- 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS image sensor
- Built-in self-cleaning sensor unit minimises the effect of dust
- 6fps continuous shooting (8fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack with lithium-ion battery EN-EL4a or 8 AA batteries)
- ISO 200-3200: extendable up to ISO 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent)
- 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 cameras metering and AF sensors for precise exposures
- Multi-CAM3500DX 51-point AF system
- Quick response with approx 0.13 second power-up and 45 millisecond shutter release time lag
- 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170- degree viewing angle
- Live View with Autofocus lets you compose images using the LCD monitor
- Durable, magnesium alloy body
- Water and dust resistant
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Product Description
Manufacturer's Description
NIKON D300s - High-speed performance with approx. 7 frames per-second continous shooting using standard battery
AF system
Robust, magnesium alloy body
D-Movie – adds new dimensions to your creativity
Virtual Horizon
Nikon’s latest DX-format flagship camera delivers an exceptional degree of power from a remarkably agile body. The responsive, lightweight D300S enables you to shoot up to approx. 7 fps without a battery pack, expanding your opportunities to capture those fleeting, decisive moments. In sports and wildlife, for example, where you pursue fast-moving subjects, it’s a level of power and agility that gives you a winning advantage. The camera’s large buffer memory lets you take up to 100 continuous shots. And with the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 attached, the speed can be boosted to approx. 8 fps.
 Auto-area AF mode |
Nikon’s exclusive AF systems have been widely praised by demanding professionals for their superior accuracy and amazing speed. And the D300S’s Multi-CAM 3500DX AF sensor module offers an exceptionally wide area of AF coverage. With 51 AF points densely positioned across the frame, it is designed to capture your subject accurately, even when its movement is unpredictable. Moreover, it employs 15 powerful cross-type sensors in the center of the frame to give you the ultimate in detection performance with any AF NIKKOR lens of f/5.6 or faster. You can also choose to shoot with 11 focus points. The D300S provides three AF area modes: Dynamic-area AF, single-point AF and auto-area AF.
Dual card slotsThe D300S provides dual card slots for different card types, enabling you to use both CompactFlash* and SD memory cards and to designate the primary recording slot. For the secondary slot, you can select from three recording methods: “Overflow” recording lets you use the memory capacity of the secondary card when the primary card is full, automatically; “Backup” recording stores the same images on both cards; and “RAW primary, JPEG secondary” recording lets you record RAW data and JPEG data separately to each card. Furthermore, when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity — a significant benefit. You can also copy images between the two memory cards.
 The D300S — a Nikon flagship camera that’s built to last. |
Ruggedly constructed for long years of service in the demanding real-world shooting situations faced by professionals, the D300S employs a strong yet lightweight magnesium alloy for its exterior cover, chassis and mirror box, as well as for the cover of the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10.The D300S also offers protection against invasive moisture and dust, securely sealing major seams and joints.
Quick response - proven readinessWhenever you’re ready, so is the D300S. Simply rotate the power switch, strategically located in front of the shutter-release button, and the camera starts up in approx. 130 milliseconds.And with an incredible shutter time lag of approx. 49 milliseconds, you’ll be able to capture your subjects the way you want them.
 D-movie - HD quality at 24 fps |
Unleash a whole new dimension of creativity, by expressing your vision in Motion-JPEG format with HD quality (1,280 x 720 pixels) at 24 fps. Nikon’s impressive D-Movie function has undergone various improvements since its launch in 2008, and now comes with an external microphone terminal for clear stereo recordings that add an exciting new element to your movies. Another way to enhance the dramatic impact of your movies, far beyond the reach of ordinary camcorders, is with our unrivaled lineup of NIKKOR lenses — from ultra-wide-angle and fisheye to super-telephoto. The versatile Picture Control adjustment options let you modify the tone and color of your movies with remarkable ease. And Tripod mode gives you control over the depth of field with a selectable aperture of up to f/16.* Contrast-detect AF is available, too. In Handheld mode, the D300S can automatically adjust the aperture setting to match changes in the brightness of your scene. The D300S delivers everything you need to produce and enjoy a new world of advanced image creation, in both movies and still images.
Scene Recognition SystemNikon's intelligent and exclusive light metering sensor applications have undergone a refining process that has led to a breakthrough technology, the Scene Recognition System. Using the precise color and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, Scene Recognition System pushes the accuracy levels for autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to an unprecedented level. And in playback mode, the added Face Detection System lets you instantly zoom in on a human face in the high-resolution, 920k-dot LCD monitor.
LCDThe D300S features an expansive 3-in. VGA LCD monitor. Its approx. 920k-dot resolution assures clear, detailed display of images, which proves invaluable when confirming focus or assessing image sharpness at up to 27 times magnification. The wide 170° viewing angle from any direction, and bright display make it easy to view images and check menu settings in Live View shooting. Tempered glass provides superior durability.
 3 inch approx. 920k-dot LCD with 170º viewing angle |
The D300S offers an electronic Virtual Horizon feature that quickly and accurately displays a virtual horizon to show the camera’s position relative to horizontal. And in Live View mode, you can place a simple grid over the scene you’re about to shoot — an invaluable tool for landscapes and architecture applications.
Playback functionThe D300S gives you the choice of reviewing images in various ways. The thumbnail display shows up to 72 frames at a time, for quicker image search and select. You can also check histograms of a selected magnified portion of an image. And thanks to Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, the D300S automatically detects up to 10 human faces in a frame, allowing you to rapidly zoom in on each, in sequence, to confirm the focus.
HDMI compatibleThe D300S features an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, enabling direct connection to a High-Definition TV for breathtaking viewing of still images and D-Movie clips. Requires Type C connector (mini size).
Product Description
- Built-in self-cleaning sensor unit minimises the effect of dust
- 6fps continuous shooting (8fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack with lithium-ion battery EN-EL4a or 8 AA batteries)
- ISO 200-3200: extendable up to ISO 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent)
- 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 cameras metering and AF sensors for precise exposures
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
173 of 177 people found the following review helpful
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.
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.
55 of 57 people found the following review helpful
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
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
99 of 105 people found the following review helpful
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!!
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!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Super camera
I've had the D300 for just over a year now and am truley amazed by this camera, just flick it to auto iso and had brilliant pictures even at iso 3200. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Eric T
Nikon D300
Firstly, apologies I didn't buy mine from Amazon BUT the reviews helped me a great deal in making the decision to buy (at the height of the recession! Read more
Published on 20 Mar 2010 by Wobblywheeler
Worth Every Penny - Excellent Camera
Bought this from Calumet after some years away from SLR photography, however a four month old son re-invigorated me and I took the plunge. Read more
Published on 27 Oct 2009 by Happy Snapper
Steep learning curve for photographer's camera
The D300 is almost at the top of the Nikon DSLR model range. It's considered by many to be the best performing of the so-called "prosumer" DSLRs - those cameras which share many of... Read more
Published on 22 Oct 2009 by T. Stainer
learning curve
A truly fabulous piece of kit but somewhat more complicated that my D80. This is a camera that you have to marry in order to get to know it well enough to make the most of it. Read more
Published on 21 July 2009 by K. A. HURST-EARL
What can I say about perfection.....
What can I say about perfection?
If you want a camera that makes you work, then gives you the reward for it, then this is for you. Read more
If you want a camera that makes you work, then gives you the reward for it, then this is for you. Read more
Published on 7 Jun 2009 by M. Voisey
Simply great.
Just upgraded to this from a well used and much loved D100 for digital work. The first thing that strikes you is the feel and weight of the body, this feels like a proper pro SLR... Read more
Published on 25 April 2009 by Kevin Groves
D300 Review
Nikon D300 Body Only
I moved from a Nikon D70 (excellent camera) to the D300, which is a much more complex camera. More thought and planning is required. Read more
I moved from a Nikon D70 (excellent camera) to the D300, which is a much more complex camera. More thought and planning is required. Read more
Published on 18 April 2009 by F. Murphy
Phenomonly good camera
Being a sports-shooter who has just upgraded from the Nikon D50 this camera has given me a new lease of life! Read more
Published on 24 Feb 2009 by Sean Ryan
Best dSLR of 2007, 2008 and (So far) 2009
The D300 replaced the D200 in late 2007. The D200 was (and still is) an iconic and pioneering workhorse and legend of photography. Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2009 by Mr. Sa Bell
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