You are using a D50 now, correct?

I recently upgraded from a D50 to a D300, and it was a huge difference. With the D50, I rarely shot anything past ISO 400 because noise began to be an issue, like you mentioned. With the D300, I can safely shoot all the way up to ISO 3200 without much worry. Markitos has some great ISO 3200 examples from the D300 in the 3200+ thread in Sharing. Being able to use different ISOs definitely opened up a new dimension to my shooting.

I love my D300, and I have no doubts that you would too. The big question is, are you willing to spend $1800 on a new body? It was a no-brainer for me, as I felt crippled by the lack of on-body controls I was using on a regular basis on the D50.

What do you have for glass now? As far as image quality, you'll probably get more results from better glass than from a new body. Faster glass could let you use lower ISOs, so noise wouldn't be as much a factor also.

If you intend to stick with photography I'd say upgrading is eventually inevitable, if you want to and can afford to do so, why not?

Obviously, your knowledge of how to use it is going to determine the quality, but the equipment isn't more expensive just because it looks nicer. You're getting more potential out of it.

Well, regardless of what body you went with, I'd get a lens with something wider than 28mm. That lens was designed as a kit lens for film cameras. The Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 is awesome, if you have the coin, but even the 18-70 or Sigma 17-70 is probably a better choice than the 28-80. I've heard good things about the new 16-85 (?) VR, but it's a bit spendy for a variable aperture lens, IMO.

I picked up a Nikon 18-70 a few months back, and I really like it. It was originally sold as a kit lens with the D70 and others, but it's a really nice range, and I prefer the quality over my old 18-55. For ~$250, it's hard to beat.

I would just add that the D300, while better in the noise department, isn't revolutionary or anything. Far more important is learning to manipulate your camera/environment to get the results you want.

I'm surprised to hear you saying you're getting a lot of noise with the D50--I used my D70 up to ISO 800 fairly regularly without too much issue. Also, a $60 investment in a program like Noise Ninja is a lot cheaper than a new body, and worth consideration.

All that being said, the D300 is a great camera and certainly worth it. Like Todd says, it was a no-brainer for me. I needed a second body, and it was better enough than the D200 to make it worthwhile.

Before upgrading the body, you should also consider getting some fast, constant glass (f/2.8 for zooms, 1.8/1.4 for primes)... these will always allow you to get lower ISOs, which is better for all bodies, and will improve IQ, again for all bodies. They are not cheap, but they will also almost always outlast your bodies.

It's a cliche, but generally you want to upgrade your glass before your bodies, unless you have a clear need for a body (as a backup or for features), or you already have the glass that you want/need.

And FWIW, your D50 is very capable of great images--I gave up my D70 for the additional handling features/ruggedness of the D200, not because of IQ.

Also, as a plug, I could sell you my 18-70mm lens if you're interested... it's the one that Todd mentioned above.

Robert, this is a picture taken with my friend's D50 in low light in his basement. With a kit lens similar to yours, the picture was almost black. He threw on his 50mm f/1.8 and snapped this without skipping a beat. Get a fast prime and I'm sure you'll turn up better shots.

Weird, I've used my kit lens in the dark. Correct exposure sounds like the error in your friend's basement.

Fast glass will improve AF, and shorten exposure times, but if you are getting black frames, I wouldn't blame the lens. You can get a correct exposure even at the smallest apertures if you want to leave the shutter open long enough.

Originally Posted by LateApex

Weird, I've used my kit lens in the dark. Correct exposure sounds like the error in your friend's basement.

Fast glass will improve AF, and shorten exposure times, but if you are getting black frames, I wouldn't blame the lens. You can get a correct exposure even at the smallest apertures if you want to leave the shutter open long enough.

That works if you have a tripod and a subject that's not moving, but I doubt that would be the case all the time. Why jump to ISO 1600 or more when a fast prime makes everything easier? By the way that picture makes it look like there is double or more light than there actually was, we're talking VERY dimly lit.

You made it sound as though the kit lens takes dark frames.

FWIW, I can't see the photo you posted.

thanks for the advice and input, even examples. Ive been looking into better glass lately too.

@ Markitos: Im a 'has to be new' kind of guy. What do you mean by IQ? are you referring to Intelligence Quota or something else?

IQ = Image Quality (in photo speak)

congrats!!! The d300 is one hell of a camera

excellent!

Awesome! What glass did you get with it?

I moved up to the D300 from a D50, as well, and it's a bit overwhelming at first. Let me know if you have any questions.

Same story here... D50 to D300

Originally Posted by Robert Vassallo

i decided to pick up the d300, and am extremely impressed to say the least. I also picked up new glass as well, a couple uv filers, and a bag for transport to iraq. The money spent was well worth it, and im extremely happy with it.

Nice!

well i started taking pictures within the first 2 seconds of sliding my card... being able to change setting on my right hand alone within 2 seconds is unreal, especially compared to the D50... taking pictures in the dark with no flash and having them come out with minimal noise is insane to me too.

btw... @ Greg: wth does TTIWWOP mean?

@ Todd: I will hit you with with out hesitation here real soon, trust me lol . Thanks. As for the glass I had purchased... the standard, 18-55, and the 70-200. I will be purchasing the lens you had mentioned previously in this thread for sure as I found a real need for it today on the beach... a lot of range in one lens is very useful in a lot of ways and i missed it today... constantly having to change lenses is a severe pain in the butt and it allows more exposure time for the camera to be susceptible to damage .

BTW: I walked up Myrtle Beach 8 miles then back down today and while taking pictures of individuals i ran in to several photographers, i referred them to this site. With any luck they will show up. When i transfer the pics i will post some as i got some insane pic's of birds today.

Originally Posted by Robert Vassallo

btw... @ Greg: wth does TTIWWOP mean?

BTW: I walked up Myrtle Beach 8 miles then back down today and while taking pictures of individuals i ran in to several photographers, i referred them to this site. With any luck they will show up. When i transfer the pics i will post some as i got some insane pic's of birds today.

ttiwwop = this thread is worthless without pics, aka "tittywop"


And nice referrals, I hope they show up!

Originally Posted by Robert Vassallo

a lot of range in one lens is very useful in a lot of ways and i missed it today...

useful, yes. best for image quality, no. be suspicious of any zooms with greater than ~4x focal length range.

there is no free lunch.

Originally Posted by Robert Vassallo

a lot of range in one lens is very useful in a lot of ways and i missed it today... constantly having to change lenses is a severe pain in the butt and it allows more exposure time for the camera to be susceptible to damage .

yes it's a pita, yes I feel like crap will ruin my sensor at any moment, but in reality it's WELL worth it. I've even migrated towards mostly primes which results in a ton more switching, but the IQ is well worth it IMHO and the dust on the sensor isn't too bad (the 5D is noticeable because of the area, but still not bad)

and drop :s on either side of ttiwwop and this is what you get and basically it means post some pics!!!!

Originally Posted by tardypizza

And nice referrals, I hope they show up!

+1

i will post a series of pics as soon as i can get them all together.