Nikon d300 users...question for ya!

[Miller1412]

I just got paid for my first wedding, and I am planning to upgrade my d80 to a d300. I was wondering about the battery with this camera.

I understand that the batteries are the same for the two bodies. Is this correct? I have also read that using VR lenses with the battery can cause false battery warning issues on the d300.

Have any of you found this to be the case? The reports I've read are about 1 year old. Just want to check on battery status before I jump into my purchase!!

Thanks in advance...

 

[YesDear]

I have never had an issue with my battery or VR. I am not certain the batteries are the same. The battery life of the D300 is far superior to the D200.

 

[NostalgicDad]

There was a battery error problem in the original firmware but the updates have since corrected that. However, I don't recall that ever relating to the use of VR lenses. I've personally never experience any battery issues.

The same Lithium battery will work in both the D80 and D300. I also use the battery grip and use the rechargeable NiMH batteries. You will get unbelievable battery life if you choose to go that route.

 

[Suburbanmom]

I have never had a battery issue with my D300. Congratulations on the wedding and you are going to LOVE the upgrade.

 

[spinetnglr]

No battery issue here either with the D300. I upgraded from the D40 in January and love it. I did buy a second battery so I always have a fully charged one ready. I drove to New Britain CT yesterday and from there to Philadelphia to visit my son. It was about an 11 hour and 530 mile trip. I had the D300 on the seat next to me turned on the whole way just in case I saw something to shoot and the battery charge indicator didnt budge. Then I walked around center city Philadelphia last night with my son for about 3 hours and shot maybe 100 photos and by the time we got back to his apartment the indicator had finally dropped 1/4. Had I done more shooting it probably would have dropped more but I have found battery life on a full charge to be really good. My biggest concern when I bought it was the size coming from the much smaller D40. Even carrying it last night along with my fully loaded bag it wasnt a problem either. The cushy new SmugMug strap was also very comfy the whole time

 

[Miller1412]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone! I'm glad to hear the issue has been resolved. I ordered the d300 and it should be here tomorrow or Wednesday! I can't wait to try it!

Maybe with my next wedding I can pay for the battery grip and a new zoom
Darn, that short list is always growing isn't it?

 

[spinetnglr]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone! I'm glad to hear the issue has been resolved. I ordered the d300 and it should be here tomorrow or Wednesday! I can't wait to try it!

Maybe with my next wedding I can pay for the battery grip and a new zoom
Darn, that short list is always growing isn't it?

Yes, it is always growing and it NEVER stops growing.

 

[handicap18]

No battery issues here either. Not sure what battery the D80 takes. The D300 takes the EN-EL3e. I had 2 backup batteries for my D50 so that worked out nicely.

I have the battery grip and having the 2 batteries is WAY COOL!

There is so much more that the D300 can do that the D80 doesn't and I don't mean picture wise. The menu options on the D300 are awesome. You can set your own menu items in the My Menu section and have even easier access to other menu items that you use more often than others. For example I have the battery life indicator there, also the battery switch (switching from grip to camera and back), as well as the RAW conversion (12 bit to 14 bit) and a few others.

Love my D300.

Oh, and no issues with my 70-300mm VR lens thus far.