I'm surprised the way this thread is going - sure the D300S has more weather seals and has slightly more focus point (15 Cross Type compared to 9 on the D7000) but the ISO noise control on the D300S is absolutely shocking compared to other cameras in the same price range whereas the D7000 has ISO noise control comparable to the D700, good weather sealing and additional megapixel for better framing. To me its superior to the D300S and therefore comparing it to the D90 is a no brainer - put it this way, you will outgrow the D90 long before the D7000 so investing in a D90 could be a false economy if you start the long upgrading trek as your needs grow.
With regards to the 15 versus 9 AF cross type sensors - this is neglible as the cross af points are concentrated within the centre of the sensor unlike the Canon 7D. My experience with the D300S for 8 months was a somewhat disappointing one mainly due to the ISO control but this D7000 looks like something else and I think it will really give the D300S a run for its money despite have a slightly lower fps rating.
hhhhhmmmm, thanks for your replies, this one is leaning me toward the D7000.
I'm starting to think the Kit lens 18-105 + 50mm 1.8D will be enough to start with.
Here's where I am at and what I am thinking....
Is the additional £450 for the D7000 worth it:
- Magnesium alloy body vs Polycarbonate (considering I want to be doing football shoots in all weather)
- Better ISO
- 39/9 vs 11/1 (AF/Cross-type sensors)
- 2016-pixel metering vs 403-pixel metering
- 6fps vs 4.5 fps
- 100% Viewfinder Frame Coverage vs 96%
- Twin Card capability with SDHX compliance
- 16.2mp vs 12.3mp
- 1920 x 1080p (24fps) vs 1280 x 720p (24 fps) - not a deal breaker for me.
- Newer Technology vs 2 year old
- Better Battery (?)
- £1200 vs £750
**did I miss anything??**
& finally
Has anybody had any experience with Jacobs Digital Lens Voucher scheme, is it any good?