Nikon D300S

Speed and Timing

It’s always nice to get just a touch more than was promised, and that’s the case with the D300S burst mode. Nikon says the camera maxes out at 7 frames per second, and in our tests we got just a skosh more, shooting large fine JPEGs at 7.13 frames per second. This is not quite as fast as the Canon 7D, which promises 8 shots per second and delivered 7.49, but for all practical purposes it’s a draw.

The Nikon D300S has two burst shooting modes. The Continuous high speed mode, used in our testing, claims a rate of up to 7 frames per second (or up 8 fps if you’re using the optional battery pack). The Continuous low-speed mode is adjustable, between 1 and 7 frames per second, using a custom setting.

The D300S has a substantial memory buffer for high-speed shooting. We found that, shooting full-res fine JPEGs to a fast CF card, we could take over 30 photos before the buffer filled and the rate slowed.

There is also a quiet shutter release option, which turns off the ‘beep’ sound during autofocus, doesn’t reset the mirror until your finger comes off the shutter, and minimizes overall noise. We did find that quiet shutter makes a difference, and could be useful if taking photos of sleeping babies or in spots where you really shouldn’t be taking pictures.

Finally there’s a ‘Mup’ setting on the shutter release dial which, sadly, doesn’t refer to Muppet photography, but to Mirror Up. This mode raises the mirror and keeps it raised the first time you press the shutter, then takes the photo with a second press. This selection keeps vibration to an absolute minimum, useful in microscopic or astronomical work.

The self-timer can be set to a 2-, 5-, 10- or 20-second delay through the custom settings menu. Covering the viewfinder so light doesn’t enter the camera from behind and affect the meter reading requires removing the rubber eyecup, then fitting the supplied eyepiece cap.

A related capability is interval timer photography. You can choose a starting time, a shooting interval, the number of intervals you want and the number of shots per interval.

Focus Speed

The D300s uses a fast 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors, a holdover from the D3000 and the D3 before that. The focus area is selected using a switch to the bottom right of the LCD. Which one of the three Dynamic Area options will be used (9 point, 21 point, or 51 point) is set via the Custom Settings menu.

There is a very bright AF assist illuminator located between the right hand grip and the lens, which brings flashlight-like intensity to the task of achieving focus in dark environments, and works very effectively.