Nikon D300, Just got it.

Question

I'm posting this in case any of you are considering a purchase of a D300.
I've only done practice shots under different lighting conditions around my home. Checking out performance at various ISO's and so-forth. Well, I've got to say that I'm really impressed.
Please keep in mind that I'm not really at ease with it yet because there are sooo many settings available and the manual is 400+ pages. I don't know that I have it set to the "best" settings.
This is what I think so far.
The monitor is truly great. Compared to other monitors it is like going from a 20" regular TV to a 42" high definition. It is sharp and bright. You can zoom in on preview and see sharpness of small details,
Noise at higher ISO's is very well controlled. I did a few shots at ISO 800 and I think they look at least as good as, the best 400 speed film. Did a couple prints without any Photoshop noise reduction and base my opinion on those prints. Did a shot in a dimly lit room at ISO 3200. It was noisy but a couple minutes in Photoshop did miracles. I have no plugins for noise, just use CS.
Focus is very fast and accurate. Even in dim light and without the built-in AF assist light.
Color is very accurate.
Dynamic range (with special settings) is fairly good, for digital. There is a setting (adjustable) for getting better shadow details while not blowing out the highlights. I think this does a pretty good job.
I took one image (ISO 200) and enlarged to 20 X 30. Sharpened slightly and increased contrast a little in Photoshop. Cropped section to 8x10 and printed it on Epson R1800. It left nothing to be desired, a really nice print.
My thoughts are based on my experience. I've shot a lot using Fuji 12 meg cameras, not my own. My own cameras have been Nikon D70's. They have served my well in my wedding and portrait work. Before going digital I used only 35mm. I'm not comparing this to medium or large format. I also am not comparing to any other brand. I only shoot in manual mode.
My cameras are not better than your cameras
My photography is not better than your photography
I'm not a better person than you
Peace,
Q

Answer 1

LRK,
Hello to you also. How is the wedding photography going? Good, I hope. Nice to hear from you and thank you.
Lawrence,
I am comparing to My D70. I don't have enough knowledge as to other brands to make a judgment. One report (who can believe reports?) says that it compares favorably with the Fuji. In some circles the Fuji is considered the best digital for weddings because it has a fairly wide dynamic range, again for digital.
When I shoot I rely on the "high-lights" flashing in the monitor. I then check the levels, if I need to. This is just faster for me in the heat of battle. I did a snapshot of my neighbor yesterday. On the monitor it indicated that the part of his home (light tan) in the sunlight was in the white range. I opened the photo in Photoshop and it was clearly tan, with reasonable detail. Not as good as film but very good. A great improvement I think.
Nick,
Thank you so much. Yes going from D70 is an improvement. At the same time, I have to say that I really appreciate that the D70 came out when it did. It made my switching from film affordable. In my opinion, if you were able to get a good price for your D200 it possibly would make sense to get the D300. But I sure would not make the change if it meant a big financial loss. Some things aren't practical no matter how much we want the latest and greatest. I'm sure I'm not telling you something you don't know.
Ramona Dear,
Here I'm all happy about my new D300 and you come in here and say you want a D3 as a BACKUP! I hate you Not really, just kidding. I do have to ask what it would be a backup to? Again, just kidding about the "hate you" comment.
Peace,
Q