Digital Camera News
Nikon Reveals 12.3 MP D300 with CMOS Sensor with Dust Reduction
![]() |
| Take a look at the D300 |
"Nikon’s D200 digital SLR camera has been a runaway success for us because it embodies everything that performance-conscious photographers demand. With the D300, we’ve raised the bar with remarkable new features, greater resolution and speed, and even higher image quality," said Nikon General Manager of Marketing SLR Systems Products Edward Fasano in a company press release. "The D300 delivers an unmatched combination of quality, performance, and value that’s hard for discerning photographers to resist."
Coming nearly two years after the announcement of the 10.2-megapixel D200, the 12.3-megapixel D300 carries vast changes in many areas of the digital SLR. Nikon switched from the CCD sensor in the D200 to a CMOS sensor in the D300, while boosting image resolution. DX-format and sensor size remained the same at 23.6 x 15.8mm.
In addition, Nikon added a new self-cleaning system to shake dust from the sensor. Nikon’s entrance into the dust reduction realm comes a year after other SLR competitors adopted the technology, including Canon, Olympus, Pentax, and Sony. Nikon’s system uses four resonance frequencies that vibrate the optical low pass filter, shaking off particles from the sensor, according to the release. The anti-dust system is complemented with rubber gasket body seals that lock out moisture and dust, a borrowed feature from the earlier D200.
The Nikon D300 now employs LiveView technology, a feature missing from earlier Nikon SLRs but included on the professional D3 digital SLR model also introduced today. Users can shoot at high or low angles with the live preview on the 3-inch LCD monitor, larger than the 2.5-inch screen on the D200. Nikon also increased monitor resolution to a high 920,000 pixel resolution, soaring from an earlier 230,000 pixel resolution on the D200. The LCD still carries a 170-degree viewing capability for angled shooting.
Among other significant changes is the new 51-point AF system, up from the 11-point system on the D200. Utilizing the new Multi-CMA 3500DX auto focus module, the D300 has an array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. Users can select those points either individually in Single Area AF or through Dynamic AF in nine, 21, or full 51-point clustered groups.
For improved auto focus, the Nikon D200 features 3D Focus Tracking and a Scene Recognition System, both included on Nikon’s D3 flagship model. The 3D Focus Tracking uses the 51-point system to track moving subjects, while the Scene Recognition System promises improved auto focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance.
Nikon also increased the burst rate to 6 frames per second (fps), up from 5 fps on the D200. With the optional battery pack accessory (MB-D10) the D300 is capable of shooting at an increased 8 fps. Sequentially, the DSLR can shoot 100 full resolution JPEGs consecutively using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card, according to the release.
To save frequently used settings, the D300 now includes a Picture Control System. Picture Control allows users to save up to nine combinations of settings on the camera or up to 99 to a Compact Flash memory card.
The Nikon D300 measures 5.8 x 2.9 x 4.5 inches and weighs 1.82 pounds.
|
Camera Model
|
Nikon D200
|
Nikon D300
|
|
Announcement Date
|
November 2005
|
August 2007
|
|
Introductory Price
|
$1,699
|
$1,799.95
|
|
Sensor
|
10.2 megapixel DX CCD
23.6 x 15.8mm |
12.3 megapixel DX CMOS
23.6 x 15.8mm |
|
Monitor
|
2.5-inch
230,000 pixel
170 degree view
|
3-inch
920,000 pixel
170 degree view |
|
AF System
|
11-points
Multi-CAM 1000
|
51-point (15 cross-type, 36 horizontal sensors)
Multi-CAM 3500 DX
|
|
Burst
|
5 fps
|
6 fps
8 fps (with optional battery pack MB-D10)
|
|
Key Features
|
- Dust-resistant Seals
|
- Dust-resistant Seals
- New EXPEED processor - New Scene Recognition system
- New Picture Control System
- New Self-Cleaning Sensor
- D-Lighting
|
|
News Link
|
Nikon Reveals 12.3 MP D300 with CMOS Sensor
|
|
|
Review Link
|
|
- -
|
| Spec Sheet |
Latest News
& Reviews
-
11-Feb-2012
Olympus TG-820 First Impressions Review
The Olympus TG-820 is a waterproof camera that both looks and feels like a tough-cam should. Read More...
-
10-Feb-2012
Sigma DP2 Merrill First Impressions Review
Sigma is back with a new high-end compact camera with a 46-megapixel Foveon X3 APS-C sensor. With image quality promised to be on the level of their $6000 SD1, can the new DP2 Merrill compete with the Fuji X100? Read More...
Top Rated Digital Cameras
-
Digital SLRs
Point & Shoots
-

$1,129.001Canon EOS 60D
The Canon EOS 60D is a top-notch camera in terms of performance, handling and flexibility. However, the performance of the kit lens leaves something to be desired. Read full 7-part review
$1,129.00
$459.991Panasonic Lumix FZ150
Excellent image quality, speedy performance, and a great design add up to the best superzoom that has ever graced our labs. That distinction seems to change hands every week, but trust us when we say that the FZ150 is a truly great camera. Read full 16-part review
$459.99 -

$746.952Nikon D5100
The D5100 is the latest entry-level DSLR from Nikon, with full 1080/30p video, an articulated LCD, and the same image sensor as the D7000. It lacks an internal focus motor, but we found it produced some of the most accurate colors we've seen yet. Read full 7-part review
$746.95
$378.992Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Canon's SX30 got a CMOS makeover that resulted in the SX40 HS, an impressive ultrazoom that captures beautiful shots in almost any scenario. Read full 16-part review
$378.99 -

$1,269.993Canon EOS 7D
The 18-megapixel Canon 7D delivers high resolution stills and full HD video in a well-built camera designed for serious photographers without the desire (or budget) for a full-frame model. Read full 7-part review
$1,269.99
$427.953Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
This professionally-geared ultrazoom offers some of the best color accuracy we've ever seen. It's a shame the other scores weren't quite so strong. Read full 16-part review
$427.95 -

$1,199.004Nikon D7000
The Nikon D7000 is a powerhouse camera at an excellent price. It offers a huge range of features that will make shooting quicker and easier for the experienced shooter, with lots of customizable options and quick control access. Read full 7-part review
$1,199.00
$314.954Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Panasonic resists the urge to cram more megapixels and more focal length into their latest ultrazoom. The FZ47 instead focuses on image quality and features, resulting in an incredibly strong camera that we loved shooting with. Read full 16-part review
$314.95 -

$569.995Sony Alpha SLT-A55V
The SLT-A55 is a well performing SLR, with a wide ISO range, good color and relatively low noise. . Read full 7-part review
$569.99
$417.005Canon PowerShot S100
Canon's PowerShot S100 improves on the popular S95 and takes its place at the top of the point-and-shoot food chain. Read full 16-part review
$417.00
Find the right digital camera for you.
