D90 or D300

[Roy Money]

I have been using a Nikon D40x and a 16-85mm lens for the last year and find that I am doing more tripod shots and am concerned about the mirror slap, as well as upgrading to a better camera.

I gather the D90 has an exposure delay that could address this and the D300 a mirror lockup.  I am not really interested in the video capability of the  D90 and am thinking maybe this is a good time to pick up a D300 that might be traded in for a D300s, or other reasons.  I am not a frequent shooter and do landscape and nature photography almost exclusively but would like a better sealed and more robust camera body.

I gather the D300 is a sufficiently well designed camera that a used body from a reputable store like B&H would be a reasonable risk even with a 30 day warranty.  On the other hand I am not entirely certain what I would be gaining with the D300 over the D90, other than better weather sealing, for the kind of photography I do.

So I have questions both about the relative merits of the D300 vs the D90 for my uses and the benefits of the better warranty coverage with a new D90.

Any experience or suggestions most appreciated.

Roy

[Tony Beach]

If you use AF, the D300 is going to be noticeably better than the D90.  Also, the D300 meters with AIS lenses if you want to dabble around with those (you can get a very nice AIS macro for instance; my old Tokina 90/2.5 is still one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used).  The D300 does more fps. The D300 has a stop higher maximum shutter speed, which could be an issue if you are using a fast lens wide open in broad daylight.  For me, MLU is far more useful than Exposure Delay mode because I like having control over when I actually take the shot.

[Alexandre Buisse]

I use the D90 and wouldn't switch to the D300, though it is true that real MLU would be much better than delayed exposure.

Regarding weather seals, I have taken my D90 to 6300m, on technical rock and ice climbs, by -20C, had it covered in spindrift more than a few times, on wet landings from dinghies, in deserts and rainforests, and never had a single issue. Of course, YMMV and maybe I have just been lucky, but I still think it can handle most of what you are likely to throw at it.

[Roy Money]

I use the D90 and wouldn't switch to the D300, though it is true that real MLU would be much better than delayed exposure.

Regarding weather seals, I have taken my D90 to 6300m, on technical rock and ice climbs, by -20C, had it covered in spindrift more than a few times, on wet landings from dinghies, in deserts and rainforests, and never had a single issue. Of course, YMMV and maybe I have just been lucky, but I still think it can handle most of what you are likely to throw at it.

Thanks Alexandre

Viewed some of your recent images - wow, very impressive.

Roy

[Roy Money]

If you use AF, the D300 is going to be noticeably better than the D90.  Also, the D300 meters with AIS lenses if you want to dabble around with those (you can get a very nice AIS macro for instance; my old Tokina 90/2.5 is still one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used).  The D300 does more fps. The D300 has a stop higher maximum shutter speed, which could be an issue if you are using a fast lens wide open in broad daylight.  For me, MLU is far more useful than Exposure Delay mode because I like having control over when I actually take the shot.

Thanks Tony
This is useful information.  The better AF is not as compelling as the greater lens flexibility - more to consider.
Roy