Robert - all I can say is buy them used and play with them to see which one fits your needs the most. D300 is running about $1100. D2x is around $900.
Personally, I picked the d300 over d2x for better high ISO performance and better AF points layout. I added a generic grip and nikon big battery to give me the 8 fps mode. I think it uses the same battery as your d2h.
HerbChong wrote:
i see the opposite. the high ISO noise in the D2X is much more visible in prints than on the screen. for me, the D300 is about a stop better. then again, a 16x24 is my upper limit for D2X files. not enough detail to be worth printing any larger. the D300 focus tracking is better in the sense that once it locks onto something it hangs onto it much better than the D2X, but if it ever locks onto the wrong thing, it also never lets go. for birds in flight, closest subject focus priority like the D2X offers is much better because if it loses tracking and locks onto the background, recentering the bird under the main focus point reacquires on the bird. the D300 and newer bodies won't. it's the main reason i sold my D300 and kept my D2X. however i am limited to ISO 400 on the D2X while on the D3X, i can use ISO 800 in crop mode with about the same amount of noise.
My 2 cents
Pretty much every positive thing about these 2 cameras discussed here, I fine to be true.
I have both and would pick the D300 in your case.
Good luck, and happy hunting
What ever you do, do not try a D3s. It totally blows away everything else for high ISO and speed.
If I were you I would get a used D90. I find it a very compatible and capable back up to my D3. While much lighter and smaller than a D2X. The balance is excellent. Auto ISO 3200 and 1/320s work very well as default. I find the camera fast enough for motor sports even with the 18-200 lense. With a Nikkor 70-200 it works extremely well in low light.
I choose to keep it while selling my D2x and D2Xs cameras. It is my choice for trips and long hikes.
Save up your money for good glass, a D70s or whatever better body comes along.
If i am really pressed to condense this issue it would be to restate the question to read
"is the D2X capable of low light wildlife photography in HSC mode at 400-800 ISO with an F4 lens? Thanks for your input to all those that have contributed so far. Take care. Bob
Bob, Yes. Very capable. The CAM2000 system you already know from your D2H, so you will be used to it.
Following were taken last March later in the day. AFS 300 f/4 + TC1.7 and on D2Xs with HSC enabled. I already posted these to the best of nikon thread so am copying and pasting exif from there (with edit for exposure time - I don't like the Canon way ).
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/61/318461.jpg
Exif information
Model: NIKON D2Xs
Date: 2009:03:16 00:28:59
Original date: 2009:03:13 17:40:05
Exposure time: 1/1000 sec
Focal length: 500mm
Focal number: f/6.7
ISO speed: 400 ISO
Exposure compensation: -0.7
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/62/318462.jpg
Exif information
Model: NIKON D2Xs
Date: 2009:03:16 00:13:16
Original date: 2009:03:13 16:57:32
Exposure time: 1/640 sec
Focal length: 500mm
Focal number: f/8.0
ISO speed: 400 ISO
Exposure compensation: -0.3
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/63/318463.jpg
Exif information
Model: NIKON D2Xs
Date: 2009:03:16 00:14:27
Original date: 2009:03:13 16:57:33
Exposure time: 1/500 sec
Focal length: 500mm
Focal number: f/8.0
ISO speed: 400 ISO
Exposure compensation: -0.3
RRRoger I checked the review of the D90 at DPReview and it looks like a lot of camera for the money. I`m going to delve a little deeper into this one. It seems to have a usable 1600 ISO. Reminds me of shooting Tri-X with a two stop push and developed in AccuFine. You could basicly shoot in the dark with that combination as long as it was standing still. Thanks for the tip. Take care. Bob
Avi if you can do that at F8 I`m sure my Tokina 100-300 will be able to do so at F4. Its a surprisingly good image maker even wide open & @ full zoom though I usually do stop down a little because they say its better. Thanks again & take care. Bob
Remember that I'm using the AFS 300 f/4 + 1.7 TC. It's wide-open is f/6.7. Add to that, HSC mode, so I was shooting the equivalent FL of 1000mm.... And it's af f/8 because I am relying on DOF because I can't trust myself to hit the birds properly with the AF sensor (I'm not much of a BIF shooter).
Thanks Avi. Thats a lot of magnification when combined.
I dont do BIFs myself but I want to undertake that chllenge in the upcoming year. My glass is kind of slow for that but the right body will compensate if higher ISOs are acceptable. The D2X has everything I want but I have been kind of skeptical in regard to its ability to capture under normal low light conditions here in Southeast Ak.
Take care. Bob
Bob,
I own a D2x but not a D 300. Near as I can tell, for the photography you do (not dissimilar to my own) a D2x would be a wonderful upgrade from your current bodies. A D 300 has no dowside other than price and the lack of a vertical grip.
How often do you shoot above ISO 800. If you do it often, think about the extra money for the D 300. Or, just continue with your S-3
We all seem to share a love for the D's series of professional cameras and we all also seem to be in agreement that they fall apart when taken beyond ISO 800, as far as image quality is concerned.
I have owned a D2H for several years. Never crossed my mind to sell it although once I was tempted to go for the D2X. I am not a high ISO shooter but when I have needed good ISO 800-1600, the D2H has done its part, assuming I have used slight overexposure and RAW files. Noiseware has come to the rescue when I goofed.
The D300 is a more modern technology and we already know how nicely it handles ISO 1600. Because of the modern technology the camera has some nice bells and whistles that helps us make better photos. The D3 would be your best choice but I know you are limited and now that $125 will be taken away monthly from your check, beginning in January, you will be in a less favorable position than you were before.
If you want the D2X do not expect high ISO performance, in that respect the D300 is superior.
As I said, I am perfectly happy with my D2H, but I do not live in Alaska.
Hank it looks like I should go with whatever comes (into my price level which is $1000) first and use its strengths to advantage. Didn`t know coming into this thread but have had a lot of info to assimilate since then. Not a bad place to meet up but take care of your avtar. Take care. Bob
William you hit the nail right o the head when you compare light values to locations. We both know that the X series needs good light. Otherwise I would stick with my 1X. Was good to hear from you again. We also have the D2H in common now. Take care. bob
