Upgrade from Nikon d40x

adz740

adz740

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It's finally come time for me to look at upgrading my starter DSLR to something with better quality.

I've been looking at either the d90 or a d300 (slightly more expensive) and was wondering which is going to be the best upgrade for me?

I've got a 35mm 1.8 prime lens and the 18-135mm lens that came with the camera but would probably get rid of the 18-135mm lens at the same time for something of better quality as well.

Are there any other bodies i should consider looking at around the same price range?
 
I like the D300,used it a lot before going full frame,their are some newer Nikon out their,D3200 with higher mp counts,but not quite the build of the D300, :)
 
simonblue said:
I like the D300,used it a lot before going full frame,their are some newer Nikon out their,D3200 with higher mp counts,but not quite the build of the D300, :)
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I looked at the D3200 but doesn't seem a step up from what I've already got to be honest. Looking for better low light and focusing which the D90 seems to give me. Plus am able to get more lenses for it too :)
 
Id go with the D300. Much better built, its a "pro" body, where as the d90 is a consumer camera.
Not the D90 is at all bad, but I think for me the d300 wins.
 
Both are very similar cameras but the D300 has better AF system and is better built. I would say try to handle both as you might find the D300 too big and heavy I did.
 
I think if you're looking at dropping a grand on a D300 you ought to consider a used D700. They go for that kind of money on here, and the step up to full frame is a rather lovely one.
 
Steelmagnet said:
I think if you're looking at dropping a grand on a D300 you ought to consider a used D700. They go for that kind of money on here, and the step up to full frame is a rather lovely one.
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Since when has a d300 been a grand? I just bought one for under £400 with 5000 shutter count.
 
From looking around a d90 seems to cost around £320-£370 and the d300 at least £450 so is the d300 worth the extra amount or is best to spend the difference on a decent zoom lens?
 
I would see if you can get hands on both of them. The d300 is a little bigger and heavier due to the build.
Remember it needs to feel nice in your hands as no good having shovel hands and go for a small body.
 
Definately go for the D300, in my opinion its the best camera Nikon has bought out that hasn't got video and not full frame and now second hand must be a bargain . Add later on the battery pack with the en-el4a battery and you can machine gun it at 7/8 frames a second. The battery life is good as well so no worries there.
Realspeed
 
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adz740 said:
From looking around a d90 seems to cost around £320-£370 and the d300 at least £450 so is the d300 worth the extra amount or is best to spend the difference on a decent zoom lens?
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Look again, I just got a mint d300 for under £400 on eBay . This was last week. If you are patient, one will come up. There are loads on eBay at silly prices, but just hold out and you'll bag one at a sensible cost.
 
TCR4x4 said:
Since when has a d300 been a grand? I just bought one for under £400 with 5000 shutter count.
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I thought he meant new, and a new D300s (only sort I could find) is £1080 at Jessops
 
I have had the d90 for a year and would recommend it as a good camera, but if it was now I was upgrading and was contemplating between the D90 and the D300, I would definitely opt for the D300 because of the added functionality :)
 
I think used price on d90's are too high. I would pay the little extra for a d300 too.
 
It all depends on the person though, the D300 is a pretty big and weighty lump so I would definitely try and handle one first.
 
Seems a bit of a split decision then.

With the d90 being £100 cheaper it leaves me money for a lens (which i'll need now i've sold my 18-135mm from my d40x) and that might be the key point here if they're both that close in image quality and feature.

The weight doesn't really bother me either way
 
Sadly I can't see in the classifieds section on here yet either :(
 
I've just purchased a D300 off eBay for£340 as an upgrade from a D40x once it arrives ill let you know how it is
 
LeeG said:
I've just purchased a D300 off eBay for£340 as an upgrade from a D40x once it arrives ill let you know how it is
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Probably one of the auction's i was watching then :). Would be interested to know how you get on with it.
 
I had a d40x and upgraded to a d7k - I have a 35mm 1.8 and an 18-200vr and a sb400. Just been given a 50mm 1.8 (not d or g) which I am playing with.

My D40x was heavily used and I am now finding my feet with the D7K. I wanted better low light ability and better flash ability for master slave etc and off camera flash etc.
The autofocus is a handful - but getting there. The 3 points in the d40x were a problem for me.

I like the 300 toughness, and work my stuff hard. My 18-200 has had a repair from a power boat accident! But The d7k seems tough for a domestic camera

Let us know how you get on...

Cheers

Mike
 
Hopefully it will only take a few days to arrive. Then I can get out and test it. Ill let you know as soon as I can
 
MIKEROPHONICS said:
I had a d40x and upgraded to a d7k - I have a 35mm 1.8 and an 18-200vr and a sb400. Just been given a 50mm 1.8 (not d or g) which I am playing with.

My D40x was heavily used and I am now finding my feet with the D7K. I wanted better low light ability and better flash ability for master slave etc and off camera flash etc.
The autofocus is a handful - but getting there. The 3 points in the d40x were a problem for me.

I like the 300 toughness, and work my stuff hard. My 18-200 has had a repair from a power boat accident! But The d7k seems tough for a domestic camera

Let us know how you get on...

Cheers

Mike
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I'd love a d7000 but they're just slightly out of my budget a the moment. It's the autofocus that really lets me down on the d40x at times, along with the low light quality. I'm sure whichever one i go for will be great but i always debate these things endlessly before handing over my cash :)
 
I went from a D40X to a D200 (the D300 had just been released at the time and was super expensive), but the difference in build quality alone is worth it. Kind of like going from a Smart car to a Landrover :)

D300 all the way
 
Thanks for the advice guys. It seems I'm going to start looking for a d300 on ebay then. Anything in particular to watch out for? I'm always slightly wary of buying electronics off ebay these days.

The zoom lens will have to come next month! :)
 
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