This has certainly been an interesting comparison. We’re seeing several things in play here. First, after everything is said and done, we’re seeing what seems to be a pretty remarkable camera on paper, the D300s, prove itself in use as a very respectable contender. In spite of the smaller, APS sensor, in almost every way it measures up. The 7fps shooting speed, the ISO 800 and tungsten balance performance and, not the least, it’s price for all that, makes it a very impressive product. To add one point, often overlooked, the fact that the D300s has a full, 100% frame view in the viewfinder is a nice nod to the working professional-grade camera. It may seem insignificant, but it is a feature that is often reserved for the top end of the line, and it’s a feature that is very helpful to any photographer.
Clearly, if specific considerations are at play, the fastest-possible frame rate, for example, or an astronomical ISO, or a strong, rugged build are at play, the D3s has to be the choice.
The D700? This camera is somehow caught in a middle ground. It’s pricey for the features and file quality. It does have a big, 35mm sensor, helpful to photographers who shoot wide-angle, but there’s no resolution gain to be had. The frame rate is good, but pales compared to it’s little brother, and the high-ISO noise and color issues just don’t measure up. As is often the case, the D700, at a few years old now, seems to have been leapfrogged by some major strides in performance.
One word about sensor size: when you work with a bigger sensor, you’ve got to understand the tradeoffs. Shooting this kind of assignment we’d prefer a telephoto, and smaller-format sensor gives us that for free, with an automatic crop. Keep in mind you get to use shorter lens for the same effect. Shorter lenses can be faster, easier. Also keep in mind what we’re seeing here, the full-frame sensor, everything else being equal, does not necessarily give you better photos.
The bottom line? Out of an impressive array of hardware with a broad span of pricing, for this job, we’d very likely grab the D300s and save our money.
