The Nikon D300s adds video and other features to the already exceptional D300 model, but is it enough of an improvement or more of a minor upgrade? The What Digital Camera Nikon D300s review gives you the lowdown...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

93%

Nikon D300s

Overall score:93%
Value:85%
Performance:95%
Image Quality:95%
Features:95%
Design:95%

Pros:

  • Image quality, large and clear viewfinder, feature-packed, ergonomics, superb AF system

Cons:

  • Small multi-selector pad, AF can be slow bringing subjects into focus, not a significant update over the D300

Product:

Nikon D300s Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£1,250.00

Nikon D300s manual

Nikon-D3100

Need a manual for the Nikon D300s?

Nikon D300s manual – pdf

The Nikon D300s is available to download from the Nikon website

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Verdict

The fact that the D300s is so similar to the original D300 really is testament to how highly specified the original model already was. Many of the changes Nikon has made seem more as justifications for bringing out a new model, rather than the result of any focus groups or market demand. This isn?t to say that the changes in themselves aren?t useful, but perhaps Nikon didn?t consider the few generally subtle additions to the D300s ? mainly that of a movie function ? to be enough reason to introduce a whole new DSLR. As video is the main addition (and however obvious as it may be to state it), it?s clear that the D300s is designed for those who will be using the camera for both still images and video, particularly the latter in a more professional manner when connecting an external microphone. Overall, it adds subtle enhancements to an already excellent camera.

Details

ISO:200-3200; 100-6400 extended
Memory Card:CF & SD (dual slot, 1 of each)
Shutter Type:Vertical travel focal plane shutter
Built-in Flash:Yes
Lens Mount:Nikon F-mount
White Balance:Auto, 12 presets, manual
Exposure Comp:+/- 5EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Compression:Raw, Tiff, JPEG, Fine/Norm/Basic
PC Socket:Yes
Viewfinder Type:Eye-level pentaprism
Output Size:4,288 x 2848 pixels
LCD:3in, 920k-dot TFT LCD
Field of View:100% (approx)
Colour Temp Control:In Kelvin 2500-10,000K; fine tuning
AF Points:51 (inc 15 cross-type sensors)
Sensor:12.3MP CMOS
White Balance Bracket:Yes, 2-9 exposures
Max Flash Sync:1/250sec
Focal Length Mag:1.5x
Dust Reduction:Yes
DoF Prview:Yes
Metering System:TTL, 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
Built-in Image Stabilisation:No
Exposure Modes:P / A / S / M
Live Mode:Tripod: contrast detect AF anywhere in frame; Handheld: TTL phase detection 51-point AF
Connectivity:A/V, HDMI, USB, DC-IN, 3.5mm stereo mic
Weight:840g (body only, no battery)
Power:Rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL3e
Dimensions:147 x 114 x 74 mm approx
File Format:Raw, Tiff, JPEG, Raw + JPEG
Shutter Speeds:30s-1/8000sec
Focusing Modes:Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus; single-point, dynamic-area or auto-area AF
Drive Mode:Single, continuous (low, high), quiet shutter, self timer, mirror up
Colour Space:sRGB / Adobe RGB
  1. 1. Nikon D300s review - Features
  2. 2. Performance, Image Quality & Value
  3. 3. Verdict
  4. 4. Nikon D300s manual
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