Camera Upgrade
Oct 28, 2016 10:35:01 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
First determine how you normally use the images you produce. If you simply post them on the web or make 4 x 6 inch prints and you have no intention of changing this usage, 12MP will be just fine. On the other hand, if you aspire to larger and more detailed images, 24MP would be a noticeable improvement. Let your usage, both current and what you anticipate in the future, be your guide.
Oct 28, 2016 11:04:01 #
Just sold a very nice D300 and replaced it with a referb D7200. I wanted a lighter weight camera which has better iso and focuses faster. It filled those requirements. Having more MP is nice, but not necessary. Product shots are about the same. The lady who bought the D300 thinks the world of her new to her camera. More MP should not be the sole reason to upgrade, but just wanting a new camera is. Would I make the upgrade again to the D7200 again? Yes.
Oct 28, 2016 11:08:27 #
Al Freeedman wrote:
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
That's because the human eye can only resolve about 5MP from an 8x10 print... (240 to 250 PPI).
Oct 28, 2016 11:30:02 #
Whether more pixels renders better image detail or not depends on sensor size. To get a 'starting working' measure, divide the pixel number by the actual area of the sensor. This takes some research and algebra, of course. The idea is that the more image binary data per square millimeter the better the image detail, potentionally.
Oct 28, 2016 11:56:44 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
It is an old wives tale that lenses matter more than the body. It is a holdover from the days of film when all bodies could use the same film. It is not true with digital cameras.
Check the lens tests for different cameras on DXOMark. You will see that the camera affects lens ratings more than different lenses.
The D7200 is a great choice. If you don't need the body focus motor and want the same images for less money, lighter weight, and an extremely useful articulated screen consider a refurb D5500.
Oct 28, 2016 12:07:41 #
It helps to know why you want new. You have one of Nikon's best. One of the great things of a DSLR is the ability to change lens. It can be the center of a fantastic system and your camera is still quite capable of being that center. Take your camera to a Best Buy and ask to see lenses. Take a model with you. Grandkids come in handy in these times as do spouses. Try the lenses on your camera and go to lunch and check images. You can also get a blank SD card and check out newer cameras. Do the math. For the money what provides you with the best value? You are the only one who can answer that question for you. A good lens holds it value when compared to most cameras.
Oct 28, 2016 12:38:51 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
Your friend gave you good advise but if you are really getting wet legs for a new one go for it.
Oct 28, 2016 12:55:14 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
Here's my 2 cents worth. Get the D7200. I upgraded to the D7100 (the 7200 wasn't out yet) and couldn't be happier (well, except when GAS hits, and I think about a full frame...but I can't justify the expense nor do I need all those extra pixels that may slow down my software and/or my MAC).
Not only do you gain megapixels, but also ease of use with the D7200 camera. I don't know anything about the D500, so I can't comment about that. I upgraded from a D5000.
Hope this rather complicated reply helps. Also, all your lenses will work great on the new body. You didn't mention which lenses you already own.
Oct 28, 2016 13:34:15 #
I agree with "Impressionist". It is most important WHY you want a new camera body.
1) Are the images you currently get lacking some how? Is so, how, and is it the camera or lens at fault (you haven't said what lens you use)?
2) Is there something the current camera can't do? My last upgrade had nothing to do with image quality (IQ) or resolution. I wanted a much better focusing system, both normal and "live view" as well as an articulated screen. I found that a touch screen is also very handy as the body I got has it.
3) Do you want the latest and greatest for the sake of it - buy the body.
Back when I was in film, I eventually got sick of photography magazines because I kept reading about newer cameras that couldn't take better pictures than what I needed (the largest prints I made were 8 X 12), so I didn't renew my subscription.
1) Are the images you currently get lacking some how? Is so, how, and is it the camera or lens at fault (you haven't said what lens you use)?
2) Is there something the current camera can't do? My last upgrade had nothing to do with image quality (IQ) or resolution. I wanted a much better focusing system, both normal and "live view" as well as an articulated screen. I found that a touch screen is also very handy as the body I got has it.
3) Do you want the latest and greatest for the sake of it - buy the body.
Back when I was in film, I eventually got sick of photography magazines because I kept reading about newer cameras that couldn't take better pictures than what I needed (the largest prints I made were 8 X 12), so I didn't renew my subscription.
Oct 28, 2016 13:43:11 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
You didn't tell us what lens(es) you have now... so it's hard to say if your friend is correct or not. Often a lens upgrade can be a better use of money, rather than a new camera body. However, that depends upon what you have now. If your lens is already a pretty good one, you might be better served spending your money on the camera.
D300 was a fairly high specification camera, in it's day (now about 8 years old, if memory serves). It's essentially a "step above" the series of the D7200. The D500 is comparable series to D300.
If you don't print big or do a lot of low light/high ISO work, the D300 might continue to meet your needs well. But if you want higher resolution (which might also "demand" better lenses), and higher usable ISOs, then the D7200 could be a fine replacement or complement to your D300.
Oct 28, 2016 14:49:27 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
I suspect your friend is jealous! Good glass is forever, but the D300 is getting old now, and the D7200 will bring out much more from any lenses you have.
Oct 28, 2016 14:58:14 #
Al Freeedman wrote:
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
It's not a megapixel thing. Sure the 24mpxls have some advantage, but I've seen great images printed, by Nikon, to 3x5 FEET from 6mpxl. Of course it took some very fancy proprietary software to do this.
The good thing about Nikon is that your old lenses will work on your new D7200. But the D7200 has much better high ISO, essentially clean to 3200 (Except for pure skies or solid washes and even that is easily handled with anti-noise software.). It has superior AF, better meter for exposure and fifty other advances.
I haven't actually handled a D500 but the biggest differences with the D7200 seem to be an additional video format (MOV), slightly less mpxls, XQD cards and TIFF still format. None of which would be worth the price of admission to me.
The D7200 is the king of aps-c sensor DSLR cameras. You should be able to buy a Nikon factory refurb from Cameta or Adorama for a very small amount.
Oct 28, 2016 15:17:53 #
authorizeduser wrote:
I currently have a low mileage like new Nikon D300... (show quote)
We don't know what you are shooting or what lenses you now have. If you are not cropping your images much or not making large prints, then KEEP what you have. Otherwise get the 7200.
Oct 28, 2016 15:46:10 #
If you can afford it, why not get the new body? I recently upgraded from 12.2 mp to 20+ (and 5+ years newer tech) and while I realize MP isn't everything, I see a huge difference in the image quality. I was also at 250,000+ clicks on the old camera so it was going to have to happen sooner or later.
Edited to add: I have a few nice lenses as well. Not L series but good.
Edited to add: I have a few nice lenses as well. Not L series but good.
Oct 28, 2016 18:34:25 #
Bob is correct. Don't buy more camera than you'll need. That being said, I've owned the 300 and upgraded to D600 (full frame). You might consider looking into mirrorless cameras. Many great reviews.
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