Backup for D300

[Escapism]

Hi folks

I am in need of some advice/opinions.

The time has come for me to get a more serious second body (now using an old D70s) to work alongside my D300. I am a freelance photographer who shoots for several outdoor and automotive publications and travels extensivly, often in some pretty harsh conditions.

At present I am looking at either the D90 or another D300. For what I need, from an image quality perspective, there is little differance. My main concern is the build quality of the D90 and its ability to withstand knocks and savage dust (and I mean savage, we are talking complete coatings of dust to the point where the control markings are unreadable). As such, I dont NEED another D300, just a second body...but can the D90 cope??

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[inmotion]

hi S/H d200 should be fine--inmotion

[big pix]

..... the answer you seek, is in your question

[Murray Foote]

Hmmm.

I'm not sure exactly what conditions you're referring to and how you're operating in those conditions. Clearly you're not going to be changing lenses in those conditions. If the lens barrel doesn't move, could covering the camera and lens with clingwrap work? (Apart from the filter on the lens, obviously). I imagine an underwater housing would cut down on image quality too much, otherwise that might be an option too.

Regards,
Murray

[Escapism]

..... the answer you seek, is in your question

Hehe...yes I think you are right, guess I just wanted someone to validate my choice!!

[Escapism]

Hmmm.

I'm not sure exactly what conditions you're referring to and how you're operating in those conditions. Clearly you're not going to be changing lenses in those conditions. If the lens barrel doesn't move, could covering the camera and lens with clingwrap work? (Apart from the filter on the lens, obviously). I imagine an underwater housing would cut down on image quality too much, otherwise that might be an option too.

Regards,
Murray

The dust is of little concern on the D300. The body is suitably sealed and no, lense changes are not an option (hence the need to carry more than one body). So long as the lens is clean, so are the images...breathing is another thing all together however!!!!

And yes....I think I have answered my own question....

[Grev]

The D90's has improved AF performance compared to the D200, only get the D200 if you need to use AiS lenses and some of the sealing, otherwise I see no reason to buy the previous generation camera.