Is it worth the extra dosh?

Also, what’s the closest Canon model to both the Nikon D700 and the D300?

Boy, that’s hard to say. It depends on what you are going to do with your final output. I own a D300 and I have studied the reviews for the D700. Functionally, they are virtually the same cameras. That full format sensor works some magic, though. The step from the D200 to D300 was a great investment for me. I’m not lusting after the D700, though. First of all, there’s more than a thousand dollars difference in price. Second of all, most full format glass costs another 20-30% more than DX lenses. (I’m done buying DX lenses, though…)

I read one interesting point in a review. The cameras both have the same 51 point autofocus grid, if you want to use that feature. In the D300, it covers almost the entire sensor. In the D700, since it is physically the same array, it only covers about half of the sensor. This means your subject is more likely to leave the autofocus zone. As I said, if that feature matters to you, as it might to a wildlife photographer shooting a flying bird, the D300 is actually better.

If I still had the D200 and had to choose between both the D300 and D700, I admit that it would be a hard choice. “It’s only money.” If it was YOUR money, I’d spend it on the D700. Since it’s MY money, I’m not so sure. it would not be an easy decision.

Since I already have a D300, I will not buy a D700. It offers no performance features that the D300 does not have, other than a huge, milky smooth, creamy, rich sensor, capable of shooting flawless images under almost any conditions up to ISO 6400 and satisfactory images even beyond that….. (STOP ME NOW!!!)

GO here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d300%2Cnikon_d700&show=all and use it as a launching pad to read the owner opinions and professional reviews.

Go to Flickr and browse images made by real people with each camera.

D300: http://www.flickr.com/cameras/nikon/d300/
D700: http://www.flickr.com/cameras/nikon/d700/

If you have bottomless pockets for the camera and future lens purchases, of course – get the D700. If you are already stretching the budget to buy a camera, you will not be disappointed with the D300.

In the Canon line, I think you would be looking at the new 5D Mk2 to compare to the D700 and the 50D to compare to the D300, but let a Canon expert verify that.