Nikon D300

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Nikon D300 Digital SLR Camera Review

  • Nikon D300 Digital SLR Camera

    Nikon D300 Digital SLR Camera Review

    Description

    Nikon D300 Camera Review. There is no mode dial, like in D80, just a button and only 4 modes that will be displayed in the viewfinder; this is a pro camera, and you do not have to lower the camera from your eyes too often when you change various settings. the amateur-like modes (portrait, night etc) have disappeared and you don't have to change white balance, ISO and picture quality settings by peering at the back of the camera (like on the D80) to find the buttons. They are on the top, like on D200, which more convenient because they are placed in a triangle shape and you can get to your required button without removing the camera from your eye, because you will quickly remember the location of each button: front the quality, left the white balance, right the ISO. Furthermore, the ISO setting is displayed in the viewfinder and you'll be quite amazed to find how useful this little feature is!

    Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3-effective-megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon's newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility.

    Similar to the D3, 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 autofocus 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 is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, 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. (NORMAL-LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV 1GB CompactFlash card.)

    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 autofocus, autoexposure, 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 new Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus 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.

    Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options--Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D300 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras that feature Picture Control 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.

    The D300's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing system with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed to ensure accurate focus.

    The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust.

    September 10, 2009 Nikon D300 is now officially discontinued according to Nikon Japan. Nikon D300 Review DX • Around $1,500, body only • Introduced August 23, 2007

    Features

    The 12MP D300's optical viewfinder provides a nearly 100 percent view of the image frame and 0.94x magnification. The camera's CompactFlash slot supports the UDMA standard for fast write speeds. The D300 body also incorporates an HDMI port for outputting images to a high-definition screen. Shutter Speed: The Nikon D300 features a 12.3- megapixel self-cleaning DX-format CMOS sensor and high-resolution (920,000-dot, or 307,000 pixel) 3-inch LCD with a 170-degree viewing angle. The camera takes F-mount lenss, and provides selectable 14-bit RAW image capture.

    Specifications

    Type of Camera Single-lens reflex digital camera
    Image Sensor DX format, CMOS, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million
    Effective pixels 12.3 million
    Image size (pixels) 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
    Sensitivity 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings up to 1 EV (100 - 6400)
    Storage Media CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I and II), UDMA Compliant, and Microdrive™
    Storage System NEF (RAW): 12 or 14-bit compression, lossless compressed, compressed or un compressed
    TIFF: (RGB)
    JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx 1:16)
    NEF (RAW)+JPEG
    File System Exif 2,21, DCF 2.0, DPOF, and PictBridge compliant
    White Balance
    Auto (TTL white balance with main image sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), seven manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments of 1, 2 or 3)
    LCD Monitor 3.0-in., 920,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
    Playback Function Full-frame and thumbnail (4 or 9 images) playback with zoom playback, slide show, histogram display, auto image rotate, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
    Video Output NTSC or PAL
    Interface USB 2.0(Hi-speed)
    Text Input Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header
    Lens Mount Nikon F bayonet mount
    Compatible Lenses AF-S or AF-I: All functions supported.
    • Type G (type G lenses have no aperture ring or D (as indicated by a  "D" on the barrel). AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions supported. IX NIKKOR lenses not supported.
    • Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported including 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
    • Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes.
    AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II.
    Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
    • CPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts
    Picture Angle Equivalent in 35 mm format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
    Viewfinder Fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0m-1)
    Eyepoint 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)
    Focusing Screen Ships with Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines
    Viewfinder Frame Coverage Approx. 100% (vertical & horizontal)
    Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.94x with 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; –1.0 m-1
    Autofocus Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors), and AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m/1 ft. 8 in. - 9ft. 10 in.)
    Detection range: -1 to +19 (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F
    Lens Servo Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status
    Manual (M): Electronic range finding supported
    Focus Point Can be selected from 51 or 11 points
    AF Area Mode Single Area AF, Dynamic Area AF, Automatic Area AF
    Focus Lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
    Exposure Metering System TTL exposure metering using 1,005-segment RGB sensor
    1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data
    2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame
    3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)
    Exposure Metering Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
    2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering)
    Exposure Meter Coupling Combined CPU and AI
    Exposure Mode Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
    Exposure Compensation ±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
    Lens Mount Nikon F bayonet mount
    Compatible Lenses AF-S or AF-I: All functions supported.
    • Type G (type G lenses have no aperture ring or D (as indicated by a  "D" on the barrel). AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions supported. IX NIKKOR lenses not supported.
    • Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported including 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
    • Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes.
    AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II.
    Non-CPU: Autofocus supported. Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
    • CPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts
    Auto Exposure Lock Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
    Auto Exposure Bracketing 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
    Active D-Lighting Can be selected from High, Normal, or Low
    Shooting Modes 1) Single frame shooting mode
    2) Continuous low speed (CL) shooting mode: up to 5 frames per second
    3) Continuous high-speed (CH) shooting mode: up to 6 frames per second
    4) Live View mode
    5) Self-timer shooting mode
    6) Mirror-up mode
    Shutter Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb, X250
    Sync Contact X=1/250 sec. (synchronizes with shutter at 1/320 sec. or slower; note: flash range drops at speeds between 1/250 and 1/320 sec.)
    Flash Control 1) TTL:i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 1,005 segment RGB sensor are available with built-in flash and SB-800, SB-600, or SD-400
    2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens
    3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22s
    4) Range-priority manual; available with SB-800 4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800
    Flash Sync Mode Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync
    Built-in Speedlight Manual pop-up with button release Guide number of 17/56 (m/ft, ISO 200 , 20°C/68°F; GN at ISO 100 is 12/39) or 18/59 in manual mode (m/ft, ISO 200, 20°C/68°F; GN at ISO 100 is 13/43)
    Flash compensation -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
    Accessory Shoe Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
    Sync Terminal ISO 519 standard terminal
    Self-timer Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds
    Depth of Field Preview When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)
    Remote Control Via 10-pin Remote Cord MC-35 (optional) or Wireless Remote Control WT-4 (optional)
    GPS NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 or 3.01) interface standard supported with optional MC-35 adapter cord and 9-pin D-sub cable (optional)
    Power Source Battery: One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
    Battery pack: Optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack with one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e, EN-EL4a or EN-EL4 Li-ion battery or eight AA alkaline, NiMH, lithium, or nickel-manganese batteries; EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 and AA batteries available separately; A BL-3 battery chamber cover is required when using EN-EL4a or EN-EL4 batteries
    Tripod Socket 1/4 In. (ISO1222)
    Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 147 x 114 x 74mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)
    Weight Approx. 825g (1.82 lb) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
    Supplied Accessories* EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D100 Video Cable, AN-D300 Strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, Body cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-23 Rubber Eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM. Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
    Optional Accessories MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack, WT-4a Wireless Transmitter, DK-21M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-5a AC Adapter, Capture NX Software, Camera Control

    Item Includes

    • Nikon D300 digital SLR body
    • EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery
    • MH-18a quick charger
    • UC-E4 USB cable
    • EG-D100 video cable
    • AN-D300 strap
    • BM-8 LCD monitor cover
    • body cap
    • DK-5 eyepiece cap
    • DK-23 rubber eyecup
    • Software Suite CD-ROM

    Reviews

    The D300 ROCKS!, July 13, 2009

    By Carole (Washington)

    The main reason I purchased this camera was for my whale photography. I had been shooting with a Nikon D50, and although it did a good job, I needed more. When I heard that the D300 would go to 6fps (8fps with the battery grip), I knew I had to get one.

    This camera did not disappoint. The first time I took it out was for gray whales in April. It did a superb job. Next was my first venture photographing orcas. I was on San Juan Island and shooting from the shore. I didn't have the grip (still getting used to the way that feels), and at 6fps I got amazing shots. I took the camera out on a boat a couple of weeks ago and again the results were amazing. I was using the Nikon 70-300VR lens. You can see some of my photos in an article I wrote on photographing orcas: [...]

    I am more than happy with my D300 and would recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their camera body. I also don't know why people complain about their battery life as I have absolutely no problems with mine. I do suggest that if you are buying an extra battery, you Best Prices for the Nikon battery, not a third party. When you are spending this much for a camera body, what you put into it should be only the best.


    Wonderful camera for people who know what they are doing!, July 10, 2009

    By P. Chen "Pneuma" (Denton, TX)

    I shot pictures with Nikon FM2 before the digital era and I learned a lot about photography by shooting with FM2, which is an all mechanic manual-focused SLR.

    For the last several years, I shoot with a Canon A series P&S and I am pretty happy with the Canon. Therefore, when the chance came up for me to purchase a DSLR, I researched hard and long and couldn't decide if I should choose a Nikon or Canon. The final decisions came down between Nikon D300 and Canon 50D. Although 50D is newer and cheaper, I bought the Nikon D300 because of my fond memory with FM2 and my two manual-focused Nikkor lenses.

    The first several hours of my D300 ownership were filled with disappointment and frustration. The pictures I took were underexposed and the color looked weird, plus I couldn't figure out which auto focus mode to use (I never had a auto-focused SLR). However, once I read the manual, which is very easy to read, and David Busch's Nikon D300 Guide to Digital SLR Photography, thing began to change. After two months of shooting and playing with the settings, I can now say that Nikon D300 is truly a camera for serious photo amateurs.

    If you know nothing about exposure, white balance, ISO, apertures, and shutter speed, this camera may frustrate you. In that case, I would recommend you buy Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens, which is a wonderful beginner's DSLR (I end up buying a D60 too). However, if you have basic knowledge about photography and how SLR works and you would like to put everything under your control, then D300 will not disappoint you.


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