Is an OLD DSLR Still RELEVANT in 2023? 

If you found this video interesting, you may enjoy this video on if CCD DSLRs produce better color than modern cameras: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_yXHVIlSpr4.htmlsi=4z94hmUPk3AUFiO0

Old models are treated as if they were degraded equipment. If the equipment works, by all means, use it! Take advantage of equipment snobs that sell their stuff in good condition because they want to have the latest equipment. Their loss is your gain.

I have a D300s , D700, D3s, and now a D850. The older 12 meg Cameras served me well and I still use them. Great cameras! I agree lenses are more important than camera body.

My current kit is built around a Canon 5D mkiii and a 7D mkii. I always buy my cameras 2nd hand , out of financial necessity. Money no object , I would be shooting with flagship bodies and glass . Meanwhile , back in the real world , I can realise 99.5% of my artistic vision with the "old" gear that I have .

I received a used D300s in 2016 and have used it ever since. I can’t afford a newer camera, but at the same time I’ve never felt the need to save up because my D300s works so well! It’s very durable, and I love the heavy, mechanical feel that mirrorless LCD cameras lack.

Your experience with your Nikon D300 reminds me of my own experience with the original Canon EOS 5D. With that camera, it's nearly pushing 20 years in age! But it's funny how I would happily buy an old camera, but wouldn't buy an older phone. Just goes to show that at the time of their release, there was no planned obsolescence, no additional slow down because of age, no hundreds and hundreds of firmware updates to "fix" things. Just a good photography experience.

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, and I agree! I was gifted an old used Nikon D50 quite a few years ago from a friend who was upgrading. Even though it only has six megapixels and came out in 2005, I find that it takes excellent photos, and in particular it consistently takes superior wildlife photos compared to my pixel 7 pro. I plan on hanging on to it for as long as it will function. I am a hobbyist, and it serves my purposes very well.

I have and regularly use a Nikon D800e. The 36mp sensor is an older sensor, but it is full frame and creates beautiful images that I have printed beautifully as large as 60"x40". I have lots of lenses for every photographic opportunity and I will use this and my Leica q2 until I die. I also have a Nikon F (35mm film camera) that was manufactured in 1964 which I still shoot film in. No camera should be disposed of as long as it can generate a good sharp image.

My Pentax K-10D, with its CCD sensor, heartily agrees with you (and it’s old enough this year to have a beer with me).

Very good points. I have a lot of gear. Both film and digital cameras 14 in all, and they are all used and in good working order.

I have the 'old' (if you can call 2010 old) D7000 and I love it! Prior to that I had the D90, which I also loved. If you pick one up in excellent condition you're onto a winner! The image quality in both these cameras is superb.

Love the older cameras, had a Canon 40D recently which I passed on to a friend, produced stunning results and it was a heavy camera which I absolutely love, also have a couple of vintage Sony's which still produce excellent results. My current daily driver is a Nikon D7200, not that old but still beautiful.

Stocked up on d200, d300, d700, d3s, d5. A d800 by mistake. I need another d700 and an extra d200/300 to be safe 😁. Some people are letting this stuff go at crazy good prices sometimes...

What an amazing detailed review. A breath of fresh air.... I just ordered this camera and I will be giving my daughter the D5000. A good quality lens truly does matter.... Powerful review! By far the best review I've seen on any equipment.

Thanks for the video. I decided to get a D300 after giving my D5300 to my daughter. The D300 hasn’t arrived yet & I’m looking forward to getting it in hand. I wanted a replacement & decided on this as I love my D700. The features like commander mode & pics per second stack up well with newer DX’s & it’s a lot cheaper & stronger than recent DSLRS. But I love that it’s so much like the D700 which feels so intuitive in my hand. I’m not going mirrorless & have a nice selection of old Nikon lenses. 36 or more megapixels are unnecessary. 12 is plenty as anyone who is familiar w older DSLR’s can attest to. Cheers

That camera started my photography business. Still have it. Screw mirrorless. Still use dslrs. Only issues are getting Nikon batteries. Holds sentimental value😇

While I have modern mirrorless gear, I also shoot film and older DSLRs. My Nikon 200, with its CCD crop DX sensor, gives a very unique capture. I find its the best digital sensor to mimic film with proper editing. I also use my D300, often when I want to get extra reach, field of view, out of my exception F mount optics, even modern electronic aperture E lenses, turning my 70-200 f2.8 into an equivalent 105-300mm. Also, 100% agree that a tripod enhances creativity in landscape photography, as it opens up far more options for depth of field, shutter speed. Do not sleep on old manual focus lenses either. They often have characteristics/ rendering that are quite beautiful. There is absolutely nothing wrong with older gear!

Agree with everything.Companies need to bring out updates to make money,when what we half already in our hands is good enough.The most important part of photography is the ability to see the image.

You’re absolutely spot on regarding the important aspects of creating memorable shots. In the fast paced world we live in we’ve created high dollar point and shoot cameras. Camera techniques, tripod, superior glass, composition and patience will always provide better photographs. Well done, I look forward to more…

Things that I look forward to whenever I upgrade to a newer camera body models are 1) Quick autofocus performance 2) Good ISO and noise handling 3) Better dynamic range and in-camera image processing out-of-camera shots (less editing in Photoshop), 4) quick startup, shot-to-shot timing, and 5) Buffer write speed to memory card. Primary reason why I shifted from Nikon APS-C DSLR to Sony mirrorless system (A6400) is the real time eye autofocus that I find very handy for fashion shows and sports photography. The lens autofocus really can track fast moving faces across the frame almost instantaneously in live view, much like using live screen of mobile phone cameras!

Hi Nick, my first visit to your channel. I think your message was spot-on. I shoot with a 5D MIII after I pre-maturely migrated from my first DSLR (T2i). I thought transitioning to a "full-frame" professional camera would instantly make me a better photographer. It eventually did, but it took 10 years. From what I've seen, most people have the disposable income to try and buy their way out of "less than stellar" work. I see it every week. For most, it's' not the technology that's holding them back, it's' the skills, inspiration and practice. The equipment you mentioned and your approach will provide most people with the tools that made many a "National Geographic" cover.

“Exquisite” is the word of the Day! 😆 D300 was a great camera, and still takes decent photos. I have one, and whilst my D500 outperforms it in every way, I still like the “feel” of the D300 in my hand. The grip is just about perfect. Enjoyable video. Some nice photos you have, to boot. Peace 👍✌📷

A technically perfect image is meaningless if it can't provoke the heart or stir the soul.

Does the camera still work as designed? Does it still give you the images you want? Cameras will always be changing. Whether or not you upgrade is dependent on the end result. If you are happy with the end result, why upgrade? SOMETIMES, an older camera gives you a BETTER result because it has become a part of you. You don't have to think about it it at all. Sometimes, new cameras offer real innovation, often times, not.

OMG! Everything you said is so right on! I have a Nikon D610 that I’ve had since it came out. It simply works. People just get rid of great equipment and it’s our gains. I had an 85mm f1.8 but wanted a f1.4 of that lens and sure enough as mirrorless cameras started coming out back in 2016/17 people started chucking gear and it was my gain. The lenses for the Nikon DSLR’s are professional grade back then up until now. It works!

I love grabbing my 10yrs old Fuji X-E2s for walk around, mainly because of its simplicity and usability. Pictures are nice and special, and 16MPixel more than enough for my purposes.

Heck yeah! My D3s and D700 are still kicking butt.

I had a Panasonic G9 a while back plus a Nikon D200.. I sold the G9 and kept the Nikon, the D200 is absolutely bullet proof and produces decent images, the only thing you’re really losing is the live view... I’ve recently added a D7100 to my line up and I don’t think even that is up to the D200..

I bought a Nikon D200 for $35 a few years ago. It is a great camera! The best of the CCD technology sensors, just before the CMOS take-over. CCD has a look that just can't be matched by the less expensive CMOS. I still use my D750, but have been using the D200 just as much lately.

I got a D300 about two months ago after graduating from a Nikon COOLPIX L840 which finally gave up the ghost. There's a bit of a learning curve coming from a point-and-shoot to a pro-quality DSLR but it's been great. Now I find myself scouring RU-vid looking for all the photography advice and information I can get.

The fantastic pictures these old cameras produced all those years ago still make fantastic pictures today. With modern software they are even better.

I just inherited a Nikon D3 from my grandfather and absolutely love it. robust tank that can still take great quality photos, also nostalgic to hear the shutter click when taking photos.

I bought a D200 last year, it gives amazing results for $100. Thanks for the review. 👍

This is one of the few videos I've seen focusing more on Nikon than Canon and it's given me hope that the D3100 I'm about to buy isn't a bad investment, especially since as I upgrade, I don't plan to get a full frame anytime soon (due to cost), but a D7000/7200/7500. You know, so my DX lenses aren't a waste of money! I'll most likely go D3100-D5200-D7500, but who knows. So glad there's a large amount of photographers willing and happy to share their thoughts, tips and experiences regarding to bodies, lenses, settings and techniques. I've learned a lot in the month or two I've been researching along with the knowledge I already had.

Very useful info. It reinforces some things I had heard before but is a useful reminder amidst the “GAS” pressure to upgrade. Being out to get the shot when the light is best and using a tripod are my favorite takeaways.

Just because Nikon D300 is "old" technology, never disregard this camera. It still takes great photos paired with a solid lens!

The short answer is that any Professional grade of digital camera since the introduction of the Canon D5 Mk I is and always will be a relevant choice.

The most important part of a camera is the 12 inches behind it. Ansel Adams. Having won and judged professional competitions, without a doubt, the glaring compositional or glaring photo errors in most amateur photos are way more detrimental than fewer megapixels or a bit less dynamic range. Master the craft, THEN worry about taking your work that last 5-10% with premium gear. And realize that a sharp and well exposed recognizable image is not what makes a great photo, that's expected.

Thanks good point. "Old" professional DSLR are still great, especially for casual shooters.

I have 2 mirrorless Nikons ( Z6ii and Z5) plus a bunch of Pro and Prosumer full frame and crop bodies, I just own 1 native mirrorless lens for video ( 40mm f/2), the rest is adapted, works fine...best of both worlds, No plan to totally migrate to mirrorless, I think I need to shell out at least $10,000 +++ in order to get the mirrorless equivalent which is an absurd amount of money

love your passion for photos ❤ you just inspired me to go out and shoot

Exquisite and exceptional!

Thank you, Nick!

Thank you Sir!; that was an extremely eye opening and reality check for me who was thinking of upgrading (at considerable cost) to Mirrorless

Great video! I have the same tripod too. You are right that you don't have to spend a ton of money on the latest and greatest gear. I had an old Canon D20, built like a tank. Wish I still had it.

I have a Nikon D2X and a D200, and I still get great pictures out of them. I’m going to add either a D300 or a D300s to my collection.

It is amazing how many people are dismissing DSLRs as old tech and buying hugely expensive mirrorless bodies and lenses instead. There are plenty of DSLRs around, hardly used, for very low cost. Same with lenses - absolutely fantastic lenses for very little. I'm sticking with DSLR and making the most of the used market created by mirrorless.

I use Nikon D700,300,200,100 Canon 5D MKII, 40D and Sony A700 and A77...I am clearly a classic DSLR fan.

Mine is full of hot pixels and Nikon swapped out my sensor after 2 years. 😢D700 still good though 😊 you’re right about 12 megapixel being good enough, I was surprised at how much you could blow up the image from 12 megapixel on the D300 and it didn’t look pixelated. Glad people like you make reviews on old cameras although there are benefits to the mirrorless cameras as well. Every camera is a different tool and has benefits which can be realized. It’s always good though if you wait, all things comes to him who waits!!! mirrorless has definite advantages over DSLR’s. Eventually you will be able to buy them for a song. Cameras don’t hold their value, glass does.Regards Gerry

I got a pentax k50. Love it. Scored it for 100.

I got a D850, its huge and I'm keeping it.

I love my D300 cameras.🏆👍

Great review. The most important part of a camera is the person that presses the shutter.

I just picked up a mint D200, with only 14k actuations, with a clean 18-105mm lens, with several CF cards, an original spare battery, and even a bag. All for $180. Bargain! I love using these old cameras, even though I also have some M43 kit. The D200 has a great 10MP CCD sensor that renders great colours.

I started to get a z30 i opened my case to my old Nikon d3300 after i used it no way it rocks i am good. I subbed great points

My photography lecturer said “There are three basic elements to photographic equipment.. The lens at the front, a light-tight box in the middle and an idiot behind! Fortunately, you can change the lens and you can teach the idiot, but the bit in the middle will always be a light-tight box!” Basically, he was right. You can upgrade the bit in the middle with more bells and whistles, but it is the person behind the camera that has the vision and the correct lens that allows for sharpness and clarity. 45-50mp will be useless unless the person taking the photo gets out of idiot mode and actually learns his/her craft. An accomplished photographer can create art with 4mp. Let the ‘All the gear, but no idea’ people can keep the likes of Nikon, Canon and Sony, profitable by purchasing the latest and greatest. I, however, will continue to use my Nikon D500 and Nikon D2xs until they give up the ghost. Then and only then will I replace them with good quality used equipment at knockdown prices.

I had to get a camera for my photography class but I didn’t have enough to get a modern camera so I had to buy a NikonD40 and it gives me pretty decent shots and now I’m looking to maybe upgrade that and stumbled upon a D3000 for a cheap price so now I’m here lmaoo thank you for your insight

51 point focus on D300 is awesome.

tripod advice is spot on. well done.

Or DLSR are very good still but mirrorless cameras like M43 Olympus and Panasonic you can get very cheap also now on the used market. I did see one video from a photographer Robert Wong he was taking night photos of the city and found that IBIS did help with some vibration shake when he zoomed in on a neon sign.

Hi Nick Very happy to see your video. Being 78 years old, running out of money......but living for the past 35 years near Everest. What to buy from the years 2010 at a reasonable price

i have the nikon D90 , D7000 and secondhand D700. These cameras are still going strong.

I agree with you. Have A Nikon D50 and a D3000, both cameras works great and good enough for me. With greetings from lower Bavaria.

Total agree with what you have said. I bought an old Pentax 100d with a 135mm f3.5 lens for $50 6 years ago, with that setup I have taken some amazing pictures of my two girls growing up that are absolutely priceless to me. I don't feel the need to upgrade the camera as it works as it should but I have been looking at getting some more of top of the line prime lenses this year.

I captured the M64 BLACK EYE CAT galaxy with this old machine with a 1980s Nikon 400mm telelens the very last night.

Exquisite! (repeat ad infinitum)

I have a Nikon D40,40X/50/70/80/90/Z 50 and a D3 and love them all.

Well said! Very good message!

I bought the D300S not so long ago but sold it. What a clunky battery draining thing it was. Rocking the pentax K200D 10 megapixel.

just the truth about how to produce great photographies today.

Old cameras are great, I'm a Pentax man myself, K10d and K5II, two excellent, but old, cameras. Too many people fuss over specs and the latest models instead of trying to be creative with the gear they already own. They forget, or don't know, that so many iconic images from the past were shot on mono film with a rangefinder camera and just a 35mm lens.

proper good advice mate i apreciate you

of course, old DSLR's are still relevant. i shoot d5's and STILL reach for my d700 because absolutely nothing matches that sensor's output. the d300 got me through college and it had JUST come out. learning photography on a mirrorless is like learning how to ride a bike by watching someone else do it. cant stand mirrorless. love what it has done for DSLR prices though.

YES, YES, YES, and YES!!!!!!!

Of course. Not like photography is going to go away

My wife bought me a D300s in 2009 because she knew I loved photography and wanted me to have a pro quality one. I had a D80,up until then. I still use it today and will never sell it.

DSLR are still worthy in 2023. I love my Nikon D810. I use it with quality lenses and get amazing crisp clear images. yeah it doesn't have the 4k video, I do not shoot video. I am sure all that new technology helps capture amazing photos in a new mirrorless camera. I just can't see myself having to start from scratch and learn a new system and having to spend thousands of dollars on new lenses and camera equipment.

I've been shooting with a Nikon D610 for 8 years and that thing is beat up and because of a lack of care on my part, autofocus isn't working too well SOMETIMES when I need it. Last week I went on the market to get a new camera. I didn't wanna switch to a different system cos that would mean replacing ALL my lenses. And when I looked at Nikon's later models, I didn't feel like I was missing out much to be honest with you. My D610 was still a good camera and I can get a professional job done with it. So I went on Facebook marketplace and literally got another D610 with a 6000 shutter count body, 3 lenses that I don't have in my collection, a battery grip, wireless adapter, 2 batteries...for $700. lol. I don't know. I feel like I made a good financial move.

I could not agree more.

My friend shoots weddings and does entire fashion sets with a Hasselblad 500C - a film camera from 1950's. Of course a DSLR from 2008 is still relevant in 2023!

I agree with you and thanks for the video.

Yeah I dealt with the water damage 2 years ago exactly.

Esa D300 es fantástica, con una gama de colores saturados tipo diapositivas, como las de los carretes Fuji Velvia 100 o 50. Sería bueno ver más videos de esta cámara de culto!!!!!

The "Glas" makes the difference. I still have my D5 Mark 3 and Mark 4. I still have a lot of fun with those. Even though I own newer bodies. The Glas is what counts. I even own a Hasselblad and Ilford films.

I biught a Nikon D70. It is modded for 720 NM IR. It is working very well for me and the lower MP count does not matter for web posting.

i hate when people say old cameras are no longer relevant in present times. People have this mentality to get the latest and greatest. We should stop being the product of extreme consumerism

Yes any old cameras that can shoot pictures is still relevant. Give me a canon 1D or any first generation cameras and i will guarantee that i can make great professional result pictures no doubt.

A DSLR Should be relevant today, tomorrow and well into the future as it was the first day you purchased it... The grim truth is that eventually, even the latest, greatest, top of the line consumer grade electronics - this includes most commonly available photography equipment - including cameras, will eventually become obsolete.... What's going to cost thousands of dollars staring at you on the shinny shelf today or tomorrow, will be worthless and unspoken of in 2026! Sad😢 but true!

20 year old cameras made photos used on billboards. Yeah they're still good.

Without reading all the comments I find answering a simple question determines ANY piece of gear’s viability. Does the piece of gear still perform the job you acquired it for? Secondarily, that includes full functionality. Everything works like it should. If no, new (or new to you) gear is indicated. If yes, new gear is fine if you want it, but the old gear is ready to rock and roll!

Cool very interesting! Keep the videos coming. Lol at tripod falling into creek 🤣

I still use my Nikon D200. I can use everything on it instinctively. It doesn't shoot video though. I am on the verge of buying a Fuji X-T5.

most people are not comfortable buying an older prof dslr camera even though it is very cheap and actually much better than a new consumer grade camera

For my purposes, I have no need of the latest and greatest. Which also fits nicely with my innate frugality and fixed income. I have two old cheap great cameras. For DSLR a D200 that I use with my beloved NIkkor AI, AIs, & AI'd lenses (plus two AF units). And for mirrorless, an Olympus EM5 Mk. I. They do everything that I need. Sure, it would be fun to have a new, fancy toy. But unless it would pay for itself-not likely in my case-nope.

If it’s all someone can afford then it’s relevant 👍

I have just purchased a d850 and i get far better photo’s than i get with my mirrorless the pictures just look warmer I compare it to music analog sounds better than digital

Sure, why not? I have an old Nikon FM2 that is all mechanical and works and looks as good as it did the day it was sold.

Exquisite!

All i know is if it was great back in the day its usually great now

It is, in some respects, unfortunate that lots of the great glass from the DSLR and even SLR eras can still be adapted to fit on new MILCs because that means there still isn't such a thing as a really cheap 600mm f/4 lens. Even old, battered and fungus-growing examples from the 1980s go for significant money. But if wildlife and sport aren't on your list of subjects old DSLRs and lenses of more modest focal lengths are a steal.