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He's definitely correct that renting is an even better option than just going to the camera store. Why not rent them both for your trip, it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Either you find out that the D300 is perfect for you and don't spend the extra on the D3, or you find out you really like the D3 better and you don't waste money on the interim step of the D300. Starting low and then upgrading is a lot more expensive than just going for the top to start with.

While the D3 is certainly a lot more camera than the D300 (I've owned and used both as well until I sold the D300). Using the two, in terms of the control buttons and dials is almost identical.

Yes, there are more features in the D3, but you don't have to use them right away (or ever), but they will be there for you when you decide you want them.

I'd venture to say that any Nikon DSLR user can pick up the D3 and go make great pictures using the knowledge they have from other Nikon cameras.

If you don't need the low light capabilities of the D3, or the faster frame rate, then the D300/700 will work just fine for you.

I'd almost bet though, that you will end up adding the battery grip, EnEl4 series battery, BL-3 battery cover, etc to get the frame rate up and then you'll upgrade to a D3 anyway



I agree with Jim about the similarity in most of the controls. The similarity in controls over most of Nikon's DSLRs is one thing I love about Nikons. The fact that at least in the D300 - D3 you can customize most controls allows you to synchronize the individual indosyncracies of some of the cameras.

Whatever decision you make, I don't think you can go wrong with either camera. I have to admit that if I had the bucks, I would probably own a D700 at least.

Geo

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