The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D300 digital SLR is finally here, but how does it improve on the already acclaimed D200?
Nikon D300 Review
Verdict
Nikon has really done proud with the D300. Finally here is a camera that surpasses the capabilities of the Nikon F6 film camera, and at a price that, while not cheap, is comparable to a pro film camera and relatively affordable. That?s important, because pros and enthusiasts can now get a decent quality camera without investing several thousand pounds and know it will do ? and stand up to ? the job. From the D300’s handling and performance to the final output, the Nikon D300 is an impressive camera and excels in recording detail, faithful colour and suppressing noise. All in all, the D300 is one of the best digital cameras ever put to review by What Digital Camera.
Details
Sample Photos:View sample shots of the Nikon D300
Product Shots:View product shots of the Nikon D300
Cable Release:Via 10-pin terminal or Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional). NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
AF Points:51-point AF, TTL phase detection, live view
PC Socket:PC Sync flash terminal
Max Flash Sync:1/250sec / 1/320sec FP
Built-in Flash:Built in GN 13m @I SO 100 / Hotshoe
DoF Prview:Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button. Activates modelling flash
Colour Temp Control:Colour temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps)
White Balance Bracket:White balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1~3)
Exposure Comp:±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Colour Space:sRGB, Adobe RGB
Shutter Type:Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter
Focusing Modes:TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal plane contrast [in Liveview (Tripod) mode]
Built-in Image Stabilisation:No
Other:-
Connectivity:USB 2.0 Hi-speed
Power:Li-Ion
Live Mode:Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors). Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
Dust Reduction:Self-cleaning sensor unit ('Clean image sensor'). Image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)
Dimensions:147 x 114 x 74mm
Memory Card:CF
Field of View:1.5x field of view crop
Viewfinder Type:Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism. 100% view
White Balance:Auto, manual, 7 presets, colour temp, bracketing
Drive Mode:Single, Continuous, 6fps
Lens Mount:Nikon F
Shutter Speeds:1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb
File Format:NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW) TIFF (RGB)
Metering System:3D colour Matrix, centreweighted, spot
ISO:200 to 3200 + 100 and 6400 extended
Compression:Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed):
Exposure Modes:P, A, S, M
Focal Length Mag:1.5
LCD:3in Live View 920,000 pixels
Output Size:4288 x 2848, 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424
Sensor:Nikon DX 23.6 x 15.8mm / CMOS 13.1MP / 12.3MP eff
Weight:Approx. 825g without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover