D300 too old?

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I have a family friend who is thinking about selling his D300. I am unsure which lens etc. would come with it if anything, but I have never done any sort of real photography before and want to start. As a beginner, I am wondering if this camera is too old to even bother with, no matter what price, and even if it is in good shape. Thoughts?
 

Bill16

Senior Member
It's older tech sure, but it's an awesome camera! I have two of them and I wouldn't part with mine!
It's a pro DX model and though you could likely find a higher tech model for the same cost, you won't find a better quality DX model.

So I would say it depends on what you want out of a camera, when it come to choosing a model. But the D300 is an awesome camera, and the DX model I prefer out of all Nikon's DX lineup! :)

Here is an example of what I was able to produce with one!

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Moab Man

Senior Member
I don't own a D300, but plenty are still in love with their camera and turning out great work like Bills. My suggestion is if you're getting a good price then get it. But, like any tool, know what the tool can do and use it within its parameters. For example, if the other D300 users say it just doesn't like the low light situation then try to work around that. Work to the cameras strong suit.
@Bill16 Sweet spider photo. Both are great, but I love that spider.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
Read the many threads in this sub forum. Research the Nikon D300 on the internet.

I have a D300 and a D700 and they are virtually the same...fabulous!! If you can score one at a good price go for it! If it doesn't work for you flip it on eBay or Craigslist or even here on this marketplace.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
Thanks buddy for the awesome compliment! I love that spider photo too, so I got a 20" x 30" print of it! Lol :D

I don't own a D300, but plenty are still in love with their camera and turning out great work like Bills. My suggestion is if you're getting a good price then get it. But, like any tool, know what the tool can do and use it within its parameters. For example, if the other D300 users say it just doesn't like the low light situation then try to work around that. Work to the cameras strong suit.
@Bill16 Sweet spider photo. Both are great, but I love that spider.
 

WayneF

Senior Member
I have a family friend who is thinking about selling his D300. I am unsure which lens etc. would come with it if anything, but I have never done any sort of real photography before and want to start. As a beginner, I am wondering if this camera is too old to even bother with, no matter what price, and even if it is in good shape. Thoughts?

I have a D300 and a D800. I think I might use the D300 more than the D800. :) I think I might just be sparing the $3000 body from needless shutter exposures. :)

Not a thing wrong with a D300, it is an awesome camera. The only one quibble is that it does not have the newer high ISO 3200 performance of the newer ones. But at say ISO 800, it is still extremely credible. And it does not have Live View or movie mode. But otherwise, absolutely nothing wrong with it.
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
And it does not have Live View
Mine had Live View.

But at say ISO 800, it is still extremely credible



Depends on your definition of extremely credible. I would never push mine over 640, unless it was extremely necessary . Most of the time I was at base ISO 200 and not much over 400.
If this camera had anything resembling low light performance I would still have mine.
 
Thanks guys! I really appreciate it- any suggestions as to price for the camera and lenses that would work for the camera that are especially versatile? I'm going abroad so want to be to take great scenery pictures, but also great people pictures!
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
Thanks guys! I really appreciate it- any suggestions as to price for the camera and lenses that would work for the camera that are especially versatile? I'm going abroad so want to be to take great scenery pictures, but also great people pictures!

I wouldn't pay over 400 dollars for good used one. As for lenses, if you I could take only one ,it would be the Nikon 18-140mm. I would love to get a Tamron 16-300mm lens but those things are like 600 dollars.
If you are going to shoot a lot of landscapes, for the price you can't beat a Tokina 11-16mm lens.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
I don't care what new technology they come out with, I'll never get rid of my D300. I just love this camera! As far as the lower ISO capability.....who cares! I very rarely shoot over ISO 600 anyway, so it's not an issue for me.

As for lenses, if you can get an 18-140, that's the one I'd take on a trip. If you can't swing that one, go for the 18-105. Great traveling lens. And for landscapes...get your hands on a Tokina 11-16.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
As for being too old.........a 1955 Chevy is too old, but wouldn't you love to own one? :) Or a 1932 Bugatti.

It`s not the age of the tool you`re using, it`s how it`s used.

So if you can, grab that D300 and thoroughly enjoy it. It`s an amazing crop sensor camera. If you like, I can send you the Setup Guide for it, and you can set up the 4 banks it has for different shooting parameters. Just leave me your email address and I`ll mail it off to you. It`s in PDF form.
 

slowpoke

Senior Member
It's alot of camera for a newbie.Lots of bells and whistles.Read the manual and set the camera up with the info from fotojack.Get an inexpensive lens like a Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6 to strat with.That way if photography isn't your bag then your not out a ton of money.Don't pay more than $400.00 for one.Oh ya.I will not part with mine.I love it lol.All the Best.
 

Bukitimah

Senior Member
I bought a pre-owned D300 more than 3 years ago with more than 50,000 actuations. I am still using it today and my oh camera. Yes low light is the only issue but not a serious one.

If the price is good, go for it. Cameras are getting cheaper with streams of newer models. This is good news for people like me that don't go for latest but what suits me.
 

Redtail55

Senior Member
What would you guys pay for a D300s with 38,000 clicks ? A guy I've contacted is looking for $650 out of his.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
What would you guys pay for a D300s with 38,000 clicks ? A guy I've contacted is looking for $650 out of his.
$650 for just the body or does that include anything else? I'm finding used D300s bodies going for $500 or less on eBay.

Here's one for $700, looking to be pretty mint condition, that comes with spare batteries, a sweet looking grip and memory card.

....
 

Bill16

Senior Member
I've never really got interested in the "s" version. But I doubt I'd pay more than $600.00 with the actuations that high. But I'm more into the D300 version, and the cost is lower. :)

What would you guys pay for a D300s with 38,000 clicks ? A guy I've contacted is looking for $650 out of his.
 
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