D800 or D400 FX or DX, the choice for the future?

MichaelLaing

New member
I am just wondering if it is worth going over to full frame? I currently own the D300 and have had it since it first came out, before Nikon went to full frame DSLRs and have quite a bit of glass for it. Now I believe that Nikon are going to be bringing out the D800 and D400.

The main reason I want to upgrade are for low light photography. I shoot a lot of circus performers and stuff like that and also unlike most who seem to feel that video on Nikon is the spawn of the devil. I also want to shoot video (which is my day job a lot of the time, but don't want to go over to Canon which is where the video market is currently headed).

Now I know the full frame sensor is going to be better for high ISO but with the advances in tech, the DX sensor is now very good as well and hopefully Nikon will do a decent job with the D400.

What I am wondering though, is DX or FX the future for Nikon. Currently it seems that Full frame is the way to go and that DX has got to the limits of its pixel size (I realize it is very rare (if ever) where I will need to print anything that big) and that the current technology can only go so far. But give it 5 or ten years time, there could be a completely different sensor technology out there which could make big heavy full frame cameras obsolete.

So should I invest in the D800 and lenses when it comes out or go with the D400?
 
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kaizen

Senior Member
FX != High ISO.
compare the specs of the D3s and D3x, both are FX.

Lower pixel density/bigger (less) pixels -> less noise -> higher ISO possible.

I guess the new FX cams will have more pixels and in the best case the same noise as a D700.
Maybe a D4s will outperform a D3s in High-ISO in the future.
 
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Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
Michael I too purchased my D300 before Nikon released FX. With my 17-55/f2.8, 35/f1.8, 50/f1.4 and 85/f1.8 I am very happy with the low light capabilities. Kaizen is spot on regarding the additional low light capabilities of FX. The biggest advantage that you would probably have is the ability to control depth of field at high ISO. A wise man once told me to upgrade when my equipment no longer lets me take the images that I want. You might be there?
 

omegabri

Senior Member
I too am mixed about my next upgrade. DX or FX?? My new glass (hopefully ordering next week...) will be the FX pro lenses, so I’ll be able to use on either a DX or FX camera...
Has there been a more definitive answer towards the rumour of new releases !?!? I notice that many retailers seem to be plugging ‘deals’ for the current D300S model. Does this mean that Nikon are pushing ‘end of line’ sales?????

Bri...
 

ZakSaenzPhotography

Senior Member
I can tell you this, I have a D300, D300s and a D700 and the set up that I like the best for all around photography is my D300s with a Nikon 18-200mm VR lens. As far as sharpness this is my first choice but for indoor use I switch to my D700 with a 28-75mm 2.8.

Zak
 

Ruidoso Bill

Senior Member
Michael I too purchased my D300 before Nikon released FX. With my 17-55/f2.8, 35/f1.8, 50/f1.4 and 85/f1.8 I am very happy with the low light capabilities. Kaizen is spot on regarding the additional low light capabilities of FX. The biggest advantage that you would probably have is the ability to control depth of field at high ISO. A wise man once told me to upgrade when my equipment no longer lets me take the images that I want. You might be there?

I think many folks buy the bigger and better long before the need exists. Even the entry level nikons can do some pretty amazing things as the tools they are intended to be. What keeps me from better photos has little to do with my current equipment, has a lot more to do with practice and improving technique. Lenses far outweigh my need for another camera body.
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
What kind of investment in your current lenses do you have? Would the change in format be worth it to you? Or does it not even factor into your decision?
 

effro

Senior Member
I am happy with my current gear, D700 and D300 and bag full of fine lenses for both. The only thing holding me back is me.
I don't feel the need for more megapixels at this time.
The only thing I might like to add would be another lens, probably the 14-24/2.8.....:cool:
 
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