D2xs files compare to D300

[dennis_Beins]

Having sold my D2xs when the D3 & 300 started shipping Im wondering if any D300 users can compare the D2xs files to there D300, surely someone has both or had the XS ? I have 2 Kodak slrns but would like a newer camera to use in certain situations, I cant afford the D3 yet & the crop of the d300 would be beneficial. I do also have a D2hs that is used in the studio & for most portraits, I remember a lot of folks saying they thought the D200 files were about as good as the D2XS

thanks for any input

[larry_angier]

I've got a D2x and D200. For all practical purposes, the image capture is too close to call.

When printed at 13x19 to 20x30, my only clue to the camera shooting the image is that I generally shoot the D200 with a wide and the D2x with a tele. Otherwise, the prints look the same.

Bottom line between the D200 & D2x is that they are the same. At higher speeds (>iso 800) the D200 is slightly cleaner in my opinion, though both are much, much better than film at similar speeds any day!

Eventually, I'll borrow my friend's D300 and I hope to be able to take three images side-by-side with each. When that happens, I'll make my report.

My guess is that all three are going to be pretty nice and maybe just a tad better with the D300, though I think when it all boils down, the final prints will not have that much difference.

[Roger_Martin]

Well, at least you sold the D2Xs before the fire sale started on eBay!
Except for high ISO 800-1600 and the larger, brighter LCD, I found the D300 inferior to the D2X.

I bought one of the first D300 bodies and kept it for about 5,000 shots. When it broke, I used the refund for a second D3 (the D3 is that much better in every way) and kept my D2Xs for backup.

Save your money, or sell the rest of your cameras, and buy a D3 there will be no regrets.

[dennis_Beins]

Originally Posted by Roger_Martin

Well, at least you sold the D2Xs before the fire sale started on eBay!
Except for high ISO 800-1600 and the larger, brighter LCD, I found the D300 inferior to the D2X.

I bought one of the first D300 bodies and kept it for about 5,000 shots. When it broke, I used the refund for a second D3 (the D3 is that much better in every way) and kept my D2Xs for backup.

Save your money, or sell the rest of your cameras, and buy a D3 there will be no regrets.

I could see the writing on the wall I got $3000 for it & if I had waited about 2 more weeks I would have been lucky to get $2500. I picked up 2 old Kodaks for a good price but they wont have the high ISO that I might need, not to mention the focus is a little slow compared to the D2hs & D2xs, thanks for the replies its a bummer that the D300 gave you some problems,

[Roger_Martin]

Originally Posted by dennis_Beins

I could see the writing on the wall I got $3000 for it & if I had waited about 2 more weeks I would have been lucky to get $2500. I picked up 2 old Kodaks for a good price but they wont have the high ISO that I might need, not to mention the focus is a little slow compared to the D2hs & D2xs, thanks for the replies its a bummer that the D300 gave you some problems,

The firesale seems to never end. If I could average $1500 for my 3 D2X bodies, I would get a 3rd D3. If anyone wants to trade, I will throw in my 18-200 and 12-24 DX lenses for one D3.

The D300 and DX lenses are great Consumer/ProSumer products. Don't compare them to a D3 & Pro Quality FX lenses and you will be very happy. "Ignorance is bliss".

I have both D3 bodies set for auto ISO 6400. The artifacts are less than the D2X at 800 and D300 at 1600. When shooting horses without flash inside an unlit barn this last weekend at the Fox n Horn Show ( http://www.assuredphotos.com/photocart ), the images came out much better than what I could see with my eyes. Also the SB 800 works extremely well on the D3 and the 4x5 (crop) format is great for portraits.

Downside? I do not like the DX crop or DX lenses on the D3.
So far (I have not shot the WidowMaker at 1,000 ft. yet this year), the performance with tele lenses has been better than the D2H, D2X, D200, and D300. I can crop the FX image and still get a better picture.

[Richard_Coyle]

Dennis
My experience is the same as Larry's, with the D200 equivelant to the D2(x)(s) models in image quality in almost all situations, and frankly, better above ISO 400 for noise. While I currently don't have a D2.. model for comparison, I can and have compared the D300 to the D200, and there's a substantial difference! Like Roger, the first D300 I received was defective. It was from a very early production sequence, as were a number of other defective early produced units, although the total was small by percentage terms. This initial unit was metering erratically, and overexposing by a full stop or more.

My replacement unit, however, is excellent in all regards, with the metering spot on, and produces noticably superior images than my excellent D200 unit. Not only are they better in the high ISO catagory, with very good results up to 3200 ISO and acceptable results at 6400, but the overall resolution, color contrast and rendering, and dynamic range, etc. is better. The problem many photographers have with this unit is not knowing how to use the new focus and metering system that Nikon has developed for the D3 and D300. It takes a bit of work to acclimate to these changes, but the subsequent results are superb.

Don't let Roger's initial experience with what was probably a defective unit influence your decision. His comparisons don't jive with those of many others, including several respected photographers such as Dave Black, Bjorn Rorslett, etc. While I agree with Roger that the D3 is better in the high ISO area, and has other "Pro" features that make it useful to many photographers, the D300 is still an amazing camera. If the D3 weren't available, the D300 would be receiving all the praise. For a more detailed and real life review of these two DSLRs, go to Dave Black's most recent workshop posting. It's excellent in helping you to define which unit might be for you. Good Luck!

Dave Black Photography - Sports Photography Worldwide

[Roger_Martin]

I am not disappointed that your second D300 has given you superior results to the D200. Nikon is a great producer of equipment.

What I have discovered is that for my use, the better build quality of the D1, D2, and D3 is necessary. I also need the weight stability and the extra features fit my workflow better. The D3 has surpassed all the items on my wish list for a new Pro camera and add a few bonus features besides.

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