New D90 vs Used D300

[jgreat]

I currently own the Nikon D50, but would like to upgrade. I've read reviews on the d90 and d300. I can find a used d300 for about the same price as a new d90. What would you recommend? Some reviews say new technology is always better, but the d300 is such a great camera. I like to shoot landscapes and sporting events. Any suggestions to help me decide?

[cm_mtb]

The higher fps of the D300 would likely be welcome for shooting sporting events. If you can, find out how many shutter actuations the D300 has. The shutter is the main mechanical part of the camera that is subject to wear (and is expensive to replace). A D300 in good condition for the price of a D90 would be a good deal.

[KmH]

The D300 and the D90 have the same image sensor.
The D300 has a metal body, not plastic like the D300.
The D300 has weather sealing, the D90 doesn't.
The D300 has an 1/8000 shutter, the D90 only 1/4000
The D300 can bracket 9 exposures, the D90 only 3.
The D300 captures full RAW the D90 only compressed RAW.

The list goes on...........

If the D300 has good shutter life left and is in good condition I would seriously consider the used D300.

[Frog]

I'd say the 300 IF its coming from some place that rates its conditoon like KEH does or if its been re-conditioned and/or you trust the person.
Getting a shutter count is a good idea and being able to check the condition before buying would be good.

[Len J]

Here is agood comparison of features.

len

[Frog]

That's a good, easy to read comparison chart. Thanks!

[Franglais]

Nobody has mentioned what I would consider THE crucial difference between the D90 and the D300 in this context:

- the D90 uses the 11-point autofocus from the D200 which is good
- the D300 uses the 51-point autofocus from the D3 which is excellent

For me the autofocus system is one of the best things on the D300, especially for sports and other moving objects. It covers most of the picture area and it seems to have an uncanny(*) ability to detect where the subject is and track it. Tt's a beautiful piece of engineering.

BTW there is no "new technology" in the D90 apart from the ability to make films. It has the same image processor as the D300 and almost the same sensor

If I were you - I would look at the D90, just the same. The D300 is REALLY heavy and if you buy one from a professional it might be much more used than you want.

(* When I say uncanny it means I still haven't yet figured out in what circumstances it doesn't work and what to do about it. Always nice to know).