Hey! You should know that Nikon has released a newer version of this product: the Nikon D300S.
Nikon D300
Editor's Review
This has since been replaced by the excellent D300s. Here's what we had to say about the original D300 when it was released in September 2007:
Nikon's D300 is meant to be a more affordable, more approachable version of its superlative D3 digital SLR, but that doesn't mean it's not a great camera in its own right. Like its big brother, the D300 supports "Live View," meaning users can preview and set-up their shots on the LCD display rather than through the viewfinder, a feature which has been rare on dSLRs until recently. Nikon's reputation for outstanding SLRs looks to be safe with the D300, and those looking to get involved with high-end or professional photography should pay special attention to this camera.
Specifications
- 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Nikon EXPEED Image Processor
- Live View LCD display
- JPEG, TIFF, NEF (RAW) file formats
- Nikon F lens mount
- 51 point auto focus
- ISO 200 - 3200 (100 - 6400 w/boost)
- 3.0-inch LCD display
- HDMI video out
- Compact Flash storage
- Lithium-ion battery
- Part Number: 9482
- UPC: 018208254323
- Release Date: Sep 01, 2007
Shop for D300 Accessories
Nikon D300 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
If you want to see a direct comparison with images, check out this site ( imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP... ). It does a side by side comparison.
Thanks
Benjie
Yes there is a learning curve but this camera is well worth it!
If you want comparable or better performance and significantly higher resolution for those big prints, but at a comparable price point, then you might want to look at the new Canon 7D (18 Mp).
Sorry.
question then is why doesn't it have 400, 800 and 1600???
Thanks a lot,
Leo
Do you own the D300? If so I can help you with changing the ISO settings.
Barb
I don't own it yet; waiting for xmas offers ;-)
Regards,
Leo
The D300 would be a WONDERFUL Christmas Gift!!!! Good Luck!
Have a wonderful evening.
Barb
Don
On the top left of the camera is the mode dial, and you should be able to turn this to the CL logo, which is continuous shooting. To turn it you have to hold down the lock release pin to the left of the dial.
my choice would be the panasonic lumix tz3
cameralabs.com/reviews/Pana... are some links see the tz3 in action
flickr.com/photos/boab22/14...
I have purchased several P&S digital cameras and hated them all (including my Leica). I always go back to film, but thought I should try a digital SLR after having several rolls of film fogged at the airport.
I want the D300 badly, but based on the specs, the D60 seems like it would do the job (minus the live view which is the REALLY appealing), and I could afford more lenses (including the lensbaby I want), but I really don't want to settle for a camera that won't make me love digital photography! I am an MFA student who works primarily in experimental film/video/photo and installation, which means I am poor and this camera probably won't be paying for itself anytime soon! But I am enthusiastic and want to love digital.
I also do stop motion animation and would like to connect the camera directly to my computer for live previewing and can't tell by the specs if this is possible. I know the Lumix can be tethered, but can the Nikons?
To answer your last question first, the Nikons can be connected to your computer with the right software pack and cable set-up. Nikon's Camera Contro Pro2 ( nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Niko... ) allows you to control your camera via a computer through a wireless or USB connection (compatible with both cameras you've narrowed your choices to). The software will run you about $170 new.
As for the differences between the D60 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and the D300 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) there are some. The D300 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) offers higher resolution photos in the 13MP range over 10MP, a faster max shutter speed at 1/8000 of a second over 1/4000 (allowing it to take continuous shots at 8 frames per second instead of 3). The ISO range also goes up to 6400 vs 3200. The more expensive camera gives you more flash options as well (fill-in and manual modes). The LCD screen is a half an inch larger at 3" and has a higher resolution (930K pixels vs. 230K pixels). The battery that comes with it is also rated to last twice as long. The D60 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) does take video, but is that something you need? As for the live-view mode. It is nice, but it also adds shutter-lag because you're not using the camera in a true SLR mode.
The D300 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) will offer you a lot more control and flexibility, especially when experimenting with a lens-baby (those are very cool by the way). You just have to ask yourself if the price is worth it. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
As for the D80 - I love it! And the lensbaby is wonderful.
I'm glad you're enjoying your new camera and lens. I'm going to have to pick one of those lensbabies up for myself. I'd really like to experiment with one.
Andrew
what you need is a light and and rugged camera that is designed for travel
the new panasonic lumix tz5 is a very good choice.
you will get some great shots of the grand canyon with your new camera
here is a link to a photoset on flickr look at the quality!
flickr.com/photos/petraneno... what is more you can shoot hd video of your trip
youtube.com/watch?v=_pUDJiM...
If you have the camera set to the finest resolution and largest file size, and you do not crop the photos you take, you should be able to print at that size.
Andrew
I read the manual.. I fotmatted the card.. I've done everything I know to do to get the file number to stop increasing when off loading onto my pc. I don't want to reach 9999.. I want the file numbers to resest for each of my projects... Seems like it would be an easy thing to figure out... but I can't..
My D80 never did this.. but the D300 has been this way since I bought it.. I can't get it to stop! Right now I'm having to use photoshop batch to rename all my files back to a reasonable file number for my clients. When I take 50 photos and want to show the best 10 to a client.. I don't want them to order with the number 1573, 1574... etc.. that's just needless..
Thanks
I have to rename the files when saving my final jpg anyway.. so.. it's no big deal to change the number when ditching the prefix..
Thanks for your answer though!
I would add that if you're willing to look away from Nikon, there are several other dSLR manufacturers who do offer in-body stabilization. Notably, Pentax offers it on all of their cameras, dSLRs included. Their K10D and K100D Super are capable rivals for the Nikon D40x and Canon 400D, and are often a good deal cheaper.
Ben, does Pentax or Canon have a camera that compares to the Nikon D300, but with the in-body stabilization? Cheaper is nice too, of course.
Depending on your lens capabilities, the aperture will only max out at the lens' max aperture. Check the specifications of your specific lens for a better idea. From what I can tell (if this ( amazon.com/Sigma-10-20mm-4-... ) is your lens), the max aperture at the wides lens angle is f/4. I hopt this helps.
Andrew
I'm glad we could help. Please come back with any other questions or issues.
Andrew
What rating scale are you looking at? Ratings for cameras really depend on what the ratings are based on (price, rater comfort with the camera, etc). The perfect camera for one photographer might be horrible for another.
Andrew
Good luck to you then. Please come back with any other issues or questions.
Andrew
Matt Donohoe's answer prompts me to add this. I have a D300 and the image sensor chip is 23.6 x 15.8 mm and is intended to work with DX lenses. In addition to several DX lenses I have one full frame macro lens and it works very well with that one also (the portions of the 23 x 24 mm image that land outside the 23.6 x 15.8 mm sensor are simply discarded / cropped).
The A- grade is actually based on reviews from a variety of sites (not just DCHQ ( digitalcamera-hq.com )). While the reviews here are high, there are other sites where it doesn't score as well. We are trying to remain objective and give the users of DCHQ ( digitalcamera-hq.com ) a more comprehensive search and review look. I hope this helps.
Andrew
You can see the full ratings that went into the A- here ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ).
Andrew
The closest competetor from Canon looks to be the new EOS 40D ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), while it doesn't have the "live display" on the LCD or 12MP resolution, it is still a great camera (and costs about $700 less). Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
The price of 5D is getting better and it is a very tested model.
The only thing that makes me fell bad is the glass I have, maybe I will let it to be used in the film.
But I`m more near to give a chance to the 5D, only because it`s a full sensor anda very tested model, no common issues related
For general shooting, using flash 50% of the time or so, screen on, live-view, and turning the camera off when not in use, I would give this camera about 400 pictures.
The Nikon D300 works great with every lens made since 1977, especially every autofocus lens made in the past 20 years.
Will D lenses we aquired for D200 will work with Full frame CMOS.?
Nikon D300 Reviews
Nikon D300 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 1.0 out of 5
Accidentally wrote a review on the D300
Sorry, my review regarding the D300 should be removed, as I was commenting on my lousy D200.
- 1.0 out of 5
Returned four times for major electronic malfunction which was never fixed entirely. Prongs of plug-ins bent very easily, as well. Rude techs, slow & inefficient service. Camera no longer works, sits in closet. Just say "no" to Nikon.
- 5.0 out of 5
This is my favorite camera ever and I have owned thosands of dollars worth of cameras, some honestly I deeply regret buying. The Nikon D300 does everything right!
It is also a tough and very fast and accurate camera. I actually prefer it to my big full frame DSLR's
- 5.0 out of 5
Great camera, that cements Nikon as the industry leader. versatile, too many features to mention, professionals worldwide recognize the D300 as a camera that can get any job done.
- 5.0 out of 5
This is a big mack daddy camera, my dad has one and i get to play with
it when i'm at home. It is a beauty, simple to use. And wonderful with
control and customization. Great camera.
- 5.0 out of 5
This camera is by far the best in its class. Better then the D50 in terms of noise @ high ISO and auto focus. Ergonomics are standard Nikon. Very configurable in terms of external buttons, and system menus. Choice between 12 & 14 bit RAW, TIFF. Great buffer size, sturdy construction. It also works with my SB-600 Flash wireless-ly. The list goes on.
- 5.0 out of 5
Excellent picture quality. and many many more extras thats really great. I use my D300 as my lead camera, I also have a fuji S5 pro, and a fuji S2 pro as backups.the D300 is top dog.
- 1.0 out of 5
Had D80, D200, D300 all were returned to Nikon for service with problems, the D300 has been there for one mo. Lied to by Nikon service people. Avoid
- 2.0 out of 5
I like Nikons, but this one is a dud—at least the one I purchased. Brand new out of the box, never would auto-focus properly. All I heard was the motor's whirring sound as the lens feebly tried to capture image. Was mated to an AF Tamron, which cost me $400. Took the outfit back to BestBuy and tried a Nikon 55-200VR and still wouldn't work right.
Gave up and got a refund and bought a Sony A700. Not only a better camera, but saved about a grand.
- 5.0 out of 5
I have been shooting with the D 300 for the last 3 months or so and it is the best camera I have owned by far. Every part of this camera is EXCELLENT!!!
- 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with the quality of the pictures. This is the best purchase I made. I bought it with a 18-200mm VR lens and I loved it when we went to Maui in December 2007 during Christmas. The pictures came out great (still learning how to use the camera). I just purchased the 12-24mm wide-angle lens for more landscape sea coast pictures. I can't wait to try it out at Pacific Grove CA. It is the greatest camera ever. I have owned a Nikon F2 since 1975 and this camera is still in good shape too.
- 5.0 out of 5
The D 300 takes Pix's like I have never seen, I had a D 70's Nikon before I went to the D 300, and the D 300 compared to my buddys D 80 and my old D 70's, is like driving a 1940 Ford to a 2008 Cadillac. Now I know why it was named the 2008 Camera of the year.
If U buy this camera U won't be sorry and its worth every penny!
- 5.0 out of 5
Got it last weekend, and have had little time to shoot and play but it was as easy as the D200 to tweak the settings to my customized needs, and I start using it this week for Christmas shots on a tripod, will advise of results, but the test shots so far are fabulous.
- 5.0 out of 5
I have no Idea how this camera only gets a C+!! I had the oportunity to test this camera out in all kinds of settings from indoor to action, I even had a portrait session. I shoot the Canon 40D and I love it. The Nikon D300 could probably get my vote for better than my Canon 40D. The feel of the camera as well as the ease of use, amazing! The photo output is stunning!! The features, well all I can say is that Nikon has done it again!! I used to shoot Nikon and I swithched to Canon, I may be shooting 2 platforms soon...lol! Take a look at the Nikon D300, try it out and see for yourself. Good luck...You won't be disappointed with this great camera, had I waited a few more weeks I probably would have bought this camera instead of the Canon!!
- 5.0 out of 5
I upgraded from my D70s. And so far I love the D300.
