Steve Perry
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Upload & Sell: Off
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OK, there's been some discussion about whether the D3x in crop mode is as good as, or better than, the D300. Having both cameras, I can say from practical field experience, the D3x seems better. However, I've been mostly using it in FX mode, so I figured a test was in order (thanks to some suggestions on another thread). So, here's the scoop:
I took my D3x and put it into DX mode, and got out the D300 and took some shots. Now, I'm not a professional "tester" so my methods may not be perfect, but you get what ya pay for 
Both cameras used the 24-70 at F8. Shutter speed was set identically for BOTH cameras at each ISO.
However, when set that way, it seemed like the D300 was about 1/3, maybe 1/4 less sensitive than the D3x. Strange, but I'm just telling you what I saw. As such, I made an additional exposure with the D300 when shooting the 800 ISO stuff, 1/3 higher than the rest for comparison. Now, my opinion is that shot should not even be here, simply because if I added another 1/3rd to the D3x, it would help with the noise in the same way it did with the D300.
Anyhow, I've also uploaded all the NEFs to my image server, so you can download and compare for yourself. Links after the last test shot below.
Also, I have no horse in this race - I own both cameras, so I'm not trying to "prove" one is better than the other. BOTH are excellent in my opinion! I'll admit, they are closer than I thought they would be, but I think I give the nod to the D3x. I like the grain structure better, but that's just my preference. Look at the background, the way the holes in that old laundry basket seem "clunkier" in the D300 by a touch.
Finally, I think that the D3x in DX mode can replace the D300 in my bag. Image quality seems a touch better, and I can switch from DX back to FX as needed (24MP photos of wildlife are cool ).
In addition, it's more rugged, has all the nice D3x features, faster AF, and 7FPS is plenty fast in DX mode.
Anyhow, here's the overall shot:
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