Product Description

Just under two years since the D200 Nikon reveals the D300, the range of changes is so significant that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call it a 'compact D3' (less the full-frame sensor of course). From the top there's a new CMOS sensor with twelve megapixels, a new auto-focus sensor with 51-points (15 of which are cross-type sensitive), there's focus tracking by color, scene recognition, Picture Control presets, six frames per second continuous shooting (or eight frames per second with a battery pack), Compact Flash UDMA support, Live View (with contrast detect AF) and the mighty impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (oh and HDMI video output). It's an impressive list, the D200 was a fair step up from the D100, the D300 can be seen as just as big a step, certainly more than enough to make the competition sweat.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11930 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: D300
• Released on: 2007-11-14
• Dimensions: 4.49" h x 5.79" w x 2.91" l, 1.83 pounds
• Display size: 3

Features

• D300, Body
• D300, Body

Manufacturer's Description

The D300 defines a new class of compact professional SLR.
The D300 defines a new class of compact professional SLR, incorporating groundbreaking technologies and performance of the D3 into a compact DX format body. The 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor features a self-cleaning dust removal unit and delivers resolution suitable for commercial and stock photography. The EXPEED image processing engine supports a class-leading 6fps at up to 3200 ISO, and delivers superb tonal gradation. Its advanced Scene Recognition System produces superior exposures and is complimented by Nikon’s next-generation 51-point AF system, which offers broad coverage and high sensitivity in low light. Selectable Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing, saving time in post-production, and the high definition 3-inch LCD screen supports two Live View modes plus a HDMI video output. Responsive, rugged and light, the D300 offers new levels of performance for pros on a budget.

	12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS image sensor Built-in self-cleaning sensor unit minimizes the effect of dust.  920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor With wide, 170- degree viewing angle.  EXPEED image processing engine With 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.  Advanced Scene Recognition System Combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply-defined images.  Multi-CAM3500DX 51-point AF system Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings. ith 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
	Picture Controls Streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture, and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.  Active D-Lighting Enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
	6fps continuous shooting 8fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack with lithium-ion battery EN-EL4a or 8 AA batteries.  Quick response With approx 0.13 second power-up and 45 millisecond shutter release time lag. Other features include: SISO 200-3200 Extendable up to ISO 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent). Live View with Autofocus Lets you compose images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod. Improved battery performance Sequential power supply between camera’s EN-EL3 rechargeable lithium-ion battery and the (optional) Multi-Power Battery Pack. HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems. Intuitive ergonomics With optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling. Durable, magnesium alloy body Water and dust resistant. Lightweight Magnesium alloy body.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

Advanced electronics and superb performance
The D300 is Nikon's premium DX format camera, offering professionals and extremely serious amateurs a full-sized, high-speed, professional camera when fitted with the vertical grip, or a comparatively small and lightweight but well specified workhorse when used without.

A lot of people are saying that this camera is the real replacement for the D2X. This is both true and not true. In terms of resolution, frames per second and battery life (with the vertical grip), it matches or exceeds the D2X. However, it lacks the robustness and waterproofing of its larger cousin. If you can't see the point of robustness and waterproofing, then the D300 is pretty definitely the best DX format camera you can get. If you can see the point of them, a second hand D2X, or moving up to the D3 is probably the best way to go.

The D300's specifications, however, only tell half of the story. Nikon has accomplished a near miracle by cramming the resolution and frames per second into this camera. But the real revolution is in the electronics. In common with the D3, the D300 corrects for chromatic aberration in camera, which means that virtually every shot on most lenses is sharper and crisper. The D300 also has better (51 point) autofocus, metering and, crucially, white balance. Other electronic benefits include Live View, which gives dSLR users the best of both worlds -- magnifiable rear LCD live view, as well as true through the lens SLR view (but not both at the same time). The D300 also includes DLighting (a kind of tone mapping) and the ability to apply some basic alterations in camera after shooting but before transfer to Photoshop. How important these are depends on what and why you are shooting, but it may mean that you can hand a client a set of production quality JPEGs straight after the shoot, or send them to the PictureDesk, without having to use a computer.

Finally, for those who haven't yet mastered sensor cleaning, the D300 has a self-cleaning sensor.

What's the verdict on the D300, and who should buy it? At half the price of my D100 just six years ago, and one third of the price of my D2x just two years ago, this camera is amazing value. The price is slightly higher than it appears, because to get D2x beating frame rates you have to have the vertical grip, and have to get the D2x style battery to go with it. But this is not a significant extra expense.

If you are a professional and you like the huge, chunky feel and weight of the D1, D2 or D3 series, then the D300 feels a little flimsy and insecure -- even with the vertical grip. On the other hand, if you prefer something which won't worry your physiotherapist, the D300 is a great camera. Nikon categorises it as 'professional', which means ownership of a D300 gives you access to Nikon Professional Users, and ownership of the D300 and one other pro camera, along with the ability to demonstrate you earn your living from photography gives you access to Nikon Professional Service, with all the attendant benefits. You can, of course, opt for the D3, with its extraordinary low-light performance, but the D300 is itself no slouch, and its resolution is big enough to shoot a bill-board without upscaling.

If you are an amateur, and you have the money, then the D300 gives you access to the finest DX format camera that Nikon has ever produced without the enormous weight of the D2x. The resolution is sufficient to produce fine prints at up to 30" across, with judicious post-processing, and the noise performance is better than any other Nikon DX camera. The built-in chromatic aberration control means that the D300 produces genuinely sharper images than the D200, D2x, D80 or D40x, an advantage that the D200 did not have over, say, the D40x.

Nikon surprised a lot of people when they released this camera, as many believed that they would bet their future on the FX format for professionals. The actual performance of this camera for its weight and price - in my mind - amply justifies Nikon's decision to continue to innovate in this format.

Warmly recommended.

Just brilliant
This is a camera to knock spots off the competition. It has the functionality of a professional DSLR with results to match. Where to start? Great images even at a high ISO, rapid and accurate focusing, very accurate exposure and intuitive menu. It is easy to use but as one would expect with a camera at this level it will not give of its best unless the user has a reasonable level of understanding of digital photography.

I agonised for weeks before splashing out. It was more than I wanted to spend but oh I am so glad I decided to invest. If you are a keen photographer and are ready to be impressed, no amazed, by performance then hesitate no longer

Best professional/amateur Nikon yet at a great price.
I have been a user of Nikon cameras since 1980 since I switched over from Olympus. In that time I have never been tempted to wander as each manual, automatic, film and digital camera has always delivered up to expectation. Well they have until now. This camera exceeds expectation!!!

I am currently using, for work and pleasure, a Nikon 2DH and a Nikon 2DXs. Great professional cameras, both expensive but I have never had a days problem with either. They are workmanlike, ok to operate and deliver the goods. Some of the commands can be a pain, like zooming in to look at a image after it has been taken, but overall they are great cameras.

I bought the D300 after seeing the images taken from another sports photographer who literally bought the camera and on the same day cover the Oxford United v Southend United FA Cup tie. Risky business using a camera without trying it out first. But this camera is so easy to use. And zooming in is as easy as anything with a single button on the rear to achieve. This camera also allows manipulation in the camera with presets for UV, skylight filters and sepia and monochrome conversions - in the latter case it doesn't change your original but rather produces a new image in the desired effect.

Straight from the box, once the battery is charged (about 2 hours) the camera can be set to auto everything including white balance and it will give you results like no other camera I have ever used. The autofocus is snappy and I had no trouble when testing it on following a heron on the local nature reserve. With the new autofocus module and selection to the 51 3-d focus option all my shots were pin sharp.

The camera is produced for professional and high-end amateur use and has a magnesium body and many attributes of the top-of-the-range Nikon D3, but at a third of the price. I can not understand how Nikon can do it. Ok it is not as large and as comfortably bulky as the D2H, D2Xs or the flagship D3 but it does have the advantage that being smaller its less conspicuous. This will accompany me on holidays, being smaller and easier to carry and less weighty in my gadget bag.

The camera also comes with Nikons NX software which I have been using for 6 months and it is about time this software was free for Nikon users. I will review that separately, but its a well worth edition.

All in all, a great camera and as another reviewer states it has an easy to follow manual which is again a big improvement on most camera manuals you get with cameras. I always end up buying the independent instruction manuals from Magic Lantern, but not in this case.

Buy it and enjoy it!!