Nikon D300

Value (9)
The Nikon D300 comes with a retail price of $1,799 for the body only. The D300’s initial retail price comes at a hundred dollars more than the initial price of the D200, but we think the slight hike is justified. The autofocus system is vastly improved, the Burst mode is quickened, and the resolution is increased on an improved image sensor. Yes, it's expensive, but you get a lot of seriously powerful features for the money.

Comparisons
Canon EOS 40D – The 40D has a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that outputs 14-bit RAW files. It accepts Canon EF, EF-S, TS-E, and MP-E lenses and has a respectable set of components. It has a 95 percent accurate pentaprism optical viewfinder that accepts interchangeable focusing screens, something the D300 can’t do. The Canon 40D also has a 3-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels and a live view. The resolution doesn’t look as smooth as that on the D300, but the live view functions of the cameras are very similar. Both DSLRs have an autofocus button that must be pushed to flip the mirror and activate the autofocus, which then blacks out the live view for a moment. The 40D has nine cross-type sensors in its autofocus system and a slower 6.5 fps Burst mode that maxes out at 75 JPEGs compared to the D300’s max of 100. The Canon 40D has picture style settings that are very similar to Nikon’s “picture controls.” The Canon EOS 40D retails for $1,299 and takes a few shortcuts but has a smaller price tag.



Nikon D80 – The D80 is a big step down from the D300 but is still considered a serious DSLR. It has a 10.2-megapixel DX-formatted CCD sensor that records 12-bit RAW files, which records a narrower color gamut than the D300. The Nikon D80 has a similar optical viewfinder, but it only gets 95 percent accuracy of the recorded image. It also has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels and no live view. It has an 11-point autofocus system and a 3 fps Burst mode that aren’t as speedy as those on the D300. The Nikon D80 appeals more to point-and-shooters who are growing out of their compact cameras with its SD card compatibility and Pictmotion musical slide shows. The D80 weighs much less at 1 pound, 5 ounces, and costs much less, too, at $899 for the body only.







Nikon D3 – The professional grade Nikon D3 has a similar sturdy body but stands a little taller with its built-in vertical grip. It weighs an even heftier 2.7 pounds unloaded and its price tag is equally hefty at $4,999. It comes with some swanky features, though, namely its 12.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS image sensor. The sturdy D3 is built to last with its shutter tested to 300,000 cycles, twice the life of the D300. The two DSLRs share quite a bit in common. They have the same amazing 51-point autofocus system and 3-inch LCD screens with live views and 921,000 dots for very smooth images. They have the same picture control settings and HD output as well. The Nikon D3 upgrades its ISO to expand to 25,600, and its Burst mode clicks away even faster at 9 fps (11 fps in the DX crop mode).






Olympus EVOLT E-3 – Opposite the glossy ads for the D300 in many popular photography magazines are more glossy ads for the Olympus E-3. Indeed, these DSLRs seem to be two peas in a pod. They are priced similarly, with the E-3’s retail tag of $1,699 for the body only. Olympus was the first to introduce dust reduction with its Supersonic Wave Filter that shakes the image sensor. The E-3 has a 10.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor that is Four Thirds formatted so it can fit any Four Thirds lens. The sensor can also shift with the camera’s built-in stabilization system, something the Nikon D300 does not have. The Olympus E-3 has a sturdy body that is weather-resistant and has a swiveling 2.5-inch LCD monitor on the back. The LCD hosts a live view that blacks out for the 11-point autofocus system to function. The E-3 has a less powerful flash and a slower Burst mode that shoots 5 fps.

Sony α DSLR-A700 – This DSLR shares many of the same features as the Nikon D300 with its 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and the 3-inch LCD screen with 921,000 pixels. The image sensors sound similar – and are both manufactured by Sony - but the A700’s is slightly smaller at 23.5 x 15.6mm. The A700’s LCD is large and has excellent resolution, but doesn’t provide the live view found on the Nikon D300. Both camera bodies are well-built from magnesium alloy, but the Sony A700 has more weather-resistant seals. The Alpha has a much less impressive 11-point autofocus system and its Burst mode can only output 5 fps at full resolution. Like the D300, the A700 is equipped with HD output and has an anti-dust system. The Sony A700 has a pentaprism optical viewfinder with 95 percent accuracy and a shutter life of 100,000 cycles as opposed to the D300’s 150,000 rating. The Sony does provide an upgrade in that it hosts a built-in image stabilization system that shifts the sensor to compensate for bumps. The A700 accepts Sony, Carl Zeiss, and Konica Minolta lenses and costs $1,399 for the body only.




Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This DSLR isn’t for the those who just want to pint the camera and press the shutter; although it can work this way, they'll be overwhelmed by the enormous selection of buttons and controls it offers.

Budget Consumers – At $1,799, this is well beyond the budget of most users. They would be better off with a lower end SLR like the Digital Rebel XSi or the Nikon D60.

Gadget Freaks – Gadget freaks will appreciate the four frequencies that vibrate the CMOS sensor, the live view LCD technology, and the superior autofocus and other features on this DSLR.

Manual Control Freaks – Manual controls are scattered all over the camera body and take form in many buttons, dials, and switches. Those who love to take control of the shooting process will be in heaven here.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – The D300 is an all-around great DSLR with a 8 fps Burst mode (with the battery grip) that will attract sports shooters and a live view function and picture control settings that will attract portrait photographers.

Connectivity / Extras Page 10 of 13 Conclusion Nikon D300 Digital Camera Review Navigation