Which Digital Camera to purchase?

Short and sweet: I'm looking for a good camera, capable of shooting portrait photography, landscape, and possible runway. Basically, an all around capable digital camera. I want speed, image quality, a diamond that can be utilized.

The one's I have been looking at:

Nikon D300
Canon EOS 30D, 40D
Nikon D5100
Nikon D5300

Absolutely can't decide. I keep weighing options, looking at reviews, but I would like to hear some more thoughts on what I want in a camera. If it's an older camera that can do the same thing as a new one, be sure to mention it, along with any pros and cons (if you feel like exploring the topic).

I can tell you that the Nikon D300 is certainly robust.

I have been using one professionally for seven years and it is still doing a great job.

The D5000 series digital SLR cameras are entry level and as such can't use any of the older Nikkor AF lenses auto-focus (the D300 does). If you buy the D5100 or D5300 you will have to be sure that you buy Nikkor AF-S lenses to shoot in auto-focus mode.

The EOS 30D and 40D are both semi-professional cameras, the D40 being the classic from Canon.

Here is a link to some shots taken using the D300. I still use this camera today, shooting sports, action, editorial and fashion assignments.

I own and always recommend the Canon t3i - an absolute bargain at $600.

My camera does everything. I have had it for three years. No problems. It is a LUMIX BY PANASONIC.

Definitely go for the Nikon D300 DX… It is an ultimate all-round camera… If you get that DSLR camera, then you are looking at using it for many years to come as it has been around for quite a while now and still is one of the top choices. With this camera, all you need to do is to get some decent lenses--- ensure that you get as your first lens, the 18-55 mm lens. Apart from the camera and its lenses, you just need to practice on developing your photography skills as it is probably the most important as no matter how a camera and its lenses are great, if the photographer has no skills ; then it makes no sense;; all will be the products are poor photographs.

With that been said-- Go for your Nikon D300 DX. Amazon is a good place to get it:
See here: http://www.amazon.com/...000VJX7DW/
Here is the 18-55 mm lens: http://www.amazon.com/...000ZMCILW/

I think that one of the DSLR best buys is the Canon 60D. Its price has fallen since the announcement of the 70D but remains a class camera. Here it is compared to the 40D.
http://snapsort.com/...on_EOS_60D

First thing first… It isn't the camera that creates an interesting or spectacular shot.

I can't work out how these cameras made your shortlist… Here's why:

The D300 is a decent option, it has a decent specification and the build quality is better that the other cameras in your list… It would be my first choice.

I don't shoot with Canon cameras… They aren't bad cameras, they just aren't what I chose to work with.

Nikon D5100, I use the D5100 to demonstrate that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get top quality images… The camera is small and compact, it isn't difficult to use, is good fun and the quality is very impressive… I'd give the same advice to anyone buying their first camera whether it's a Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sony… Get yourself a spare battery and extra memory cards and then go and make some pictures.

Nikon D5300… Nope, doesn't do much for me… If GPS and Wi-Fi tickle your fancy then that's fine… You'll need a couple of spare batteries though to power your camera through the day… These options love your battery power and for me… I'd rather use my battery power for grabbing shots… Not impressing the ladies by uploading files with my location stamped all over it to facebook and instagram just by pressing a button… Sure you might find Wi-Fi useful in a studio environment, just plug in some mains power.

Any entry level camera will provide you with what you are looking for… It's best to visit a local specialist camera store and actually handle the different options… Pentax have just released a new DSLR the K S1 and have a few other models that are worth a look… I recommend Pentax because I reckon they are overlooked too often and they actually offer the newbie a great camera for the money than some of the other brands… You might eventually decide later on to go with another brand… I just reckon Pentax are ideal to begin with…

I currently use Nikon cameras and personally prefer Pentax… Handle the different cameras and see which one feels most comfortable… Quality wise… You wouldn't know which shot was taken with which camera if you were comparing images.