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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 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.
Nikon's D200 digital SLR camera was a runaway success for because it embodies everything that performance-conscious photographers demanded. With the D300, Nikon has raised the bar with remarkable new features, greater resolution and speed, and even higher image quality. The D300 delivers an unmatched combination of quality, performance and value that's hard for discerning photographers to resist.?
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 new 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.
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.
Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D300 inherits one of Nikon's most streamlined, functional and aesthetically pleasing layouts in a digital SLR camera, designed to enable photographers to take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy and comfort.
The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage so pictures can be framed accurately, while an ultra-high definition 920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. Its 170-degree wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode.
The D300 features rugged magnesium alloy construction and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested up to 150,000 cycles. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D300's rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Oxford NC on 10/21/2008
I traded up to the D300 from a D200. I didn't expect for all the extras this camera offers.
The price is high but I think it's worth it. Up to a 12 plus mp. Plus been able to crop, adjust, and save to a new photo is great. It's an excellent camera that I will carry for the next two years. Then I will upgrade to the D700.
Grandson visit
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Grandson
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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Columbus, NJ on 10/12/2008
I use this both professionally and I am a photo enthusiast. Professionally I do a great deal of macro and portrait photography. I enjoy following my niece and photographing her dance recitals. During these dance routines at the American Music Theater, I was able to easily capture multiple jumping moves in mid-air at low light conditions. The photos were fantastic!
from Oregon City, OR. on 10/8/2008
I am one of the photographers for our hog group and use the d-300 literally "in the wind". It is easy to use, extreemly fast and durable. Shooting from the riding position on a harl is not for the fant of heart, yet the D-300 gets the task done each and every time. Photos are sharp, colors clean! Te only draw back is that it is a bit loud but i am not shootng nature that much.
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from Miami FL on 9/25/2008
Love the images from this camera, took it to Panama and it was a perfect size and weight for travel.
Switched from a D2x that my company supplied to the D300 and am getting just as nice, if not better images.
The only con is the camera isn't as fast as the D2x in crop mode for sports, but I did shoot a highschool football game and was impressed with the images.
The camera is great in low light, very low High ISO noise.
from Cortland, New York on 9/22/2008
I take pictures of whatever catches my eye. This can be anything from a local football game to the mountains of New York. The D300 does it all.
I up graded from a D70, which in itself was a very good camera, but the D300 is on a shelf of its own. Everything is so much faster. Pictures seem to snap into focus. And I have yet to find something that will give the camera problems focusing. Price was a little more than what I wanted to give, but considering what you get, it's well worth it. I would buy it again.
from Fingerlakes in NEW York on 9/21/2008
switched to Raw to take some low light scenes by a lake at sunset and still can
not believe the
results
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from Birmingham, AL on 9/14/2008
I bought the camera shoot my son playing shool age football. I have found the camera to react quick and capture the images. The features and menues have allowed great flexablity and control. The program mode is great for simple point and shoot fun. I have enjoyed this camera from the moment of purchase.
from Johnson City, TN on 9/10/2008
The D300 has the same intuitive controls that go from the Coolpix series all the way to the professional cameras. If you're familiar with the controls there is no lag time in learning how to use 80% of all the functions, and the last 20% takes a few hours to learn. If you've never picked up a Nikon before within a couple of days you should have no problem in learning all there is to learn.
The great thing about this camera is the ability to customize your own menu with options from the other various ones. I have High NR, Multi-exposure, and a few others on mine that I use often and within 5 seconds I can completely change how I want to take the picture.
The white balance, ISO, and Quality buttons on the right are right where they should be and makes fine-tuning a simple operation.
By far the best camera I have ever picked up.
from Bogota, Colombia on 9/8/2008
Great camera for sports, portraits and landscapes. Very flexible programmed options from exposure, focus. Almost everything can be changed to fit your needs
from NYC on 9/3/2008
I just love this camera. Very nice interface with menu and controls, picture quality and color are terrific. Camera also works very well (especially exposure wise) with the SB800 flash. I'm very pleased with this purchase.
from Arlington, Texas on 9/2/2008
I have wanted a Nikon camera for several years and finally made the switch to the D300. I'm very excited to learn more about it each time I use it. It feels like going from a toy balsa wood glider to a 747. Neat camera.
from San Diego on 8/31/2008
This camera is everything you would expect from Nikon and a bit more. Great design combined with rugged construction and one of the best engineered products ever.
Get one!
from Virginia on 8/29/2008
I upgraded from a D100 that is still working great after many years and everything is better. Probably the biggest improvement is low light performance, followed by speed (pretty much instant if focus is close). The only drawbacks are weight and sound of the picture being taken.
from Anaheim, CA on 8/29/2008
I use the product to take pictures of flowers, landscapes and portraits.
This camera is great in rendring color and active D-lighting.
I would like to have the AF points visible at the view finder showing.
And the LCD viewfinder which tilts or removeable to all the different directions.
from Reading, PA on 8/26/2008
I am a part time Photojournalist for Motorsportsforum.com and I cover NASCAR and Dirt Track Racing on the East Coast. I readily admit that I had to purchase some books on the camera, but that was of my choice as they offered shortcuts to learning the ins and outs of the camera faster. The photos are top shelf and my editors agree. I am not a graduate from a photography school and have learned my part time profession by hit and miss. In reality I work in the Judicial world and deal with realities of life all day long. The D300 works and that is the bottom line. It's the best second camera to have. Strong, durable, and top quality photos. The best first camera.... well lets say that D700 is hard to resist, but for the budget minded photographer looking to get the best photos, the D300 is the one you want.
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Tony Stewert in his Sprint Car at Williams Grove
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from Mill Valley, CA on 8/26/2008
Very technical camera but easy to use. Best if you experiment with all the settings so that you get the best value for your bucks.
from Shirley, NY on 8/25/2008
My first Nikon and DSLR after using 35mm SLR for 30 years.
I will only buy Nikon in the future.
from Athens, GA on 8/25/2008
I just graduated as a photojournalism student, and this camera has great features that are simple to manage and use. The quality of the images are superb. I like how there is a lot of different options for control in the manual settings, but how I can also hand the camera over to a family member or friend (who isn't a photographer) in the automatic settings and they can comfortably make good photos as well.
from Indianapolis, IN on 8/25/2008
I use this camera for portrait and wedding photography, and it's awesome. Warning: If you pick one up and shoot with it, YOU WILL BUY IT! It's wonderful in every way. I can't think of one thing I'd wish for or change on this camera.
from Nebraska on 8/25/2008
I'm editor of a rural weekly paper and do everything from editorials to sports coverage to obituaries. This camera is a huge step up for me, even though we had been using Nikons in the past. It focuses fast which has enhanced my sports photos and made me less noticeable at meetings because of its quieter shutter. The only drawback is that my D70 had a higher flash sync speed. However, it appears that I can shoot the D300 at a much higher ISO without the grain being noticeable, so am hoping the flash can go in the bag (although the schools we cover don't have great lighting in gyms on at football fields).
from Lake Isabella Ca on 8/25/2008
Fantastic camera. I have a D40x which is compact, takes great shots but very menu dependent. The D300 is incredibly easy to set-up, customize or change settings without having to use menu and sub-menu. I thought I would miss not having full frame sensor but unless your a pro, you will not need it. Expensive toy if you do not use most of its capabilities. Buy the D40x if your just a point and shooter.
from Minnesota, USA on 8/25/2008
Simply put....Amazing camera.
from Covington, WA on 8/25/2008
I do a lot of scenics and find the live screen to be very useful. I was a little disappointed that the infrared transmitter from my D 80 does not work with this camera and even more so that I needed to spend an additional [$]for one that does, but this camera is amazing. The vivid color setting is great. The white balance is extremely easy to adjust. My D 80 is a good camera; this one is fantastic.
from Lebanon, PA on 8/24/2008
I use the D300 for general photography and travel. I cannot find any negatives since I bought this camera.
from los angeles, CA on 8/24/2008
Great speed for outdoor moving subjects. Superb image quality for indoor studio environment.
from Claremont, CA on 8/24/2008
Recently used on trip from Los Angeles to Eureka, CA along Hwy. SR1.
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from Wrens, Georgia on 8/22/2008
This is my second Nikon camera purchase and it is absolutely everything that I wanted. After about a week of playing around with the settings and controls it is easy to operate. It creates beautiful images and has greatly improved my sales. Thanks NIKON
from Dallas, Texas on 8/21/2008
I have been in photography since 1973. This is the best camera I have ever had, including several Nikons. Easiest metering system, and most accurate. Menus are very user friendly. U use this for urban photography and for travel photography. Better than D200.
from NY on 8/21/2008
About as good at 2,000 ISO as my D2x was at 400.
Very nice handling.
If you do landscapes, sports or photojournalism you will do better with the D3: faster frame rate, bigger pixels, better high ISO performance.
Small and light.
Big LCD is terrific.
This camera, along with the D3 and D700, puts Nikon at a whole new level
from Clifton, NJ on 8/20/2008
faster focus, great editing in camera, bright LCD screen, faster Iso. And adequate white balance when set.
My only negative commnet is that I upgraded from a D200 and they came out with a D700 right after I bought the D300. Trying to keep up with the game has to come to an end for me.
from Dallas, Texas on 8/20/2008
Incredibly easy camera to use daily. The meter never fails me, and is as accurate as any I have used. The menus are very intuitive. I carry this camera daily, and use it to take pictures in an urban area. I have the 18-200 and the 105 micro, and both work incredibly with this beautiful camera.
from Olympia, Wa on 8/20/2008
i bought this camera a few months ago and havent really had a giant opportunity to explore with it.. this past weekend though i had a wedding shoot and, my goodness was it worth every penny! i took 1300 pictures in a time frame of 12 hours.. it was paired with my nikon sb 800 and Nikon 17-55 mm f/2.8 G IF-ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens-Nikkor... and with these three things combined this camera can not be beat. even with the size and apparent weight of the combined add ons i was still comfortable in the 11th hour.. i love this camera and so far i'm VERY happy i bought it.... other than the fact that nikon just released the d700 haha
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from PC, Hawaii on 8/20/2008
I like the ease of use with this camera.
from Atlanta, GA on 8/20/2008
Traded up from the D100 - what a big difference!
Features only found on cameras 3x time the cost previously. Pre-programmed Shooting Menu Bank and Custom Setting Banks are great. Dynamic AF Area and Focus tracking are perfect for sports. Shooting Raw and jpeg simultaneously is great for portraits and landscapes, but expect to buy 8GB & 16GB cards. As good as you may be, investing in a book like David's Busch's Nikon D300 Digital SLR Photography may be a good idea.(but don't let it stop you from getting it)
from NY on 8/20/2008
This is a phenomenal camera to buy and own. It is very easy to get started, has an excellent manual that describes functions very aptly. HDR photography becomes a snap with this camera and is a must try for anyone.
from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska on 8/20/2008
I use it for nature and wildlife photography. It seems to be faster and sharper than my previous camera, the Nikon D80. I think it is easier to use than the D80 was because the controls for ISO and White balance and image quality are right on the top of the camera and can be changed instantly, and you can switch from P to A to S to M with a mode button also on top of the camera. It makes changing settings much faster, without having to go into the menu and fiddle around.
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Arctic Cotton
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from Portland, OR on 8/19/2008
I originally bought the D80 which is also a great camera but decided to step it up a notch since I wanted more and the D300 delivers all that and more!
The D300 has an excellent LCD (coloration) for viewing, excellent high ISO and I have to say I love the Live view mode.
Photos are awesome coupled with some really nice lenses that I own. If you are a serious armature - look no future. The price is just right. If a PC gamer is willing to spend 3k on a PC, wouldn't you want the best for your hobby too?
Wakeena Falls, Columbia Gorge OR.
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from palm Desert, CA on 8/19/2008
The D-300 is absolutly impressive loaded with features and is very good at analyzing the scene and shooting it right. It is however a complicated piece of equipment and requires some knowledge or study of the book to get the truly spectacular potential out of this camera. I have a D-40 which is highly rated and I would agree the d-40 gets the job done mostly and is light and easy to bring alond. The D-300 with the right settings however produces superior quality shots and has so many more options than any other camera I have ever owned. Is it worth the $$. Only if you really need it and will use all the features. Otherwise get something less expensive like a D-80. I don't think anyone but a professional will miss anything.
from Alameda California on 8/18/2008
Great camera to upgrade to, sturdy accepts all my lenses from my FM100 and D70. I use it for work and personal use and has a lot of the features of the top of the line with half the price tag.
from Ohio on 8/18/2008
The only drawback to the Nikon D300 is the amount of time it takes to get up and shooting with this great camera, taking advantage of all it has to offer.
from Houston, TX on 8/17/2008
I've been using this camera for about six months now & I just love it! I went up from the D40 to the D300 & I do not regret it one bit. The 51 focal points are fantastic! No longer do I have to focus on a tripod then frame up the picture. I just frame the picture and use the cursor to pick my focal point! There is relatively no noise at ISO 800 or better. There's even a noise reduction function in the menu for 4 second or longer exposures to cut down the noise even more! What I really like is that all the controls you need for an exposure is on the camera body. I don't have to navigate my way through menu's. The only thing is that this camera is not for beginners. If your use to shooting with point & shoot camera's and you don't understand shutter speed, aperture, or ISO then forget this camera. However, if your looking for an upgrade then I would absolutely recommend this camera above all. The only problem had was with the first camera I got there was some damage to the sensor. It would always have a little red dot on a picture, but Ritz replaced it with no problems whatsoever & I haven't had any problems with my second camera.
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from Latham, NY on 8/15/2008
I have had the D200 for two years and this camera produces a superior image. It has a better system for auto focus and the live view comes in handy when using a tripod. As with the D200 I can use my AI prime lenses as well as the new AF lenses.
from PHOENIX, AZ on 8/14/2008
THE CAMERA MAKES THE PHOTOGRAPHER. THE FUNCTIONS ARE EASY TO CONTROL AND WHEN IT IS ON SELF PILOT THE RESULTS ARE OUTSTANDING. THIS IS THE JEWEL OF THE NIKON LINEUP. SETTING ARE USUALLY RIGHT ON WITH NOT MUCH INPUT FROM THE USER. CREATIVENESS IS WIDE OPEN AND FULL OF SUPRISES. MY LAST CAMERA.
from Port Angeles, WA on 8/14/2008
Previously owned Nikon F, F3, D40 and D200. Functionality is all there for many years of quality imaging. Build is very solid and weather-resitant. I shoot in the Olympic peninsula and have had no problems with moisture or fogging. I love the ergonomic feel in hand with any lens combination. I would buy again, but will likely go to a full frame next purchase.
from Jamestown, NC on 8/14/2008
I am so glad that I waited for the D300 to become available. After trying to decide if I wanted to go with the D200, it was well worth the wait. I had formerly used the Nikon D50 and was thrilled with it for as long as I used it. I knew that Nikon was my first choice, but I also evaluated the Canon 40D as a possible upgrade path. I didn't have a large selection of lenses, so that was not an issue in deciding on Nikon again. The D300 is just a better camera. Sure you'll pay a little more for it than the Canon 40D, but camera performance and quality shots from the D300 were far superior in my tests. Highly recommended.
from Memphis, TN on 8/14/2008
All I can say is BAD TO THE BONE. I was at a beach wedding when I first got the camera and was shooting some of the flower arrangements. After the wedding was over the wedding photographer came up to me at the bar and was floored after messing with it for a few mins.
The controls seem a bit daunting at first but after a few mins with the manual and an hour or so shooting in the yard its almost second nature. I was amazed at the shots I got just messing around in the yard.
This joker really turns some heads.
from long island, ny on 8/14/2008
this is a great camera. feels very comfortable to hold. there is a slight learning curve, but lots of great tutorials and information.
it is fast, sharp and takes great photos.
even in dark situations, the camera handles it well, but making some adjustments.
Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island
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from Redmond, WA on 8/14/2008
I got the D300 to replace a D70s. I considered the D200 but it didn't seem quite right. But, the D300 hits all the marks. For my uses, it's as good as the D3 but weighs less with better balance. Nikon recently shipped the D700 with an FX sensor. Nice camera, but, for me, the D300 is better.
About the only annoying feature, a delay when shooting in 14-bit raw, was recently fixed in a firmware update. I was shooting in 12-bit raw most of the time, but I may switch to 14-bit all the time now, and the quality is just great. There's a lot to learn, though -- I lost a few good shots in the first couple of days out because I changed a setting for a shot, then forgot to reset it.
The Pros and Cons above are sort of silly -- the fact is, it's a very serious camera. If you're not looking for that and ready to learn what it takes, this isn't the camera for you. And if you're not planning to shoot in raw all the time, this probably isn't the camera for you.
Advice: Get at least an Extreme III card and you'll want a big one. I have a 16GB main card and a 4GB backup. I've filled them both. And get a big hard disk too.
from San Jose, CA on 8/14/2008
I must have photos of special events. At my home, my animals, a baseball game or a fund-raiser. It's extremely easy!! Couldn't get a finer quality picture -- and the ease of this awesome equipment....fantastic.
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from Bend,OR on 8/14/2008
not good for first time slr user
from Colorado Springs on 8/14/2008
It looks good, it feels good, it sounds good. There is nothing wrong with this camera. The one big down side is that the RAW file is not compatible with a lot of old software. Nikon has not made a viewer file for Vista yet so you can not look at thumbnails for the RAW format using My Computer. I have to use the software that came with the camera to print the photos from the RAW version.
from Seattle on 8/14/2008
Pros:
Controls are very similar to D200 so moving up is very easy. I already knew how to use most of the camera functions.
Controls are well positioned and ergonomic. Intuitive placement of functions aids rapid changes of camera settings.
Battery life is MUCH better than the D200. I have not had to switch batteries after shooting all day with the D300.
Very good results are achieved with ISO settings of 800 to 1600.
Customization settings require reading (and understanding) the manual. This is the most difficult part of the camera's operation.
This level of camera brings the ability to "fiddle" with the bits of photography far more than the average person will ever use.
Cons:
ISO settings down to 100 would be good.
Transfer times to a PC are considerably slower than the D200.
from Sunny Southern California on 8/13/2008
I use this camera for a wide range of activities and it excels at all of them. It is my primary back packing camera, it travels well and almost seems like overkill for everyday snaps (But, of course, it does an outstanding job there, as well). The 18-55 lens is thumb-tack sharp and with VR is surprisingly useful; I rarely change it our unless it is for a wide angle.
from San Diego, Ca. on 8/13/2008
The nikon D300 is in a class by its self The price is great and you get as much as the D3 and more with the self cleaning sensor. not a full frame, but is fast and the battery lasts forever on one charge.. plus it has a built in flash for quick fill flash as needed. Get the mb10d and shoot 8 frames a sec. And still half the price of the new D700....
from Hanford, CA on 8/11/2008
The controls are "right there" without having to go into a menu mode. Great accessibilty. The large, bright LCD is really a plus in the field.
from Seattle, WA on 8/11/2008