Canon 50D or Nikon D300's last attempt

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I am at my wits end having changed my decision that many times, so hopefully some comments will swing me one way or another. I am buying this week coming and probably expect that one of these cameras may be reduced due to new models being released in September. However, I will still buy now so I can enjoy the rest of summer with a camera.

I am returning into photography as a hobby now that my degree is almost over and have some spare time. I have previously owned the Canon 50D when it was first released so I know how that feels. The problem is I also have used a Nikon D300. I have been weighing up the pro's and con's.

Canon 50D:

Good points:
  1. Nice comfortable feel
  2. Higher mp
  3. Price (cheaper)

Bad Points:
  1. Model two years old now
  2. 9 point sensor

Nikon D300s:

Good points:
  1. Nice comfortable for my big hands
  2. New only just released last year
  3. 51 point auto focus
  4. HD video (however, if I wanted a video I would buy a camcorder)
  5. Dual memory card slot

Bad points:
  1. £350 quid more expensive
  2. Lower mp than 50D

There is a but in all this though!
I have only £1400 to spend just now which would mean if I go for the Nikon I will have to buy a cheaper lens. So if you do suggest Canon what lens should I go for?

Can anyone help solve my dilemma?
 
If it's of any help (which I know it won't be :naughty:) the D300s isn't really a "new" model it's a three-year old design with a couple of bells and whistles added on.
 
Lower mp than 50D
Click to expand...

Well yes but I have just printed out some A2s from my S5pro at 12mp and the limiting factor is the lens, not the mp count How big do you want to print?

D300 all the way......
 
MP makes little difference unless you are intending to enlarge big big big, 51 point autofocus a real bonus as is dual cards that can be configured either as over spill once you fill the first card or a back up if those pictures are super important. Video as you say does nothing for me really. FPS can be run at 8 fps easily.

Is it worth an extra £350.00 well that is your call.
 
i nused to be nikon, am now canon, and i work in a camera shop and i promise you the d300s is a far better camera than the 50d.
 
Tricky this, I have a D300 and Hubby a 50D and there is not a great deal to choose between them. My advice, for what it's worth, is look to the future and ask yourself what glass you will be yearning for in a year or two. Currently Canon have a better range of f/4 long glass than Nikon (70-200 / 300) and the 400 f/5.6. All that said, I wouldn't swap my Nikon for a Canon.
 
Why not look at the Canon 7D?
Seems on paper to combine most of your good points from both cameras and although its dearer might be the best bet in the long run
 
With £1400 to spend I would be tempted by one of the 7D packages.

I have little interest in Nikon cameras but my mate has a D300 and its quite an impressive camera.
I have a 40D for backup, ie never used, which is an amazing camera but I couldn't see much point in changing it for a 50D so I've no real knowledge of the 50D. I know some togs in another Forum who rate it highly.
Forget the Mp malarky. I have an 20x16 print of the dog taken with my first DSLR (EOS 300D + kit lens) and its pin sharp.

Either way you'll end up with a great camera, Canon or Nikon
 
I've had both and personally the D300 was a far far better body, better build quality, easier to drive and the IQ was better, the flash system is in a different league and results are constantly better with minimal PP - in fact the 50D was the worst body i have ever had the displeasure of owning and seriously affected my enjoyment of this hobby. - and i'm not just bashing Canon - i am still a Canon user.
 
Thanks for the comments they really do help trust me, and at this moment I am swinging toward the D300's.

Will update thread on wednesday after I buy, gonna get it from Jessops in Edinburgh as they are local.
 
canon guys will suggest canon, nikon - nikon. I'm sony and I would say - Nikon. the video is amazing and it's reallly a nice thing to have. think about it - lots of people use canon, nikon dslr's to film very good music videos.
 
Ergonomics and convenience is a big thing. I use a D300 and all the main controls are at my fingertips with toggle switches etc. To me the D300 felt so much better than smaller nikons such as the d70/D90 but I have big hands. The D300 really made me feel I had the right camera when I got hold of it. With the battery grip it feels excellent.

Image quality, lenses, well to be honest the two big companies will always be similar and if you were buying third party lenses they may be the same for either camera. Many pictures look the same by the time they are PP'd anyway. Sweeping statements i know, but there are not many people that can look at an image and say that is a Canon image and it would have been better on a Nikon. You may be thinking too deep.

I like Nikons, a bit like when I was a younger I thought I'd have to get a Merc. It sort of feels right, this is the brand I want.
 
After studying everything and reading some of the welcomed comments. I have decided to go for the Canon 7D. Yes I know it was between the 50d and the D300s, but the 7D is £1259.00 and within my budget.

I watched a video from digitalrev which sold me.

Thanks :clap:
 
If in doubt go cheap body and spend the rest on glass. Best bet in long run I reckon.
 
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