Expert Camera Reviews

The Nikon D300 is a new digital SLR camera that is on the brink of once again transforming photography for professionals. This 12.3 megapixel Camera features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. The D300 with the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to 9 fps at full FX-format resolution is truly fits to be deemed as the world’s fastest Digital SLR camera in its class.

A host of new Nikon technologies have been implemented in the Nikon D300 which includes a new precision Multi-CAM 3500DX 51-point AF system, a large 3.0 inch high resolution 920,000 pixel LCD display with Live View Mode, Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System and EXPEED image processing concept including picture control settings, support for the new WT-4 Wi-Fi transmitter, an integrated self cleaning sensor unit, in camera Retouch Menu and HDMI Video output support.

Strengths:
• Excellent startup time
• Large 3.0 inch LCD screen with Live View shooting modes
• Built-in face detection technology
• First Nikon DSLR to employ a Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for dust removal
• Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction
• Very good battery life

Weaknesses:
• Noisy with the increase in resolution
• No movie mode

Specifications:
Megapixels – 12.3
Weight(oz) – 29.1
Optical Zoom – n/a
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – No
Batter Type – Nikon Battery EN-EL3e and Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 6400, storage UDMA compact flash I/II , USB 2.0 support, Face recognition, Self-cleaning sensor unit, Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction, Optional shooting info display on main LCD

Summary:
Nikon’s D300 with some very promising features like Live View, high resolution display, WiFi, and self-cleaning sensor unit is a superb camera with a sleek design. The D300’s new features will surely be welcomed by existing D200 owners and also by those looking to upgrade to a serious digital SLR. If noise is kept under control with the increase in resolution, the D300 should be a strong competitor against other models of the same class even at a higher price.