Yet another "What camera should I buy?" question

<p>I am a long time amateur photographer who is considering upgrading to some pro level equipment. I've been using a Nikon D200 as my workhorse for the past 6 years. There are some examples of my sports images <a href="http://photos.randrews4.com/Sports/Sports-Portfolio/10427906_qgTqdS">here</a>. I would like to stay with Nikon so I don't need to start over with lenses. I've been pouring over the specs and it looks like the D3S would be ideal for sports given its high ISO and high frame rate. These are important factors, but most of my "near miss" images have focus problems. What camera has the fastest and most accurate autofocus system? </p>

<p>Other comments and suggestions would also be welcome. </p>

<p>Be sure you understand that the D3S has a larger ("FX") sensor than does your D200, and thus all of your familiar lenses will behave as if they had a shorter focal length. For sports, that really matters. If you have DX-format specific lenses, they won't even cover the frame on the D3S.<br /><br />Consider a D300 or D300S ... as they have essentially the same AF system as the D3S, and it's a huge improvement over the D200 (I know, I also shot action with a D200 for some time, and saw great improvement with the D300's far superior AF system). <br /><br />You don't mention what lenses you're using, but unless you're armed to the teeth with big fast glass, I'd seriously consider a used D300/s and using any extra money that's burning a hole in your pocket to upgrade lenses. Something will becoming along from Nikon before long that will make the D300 look like the D200 does now. Don't spend D3S kind of money just now. Truly. And seriously consider sticking with DX.<br /><br />I've been playing with the new D3200 lately, and while it doesn't have the D300's AF abilities, it's a hint about where Nikon will be going with whatever is their next higher-end DX body. I'm expecting a lot (and for a lot less than even a good used D3S, for someone who shoots what you shoot).</p>

<p>For the hoops that you shoot full frame vs dx won't make that much of a difference - since you are closer to the action anyway. </p>

<p>For football and hockey - fx vs dx will make a big difference - unless as Matt pointed out, you have the longer glass. </p>

<p>The D300 is a huge improvement and can be had for under $800.00 in most cities. </p>

<p>The D7000 would be an option, but it has a notoriously small and slow buffer. (And that's about the only criticism I have of that body.) </p>

<p>Dave</p>

<p>So, if your great pictures shown in the link come from the D200, people who think they already reached the point of necessity to upgrade the D200 camera, need to have a look at them.</p>

<p>While D300 or D300S is a better camera, your pictures should be as good as from D200, or possibly better, but not by much. Do not expect miracles from this upgrade, since your production is already as good as it will be with the D300. Certainly you could have larger percentage of keepers, especially in more difficult action and lighting conditions</p>

 

<p>The main difference with the D300 (vs D200) ... the far more accurate, agile AF system. That you can also bump up ISO by another stop or two without the D200's chroma noise kicking in quite so fast - that's also a good thing for a lot of sport shooting situations.</p>

<p>I greatly appreciate the responses. I will take another look at the D300s. As Matt suggests, some fast glass would also help. </p>

<p>FWIW, I ended up getting a used D300s and a used 70-200 VR I lens. The total price is about half what I would have paid for a D3s. I've shot some butterfly pictures and the combination has worked well. I'm looking forward to some sports shooting. </p>

<p>Before you make the plunge, read some reviews and take suggestions from the forum. Don't aim too low when choosing a camera. I've never heard anyone complaining that the camera they bought is too good.<br>

Don't rule out used and refurbished cameras from dealers and manufacturers.<br>

Camera Reviews<br>

<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com">http://www.kenrockwell.com</a><br>

<a href="http://www.photographytalk.com/photography-equipment-reviews/reviews-home">http://www.photographytalk.com/photography-equipment-reviews/reviews-home</a><br>

<a href="http://www.dpreview.com">http://www.dpreview.com</a><br>

<a href="http://www.snapsort.com">http://www.snapsort.com</a><br>

<a href="http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html">http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html</a></p>