Camera Upgrade
Oct 27, 2016 23:31:18 #
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300. I have used it for almost 2 years and have for the most part been happy. Now I am in a position to make a change. I have been eyeing a refurbished Nikon D7200. The specs look great and it is 24MP vs my current 12MP plus much cleaner ISO. However I have had a retired photographer friend recommend I invest in a better lens and keep the Nikon D300. He says I do not need 24MP. Now I do not know what to think. I can do a nice lens or a new body, not both.
Any guidance here would be appreciate.
Any guidance here would be appreciate.
Oct 27, 2016 23:34:20 #
Get the D500. You preserve your investment in lens(es) AND get an outstanding camera.
I upgrade my D300 to the D500 and, well, I almost like it better than my D800e.
I upgrade my D300 to the D500 and, well, I almost like it better than my D800e.
Oct 27, 2016 23:36:05 #
Better lenses are always a good choice. One can upgrade the body later on. Unless you are planning on making rather large prints, your D300 should keep you happy. The conundrum is this. If you are going to make large prints, the 42MP image will be far better. However, the large prints will also show lens issues far more noticeably.
--Bob
--Bob
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
Oct 28, 2016 00:06:59 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
I know someone who owns a Nikon D700 with 12.1 megapixels. He has some quality glass that he has added since purchasing it in 2008. His glass outvalues his camera many times. His images are great with that 12.1 megapixels camera. My backup point and shoot without viewfinder has 16 megapixels, but can't compare. He says he is waiting for the Nikon D820, then he will upgrade. That may be announced in a year. Yes, the D500 is Nikon's best DX camera. 20 megapixels too.
Oct 28, 2016 00:19:18 #
You didn't mention what lenses you already have so it's difficult to answer lens or body. The D7200 is technically a superior camera to the older D300 and with a soon to be released replacement, refurbished ones should be very reasonably priced. The technology in the D7200 will no doubt help you to produce high quality images for many years, and with its massive ISO range, compared to the D300, it will open a whole new world of photographic possibilities.
Oct 28, 2016 01:25:33 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
The really simple, and best, answer is "get the D7200".
Oct 28, 2016 02:06:41 #
Apaflo wrote:
The really simple, and best, answer is "get the D7200".
Jeez, it's pretty rare I agree with Apaflo, but absolutely, get the 7200, but my answer is not so simple.
You can only throw so much money at an almost 10 year old digital body and get a return, photographically!
Go ahead, put a $5000 lens in front of that 300 and it's still 12mp and 8 years old!
And remember, your pics are 12mp if you NEVER crop, even a little bit. Print an 8x10 and you just dropped to 10mp or less.
Ask ANY pro how many mp they shoot with and none will tell you 12mp! Good lick!!!
SS
Oct 28, 2016 05:22:07 #
You are missing the point; He's not a pro. I own a Canon with 12.1 MP and the 4X6, 5X7 and even the 8X10's are great.
Captain AL
Captain AL
Oct 28, 2016 07:44:11 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
Keep the D300 but get the D500 rebate time now
Oct 28, 2016 07:51:04 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
The D300 is a good camera, but the technology is over eight years old. Give yourself a treat and get the D7200 or D500. You can sell the D300 on ebay or use it as a second body.
Oct 28, 2016 08:24:20 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
If wildlife is your game then get the D500, if not the D7200 will work, Nikon is currently having a sale on them, also check out nikonusa.com for a refurbished one.
Oct 28, 2016 09:04:42 #
I'm definitely an amateur and upgraded to the 7200. I agree with the comment "get the 7200". One of the reasons I upgraded was the number of pixels, and it does make a big difference. My previous camera, which is still my backup, is only 5 years old, and the difference in image quality with the same lenses is amazing.
Oct 28, 2016 10:15:09 #
Obviously, you will get lots of answers to your question and most probably that will confuse you.
Cameras are tools. I agree with the person that suggested to you that 12 megapixels most probably is all you need unless you crop your pictures often loosing lots of megapixels. A lens will last much more than a camera and a good quality lens will surely improve on your photography if you do your part.
Cameras are tools. I agree with the person that suggested to you that 12 megapixels most probably is all you need unless you crop your pictures often loosing lots of megapixels. A lens will last much more than a camera and a good quality lens will surely improve on your photography if you do your part.
Oct 28, 2016 10:24:14 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300. ...... I have been eyeing a refurbished Nikon D7200. ...... I have had a retired photographer friend recommend I invest in a better lens and keep the Nikon D300. He says I do not need 24MP. Now I do not know what to think. I can do a nice lens or a new body, not both.:
I agree with Jerryc41 - treat yourself to a new camera! At this point, buying new lenses will not give you as much of an upgrade on your photos as you apparently are looking for.
My suggestion is to check out the camera offerings on B&H, compare prices, compare specs. Then do the same on Nikon's website. For additional details on specs, download the manuals and you will find the specs near the end of them. There are some sales going on right now that you might decide to take advantage of. At B&H, both the (new) D500 and the (new) D7200 are $200 off the original price, also each includes a free memory card.
Also, remember that a refurbished camera does not carry the same length of warranty as a new one. Be sure the amount of money you save is worth it if something should go wrong after the shorter warranty expires! Make sure you find out how long the warranty will be, as different vendors may have different lengths. I prefer to purchase new cameras, but my lenses are all pre-owned or refurbished.
Hope this helps!
Oct 28, 2016 10:27:12 #
In my not so humble opinion kit lenses will do just as good a job as the so called better glass on most pictures. Shooting at f/5.6 to f/11 you will be hard pressed to tell the difference in the prints. You need different (and more higher priced) glass when you want to do what your present lenses wont do. Faster glass for low light or blurred backgrounds with less depth of field. Tele or wide angle for shots you can't frame with your present lenses. Macro if you want to do bugs. etc. etc. If your lens will do what you want it to do go for the camera. Sitting at home in front of the TV has all kinds of presets and other menus you can play with and just have fun. Not much you can play with with a lens. Just another thught - If you don't have a 50mm or 35mm prime get it along with your camera. These lenses give you a fast lens for not much money. - Dave
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