Quick guide and decisions to make

• Key considerations: Do you prioritise resolution and cropping or low‑light headroom and tactile handling?
• Clarifying questions to frame the post: Which primes do you favour; do you shoot more daylight or night street work; is portability or ruggedness more important?
• Decision points for readers: Choose a primary body for the job (high resolution vs low light), keep a consistent RAW workflow, and match prime focal lengths to your shooting style.

Why these bodies matter

• Nikon D810 delivers 36.3MP full‑frame resolution and a wide ISO range, making it ideal when detail and cropping latitude matter.
• Nikon D300S is a rugged DX workhorse with 12.3MP, weather sealing, and reliable handling—built for deliberate street work.
• Nikon D700 brought full‑frame ergonomics and low‑noise files in a compact body, with ~12MP that many still prize for tonality and handling.
• Nikon D800 introduced 36MP full‑frame resolution that rewards sharp glass and careful technique.
• Nikon D3S remains a low‑light specialist with exceptional high‑ISO performance and professional durability.

Lenses and setups

• Core approach: Use high‑quality primes; the glass defines look more than megapixels.
• Recommended focal lengths: 35mm for context; 50mm for natural perspective; 85mm for portraits and distance; use short tele on the D800/D810 for tight editorial crops.
• Sample kits: D300S + 35mm f/1.8 for light, fast street; D3S + 50mm/85mm f/1.4 for night; D800/D810 + premium primes for high‑detail work.

How limitations shape style

• Lower megapixel bodies encourage decisive composition and embrace of grain as aesthetic.
• High‑resolution bodies change your workflow: sharper technique, steadier support, and premium glass become essential.
• Low‑light specialists let you capture moments others miss, expanding creative possibilities after dark.

Practical tips and workflow

• Expose for highlights and protect midtones on older sensors; shoot RAW and apply selective noise reduction.
• Keep ISO conservative on D300S/D700; use D3S for high‑ISO freedom.
• Maintain lens care and a consistent edit style to preserve camera character.
• Let lenses lead: prime rendering, micro‑contrast, and bokeh shape the final image more than sensor specs.

Risks trade‑offs and actionable steps

• Trade‑offs: Older bodies lack modern conveniences (Wi‑Fi, fastest AF, greatest dynamic range). Action: pick one body as your daily driver and a second as a specialist to avoid workflow fragmentation.
• Noise and recovery limits: Older sensors have less headroom. Action: expose carefully, bracket when possible, and use modern denoise tools selectively.
• Value vs needs: If you need cutting‑edge AF or extreme high ISO, consider supplementing with a modern body; otherwise, invest in sharp primes and technique.

Closing thought Paired with high‑quality primes, the D300S, D700, D800, D3S, and D810 form a versatile, characterful system that rewards intentional seeing: the lenses you choose and the way you shoot will define your voice more than the newest sensor.