Nikon D300 to 7100 or 810: Hi folks! I am relatively new to the forum, have been lurking in the background. I am contemplating upgrading my camera which I really like. But moving up...

ob1sage Loc: New Jersey

Hi folks! I am relatively new to the forum, have been lurking in the background.
I am contemplating upgrading my camera which I really like. But moving up from 12 mpx to 24 seems like a no brainer. I am hesitant to go full frame as I love the variability of my 18-200mm lens and am watching my $$$.
I mostly shoot landscapes, lighthouses, scenic.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Landscapes are one of the highlights of using full frame, as is low noise and higher ISO capability. I suggest looking at the D610, your 18-200mm lens is likely due to be upgraded anyway and you can get a true wide angle result on full frame rather than the 27mm equivalent you get on your D300 with that lens.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

ob1sage wrote:

Hi folks! I am relatively new to the forum, have been lurking in the background.
I am contemplating upgrading my camera which I really like. But moving up from 12 mpx to 24 seems like a no brainer. I am hesitant to go full frame as I love the variability of my 18-200mm lens and am watching my $$$.
I mostly shoot landscapes, lighthouses, scenic.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

It really depends on your budget. I jumped from the D300 to the D800e and lived NOT to regret it.

A full frame asks for FF lenses and needs to to planned for. I did, I purchased my lenses for the D300 knowing I would move to FF. This does not seem to be the case for you so while I would recommend the D810 (eyes closed or wide open) I have also to look at your 'am watching my $$$' which seems to indicates that the D7100 is a better financial fit at the moment.

Photosmoke

I have the D7100 & D700 & love both of them . If your on a budget go for the 7100 you can't miss

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

The D300 was/is a pretty good camera but technology keeps moving forward. If money is a real issue then get the 7100. I have one and love it. It is capable of very good landscape shots with it's tightly packed 24 mpx. And it will allow you to continue to use your 18-200 until the money shows up for more glass. But if you are like a lot of us you are going to want to continually upgrade and that means full frame. I also have a D610, and the difference in abilities when the light gets to less than optimal favors the 610. If you can find the extra $$$ and are ready to move up anyway, might as well pull the trigger and go full frame. You can sometimes find refurb 600s or 610s with the kit 24-85VR at Adorama or B&H for around $2,000 or less.

ob1sage Loc: New Jersey

Thanks folks for your reply. Does Adorama or B&H accept trade in's?
As all have indicated for the most part, full frame is the way to go. I may have to sell my oldest child for the 810.....

dynaquest1 Loc: Austin, Texas

I loved my D300 while I had it and it later became the backup to my D700. That D700 is now backup to my D800. For real estate photography (controlled HDR), I still use the D700 because the RAW file size is monstrous on the D800 and HDR requires my computer to crunch through 5 RAW exposures per finished image.

For single exposures, the D800's 36mp is wonderful. Seems you can zoom in forever before pixelation appears. Great for cropping to a finished image.

I bought my D800 used from the original owner with less than 4000 clicks for $1900.00. Still expensive and, for you, also consider a used D700 as a step up. I've heard the D7100 is a fine camera but have never used one.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I had the D7100, and loved it. I upgraded to the D800 and I loved it better and I still have it. I upgraded to the D810 and it is a match made in heaven.

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

ob1sage wrote:

Thanks folks for your reply. Does Adorama or B&H accept trade in's?
As all have indicated for the most part, full frame is the way to go. I may have to sell my oldest child for the 810.....

Both Adorama & B&H take trade ins but you will get more for your used gear by putting it on craigslist. I have had pretty good success selling my used photo equipment there.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

ob1sage wrote:

Hi folks! I am relatively new to the forum, have been lurking in the background.
I am contemplating upgrading my camera which I really like. But moving up from 12 mpx to 24 seems like a no brainer. I am hesitant to go full frame as I love the variability of my 18-200mm lens and am watching my $$$.
I mostly shoot landscapes, lighthouses, scenic.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I can only make comments on my behalf. I know you will get many other replies and I hope you will not get confused at the end.
The D300 is a great tool. It is not as technologically advanced like the D7100 but it is better built and in my opinion it has a better AF.
Although you call the switch from 12 to 24 megapixels a "no brainer" I am going to say that I am not entirely in agreement with that statement.
If you make enlargements to 20x30 and you can tell the difference between both cameras you certainly have a good eye. I do not see the difference.
The D300 is a very capable camera and for the type of photography that you do now your camera should excel. If you want new technology or a new camera that is a different story but in regard to capabilities your D300 is an excellent tool as I already pointed out to you.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I went from the D300 to a D7100 (well, not really as I still have & use my D300)... Now my main focus is macro & birds so the DX format is just fine for my shooting. I have shot landscapes/architecture & I got a Sigma 10-20mm F4/5.6 for that.... Bottom line is it would benefit you to rent each camera & base your decision on your preference, not others opinions online as we all have different needs & desires...

tuttlejr Loc: Lakeway TX

Check out KEH for used cameras. The 300S is better than the 300. Can use SD cards.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

tuttlejr wrote:

Check out KEH for used cameras. The 300S is better than the 300.

Only if you want/need the video capabilities.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

And a dual SD/CF card slot...

PrairieSeasons wrote:

Only if you want/need the video capabilities.

daplight Loc: Kansas

Has anyone mentioned to avoid using a DX lens on a FF? I've personally experienced the FX camera body reverting to the lower megapixels of the DX whenever that lens is mounted. Good case for getting FX lenses.