[ohnri]

You won't be let down by high end Nikon glass. I have found my 14-24 f/2.8 to be the best ultra-wide I have ever used. My 85 f/1.4 is a superb portrait lens and my 24-70 f/2.8 is outstanding. My 200-400 f/4 is the finest telephoto lens I have used as well.

For a DX format camera, the 70-200 is almost without flaws.

In terms of overall IQ you will not be giving up anything by going to a D300 with good glass from a M8. There are differences in the way each camera renders an image but for overall quality in good light they are both excellent.

If you need low light capability then consider the D3, it is far superior to the M8 or the D300.

I am, of course, talking about technical quality. The way you use the camera, your choice of lenses (old or new, for instance) and your post-processing skills will make a much larger difference in your final image.

Also, if you want something different, consider a Fujifilm S5 pro, less than $1000 now and it will give you SLR capability with DR that can't be matched by any other 35 mm or smaller sensor.

Best,

Bill