Nikon D300s CMOS Digital SLR Camera Review

Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

nikon-slr-d300s-digital-camera

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The rugged D300S' hallmarks include versatility, speed, agility and exceptional image quality. Versatility is its 12.3-megapixel, DX-format CMOS image sensor, with Nikon EXPEED image processing that captures stunning low-noise stills and extraordinary 24 fps, 720p HD video with sound. Speed is split-second startup and continuous shooting at up to 7 fps-8 fps with the optional MB-D10 grip, which also extends shooting capacity and makes shooting more comfortable. Accurate image review, Live View shooting and Menus come alive on a 3-inch tempered glass-protected, 920k-dot LCD monitor, while image quality is bolstered by a 51-area AF system and Nikon's 1,005-pixel RGB exposure sensor, in concert with the newly accelerated Scene Recognition System technology that increases exposure and AF accuracy, improves white balance detection, and more. Photographers have preferences, and the D300S offers choices--including Picture Control, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering, user-assignable CompactFlash and SD card slots and an external stereo microphone input. Included is Nikon ViewNX software--ready to process rich 14-bit NEF (RAW) or JPEG files. For more editing power, optional Capture NX 2, with U-Point technology, safeguards image quality and speeds workflow. The D300S' pro-level performance, paired with world-famous Nikkor lenses, was engineered to exceed the expectations of demanding photographers.

Nikon D300s Highlights

12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
Delivers stunning high resolution, low-noise images with striking detail and tonal gradation.

Continuous Shooting up to 7 fps
High speed shooting and fast response is essential to versatile performance in a wide variety of shooting disciplines.

Nikon EXPEED Image Processing
Drives breathtakingly rich image fidelity, low noise and fast image processing.

D-Movie HD Video
Capture cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips, enhanced by Nikkor interchangeable lens quality and versatility—featuring stereo Mic input and AF

One-button Live View
Handheld and Tripod Live View modes, activated with one button, for challenging studio and remote shooting conditions.

3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor
Every monitor is factory-calibrated to assure accurate color for critical still image review and Live View or D-Movie shooting.

Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200
Additional expanded ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) extend versatility to match shooting requirements.

Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus
Features 4 Dynamic AF modes including 3D Focus Tracking for precise autofocus and razor sharp images.

1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Nikon's unique RGB metering is the only sensor that also evaluates color information when determining exposures with remarkable accuracy.

Scene Recognition System
Referencing an onboard image database and teamed with RGB metering, SRS enables even more sophisticated determination of exposures and auto white balance, along with faster, more accurate autofocus.

Dual memory card slots (CF and SD)
Assign card functions from a variety of storage options, optimizing available memory and file handling.

Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System
Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality.

Picture Control
Select from 4 preset image capture preferences (Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, plus 9 user-customizable settings) controlling Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation and Hue.

Nikon's Active D-Lighting
Optimizes shadow and highlight detail in real time--selectable values and 5-frame ADL bracketing offer complete control.

In-Camera Image Editing
Exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Edit move, D-Lighting, Image Overlay, Monochrome, NEF (RAW) processing and more.

Rugged and Durable
The strength and precision of magnesium-alloy construction with advanced dust and moisture countermeasures is teamed with a shutter mechanism test to beyond 150,000 cycles for real-world reliability.

100% Viewfinder Accuracy

Virtual Horizon Graphic Level Indicator

Up to 950 shots per EN-EL3e battery charge
Shoot as many 2,950 shots with the body's EN-EL3e battery installed and the optional MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack with an EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.
*Based on CIPA standards/guidelines

Product Features

12-megapixel CMOS image sensor for high resolution, low-noise images
Body only; lenses sold separately
Nikon EXPEED image processing; D-Movie HD Video for cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips
3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD; one-button Live View
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Technical Details

Sensor: CMOS
Size: 23.6 x 15.8mm
Movie Resolution: 1280 x 720
Storage Media: Compact Flash Type I
Storage Media: Compact Flash Type II
Storage Media: SDHC Memory Card
Storage Media: SD Card Slot
Compressed Format: JPEG
Compressed Format: DPOF standard
Compressed Format: EXIF 2.21
Compressed Format: NEF (RAW)
Compressed Format: DCF 2.0
Movie File Format: AVI
LCD Monitor: 3 inches
LCD Pixels: 920,000 Dots
LCD Coverage: 100%
Shutter Speed: 30 sec.
Shutter Speed: 1/8000 sec.

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 7 inches ; 5.6 pounds
Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Item model number: D300s Body Only
Date first available at Amazon.com: July 29, 2009

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

By Lon J. Seidman "lon401" (CT) - A word of warning if you're buying a D300S for its video capabilities, August 31, 2009

This is a tough review because this camera is so excellent as a still device and easily earns five stars. However, if you're currently a D300 owner looking to upgrade for this camera's new video capabilities you will be disappointed. The unfortunate 'rolling shutter' problem that plagues the video feature on the D90 exists on the new D300s too.

There's a host of technical reasons for this (the CMOS sensor is to blame) but the bottom line for those looking for a great still and video camera should probably not rely on the D300S to be the 'holy grail' of sub $2000 "prosumer" cameras just yet. There is software out there to correct these issues, but it is a bit disappointing that Nikon didn't address this in firmware.

*****

By Kevin T. Nguyen-tu "smilepak.com" (Chino, CA USA) - Outstanding!!!, September 8, 2009

Bought this camera recently to replace the many years, but still trusty Nikon D200. Took both of them on a road trip recently and was extremely please with the Nikon D300s. The auto focus was super fast and accurate. The video feature was a nice bonus. While I wouldn't use it often, it does come in handy when I want to illustrate to my friends and families certain scenic views I come across.

The ability to shoot many frames per second and the auto focus system being able to keep up with it was beyond my own expectation. The picture quality and low level noise was nice. I was able to do ISO-1600 perfectly where I couldn't before using D200.

Highly recommend this camera to anyone. [...]

*****

By Michael Makabenta "Budaflash" (Canoga Park, CA United States) - D300s, September 29, 2009

I recently upgraded from the D80 to the D300s. I was actually saving up for the 300 and they released the 300s. This is the top of the line DX camera from Nikon which is loaded with features. I can't compare the 300 to the 300s and you can go on line to sites like Ken Rockwell to see a break down comparison. However, compared to my old D80 this camera was a big upgrade.

With the purchase of this camera I was quickly forced to learn more about photography and after about 3 weeks or so I can now say that I have a good understanding of the camera it's features and settings. The D80 has pre programmed shooting settings e.g. (landscape, nightshot, portrait, Auto etc.) which automatically sets everything for you. This camera really forces you to learn about photography. ISO's WB, shutter speed, aperature etc. If you are looking for a more user friendly camera with pre programmed setting I would go with the D90. If you want a more serious enthusiast to pro level camera than the D300s is your choice.

The D300s also has a video mode which in my opinion isn't half bad. However, if video is not that important to you I would go with a used D300 which you can probably get a great deal on. I've taken some video with this camera and the mic is very sensitive. I wouldn't try using the video for recording live shows which I did. Even at low sensitivity mic settings I had problems with the sound. The good thing is the 300s has an external mic connection. I believe the D90 does not. I haven't experimented with this feature.

Picture quality has been great! However, i've always been a firm believer that aside from the camera the lens plays a major role in picture quality. If you want superb pics I suggest investing in good lenses.

I use this camera mainly for sports and action photography. The D300s provides 7fps and with the external MB battery pack 8fps. My old D80 shot at 3-4fps. I have definitely seen a huge difference in this regard. This camera is super fast! I wanted a fast camera and this is exactly what I got.

So far so good and I'm really satisfied!

*****