cmulcahy

<p>I sell cameras part time. I know the D7000 pretty well. It' s a great camera and a very nice upgrade to the D90. As for returns and issues. I have seen 1 return since the camera arrived that had anything to do with performance issues. The flash would not pop up. (An issue I've seen on Canon and Nikon - but hardly a problem - just a rare issue that Ive seen a few times) I fully expect a few to come back but that's normal with all SLR's. <br>

<br />I have though seen several people come back with the camera after reading stories on the internet. All of a sudden the buyer is convinced his camera is doing the same thing. We'll look at the camera and not once have I been able to get the camera to do any of the things people have brought up ( front or back focusing) nor have I yet to see a hot pixel...... The customer then leaves feeling uneasy because of paranoia created on some forums. We've probably sold 50 of those D7000s' and with out a doubt there are no more issues with that camera then I've seen with any other SLR that has been released over the past few years. <br>

I seriously wonder if "nikon" haters or Canon "lovers" aren't just trying to stir something up? </p>

<p>I know one thing.... if and when Nikon comes out with an upgrade to the D300s that uses the D7000's sensor I'm buying that camera in a heart beat. The low light performance is superb. It's fast. And with a little tweaking the images are perfect. (I've tweaked every digital SLR I've ever owned...I didn't expect any different with the D7000 or any camera that follows) Manufactures default these things to look as bright and contrasty as possible on the show room floor. They want to catch the eye of the average consumer who really doesn't know much about photography but wants to take great pics of their kids and their vacations. People look at that D7000 LCD and they are blown away when they compare it to their old rebel. </p>

<p>As already said here, it depends on what type of shooting you do. My guess is that you should stick w/ the D300 and buy some new glass if you have $ burning in your pocket or are in need of an upgrade.</p>

<p>If you are shooting weddings or events then I'd say switch to the D700. The improved ISO performance will be greatly appreciated. Just keep in mind you may need to purchase new glass w/ the D700 given the FX sensor.</p>

<p>The 17-50mm 2.8 from Tamron is IMO their best lens. I've used it on my D300 for over a year now and absolutely love it. The only reason to spend 3x the price for the Nikon would be for faster AF and weather seals. I'll also ad the AF is not slow w/ the Tamron version, it's just not as fast as the Nikon, but very close. The build quality is much better w/ the Nikon. So for the professional that is rough on his equipment obviously spend the $ on the Nikon version. For everyone else you will love the Tamron version. <br>

<br /> I personally am not a fan of Tamron's built in motor. I prefer their screw drive AF. Especially in this lens (17-55mm 2.8) I think the AF is more accurate w/ the older version. The VR is a nice but unnecessary addition to this lens. I suppose VR never hurt so why not?</p>

<p>I don't think you can under state the pro's I listed above. Those improvements IMO are huge when comparing the two cameras. Yes side by side in the exact same situation the D90 will produce equally good image quality. But that really doesn't matter if miss a shot you would have other wise nailed using a D300s. <br>

For the $ the D90 is a great camera so don't misunderstand what I am saying. Also it is true...your glass is more important then the body. Given the two lenses the original poster is using , I'd say upgrading your lens options should be a priority for the type of shooting he is doing.</p>

<p>The only similarity between the D90 and the D300s is the image quality produced by the sensor....since they share the same sensor. Aside from that they are VERY different cameras. The D300s offers plenty of upgrades that make it a worthy purchase over a D90.<br>

Unless the extra $ spent on the D300s prevents you from investing into a good tripod and quality glass....buying the D300s is a very good decision. It's a great camera and I cannot say anything bad about it at all. As others have mentioned the weather seals should be a very big consideration if you are shooting a lot out doors. I recently shot for the first time in the rain and it scared the h*** out of me.....but I had no issues at all. <br>

Pro's<br>

Dual Card slots, weather seals, better AF system(by a long shot), ability to use Ai and AIS lenses, virtual horizon, 100% viewfinder, more shots per battery charge, better metering system, higher frame rate, and a VERY big improvement in the body and interface. </p>

<p>Con's<br>

Heavier, lacks auto settings vs the D90, higher price</p>

<p>I've had the chance to try out this new lens on a D300. I own the original non VR version with the screw drive. </p>

<p>The lens is very impressive, but it does have two issues that I don't like...</p>

<p>First thing I noticed is the AF is not real fast and not very accurate. Of course I've found this same issue with every Tamron lens w/ the new built in motors used on a Nikon body. Funny thing is the problem isn't so previlant on Canon or Pentex bodies. I wonder if there isn't a firmware issue w/ Tamron and Nikon</p>

<p>Secondly when you lock in your focus and the "VR" kicks in - the lens actually jumps a little internally. You can see this through the view finder when this happens. If you activate the shutter while this "shake" occurs your pictures will be soft or blurred....especially at slower shutter speeds. You actually have to wait about a second while the "VR" stabilizes then take the picture...then you get the full benefits of the VR and a very sharp picture. <br>

<br /> I tested this on 3 different copies of this lens and all 3 had the same issue. </p>

<p>Besides those issues the lens is great. If you aren't shooting sports or anything that requires fast and accurate AF - this lens will produce wonderful shots. Expect more then normal "missed focus" pictures because of a less then accurate build in motor AF. I'm a big fan of VR, it's not the best VR ever but it's better then no VR. I did think the bokeh did look better on this new version of the 17-50mm 2.8. Is it sharper? I couldn't tell just by looking at pictures... I'd say both are sharp....as long as you have accurate focus. </p>

<p>I really enjoy my screw drive version of the 17-50mm 2.8. The AF is more accurate and faster. Tamron needs to address their build in motor AF because it's a REAL issue that needs to be resolved. Until it is, I will not buy a Tamron w/ a built in motor.</p>

<p>I recently sold my 35-70mm 2.8. I didn't do much macro work but found the macro feature to be a lot of fun. It actually sparked my interest into possibly buying a dedicated macro lens. (all of the macro shots in my portfolio are done w/ the 35-70mm on a D300) </p>

<p>I was using it on a D300 which isn't ideal for that lens, but I got mine for free (in mint condition). I got offers from a couple D700 users I know for this lens which made me wonder what it was worth now. I needed cash to buy another lens that was more useful to me so I put mine on Ebay and I was amazed at how many bids I got. So yea the D700 has definately rekindeled interest in this lens. <br>

If or when I get a D700 I'll likely buy another copy because that lens is great.</p>