authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Well folks, I finally did it. I traded my trusty Nikon D200 in and bought a mint Nikon D300 with less than 3500 shots. I am putting a Nikon 35mm 1.8G lens on it. I have never used a D300 so any comments or suggestions are always welcome. I hope my Kingston ultimate x266 16GB memory is enough.

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

From what I understand, you might need to get a couple more memory cards. I have yet to fill a 16 GB in a day,but I still try. Let us hear how you like the D300.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

It's a great camera, in my opinion. I've been using one for several years. Best advice: download the manual and practice using features you will repeat. Two examples: I use the AEB for HDR-- and this camera allows 3, 5, 7 & 9 brackets. Many recent cameras limit those options to 3. The other is the shutter delay, which can be used to lessen vibration on longer exposures. You want to instinctively know how to do something when the situation arises.

I carry 2 8GB cards, shoot exclusively in RAW, and always download when I return. I seldom have to use the back-up card.

ricksaul Loc: Chula Vista, CA

I bought a D300 right after it came out. I really enjoy it a lot. getting a few good lenses also helps. I agree with earlier comments. Figure out what you want to do and then read the manual to use those features. I like auto bracketing for HDR effects and have used it successfully a number of times. I really love HDR. I almost always shoot in "A" or Aperture Priority. I also like to shoot with a wide open aperture with a fast lens. I bought a Nikon 70-200, 2.8 lens and the bokeh is terrific. It works well for portraits and puts the background nicely out of focus. Works well in low light and at night. If using flash, get a used SB-800 or SB-600. Use it off camera but your can control it remotely with the D-300. Works in both TTL and manual. Play with it to get the effects you like, but you can get flash pics that don't look like a flash was used. And ALWAYS shoot in RAW!

barryb Loc: Kansas

You will love it! I've had my D300 for several years and have many cherished shots framed around the house, some shot at 2500 ISO, hand held, and still no noise, focus nailed.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

I also have a 300 my wife uses it now i've moved to a 700 but the 300 is an outstanding camera my wife love it

Flipper2012 Loc: Alberta, Canada

The D300 is a great camera I upgraded I thought to a D7000 and then sold it and kept the D300.

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Flipper2012

I have heard the D7000 has a few advantages over the D300 but it is NOT the D300 as far as durability goes. The D300 has a complete magnesium frame, where from what I have read, the D7000 is only metal in the back and top. The D7000 does use SD rather than compact which is a plus to me as SD memory is 1/2 the price. I have played with the D300 at high iso and from the results I am getting the D300 is far superior to my old D200 in this respect. I have also noticed the camera is faster. A week ago I almost bought a D7000 and now I am glad i got this D300. I do not know if the price was good. I paid $600 for a mint D300 body with less than just under 3500 shots. Got the box and everything which came with it except the strap. Everything but the battery and charger are still sealed. Not a mark or scratch and the view finder is 100% clean. Looks new.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

From my perspective you got a good deal. Locally a camera with 3500 clicks would be $100-200s more

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

For sports in good light, the D300 is a lot better than the 7000.
Faster focusing, better buffer, no mode dial to get knocked from the setting you want. 12 vs 16 megapixel isn't a big difference, especially if you miss the shot due to focus or exposure errors.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

I tink thar ale gode in goodt ligthe . it,s in poor light that you want the improvement .