I currently have a D90 and mostly AF or AF-D lenses. (80-200 2.8, 20 2.8, 50 1.4, 85 1.8) I also have 2 Ai-s lenses that I would like to be able to use and meter with.

The bodies that I am considering are the D300(s) and D700.

I'm mostly looking for faster, better AF than my D90 and from what I've heard the D300s is slightly better than the D300 in that aspect. I don't care too much about the movie capabilities. Taking into consideration that I have a limited budget, would the extra 4-500 be worth it for the "s" model? I'm thinking that it isn't.

Now the D700 is FX and would give me improved image quality and all of my lenses are FX so I wouldn't need to undergo any extra expense there. But it costs another 1000 more than the D300.

Now the D700 is the only one that would give me a boost in IQ, while the D300(s) still has the same sensor as my D90.

The thing that worries me about the D700 is whether it is going to get replaced by a x or s model anytime soon. (and cause a large price drop).

Also am I right in thinking that we wont be seeing a D400 for a while? I'm thinking with the recent release of the d300s, the D400 wont be coming out until mid 2011.

Should I keep the D90 as a backup? I'm thinking it would be good to have a spare, but I haven't needed one yet.

As a side note, does anyone know of any stores around the East Bay (or anywhere in the Bay Area) where I could go and play around with them and see what I like?

Who knows what Nikon will come out with in the next six months. While you can bet they will eventually replace D300s and D700, who knows when, exactly what it will be, and how much it will cost. I orginally was thinking of buying a used D700 in February, but after testing the camera for a couple of weekends I decided to hold off. I just don't feel I'm gaining enough for the money spent. I think I'll sit tight and see what replaces the D300. I already have the lenses. I'm looking for at least a 2 stop ISO advantage, plus other advancements (such as dynamic range.) We'll see. I actually am becomming very interested in the video capabilities. I can see magazines, calendars, and stock photography quickly falling away, and the popularity of video rising. I've begun to plan for it now, and think it over. As for boosting your image quality there are other parts of your system that can do that just as effectively than simply a camera. What processing software do you have? How good is your tripod/head? I don't bother trying to figure out what cameras Nikon is going to release or when. No one really knows, so I don't worry about it. Instead I very carefully analyze what my OWN needs are and go from there. My strategy has been to put as little $$ into a camera as I can get away with, and so far I feel that strategy has been a winner for me.

I note you didn't even once mention what you like to photo or just why you don't think D90 will AF fast enough. I wonder if you are concentrating on camera gear too much and not on the actual images, maybe?


Kent in SD

I thought I mentioned that, but I like to take mostly sports (cycling and soccer mainly), but I enjoy a little bit of everything else.

And about the AF, there are times where I wish it would just be quicker to lock on, especially in low light. Even with the AF assist on my flash it isn't very good, and I feel like it could be much better.

Another thing that I'm thinking is that many of the little things that I don't like about the D90 are fixed in the D300. Like a dedicated AF-ON button or not having the mode dial which I find gets switched into the wrong mode. But then again the D300 probably has other "issues" that I'll discover.

Other than perhaps a nicer head for my tripod (but I don't use it much), I feel that I have a good system. While I don't necessarily need a new body, I feel like it would benefit me more than just a new lens or accessory.

And thanks for your response. It was very helpful. I've pretty much decided that if I'm going to upgrade, it will be to the D300 and not one of the more expensive bodies.

My understanding is that the D80 has the same AF module as the D90. I just upgraded the past few weeks from a D80 to a D300S. There are many feature differences, but I was mainly interested in faster AF performance and improved high iso performance. I am not disappointed. AF and tracking ability is noticeably faster with the D300S and lowlight contrast detection is significantly improved with the D300S. I'm loving that. There is at least two stops better high iso performance, but you wouldn't notice that since you're already getting that with the D90. I don't know if the hugely improved AF alone is worth the price differential, but just thought I'd let you know. Really like having 100% viewfinder coverage again, haven't had it since the film days.

Lora

A used D300 is an excellent bang for your buck for your needs. The wide AF point spread is really nice for action as well.

Whichever you choose the CAM3500 system is a monster in low light with an f/2.8 or faster lens, I'd guess you're using your 80-200 and 85mm mainly for cycling and sports. You should see a large improvement with AF tracking going to a D300, just make sure when you get it you update the firmware to the latest version if it's not.

If improved autofocus is your primary goal and you have a limited budget I would opt for a good condition used D300. The image quality wouldn't be any better but autofocus, handling, and features would be an improvement. If you don't have a need for a backup body you could also sell the D90 once your happy with the new cam to cover 2/3 the cost of a used D300. Of course using the 80-200 on a D300 and having a wide prime on the D90 may work well for cycling since you could quickly switch from tele to wide without swapping lenses.

I have a D300 and I feel no inclination to trade up to the 's' model. I don't have too much interest in video so I don't feel there are enough compelling reasons for me to switch.

A D700 would give you a nice bump in IQ at higher ISO's over the D90/D300(s) but it would also affect the FOV of your lenses. You may actually prefer how they look on an FX body but my suspicions are that you may feel your 80-200 is no longer long enough for the sports you shoot.

I went from D80 to D300 and did notice an improvement in AF performance. Your best bet might be a used D300. I mostly only use f2.8 zooms with AFS and performance is excellent. I photo night time softball games with that combo.


Kent in SD

Another D300 vote.
If sports like soccer is a main thing you shoot. That crop factor is nice.

I'd look at the used D300 for a good price. Bank the $ and wait...

Could rent both for a weekend and decide that way?

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I'm just going to look around for a good deal on a D300.

I would also endorse the D300, but with a caution... The AF capabilities, speed, and responsiveness of the D300 is simply amazing, even stepping up from a D90.

The only time I would prefer my D90 over the D300 is in super low light where I intend to shoot at ISO 1600-3200 for a majority of my shots.

The D90's image quality is (somewhat) superior in low light at high ISOs. The drawback here is that the D300's AF is much better in low light... so as an owner of both cameras, I'm often faced with the question: "Do I want reliable off-center AF point capabilities in SUPER low light, or do I want to risk missing shots with inferior AF, but when I DO nail a shot, I can print even ISO 3200 shots?"

Lately, I grab the D300 for street candids even in the darkest subway stations because I'd rather have a grainy shot than an out of focus one, but there's no question in my mind that the D90's ISO 3200 (and even 6400) RAW shots look cleaner.

So yeah, stepping up from a D90, I'd get a D300 (well... I *DID* get a D300! ), but understand that your D90 looks slightly but noticeably better at ISO 3200.

Just though I would update this. I bought a D300 and it came today. While I haven't had a chance to use it much, I am impressed and am definitely happy with my purchase. Not to mention that 8fps is pretty cool. I've noticed great improvement in the focusing department across the board (all AF-D lenses) and its nice to be able to meter with Ai-S lenses.

D700.