Are the D3 + D300 Controls Similarly Placed?

Charlotte · 03-07-2008, 00:07

I've found using the D50 as a 2nd camera fiddly, as the controls are, obviously, very different to the D3, so that switching between the two at a moment's notice is anything but smooth; anyone who uses two very different camera bodies during a single shoot will know what I mean. Obviously the ideal thing is to have a pair of identical bodies, but my modest photographic needs do not call for buying a 2nd D3

So my next thought is to get a D300 IF the controls are much like the D3's. Since the D300 has many of the same features as the D3, I'm wondering if the layout is similar as well? I know some of you have handled both the D3 and the D300, so what do you think?

**Dabhand16** · 03-07-2008, 00:14

Can't help you with your specific question, but I've seen reviews of the D300 that says the controls are similar to the D200.

There are two D200's going in the Classified Forum........

JMitchell · 03-07-2008, 00:26

Yes they are but zooming into pictures is different. The D3 has that similar thing like the D50 where you press zoom in and then hold and scroll, the D300 just has a zoom in and a zoom out button.

Charlotte · 03-07-2008, 00:36

Graham, you're right - that's no help at all

Jack, well if that's the only difference then I can certainly live with that, thanks for the info

I wonder why they made that different though

VinnyP · 03-07-2008, 12:26

The major controls are the same but things like ISO BKT WB quality are different. For day to day shooting they work well together.

Charlotte · 03-07-2008, 15:33

Hmmm a bit more clarification please ... I'm not bothered if the controls do slightly different things, obviously there will be differences. What I'm after is if the controls are in the same place on both cameras.

**Dabhand16** · 03-07-2008, 15:37

If you visit the Nikon web site and go to the D300 micro site there are 360 degree views of the camera. You might be able to see how the button layout, if nothing else, compares.

Charlotte · 03-07-2008, 15:41

Thanks Graham

I'd still like to hear it from someone who's actually used both cameras

VinnyP has basically answered in the affirmative, but I since clarified the question of placement of controls rather than operation of controls, as maybe I wasn't clear on that before.

VinnyP · 03-07-2008, 17:23

Ok the main control dials the multi way controller and focus mode controls are the same (but the D300 doesn't have the seperate centre button). The exp compensation DOF preview fuction, mode and AF/On buttons are in the same place and work in the same way. The AE-L and AF-L is in a slightly different location. The ISO Qual WB and flash are in completely different places on both cams. The D300 doesn't have the 3 buttons below the 2ndary display so they are above the shooting mode dial it also doesn't have a dedicated BKT button unless you use one of the programmable ones. The metering mode is in a completely different place and it's the only one where I prefer the D300 to D3. The D300 doesn't have the voice memo or virtually useless L button.
The menu and playback buttons are all in the same place but have some minor differences in function as others have said.

Hacker · 03-07-2008, 18:04

I use both on a regular basis but try and use the D3 whenever I can as the images have a different quality to them - purely subjective I know but they have an alomost film like quality to them.

Anyway, back to your original question. The controls and menus are pretty similar with the exception of ISO, WB and Quality placed on the top left of the D300 body. The AF-ON button is in the same place if you use that (I do) but the biggest difference for me is the menu 'wheel' on the back (I can't remember it's proper name but the dial you use to scroll through menus etc) as it has a much firmer detente on the D3 than on the D300 which I prefer.

Switching between the two bodies is not a problem and something you soon get used to, I usually use the 17-55mm on the D300 and the 70-200mm VR on the D3 in most scenarios as this gives a good range of coverage.

Hope this helps!

VinnyP · 03-07-2008, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hacker

Switching between the two bodies is not a problem and something you soon get used to, I usually use the 17-55mm on the D300 and the 70-200mm VR on the D3 in most scenarios as this gives a good range of coverage.

I like using them together as well but I do it the other way around. D3 with 24-70 and D300 with 70-200.

03-07-2008, 21:01	#12 (permalink)
Charlotte Loves the place Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Romsey, Hampshire Posts: 6,844