RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

WOW a very good explanation! The OP should buy the D800.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Retlaw, Nikon is indeed planning this. So, if you wait ten more years, you can get the 800ssssssssss. and I'm sure you will get it for $3000 less than the 800sssssssss!!

Retlaw, just get the camera.

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

The four main draws for me are: 1- the full frame, 2- the higher ISO capabilities, 3- the increased resolution, and 4- the supposed improvement in focus. The d300s is a great camera and I will still use it, probably with a wide angle on it while the tele will be on the d800 most of the time. I photograph nature and wildlife, primarily birds, and I need a fast focus, low light camera with lots of detail – that is just me – opinions vary. When reaching for birds using a teleconverter the F-stop goes up and I really want the F8 auto-focus capability. So putting it all together, I decided to go for the d800 now. I also thought about waiting for the next generation cameras to come out but I know that I have missed several unique shots because of the d300’s limitations. – I do not want to wait another year or so.

If you are not convinced about the FF, there are many articles on the advantages of a FF camera. I am not trying to push you off here, but those articles are better written than I could do it and you will, therefore, benefit more from them. Without getting too technical, the FF sensor has some important physical characteristics that help generate better images. Let me know if you have problems locating pertinent information and I will research and forward some links. This group probably discussed FF in the past as well. Hope this helps.

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

D800e!

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... birders in general with a D300s are among the majority bugging Nikon for a D400 ..... they wanna keep the 1.5x crop .....

..... are you sure you wanna give that up?

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) redulations are quite clear that a presold electronics item (including camera's) cannot be re packaged and re sold as "new". All such items must be repackaged clearly as "refurbished" regardless of the condition it is returned to the original seller. Sony is attempting a rather convoluted system of validations to try to bypass the "refurbished" requirement.

It appears that the stringent validation process that a camera has not been turned on and used is NOT going to save Sony money in the new process of resale after the expense of the validation of unused is met. It's been said Sony may just as well take the knocks on trying to avoid the "refurb" issue.

In that situation, any camera you see that has been registered as a prior sale, a normal function of the retail process, CAN NOT again be sold as New... only as Refurbished.

This is part of the reason Refurbished cameras can be a good deal. They must go through a rigorous checkout... moreso than regular assembly line products. They may have a limited warranty, but may easily be an unused product that cannot be sold again as New.

I will always buy Refurbished before full retail pricing.

As I said before, I just wipe off the DNA and go shooting.

I also find it rather distasteful that people are buying, and returning these high priced electronics, seems so much like
the juvenile teen girls and their parents returning "Prom" dresses.

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Not everything that is sold on Amazon is fulfilled by Amazon per se. You have discovered that. If you doubt the veracity of an internet seller be it one connected to Amazon or not use this link to check them out.
Here is a hint B&H was rated the number one seller as rated by Consumer Reports
http://www.resellerratings.com/
Adorama & B&H's prices will probably be the same day in and day out, the exceptions usually are specific offers from say Sandisk or Lexar when they have promotions.
You can install price blink in your browser and when you search for an item it will also give you suggestions for lower price of coupon available.
You can also check to see if there is a local camera store that will honor the prices that internet sellers offer.
There is no way you will stay ahead of "We just introduced a new model" craze
settle on a buyer that you have researched and try to make the best informed decision.
Be aware that some internet sellers offer low prices on camera body and so called bundle, i.e. lens cleaning kits, tripods that are such low end flimsy tripods you be afraid to mount an inexpensive camera much less a $2,800 camera, the "Did you want the battery for that camera too ?" The "That price is only available if you purchase our platinum extended insurance and warranty".

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Whats up Wabbit?
With the d800 I can shoot in DX mode if I want to; so I can have my carrot and eat it too. :)

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

I am really torn on this but based on what I read, the small difference in extra detail may not be worth the extra $500. I will probably wait till the next best thing comes out for this -- hopefully Nikon will continue this high resolution trend in DSLRs.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... I think you should check that out a bit more first before you buy if the crop is a factor for ya ..... how bad could it be?..... there's always trade offs when there's compromises, you know that ..... if you check out other forums you'll see there are issues .....

..... somebody's been grabbing my carrots at night, only a matter of time, I'll catch em doc .....

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Thanks Dun1. Some useful links and advice.

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Thanks Saichiez. Very interesting information and good to know. I too have had luck with refurbished goods and honestly, I have never received used equipment for new. I believe in the price too good to be true adage and always buy from (who I think is) a reputable seller.

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

Wabbit; you talkin frame crop or carrot crop?? To me, only carrot crop is important since with all the megapixels in the d800, I can frame crop after I eat the carrots.

retlaw Loc: Northern New Jersey

ps: good luck finding the culprit!! Why don't you set up your camera to take a picture of the night raider when he trips the auto trigger?

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Well then do it doc ..... you know so much about it, so why ya askin us ..... you're seeking info here but ya don't like wat ya hearin .....

..... you're spending a considerable amount but ya agonizing over $3 ..... something's wrong with the picture .....

..... huge files, way too much PS for my taste, new glass .....

..... maybe you should stick to carrots without preservatives .....