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Nikon D300 Digital Camera
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Product Description
The D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as found in the D3 that promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering-up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3 megapixel resolution. The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features that will significantly improve the accuracy, control and performance photographers can get from their equipment. Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection. The D300 incorporates Nikon's Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system. Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.
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Average User Rating:
5.0
out of
5
Number of Ratings:
45
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User Reviews for
Nikon D300 Digital Camera
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The camera I waited for
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Reviewed
January 11 2008 8:38:32 PM
51
out of
53
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
All |
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Cons:
None Until recently I had a D80 and I also wrote a review about it. So I think it would be useful for you, D80 owners and D300 prospect buyers, to have some clues about what this D300 is about from a former D80 user. I will update my review as I'll be getting into more and more of this camera.
First noticeable difference is the size. The D300 is bigger and heavier than the D80, but the size it is not a problem for mid-sized hands like mine are. About weight: I bought a neoprene strap some time ago for my D80. I use it also on the D300. The strap which is included with the camera is a bit too rough for my skin and the weight of camera can be a real pain if you carry it on too long. Any neoprene strap will do, just choose one which is a bit more elastic and has a smooth internal layer (touch it, it is important to do that BEFORE you buy it).
You won't notice any important difference in the feeling of the grip size, although it is a bit bulkier, because the body has been reshaped in the back of the camera so it is easy to hold it even with one hand. On the back, there is a handy AF-ON button which is completely in the reach of your thumb and the AE-L/ AF-L button is not far from it either. The body has a rubbery feel which is different than the D80 (more plastic) and lays comfortable in your hands giving you the sensation of a good grip.
Controls: One thing that annoys most photographers is to have to lower the camera from their eyes very often when they change some settings. You will not have a mode dial, like in D80, just a button and only 4 modes that will be displayed in the viewfinder; this is a pro camera, the amateur-like modes (portrait, night etc) are gone. It will be very nice for you to know that you don't have to change white balance, ISO and picture quality settings by looking at the back of the camera (like on the D80) to find the buttons. They are on the top, like on D200, which I think it is very convenient because they are arranged in a triangle shape and you can get to your needed button without removing the camera from your eye, because you will remember quite quickly the location of each button: front the quality, left the white balance, right the ISO. Moreover, ISO setting is displayed in the viewfinder and you'll be quite amazed to find how useful this little feature is ! On the D80 I had to use and push the custom function button to see this or to look on top, on the LCD display. On top right are only two buttons: to the left is the mode, to the right is the exposure compensation (use this with caution with matrix metering). Voila, with four buttons you control the most important settings for taking pictures, and, best of all, you know their location without having to look at them. What needs special attention is the release mode dial, is the one you have to look at when changing modes. The rest of lever controls have only three positions so it's very easy to know which one position is which.
The build quality is outstanding, it looks and feels like a tank. Remember that, with camera, you are getting an environmental sealing which is not the case for the D80/40/40x. Combine that with a sealed lens like the 17-55DX f/2.8 and you'll gone have a very nice combo even in bad weather. Is that important ? Yes, it is. Otherwise you have to take care all the time and protect your camera from water drops, dust and snowflakes. The sound of the shutter is softer (more silent) than on the D80, probably because of some other materials were used for building the mirror holder and the shutter.
ISO, noise: The noise at high ISO is outstanding. When I purchased the D80 I found myself very often wanting to shoot in lowlight conditions and I got a Nikon SB800 for that. However, using flash to some extent annoys people and high ISO was mandatory in such situations. Now you can use ISO 3200 with 100% confidence and getting low noise, well-detailed photos with good saturated colors will be a rule
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Excellent Piece of Equipment
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Reviewed
December 15 2007 12:14:38 AM
16
out of
16
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
Everything |
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Cons:
It's not the D3? This camera has completely blown away my expectations. I was expecting a great camera something along the lines of the D200 with LiveView, but i was blown away after seeing some excellent pictures with high ISO on RAW that I could never have gotten with my D200!
Even just going from the D200 to the D300 was a huge jump, and well worth the money. I was able to sell my D200 the day after because there is still a lot of value in the old camera.
Excellent Camera, would get another if i had a lot of money sitting around (and already had all the lenses that I wanted).
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Truly wonderful the D300
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Reviewed
March 2 2008 11:17:47 PM
8
out of
8
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
Everything is just great. |
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Cons:
The price is a little high. After coming from a non SLR camera I have to say that the D300 is all a bit daunting at first. But after a few hours of study I was starting to understand this wonderful camera. The function switches are just where they should be and the layout of the menu is very easy to understand.
The photo quality WOW it just has to be seen to be believed. You can see photos on Flickr Nikon D300 Users. Originally I was thinking of getting the Canon 40D but after seeing the real thing in the shop I was sold on the D300. The rear screighen is crystal clear and makes reviewing or adjusting your photos an ease. Also for people who are getting older and there eyes are not as good as they used to be then no problems. All functions can be viewed through the big 3 inch screen. Some people are saying that the D300 is heavy which is true but I think this is a good thing as the weight of the camera makes it very stable when using telephoto. For low light shots or high speed shots this is just the best camera.
I love my D300
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Love My D300
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Reviewed
March 20 2008 9:14:12 PM
6
out of
6
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
Clarity, Self Cleaning Sensor, 12.3 MP, etc. |
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| Cons:
None I have had a D100 for years, but the 6.1 mp concerned me for what I wanted to do. I wanted to have a camera that I could use without purchasing a 600mm lens and also have enough mp to crop with my 300mm lens. I am very pleased with the 12.3 mp and the cropping ability of this camera for even humming birds. The clarity of the close up shots is outstanding also. I love the self cleaning sensor, which I have used once. It took all of about 2 seconds, and saved me the time of cleaning it myself or taking it to the camera store ($50.00 each trip). The controls are so clear and easy to understand, and the two command dials make it a snap to change the F stops, shutter speed, WB, etc. The lock on feature helps a lot when getting a bird in flight, and the bursts of 6fps (which can be increased to 8fps with an extra attachment), increase the ability to get moving objects without spending 2X to 3X more to equal or beat that feature. Love the 3" viewing screen too, which improves your ability to see your photos before you put them on your computer. I have much more to learn with this camera.
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D300 exceeds expectations
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Reviewed
April 20 2008 6:38:52 PM
5
out of
5
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
everything |
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Cons:
nothing so far As a Nikon SLR owner and user for many years, I finally purchased the D300. It is the best digital camera I have ever owned. For long time Nikon users, most of the controls are intuitive. In fact, I started using it as soon as the battery charged and only got around to reading the manual several days later. I particularly like the custom menu settings. Also, the monitor screen 3.0" is ideal for my aging eyesight.
I still have my D100 and my D40, both of which are excellent in their own rights.
May be a bit pricey for a first time digital SLR buyer, but as the saying goes "you only get what you pay for"
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D300
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Reviewed
February 19 2008 8:12:28 PM
4
out of
4
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
Amazing Clarity |
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Cons:
Heavy Camera This has to be the best piece of photographic equiptment created to date. It is truely the first camera since the origination of Digital that the normal consumer could afford that rivals film. I have taken pictures with this camera that you just stare at because you cannot believe the depth and clairty of the shot. The subject in many is irrelevant. You will not be happy with the $2,500 price tag until you press the shutter release for the first time, then it will all be worth it.
Thumbs up to Nikon for this one!
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A camera that's well worth the money!!
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Reviewed
April 28 2008 5:02:04 AM
3
out of
3
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
large LCD, long battery, 51 pt AF, 6 FPS, weatherproof, Image Quality |
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Cons:
No image stabilization, not full frame I absolutely LOVE this camera!!
This is an THE camera for serious enthusiasts and semi pro/pro photographers. Previously owning a D50 and a D80, this camera was everything I expected and more. First off, the build is pro quality. It also has a huge, hi-res 3" LCD that's probably the best LCD out currently.
It does 6FPS and 8FPS w/ optional battery grip. The image quality is excellent. It seems to meter and focus so much better than my D80 and D50. Those cameras were merely toys and this is an industrial strength machine!! I will probably by a D80 again as a backup. The battery life is excellent and supposedly 3 times longer than the D200. I have never owned a D200, but I imagine a lot of people are upgrading since the D300 has a new sensor, better AF, better LCD, liveview and is slightly faster.
Go out and get one if you are serious about photography but can't afford a D3.
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The Best Camera I've owned
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Reviewed
May 9 2008 11:50:09 PM
2
out of
2
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
The best quality images and very simple to use |
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| Cons:
Flash not durable The simplest camera I have ever used with the best quality. The built in flash is not the best.
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Can't Miss With This One!
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Reviewed
March 24 2008 2:29:06 AM
2
out of
2
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
Build & image quality |
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Cons:
None This is my 4th Nikon and is by far the best that I have owned! Nikon continues to improve on what they do best - produce world class cameras for serious photographers!
I sold my trusty D200 to buy this one, and I haven't looked back since. While the D200 is a great camera, this one is even better!
If you decide to buy one of these, do yourself a favor and also invest in some of their pro glass. I have their 17-55 f/2.8 as well as their 85 f/1.4, and the trio is excellent together!
You can't go wrong with Nikon!
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D300 has it where it counts
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Reviewed
September 8 2008 2:31:04 AM
1
out of
1
users found this recommendation helpful.
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Ratings:
5
out of 5
Pros:
Ultra fast, light, and smart programming |
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Cons:
Battery grip is 300.00 I was first introduced to digital SLR's with the D70, a very fine machine that has yielded many good photo's. Some 108,000 on that body. The next was a D200 a good camera in its own right but certainly no D300. The D200 lacked the big screen and the vivid colors, or maybe I just couldn't get them out of it...
At any rate, I have been nothing but pleased with my D300, I have many pics on Flikr taken with it, and have been astounded by the auto focus tracking on it. It can keep up with madel airplanes traveling at 100mph and still keeps focus. This model has so many features that I dont have time to list, but as a full time photographer I can say that this camera is the best I have used. I think its images are better than my friends D2X, and he agrees.
feel free to write me and ask me any questions you like.
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