Nikon D300 - UK Digital SLR Camera Review

Nikon D300 Review

The Nikon D300 has a lightweight, durable, magnesium alloy body incorporating up to the minute technology and the ability to produce excellent results both personnally and professionally.

The 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS image sensor is self-cleaning and therefore minimises the effects of dust and the Nikon D300 has an approximate start up time of 0.13 seconds and a 45 millisecond shutter release time lag.

Nikon D300 Front
Nikon D300 Back

This together with the Expeed image processing engine and the scene recognition system gives optimum exposure resulting in clearly defined images. Active D-lighting applies tone compensation at the moment the shot is taken which also improves the quality of the image. Additional features are; picture controls which operate prior to shooting to obtain appropriate settings (standard,neutral, monochrome and vivid) and live view with autofocus offering two modes, handheld or tripod.

The Nikon D300 has multi-CAM3500DX 51-point AF system configurable in 9/21/51-point settings. ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 to 3200 in various steps with 1EV for under ISO 200 and 1EV (ISO equivalent of 6400) for over ISO 3200. White balance has auto and several manual modes and colour temperate setting. Flash modes include auto aperture, red-eye reduction, slow sync and front and rear-curtain sync with built-in Speedlight included. 48 custom setting are available.

The battery supplied with the Nikon D300 is a rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL3e with alternate batteries being compatible such as, multi power battery pack (EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 or 8x R6/AA alkaline, Ni-MH lithium, ZR6 manganese batteries). 6fps continuous shooting is available and the use of EN-EL4a or 8x AA batteries will give 8fps continuous shooting. The Nikon D300 storage system is NEF 12/14 bit, TIFF, JPEG and images can be stored on CompactFlash card - Type I and II, UDMA compliant. The D300 has an SLR type viewfinder with fixed-eye level pentaprism and built-in diopter adjustment and a 3" VGA LCD monitor with wide viewing angle. Images can be played back as full frame, thumbnail (4 or 9), slideshow, in rotation and Zoom 4.

Various alternate Nikkor lens are compatible with the Nikon D300 including; DX AF, AF, Ai-P, D-/G AF and Non-CPU AI. Dimensions are 147 x 114 x 74mm and approximate weight is 825g without battery or memory card.

For the Nikon D300

Nikon D300 Specifications & Features

  • 12.3 Megapixels
  • 3" polysilicon TFT, approx. 920,000 pixel
  • CMOS sensor
  • 51 Focus Areas
  • 200-3200 ISO Equivalency
  • Auto, Manual, Colour Temperature and White Balance Bracketing White Balance Settings
  • Front Curtain Sync, Red Eye Reduction, Red Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync and Rear Curtain Sync Flash Modes
  • Single Frame, Continuous Low Speed, Continuous High Speed, Mirror Up and Self Timer Shooting Modes
  • Maximum Image Size 4288 x 2848 Pixels
  • Compact Flash Type I and II Memory Card (Microdrive™ Compatible)
  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • 147 x 114 x 74mm Dimensions
  • Approximate Weight 825g

Nikon D300 User Reviews

Add a ReviewAdd a review for the Nikon D300

Reviewer: Terry Turner - UK
I purchased a D300 only a week ago and will use it on a Nikon 200-400 F4,VR lens because I do a great deal of wildlife and wild bird photography.

I previously used a Nikon D200 on this lens, which was a pretty good combination anyway.

I have still to complete my full testing phase (prior to taking the camera/lens setup for a three week 'expedition' to Scotland in May/June, 2008.

At the moment I will therefore restrict myself to one aspect of the camera...its autofocus system.

The autofocus on the D300 is unbelievably good. I used the 51 point setting,not auto, and the menu focus lock setting at 'off'and I was able to pick out small birds as they approached high and distant and once the autofocus locked on it never wavered. (This is not true of the D200.)The other amazing aspect of the autofocus is its speed....I was rushing shots, picking out birds in previously impossible situations approaching fast and furious, straight down the lens at high speed, etc, and the results are unbelievable...for many people this aspect of the camera will be good enough reason to buy one, particularly now the price is coming down to a more acceptable, albeit still expensive, option.

Features
Rating 9/10
Image Quality
Rating 9/10
Usability
Rating 9/10
Add a ReviewAdd a review for the Nikon D300
Home  |  Links  |  Privacy Policy  |  Website Usage
Nikon D300 Review & Features - © UK Digital Camera Reviews 2008
For the Nikon D300
Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon D50
Nikon D50
6.1 Megapixels
2.0" TFT
5 Focus Areas
RGB CCD Image sensor
Read Nikon D50 Reviews
Nikon D70
Nikon D70
6.1 Megapixels
1.8" TFT
5 Focus Areas
RGB CCD Image sensor
Read Nikon D70 Reviews
Nikon D70s
Nikon D70s
6.1 Megapixels
1.8" TFT
5 Focus Areas
RGB CCD Image sensor
Read Nikon D70s Reviews
Nikon D2X
Nikon D2X
6.1 Megapixels
2.0" TFT
5 Focus Areas
RGB CCD Sensor
Read Nikon D2X Reviews
Nikon Coolpix 7900
Nikon Coolpix 7900
7.1 Megapixels
3x Optical Zoom
4x Optical Zoom
2.0" TFT Display
Read Nikon Coolpix 7900 Reviews
Other Editorial Reviews