Big difference even on AFS lenses. Add onto that a more complex system that allows you to control options for AFC mode and its more useful beyond simply speed. Also, on my screw-driven lenses it seems to throw them around a bit faster.
Screw-driven lenses fly into focus on the D300, and there is a noticeable subject acquisition speed difference between the D90 and D300 in good light. In crummy light, the D300 is vastly superior at locking on the first try, focusing at least 2-3 times as fast as my D90 did.
To put this in perspective for others, I've put 52,292 shots (thanks, EXIF info!) through my D90 since I bought it the first day it went on sale in October of 2008. I loved the camera's performance until I tried the D300 and realized how much faster and responsive the D300 is. After about 6,000 shots on my new-to-me D300, I decided to sell the D90 to get something more compact as a knockaround camera.
If you shoot professionally, and AF is critical to what you shoot, then the D300/300s is the best choice in the DX lineup. Otherwise, the D90 is more than adequate as a hobby camera or as a professional workhorse (where ridiculously fast and perfectly accurate AF in ALL lighting conditions are not critical)... but again, if your livelihood depends on your gear's performance, and you shoot DX, get the D300/300S.
i have a related question to what's being discussed here....so the consensus is that the d300 focuses much faster with screw drive lenses than the d90....how does the d300 compare to the d2x/d3 etc? as big a difference? also, how about the d300 to the d700? is the 700 in the same league as the PRO level bodies?
NathanHamler wrote:
i have a related question to what's being discussed here....so the consensus is that the d300 focuses much faster with screw drive lenses than the d90....how does the d300 compare to the d2x/d3 etc? as big a difference? also, how about the d300 to the d700? is the 700 in the same league as the PRO level bodies?
This would be a different comparison since these two models (D300 and D700) don't use the same type of sensor while the D300 and D90 do. Anyway the D700 has a similar sensor like the one installed in the D3, but the D3 has more features and it is a real pro model. I would say that the D700 is a proto-pro model instead. A great camera (I have one) but not in the same league as the D3 or D3x.
fpimentel wrote:
This would be a different comparison since these two models (D300 and D700) don't use the same type of sensor while the D300 and D90 do. Anyway the D700 has a similar sensor like the one installed in the D3, but the D3 has more features and it is a real pro model. I would say that the D700 is a proto-pro model instead. A great camera (I have one) but not in the same league as the D3 or D3x.
I believe he meant purely in terms of AF speed, not sensor, performance, etc.
