you are not very serious about photography right now. don't put down big bux on a just released advanced camera like D300. new and better cameras come and go every year. you will NOT get a good use of it in the beginning. so why waste money. get a dirt cheap d70(which still beats any p/s cam any day), get a feel of what is dslr all about. build your lens arsenal while learning. when time comes and you feel limited by the camera, D400 will be costing the same

--
D70
sb-800 (amazing flash)
18-70mm f3.5-4.5g (snap lens, still good)
70-200mm f2.8 VR (wow! unbelievable speed, sharpness, color, bokeh)
50mm f1.8 (my indoor low light king)
Tokina 12-24mm f4 (fun, fun and more fun)

d300 on order, yeah!