d300 Alternative

<p>I have a d300, and the battery pack, some great lenses.... Well I wish I used it more. I bought the camera to shoot sports when my kids were in high school. I learned that getting a shot of the bat hitting the ball was not as easy as I thought. I love the quality of pics that I get with the camera but wish that it shot video too. so here's my dilemma, I am going to sell my d300 "like new" and get either a d7000 or a d600. the d600 might be overkill for me and am I spoiled from the feel of the d300 to where I will be disappointed with the d7000? again I'm a pretty casual user who tends to buy generally higher end items than I need, but I tried just converting to the 9300 and it's not fast enough and theirs a big difference in the quality of photos produced vs. the d300. Any help or thoughts are greatly appreciated. Jim</p>

<p>[[but wish that it shot video too.]]</p>

<p>I would strongly encourage you to understand and experience shooting video with a DSLR before buying one for this feature. It is not a drop-in replacement for a camcorder. </p>

 

<p>If you're going to shoot stills at the same time as video, a single camera could work for you, but video with a still camera is a bit cumbersome. If all you want is video, get a dedicated video camera. I have a D300s and the video is good, but it will only run 5 minutes in HD, then stop, you have to manually start it again. Also, autofocus is slow, most times I use the AF-On button to force focus, not so good. It's also useful to have a vibration reduction lens.</p>

<p>Have you considered something in the Micro 4/3 area as 'additional to' rather than 'instead of'? I've just pulled the trigger on a used Panasonic GH1 with 14-140mm lens as an addition to my D300. My D5100, even though it has full HD video will probably go. The reason - AF in live view and movie mode is still too clunky. The GH1 will become my walkabout camera (I used to have a G1) with the D300 being used at home, for events & when I don't have to carry it very far.</p>

<p>Get a video camera, or at least a mirrorless 1080p camera or a Sony SLT (A77) for sport/fast action video. </p>

<p>a decent quality HD camcorder can be obtained for $500 or less - I'd go that route if you want video. </p>

<p>Keep in mind that a video camcorder is designed to shoot video. Not still photos (most will allow both) and that a DSLR's primary function is still photos and video is an add on.</p>

<p>Dave</p>

 

<p>So far, I've been generally disapppointed with the video from my D5100. It's very stop & start (i.e. jerky).</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

<p>I just got a D7000 and for video it flat out sucks. My iPhone is better. For still photography, it is spectacular.</p>

<p>What lenses do you have?</p>

It's hard to beat the focus tracking of the D300 until you get into the D700-D800 range. Considering that even a mint D300 isn't worth that much anymore, getting a reasonable video camera or even a close-out Panasonic GH1 or GH2 camera might give you better results at about the same cost as "upgrading" the D300 to a lessor DSLR with mediocre video.

<p>Look at a Nikon V1 and FT-1 adapter/tripod mount which will take your Nikon AF-s lenses, shoot video at up to 60fps and several still shots close together from which you can choose your best 'ball on bat' image. The 2.7 crop factor will also get you closer to the action. Heavy discounts available at the moment.<br>

Nikon claim the fastest auto-focus in the world for this camera.</p>

<p>I am not a video shooter and video availability within the camera was never one of my priorities. But it's true though that when it comes to video Nikon is not one of the first options in the market. Sony, Canon and Panasonic are better choises video wise. If I was you and not being in a hurry to get something for Christmas or New Year's eve, I would wait to see what the new year will bring. <br>

The rumoured replacements for D7000 and D300s, or at least one model that will carry the title of the DX flagship in the Nikon line, is more than ever close to be revealed as the "experts/insiders" also agree. And this will be probably be in January/February 2013. Cheers!</p>

<p>I have read all above and agree.</p>

<p>If you want a good video camera, get a dedicated video camera and my choice is a 3 ccd Canon.</p>

<p>It is possible to shoot with a DSLR/Video combination, just as it is possible to shoot stills with a Canon video camera, but the secondary use remains a 'secondary use', and each is ill equipped to do so ergonically well and get excellent results easily in its secondary use.</p>

<p>You can still get a decent price for your D300, though the used price has dropped. </p>

<p>As of last night both B&H and Adorama had the D7000 on sale (refurbished) for $749, and as a still camera, it is a superb camera in my opinion, and the price can't be beat.</p>

<p>The low light capability is superb, and it has few drawbacks as a still camera and many features that are substantial improvements over the D300 EXCEPT a big buffer, but it will shoot 6 frames per second out of the box without a booster, but that's maximum as it will not shoot more.</p>

<p>Why would you need a D600 or D800? For their video capabilities? Better get a video camera.</p>

<p>Either would be a super full-frame camera and if you're a pro and interested in isolating focal planes with large aperture lenses (or in video 'pulling focus'), and then they might be considered, but frankly they both sound like far too much expense over the heavily discounted D7000, which frankly is a door buster bargain and indicates something is coming 'down the pike'.</p>

<p>Save a grand (or two) and put it into top quality glass which does not depreciate much - if you intend to shoot still photos and get best quality. It will retain its value for long periods if you choose the best quality large aperture 'pro' quality lenses AND improve your yield of good shots if shooting in low light or isolating focal planes (vs. taking 'snapshots')</p>

<p>FYI, even the D600 and the D800 are available as 'refurbished' with savings, if you can live with a short guarantee. The probability is they were just picked from the factory assembly line and never sold to anyone or returned. I've had amazing luck with factory 'refurbs' and never buy anything but same if I have the chance.</p>

<p>But don't buy any of those cameras for the video. And if you buy a dedicated video camera, my preference is for the 3ccd pro Canon model for ease of use and retained value (also for Canon's willingness to let one year's camera of one model camera use the battery from a previous year's model -- not guaranteed, but it's something they've done that can save hundreds sometimes if you upgrade, -- I'd avoid Sony just for the 'incompatibility problems in upgrading or finding parts for older models).<br>

john<br>

John (Crosley)</p>

<p> </p>