Nikon D300
Digital Camera Review
Apr 21, 2008
- By Emily Raymond
4.6
The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D300 updates the older D200 with more resolution on a new CMOS sensor that promises improved noise control. The D300 is the first DSLR in Nikon’s line to include dust reduction, and sits between the $999 D80 and the $3,499 D2Hs. It has an awesome 3-inch live view LCD screen, as does the pro model D3, with some of the best resolution on the market - 921,000 pixels. Overall, the D300 is an excellent camera for the serious or semi-pro photographer who doesn't mind getting involved in the minutae of photography. Point and shoot users won't want to need the features it offers, but it's a excellent camera for the serious (and well-heeled) shooter.
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Specs Table
Nikon D300 Specs
Type
Digital SLR
Price
1799.95
Length
2.90
Width
5.80
Height
4.50
Weight
1.82
Mega Pixels
13.10
Effective Pixels
12.30
Sensor Type
23.6 x 15.8 mm DX CMOS
Image Size
4288 x 2848
Color Filter System
3D Color Matrix Metering II
IR Cut Low Pass Filter
Yes
Image Format
JPEG, RAW (stills)
File Size
12 MP (highest res)
Compression
JPEG, RAW (stills)
Lens Mount
Nikon F mount
Compatible Lenses
NIKKOR lenses
Viewfinder
-2.0 to +1.0 m-1
Diopter Adjustment
-2.0 to +1.0 m-1
Frame Coverage
100
Magnification
0.94
LCD
3-inch, 920,000-pixel LCD
Auto Focus Type
TTL
Focusing Modes
Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo (C), Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder
Focusing Points
51- point (15 cross type, 36 horizontal sensors)
Metering Modes
Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot
Metering Range
0 to 20 EV
Shutter Type
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 30 seconds
Self Timer
2, 5, 10, 20 seconds duration
Modes
Programmed Auto (P) with flexib
Speed
Yes
Burst
Yes
Exposure Compensation
±5EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1
Bracketing
Yes
Built in Flash
Built-in
Sync Contact
hot shoe
Resolution
4288 x 2848
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 200 to 3200
Playback Options
Full frame, thumbnail, zoom, slide show, pictmotion, histogram, shooting data, highlight point display, auto image rotation
Direct Printing
Yes
Video Output
Yes
Software
CD-ROM
Battery Power Source
Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e; Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10; Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries; nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries
Zoom Wide
0
Zoom Tele
0
Intro Date
2007-08-23
fstop Max
0.00
fstop Min
0.00
Zoom Digital
0.00
Storage Type
CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), Microdrive
LCD Pixels
920000
Resolution Maximum
4288 x 2848
Resolution Minimum
2144 x 1424
External Flash
i-TTL
Ratings
Raw
Weight
Color
9.04
3
Resolution
11.89
3
Noise Auto ISO
8.35
1.15
Noise Manual ISO
13.25
3
Low Light
9.02
3
Dynamic Range
11.27
3
Size Portability
7.50
1
Model Design Appearance
8.25
1.3
Handling
7.00
2
Control Button Positioning Size
8.25
1.85
Front
8.00
0.65
Back
9.00
0.75
Left
8.50
0.5
Right
7.00
0.5
Top
8.50
0.75
Bottom
8.00
0.5
Menu
8.00
1.65
Auto Mode
7.25
1.05
Auto Focus
9.50
3
Focus
8.50
1.5
ISO
9.50
2
White Balance
9.00
2.5
Exposure
9.25
1.75
Meterng
8.50
2
Shutter Speed
9.00
1.75
Aperture
0.00
0
Custom Image Presets
0.00
0.5
Drive Mode
9.00
2.5
Picture Quality Options
9.25
1.25
Picture Effects Mode
9.00
2.15
Playback Mode
8.00
1.5
Movie Mode
0.00
0
Viewfinder
9.00
2
LCD Screen
9.50
1.75
Flash
8.00
1.75
Lens Mount
9.00
1.75
Memory
0.00
0.5
Battery
7.00
1.95
Startup 1st Shot
9.70
3
Shot Shot
10.20
3
Shutter Shot
9.00
3
Software
7.50
1.25
Jacks / Ports / Plugs
9.50
1
Direct Print Options
8.00
0.4
Ease of Use
6.50
0.75
Other Features
7.50
0.75
Value
9.00
2.5
Processing Speed
9.00
3
Total (weighted)
735.92
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