Advice... Beginner & lost.

[Browncoat]

You are the second one to say this. Explain yourself please. What could she want that the D7000 isn't capable of, except full frame, and the D300s isn't that either? Thanks.

The first thing that comes to mind is build quality. The D300s has a difference you can see and feel, which includes more magnesium components and rubber seals. The shutter mechanism is beefier as well.

If you shoot sports, the D300s wins hands down with more AF points (51 vs 39 in the D7000), higher burst mode, and the ability to use faster CF cards. The D300s is a scaled down version of the D3. The D300s is an intro into the pro series, and is more of a tool for serious photography. It features more buttons on the body of the camera, instead of buried in the menus and there is far more menu/settings customization available. The D7000 is a high end consumer product that still features auto modes.

What it boils down to is how the cameras will be used. While the D7000 boasts some stats that are better than the D300s, there are a lot of intangibles. For example, the D7000 doesn't have a dedicated AF-ON button. That's a deal breaker for some, especially fast-action shooters. Lack of a 10-pin connection is another big deal. Additionally, the D7000 uses a new battery type which could be a problem for photographers who already own several extras from owning previous Nikon products.

 

[Browncoat]

Or, to put it another way....

 

[JoeLewisPhotography]

LOL Love it!

 

[emoxley]

So, except for 2-3 things, most of the advantages are important if you're going to be a pro sports photographer. If you're not, most of those differences aren't going to be that important. Let's look at Joe's list of 11 differences, and how someone like me, the average non pro, or even pro but not sports pro, is concerned by them:

1 - You're right. No big deal.
2 - Only a real concern to a sports pro.
3 - Again, only a real concern to a sports pro.
4 - Some concern to everyone, but not a major concern.
5 - Again, only to sports pro. The average joe, or pro not doing sports, probably isn't going to have their gear out in the rain. If I ever need to be in the rain, which I can't imagine why, I'll get the $10 - $20 plastic rain gear for it.
6 - May be of some concern to non sports pro, but not to me. Besides, if I have that many flashes, I think my SB900 can be made a master also. If I remember correctly, it will control 3 flash groups. But, if I need 3 groups of flashes to get a picture, I don't think I need that picture that bad.
7 - SD cards are fine for me. I don't own other cameras. Usually, only pros have more than one DSLR, I would think.
8 - I haven't seen anything I want for my setup that requires a 10 pin connection. Again, maybe pros. What accessories uses a 10 pin connection?
9 - No big deal for me. Three is all I need to do HDR pics. Having 9 brackets would be a nice extra, but not a biggie.
10 - If I remember correctly, the assignable buttons for this, don't really have an original function assigned to them. I'll look that up when I remember to. I haven't found a need to assign buttons yet.
11 - In the year I've had my D7000, I don't think I've had to go to the menus more than twice, once I made my original settings.

So, you see, for the average joe like me, most of these differences don't matter at all. Only a couple may matter to a non sports pro. Most are really going to matter mainly to a sports pro. The D7000 is more than enough camera for me, and most people like me. If I win the lottery, I'll buy a D3s just to have one to play with. Not because I need one. I can't justify spending that kind of money on something that's not making me that kind of money. Even the price of a D300s isn't justifiable. The D7000 was actually pushing it a little.
I understand your reasoning. It just doesn't matter to most of us, about the differences, and them costing $500 more.............

 

[Marcel]

we could argue all night about which of the two cameras is the best, the most "pro" and we'd never agree. Claudia asked for our opinion for her needs. She did mention that she thought the D300s was too big for her hands and that it didn't feel as good "for her" as the D7000. I say to her to get the one she feels more comfortable with. Not knowing what her photographic knowledge is and where she's going to go from there, the D7000 is maybe even above her needs. I'd recommend it only because it's the latest technology, otherwise she could do very well with the D90 which is about the same size and weight as the 7000 but older technology. The D90 could even be easier to get a grip on (the D7000 requires IMHO the best lenses to perform).

 

[Claudia!]

I plan to use it for everything but sports. I may use it for sports here and there but not often. It's not my biggest worry. I don't have kids or anything like that. I have a niece and nephew but their parents take the pictures. I love landscape and portrait photography therefore my main usage would be for those two. I do plan to do all sorts of photography but will work my way up there eventually. Is it better to get a lens that is a nikon brand or will it not matter? What brands of lens are recommended. I am trying to take it slow but learn as I get there before I make my purchase.

 

[JoeLewisPhotography]

That is precisely why I said, the D300s isn't designed for the beginner, where as the D7000 is more beginner friendly, HOWEVER, as you grow and advance and look for more "pro" features in a camera, the D7000 will come up a bit short.

Regarding #11, one of the BIGGEST reasons I love my D300s is the Qual, WB, ISO, AF area and metering buttons at my finger tips...If you have only gone into your menu's only twice in a year, you are most likely not shooting in Manual.
I ONLY shoot manual, and constantly change and adapt my settings according to the scene and what my needs are at that moment. This is a BIG deal for manual shooters.

It all comes down to personal opinions, what YOU want to photograph, and how serious YOU want to get with it. You asked for differences, and we gave them. I think the D7000 is the smarter choice for the OP. Its a fantastic camera, however, Not fantastic enough for ME to choose over my D300s.

 

[Browncoat]

So, you see, for the average joe like me, most of these differences don't matter at all.

You asked what more the D300s was capable of over the D7000, and you got that...in spades.

The D300s (as was previously mentioned) is not aimed at the Average Joe, so it seems you were merely asking for points to be made so that you could attempt to refute them. Joe and I were trying to show that the D300s is a lot more camera to grow into, and worth a look for the OP. We were not trying to say the D7000 isn't a good camera.

Now, let's get back to the task at hand...

 

[Eye-level]

I like to think of it this way...the old F2 is to the FM as the D3 is to the D300 and the D700 is for purists but that is another thread altogether! ...the rest of them are cool too don't get me wrong...but you all are really missing the whole entire point...the F mount bayonet is the coolest thing there is and has ever been!

 

[Eye-level]

Are there any differences in what lenses the D300 and the D7000 can mount?

Nevermind...

After further research I have decided it would probably be just as well to buy a D5100 than a D7000 especially for a so called "beginner"...hahaha

Megapixels is a bunch of mumbo jumbo IMO...at least at this point in camera evolution...

 

[Marcel]

Are there any differences in what lenses the D300 and the D7000 can mount?

I don't think so, I use a few manual lenses on the D7000. I think they have to be Ai or Ais though.

 

[Claudia!]

I want the newest technology. I thought about waiting for the next camera that nikon puts out but who knows if it's even what I like or if it's within my price range. Do ya'll think I would have a great amount of creativity provided with the d7000? Overall, I know about photography but not the details that I should know. I do know certain things and have learned a long the years but I have always been someone who does it for a hobby. I never took the time to really learn the details that makes a photo that much more beautiful. My main thing is that I've learned how to take good photos without taking the time out to understand what would make them better or what I need to look into for better quality. I have relied to much on the settings that the camera provides and not so much on what I can do on my own. I want to take it to the next level and know everything about my camera. I don't want a camera that I know nothing of. I want to know my equipment, how to use it, and how to make the best of it. In my point of view, I am a beginner when it comes to understanding "camera talk" which includes the abbreviations and what certain things are used for. It took me a while to understand ISO or what the "F" indicates. I am more than sure I can learn all that when I have the camera & manual. I want to learn what I need to adjust or change in order to get the quality of picture I want. I think all that will come with time. Would the d300s be a bad choice for someone who is just starting off? I feel like I am doubting my decision again. So confused!

 

[Browncoat]

You'll find that we all cling to our chosen models like family. That much has been evident in this thread if nothing else. But you'll also find one universally accepted truth here:

It's not the camera. It's you.

Get what you can afford. The D7000 is a fine camera, and it will serve you well. You'll spend the first couple months taking photos of your cat and things around your yard, just like the rest of us did, and think you're Ansel Adams. It goes with the territory. There's going to be a learning curve for you, no matter which camera you end up with, and if you are one of those who yearn for something more, you can always sell your D7000 and upgrade later.

Don't get too hung up on the tech stuff. That will come in time.

 

[emoxley]

You asked what more the D300s was capable of over the D7000, and you got that...in spades.

The D300s (as was previously mentioned) is not aimed at the Average Joe, so it seems you were merely asking for points to be made so that you could attempt to refute them. Joe and I were trying to show that the D300s is a lot more camera to grow into, and worth a look for the OP. We were not trying to say the D7000 isn't a good camera.

Now, let's get back to the task at hand...

I wasn't trying to refute them. I was going over them, and seeing if the differences were important to someone like me. Claudia said in her first post that she's a beginner. In my mind, that means that right now she is average, like me. She may become pro. That may take a few years, unless she gets very serious about it, to get to that point quicker. By the time she becomes pro, the D400 will be out, and she may want that, or by then, maybe the D800.

Actually, it seemed more like Joe was trying to talk her into buying his D300s, that he's been trying to sell. Joe and you both put down the D7000 by talking about how it will fall short, and leave you wishing for more. Well, as we discovered by the 11 point breakdown, the only way it falls short is if you're going to use it as a pro sports photographer's camera. Actually, I think most of them use D3 or D3s full frame cameras, with an $8000 lens on it. I doubt they even bother with a crop sensor D300s. Their backups are probably a D700.

So, I guess I get kinda defensive when people put down my gear for no good reason. Another reason for wanting to know the differences, so I'd know if the put down had good reason. Nope, sorry, no good reason. I never put down the D300s. I just said the differences didn't really mean much to me, especially at the extra cost of it. Down the road, everyone that has a camera made up to this point, is going to wish for something more. It's human nature. Always want newer and better. Joe is perfect example, selling his D300s so he can get a full frame camera. Evidently it doesn't live up to his wants.
BTW Joe, the WB, ISO, etc., buttons are at our fingertips on the D7000 too. I don't know about the Qual you mentioned. I don't know what it is.

Claudia, good luck with whatever you end up getting. I'm sure you'll love either one. I'm not posting any more in this thread. I've had enough. Hope you're not more confused from the back and forth stuff about the differences.

 

[Browncoat]

I'm not posting any more in this thread.

Excellent. I'll hold you to that. You have misinterpreted much of what has been posted, and you've made it clear that you chose the D7000 for your own reasons.

Now perhaps we can get to Claudia's issue.

 

[Eye-level]

What about a D5000 and a wide range telephoto VR lens...now we are talking...make a beginner take pictures like a pro...lol

My biggest problem has always been not having a great lens...bodies don't matter being the great photog I am...ROTFLMAO!

 

[Just-Clayton]

when i first got my 3100 i had a hard time deciding. took about a month. i decided to start at the low end of the spectrum to get used to the camera and how to run it. in the spring i plan to get a second body and it will probably be the 7000. its like going to a cadilac dealer to choose a car. a cadilac is a cadilac and a nikon is a nikon just depends on what you want to do with it. do you want the extras or the basic package?

 

[JoeLewisPhotography]

I wasn't trying to refute them. I was going over them, and seeing if the differences were important to someone like me. Claudia said in her first post that she's a beginner. In my mind, that means that right now she is average, like me. She may become pro. That may take a few years, unless she gets very serious about it, to get to that point quicker. By the time she becomes pro, the D400 will be out, and she may want that, or by then, maybe the D800.

Actually, it seemed more like Joe was trying to talk her into buying his D300s, that he's been trying to sell. Joe and you both put down the D7000 by talking about how it will fall short, and leave you wishing for more. Well, as we discovered by the 11 point breakdown, the only way it falls short is if you're going to use it as a pro sports photographer's camera. Actually, I think most of them use D3 or D3s full frame cameras, with an $8000 lens on it. I doubt they even bother with a crop sensor D300s. Their backups are probably a D700.

So, I guess I get kinda defensive when people put down my gear for no good reason. Another reason for wanting to know the differences, so I'd know if the put down had good reason. Nope, sorry, no good reason. I never put down the D300s. I just said the differences didn't really mean much to me, especially at the extra cost of it. Down the road, everyone that has a camera made up to this point, is going to wish for something more. It's human nature. Always want newer and better. Joe is perfect example, selling his D300s so he can get a full frame camera. Evidently it doesn't live up to his wants.
BTW Joe, the WB, ISO, etc., buttons are at our fingertips on the D7000 too. I don't know about the Qual you mentioned. I don't know what it is.

Claudia, good luck with whatever you end up getting. I'm sure you'll love either one. I'm not posting any more in this thread. I've had enough. Hope you're not more confused from the back and forth stuff about the differences.

Get one thing straight here, I was NOT trying to sell her my camera. if you go back and re-read i said the D300s was NOT the camera for her. Great sales pitch huh? And no, the D300s is no longer living up to MY expectations, because I am over DX and ready to step up in the game. Everything voiced here is an opinion. take it for what it's worth. ANNNNNyyyyyhoooooo.

Sorry mod gods...
Back to the topic and no more on the Nonsense. Claudia, I believe your questions have been answered. the D7000 is a great camera, and the best choice for your technical needs. It may be a little tough to understand as a beginner, but you will grow into it, and it will take you pretty far. Like Anthony said, you can always sell it and upgrade another time. As for your creative needs, that comes from YOU, and will come with time! I think you are stressing out way too much over this.

 

[ccoulson]

Hi Claudia.
I am no pro.... and i dont know as much about this as the fellas that have posted on here. But I thought Id give my opinion on this. The D7000 is an amazing camera. It takes beautiful pictures, it feels good in small hands, Its fast and you can get SOOOOOO creative with it. I have the 7000, and along with my 35mm 1.8. Im happy and loving my work. I moved up from a d3000.. and wow there is just no comparison...

I talked with camera stores, read blogs, and reviews on all the different nikons out there. But this one had my heart.

I think it would be a great investment for you, especially just starting out. And once you grow out of it sell it and put that money towards whatever Pro Model Nikon has at the time!!

There is so much to learn with any of these cameras so it will all depend on you and the time that you put into learning it and making it fit your uses!!!! The people here at NIKONITES are so nice, and when asked technical questions about lighting, exposure and how the cameras work they are so helpful and kind! (and usually dont get into tiffs as they have here!!! )

So good luck on your search, maybe if you decide on the 7000, you can spend the extra money that you would have spent on a more expensive body on some awesome glass (which will most likely outlive your body anyways)

Good luck friend!!!

 

[Claudia!]

Sorry I have not been on. I just got back to work. Thank you everyone for your advice. I finally 1000% decided to go with the d7000. I hope I can find it within the next week, maybe even this weekend. I understand that certain stores are out of stock. So far best buy has a few here and there. Luckily I live in Houston, which means I have tons of Best buys to search. I have been searching their website often. They have package deals right now. I don't know which package to choose just yet. I hope ya'll can help me out once again since you all were such great help from the start. I added the link to the best buy store. You can see their packages for the d7000. I still don't know much about lens but I feel like they are offering good packages so I plan to purchase the kit w/an extra lens. Please let me know which lens you recommend. I don't plan to spend more than $2000-2200 tops with warranty (+ $220.00) I would prefer to stay under $2000 including the warranty. I am looking for a good zoom lens in the mean time. I am also interested in a glass lens. Do ya'll know of any good ones? Thanks. The link for the best buy packages are below.

Nikon D7000|Nikon|Package Deals : Digital SLR Cameras - BestBuy