Nikon D300

Advanced amateur, semi-pro, and pro: Nikon D300

By Paul Vachier



Nikon D300

Nikon D300

• 12.3 Megapixels, 6 fps (8 fps w/grip)

• 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9" (147 x 114 x 74 mm)

• 825g (wo/battery)

• FOV Crop = 1.5


D300 Brochure [360K PDF]
D300 Manual [15.5MB PDF]




Quick Review: The D300 is the latest incarnation of Nikon's popular semi-pro series of digtal SLRs, which began with the D100 first introduced all the way back in 2002. With the D300, Nikon has made the switch to a CMOS based sensor (manufactured to Nikon specs by Sony), which not only adds 2 megapixels to the D200's 10mp, but even manages to achieve less image noise in low-light situations. For many photographers, this may be one of the best reason to upgrade, but that's only part of the story; the D300 is a major upgrade from the D200, and the list of improvements is extensive. These include a much better 51 point auto-focus system, 6 frame-per-second continuous shooting, self-cleaning sensor, EXPEED image processor, 14-bit A/D conversion, 3" 922,000 pixel LCD with live preview, HDMI video output, "Active D-Lighting", better battery life, and more.

The D200 was a popular and well-spec'd camera that exceeded the requirements of most non-professional photographers. The D300 is even better and has enough real improvements (particularly the new auto-focus system) that it competes almost too well against some of Nikon's high end cameras like the D2X and D2H series, yet costs significantly less. This may be the most expensive camera in its niche (chief competitors are the Canon 40D and new Sony A700) but it offers a level of professional features previously unavailable at this price point.

Pros: image quality, rugged build, weather resistant, improved ISO noise performance compared to D200, flash system, built-in sensor dust removal, live LCD preview, improved battery life compared to D200.

Cons: Price, high ISO grain (compared to Canon 40D)

Nikon D300 User Reviews
  • I like the Nikon D300 camera very much but when I use the auto WB setting with flash on, in mixed lighting conditions, it changes the color of skin tones. Color is little over saturated, so reduce the color for people photos. I love the 6 frames/second, lots of detail, overall a great upgrade from my D70.- Javed Rassi


Reviews:

DP Review
Imaging Resource
Ken Rockwell
Digital Review
ePhotozine
ePhotografia
D3 or D300?
Blogalicious
Chick Harrity
PopPhoto
Outback Photo
Camera Labs
James Markus
Antarctica Expedition (German)
Fotoapparatuur (Dutch)
D300 vs Canon 40D
Thom Hogan

Sample Photos:

Nikon Imaging
Nikon Digitutor
Pbase galleries
Vigofoto
Dave Insel
800-3200 ISO RAW/NEF
Torwong Salwala's India photos
Night time in NYC
Imaging Resource
Digital Review
Glamour/Fashion

Flickr galleries
Pixel Peeper


Useful Links:

Nikon Blog
Nikon Lens Performance Reviews

More Video


D300 Review by What Digital Camera

 


Nikon DSLRs: D3 | D2X | D300 | D200 | D100 | D2HS | D80 | D60 | D70 | D50 | D40