Nikon D300: Review

Posted to Digital SLR 2009-08-11

Nikon D300 Review:

The Nikon D300 Digital SLR is a new pro-level camera from Nikon that takes some of the best features of the Nikon D3, a full-frame 35 mm format sensor camera, and combines them with a DX format sensor and compact body. The result is an excellent quality, full-featured professional DSLR with a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 2 Live View modes, and 51-point autofocus capability.

The new D300 also features a gorgeous 3.0 inch, 920,000 VGA color display, continuous shooting of 6.0 fps (8.0 fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack), and low-noise images from 200-3200 ISO. The camera includes Nikon's exclusive SRS (Scene Recognition System), which uses a 1,005-color matrix metering system to provide more intelligent automatic exposure calculation, smarter auto white balance detection and faster AF. There's an integrated dust reduction system that uses a self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit, and an improved EXPEED image processor.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Quality

This is truly a pro-quality camera. Pro construction starts with a rugged magnesium alloy housing, goes on to include extensive seals for dust and moisture protection, and winds up with a shutter mechanism that's tested to 150,000 cycles. Build quality and durability is one of the major reasons many pros choose Nikon, and the D300 doesn't fail to disappoint. Even with its tank-like construction, though, the D300 is surprisingly light and nimble to use.

Performance

Image quality of the D300 really shines. Nikon has advanced light years in reducing noise at higher levels, and the D300 is the first DX-format Nikon that rivals Canon's capabilities in this area. Images are usable even for large prints up to ISO 3200, and even ISO 6400 produces acceptable results at smaller print sizes. The continuous shooting times are excellent, the autofocus is fast, and the 2 live view modes are optimized for composing an image on a tripod or shooting a fast sports scene.

Summary

It's hard to find anything not to like about the D300 - you could complain about the fact that the LCD is not articulating, which would greatly enhance live view mode, but then you could easily argue that this would compromise build quality and reliability. Other than that, if you are an advanced amateur, or if you're making your living with a DSLR, you can't beat the D300. And it gives almost full-frame image quality at a price that's less than half the cost of a full-frame format pro DSLR.

Pros

12.3MP CMOS sensor
51-point autofocus
3.0 inch 920,000 VGA resolution LCD
2 Live View Modes
6.0 - 8.0 fps continuous shooting times

Cons

There are no cons for this product