p.2 #1 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
don't put all your money in the weather sealing. The rain killed my D3. Grognard stick with your plan. I got the D300 and D3 because I might need the high ISO. That was the only reason, so stick to your guns.
p.2 #2 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
If you can make use of the FX sensor and its improved IQ (judging by the D3, as there isn't much out there from the D700 yet) then the D700 might be worth the upgrade.
Waiting will get you something better though, of that you can be sure. If what you are using is giving you good results as you said, wait it out. Technology is not exactly at a stand still, and that isn't likely to change any time soon. Around here we are real good at convincing others to spend money they don't really have to spare!
p.2 #4 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
Sounds like you do not have NAS, good for you. This does not qualify as NAS either = "I might get a grid line focus screen for the D2X, a cable release, and maybe an ND filter"
p.2 #5 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
As long as you're happy, waiting will always get you better technology at a lower relative cost. Always. Nothing wrong with waiting if you're happy... nothing. You'll be better off for having done it.
Those who are whining or bitching about their current gear, or pining for the new gear out of NAS or neighbor-envy or a real need for what the new gear adds to the mix, are in another situation. They are not happy... and that changes things.
p.2 #6 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
If you want to stay frugal why put up with big open 14-24? On a Dx body 16-85 VR will do every thing for you and the dishes.
I am happy with D300, may pick up a D 90 as a second body ( hate to change lenses & lense cleaning ) and then wait long for a $1500.00 24 mp Fx whenever it comes out.
p.2 #7 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
I'm skippin' this round of bodies too ... i.m a hobbyist .. and don't see a need for a full frame. I spent a 1/3 of that D700 money on a nice GT5541LS this weekend !! and I'll enjoy that for years to come when the D700 is just another body in a ever changing lineup.
The "dead battery syndrome" hit my D80 this weekend .. sucks for sure .. so it's great to have backup cameras !!
I've had it before on a refurb D70 I bought, and had it on this D80 of mine early on, but it corrected itself with new batteries - so knew immediately what was happenin' .. but not this time -wonder if they still have my B**tch notes from when I called in about it still .. be nice to get a customer service repair on this !!
p.2 #8 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
I'd really like to have the ISO flexibility of the D300 (over my D200) but I think I'm gonna opt out of this round too. It'll be Nov or so before I can get a D300 anyway, so I might as well hold off for a D400. FX doesn't appeal to me all that much (owning a bunch of DX lenses). So I say congrats on holding off the urge!
p.2 #10 · I've decided after a lot of soul searching
For my particular wants and needs the D700 was an answer to prayer. While I was happy with a D300 for the most part, it lacked some of the key things the D3 brought to the table. I just could NOT come up with the extra $$ the D3 ran, but by selling off a 70-200vr, teleconverter and flash along with a 18-200vr I manged to make it happen. After a few weeks of use I must say it was all worth it. I retained the (favorite) 24-70 f2.8 along with a 14-24 f2.8, 70-300vr (which has been virtually resurrected in sharpness using the FX) and a 50mm f1.4D. I did happen to add a SB-900 into the mix. All in all it was a good move and one I can be happy with long term. It's a YMMV thing for sure. Everyone has specific needs on top of those wants. I wish I could figure out a way to recapture that 70-200vr and add a 200-400 f4vr. Oh well......
