Replacement for D300

[intokyo]

I have a D700 which I enjoy using but always need at least 2 bodies. My d300 now reads over 155000, the rubber is falling off and various other minor issues BUT worst of all the mirror now sticks up for maybe 10 frames before deigning to fall for a mere one or two. so it's off to Nikon Service today but I feel it will be a series of band aids.....

My big love of the D300 right now is compatibility of both batts and cards, with either body. just makes life a lot easier I find.

I do want video in my next dslr body though, so another D700 is not really the answer. A D3s would be possible, since I have several of those big batteries; but the $3000 cost is a little out of the question at present.

And I do want a crop sensor body. Resigned to the fact that the cards and batteries are going to multiply and confuse.

D7000, D7100? I shoot in all weathers so sealing is always appreciated. I need something with u/w soft housing compatibility.

Do either of the 7000/7100 have any incompatibility issues with any of the following lenses:

Sigma 14mm F2.8
Sigma 85mm F1.4
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 non OS
Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR Mk1/2

 

[MX727]

Lightly used D300s? Technically, the D300s is still a current model from Nikon. You can still use the batteries and CF card from the D700. Same with MB-D10 if you have it. It will also take a SD, which I'd probably just throw one in an leave it. Set it up so Video goes to SD or use if for overflow/backup depending on how you feel.

There is a nice one that just posted in the Markeplace, but you may not have access until you get 300 posts.

 

[davidzvi]

If you really want video you'll loose the compatibility that DOES make life easier. The D300s does have video, but things have come a long way since 2009 so I wouldn't recommend one if that's a must have. And if it is a must have you could always get a D300s AND a D5300 or D7100 for well under the 3,000 price of the D3s (actually you might even be able to get all 3 for under 3,000).

One very BIG consideration you need to consider is how often you use the cameras together and what adjustments you often make while shooting. I shot dual D700s plus a D90 as a backup for a while and found the D90 to be different enough that it distracted me going from one body to another. The D700/D300/s are just about perfect complements for each other.

 

[Baywing]

For the time being, I'd consider a lightly used D300(s) and leave the video for the next body, hopefully a D400 in the near future. You seem to be happy with the D300 and it's performance so why not stick with what you are familiar with? I would expect that the estimate you will get to repair yours will exceed the value of the body and I suspect that you already know that or you wouldn't be asking......

 

[Randy]

d7100 has way better iso, at least a stop better, but the d300 has better AF, fps, a much larger buffer , better bld quality, and it just feels better

but IQ from the d7100 is superb and it crops way better than the d300

i got a used d300 (+ grip + xtra battery for $450 ) after realizing the d7100's probs but i still shoot the d7100 for wildlife

so just donate the d300 to goodwill and get a used one, they are very inexpensive now, try fredmiranda.com

 

[Harry Lavo]

d7100 has way better iso, at least a stop better, but the d300 has better AF, fps, a much larger buffer , better bld quality, and it just feels better

but IQ from the d7100 is superb and it crops way better than the d300

i got a used d300 (+ grip + xtra battery for $450 ) after realizing the d7100's probs but i still shoot the d7100 for wildlife

so just donate the d300 to goodwill and get a used one, they are very inexpensive now, try fredmiranda.com

What Randy says. Used D300's go as low as $300 on todays market (I bought one with moderate mileage at that price) and grips are cheap. It is better for sports tracking, although the IQ and low ISO on my D700 and D5100 are much better. I am currently contemplating buying a D700 to replace the D7000 model for the compatibility reasons you cite.

 

[crashton]

I've been thinking of a used D300 D300s. Prices are low, but will be even lower when the D400 comes out. Guess I'll wait a bit.....

 

[Jeff A]

I've been thinking of a used D300 D300s. Prices are low, but will be even lower when the D400 comes out. Guess I'll wait a bit.....

I am beginning to think that the D400 is like Bigfoot. All kind of hype regarding announcement dates but no evidence to prove it exists. I gave in and bought the D7100. As Randy has stated, the IQ is impressive. I am finding myself using the D700 with the 16-35, D300 with the 24-120 and D7100 with a longer telezoom when I don't feel like changing lenses. Covers me from landscapes to wildlife.