D300 second hand

[robpearson]

I'm already in the Nikon camp with a D5100, several lenses, mostly DX and one FX an a SB600. I'm thinking it's time to get a fill frame body, and my local Calumet have D300's with battery and charger available from £300 depending on condition. Does this sound reasonable? Would anyone suggest anything else given the kit I already own?

thanks

[Mr Will]

Unless I'm very much mistaken, the D300 isn't full frame

[greggers]

Agree, it's not full frame (hence the price). Look for a D3 for a Pro-Body or D700 for full-frame in a smaller body.

[robpearson]

I'll have a look for the d3 or D700 then. Thanks for the rapid replies

[greggers]

Out of interest, what makes you want to get a full-frame? When I weighed up all of the pros and cons I couldn't justify it... Went for a D7000 instead.

[ian in lancs]

I've got a D3 and D700s. My recommendation is to go for a D700 and a battery grip. At least that way you have options and its lighter. There is no difference in quality and the D700 menu / handling is slightly better. A D700 is also way cheaper, almost half the price of a D3.

[andy-xr]

Be prepared to spend money on lenses, the D700 will show up some glass that you'll get away with fine on a crop sensor. I ended up on primes with my D700 and a 70-300 for reach

[ian in lancs]

andy-xr said:

Be prepared to spend money on lenses, the D700 will show up some glass that you'll get away with fine on a crop sensor. I ended up on primes with my D700 and a 70-300 for reach

yep! be prepared to buy the 24-70, 70-200 and maybe the 14-24 / 16-35; goodbye £3k5. Bloody heavy too!

[robpearson]

Greggers, my primary motivation was that I believe it should be better in lower light levels. Does that still stand when I'm looking at an older full frame when compared to a newer DX?

[Mr Will]

It holds true for Canon and I think it does for Nikon as well.

Take a look at the "Measurements" tab here: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-C...
(apologies for DXO link)

[robpearson]

Thanks Will, I get the impression from a fair few reviews now that I'm not going to see a truly great improvement over my existing body unless i move to something like the D600. so very tempting.

[Matt Seabrook]

D700 is great in low light. Highly recommended if you can find a good one second hand at sensible money.