Dilemma

I am not a pro but a keen enthusiast taking a mixture of travel, social and candid street photography, and I usually convert the latter into

B&W. I still have my old D300 which I like because it starts up quickly, has unnoticeable shutter timelag, has quite fast AF (I still use only

the centre focus point), a fairly large viewfinder and separate buttons on top for ISO, WB, exposure compensation etc so giving quick

menu-free control when needed and sufficiently fast operation. I had a D700 when they first came out but stupidly traded it in for a Leica

M9 which I didn't keep for very long - it did not live up to the class of my old film M6, the electronics were very unreliable (often the in-

viewfinder information didn't come on, the camera froze, etc) and the viewfinder framing was even more inaccurate than normal in RFs. I

usually use prime lenses and am trying to work out which Nikon would best suit me. I like the button controls of the D300 and similar

style Nikons. I don't need more than 16 mp. I don't use auto ISO. I have a selection of full frame Nikon D and old AIS lenses and a couple of DX

lenses, but am not averse to buying one or two new lenses if necessary. However, I as I am getting older I would rather not go for a very

heavy camera. Trying to reconcile these different requirements is driving me insane. Anything to relieve my insanity would be most

appreciated.

Philip

<p>Hi Philip,<br>

<br />The new Nikon Df may be the camera you are looking for. You only need to check how good are for you its external controls. </p>

<p>Mihai - And finally, unexpected, your dream come true (Df vs FM3A)...</p>

<p>Just one question, based on your comments above. Exactly what is it that your present Nikon doesn't deliver on, is it just the weight of the body?</p>

<p>The Df is about 5 oz lighter. Not sure if that would be enough to help the OP out.</p>

<p>Philip, there are other truly lightweight full feature bodies made by manufacturers aside from Nikon - would you consider them or do you absolutely want to stick with Nikon?</p>

<p>I immediately thought of the Df as I was reading the post. If you are looking for even lighter weight I'd guess the 7100. I have to ask as well though, what aren't you getting from the D300?<br>

Rick H.</p>

 

Elliott, I have always preferred the ergonomics of Nikon over Canon; for a short time I had a 5D and the 24-105 L lens but

they didn't feel right with the result that I was never at my best using them. However, I am happy to have a look / feel at

any camera that may have decent controls, be fast in use and give good results. Philip.

<p>A lot of people think heavier DSLRs feels more 'pro', hence Nikon and other venders hardly put in any effort to make pro DSLRs super lightweight. <br>

One solution is to take only one zoom and leave your collection of lenses at home.<br>

Or, go mirror-less. High-end mirror-less meets your requirement of image quality, and the control is handy once you get used to it.</p>

<p>Paul, you have a great memory! Yes, I am one that cried out for a digital FM3A :) Nikon Df could be exactly what I wanted... but honestly I expected a better viewfinder. I need to handle it first but 99% Nikon won me for this product. :D</p>

<p>Philip, Nikon Df is quite compact, lot of external controls, retro design, great build quality, best sensor for PJ kind of work and compatible with 99.9% of all Nikon glass ever produced. I've read and heard that it is very good for manual focus too and its viewfinder it's definitely much better than the one included with your D300. I personally look with great anticipation to personally handle & test it.</p>

<p>It will be really interesting to compare the Df and D610 in the real world. Either seems to be a good choice for the OP. I do enjoy the size and weight of my D600 vs my D3, and don't miss the D700 that I had before the D600, except for the 1 button 100% focus check zoom.</p>

<p>Philip, you pretty much are a clone of me. I shoot with a Nikon D 300s, D 700 and a D 610. I think the Df is way overpriced for what it can do versus other Nikon bodies. I think you ought to get another used D 700 or a D 610 or a D 800. I do not suggest you get a D 600 even if has been refurbished. Only you can make the decision about button layouts and how many megapixels you need in your sensor. Joe Smith</p>

<p>One point to consider - nice as the Df looks to be, if you have good DX lenses that you cannot easily replace at this moment, it might not be the best choice. So, in my view, a lot depends on which DX lenses you have and how much you'll miss those. If they're must-have's, then the D7100 or a D7000 would be your best bet - lighter than a D300, as competent though a touch less external controls. The D600/D610 have the same external button layout, this is something you should check for yourself, likewise for the Df. The D700 will fit you as a glove after a D300, but it's most definitely not lightweight.</p>

<p>Several companies make light weight respectable bodies. You should check them out (I am not referring to Canon or Nikon.)</p>

<p>I should have added to my post above that some of these light weight bodies can accept Nikon lenses with an adapter. They are used in full manual mode (including obviously AF) but it does not appear to be an issue for the OP.</p>