Nikon D300: The next generation mid-range Nikon D-SLR

Nikon is pleased to announce the Nikon D300 digital single lens reflex (D-SLR), a camera that sets new standards of compact professional performance. The easy-to-use DX-format D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. With class-leading 12.3 megapixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance, self-cleaning sensor unit, 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s new 3D Focus Tracking Feature and high definition 3” VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.

“Packed with the latest technologies and Nikon’s renowned ergonomics, the D300 sets a new standard for professionals on a budget,” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “The D300 is a true ‘go-anywhere’ camera, delivering fast response, high performance and ease of use that will appeal to anyone serious about their photography.”

Speed and Performance

The Nikon D300 is loaded with the latest professional technologies designed to produce images of the highest quality. The high-resolution 12.3 MP DX format CMOS sensor generates image files suitable for almost every type of output, combined with a fast standard frame advance rate of 6fps (up to 8 fps with optional Multi Power Battery Pack). The D300 offers fast power-up, quick response and outstanding flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments. The D300 powers-up in just 0.13 seconds, with an almost imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter lag. 

Accuracy

The Nikon D300 boasts a self-cleaning sensor unit, which vibrates at high frequencies to remove any loose dust on the surface of the sensor’s optical low pass filter. The camera has a broad ISO range from 200-3200 plus Lo 1 (the equivalent of an ISO 100) and Hi (ISO 6400 equivalent). Image accuracy is also enhanced by the new Nikon Scene Recognition System, which uses the acclaimed Nikon 1005-pixel RGB color sensor modified to recognize subjects’ shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the new 51-Point Auto-focus system in tracking subjects by their color, while enhancing the accuracy of exposure and white balance metering. The Nikon D300 also offers Live View, which presents photographers with a live image on the LCD screen, with two modes suited to either hand held or tripod shooting. Auto-focus is possible in both Live View modes. 

Enhanced Images with EXPEED

The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the Nikon D300’s ability to capture and process high definition image data so quickly. The EXPEED system includes both hardware and years of Nikon image processing expertise. The D300 EXPEED system features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon’s signature ‘look and feel’ of rich accurate colors, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.

Ready for tomorrow

The Nikon D300 is completely high definition. From the 3-inch VGA LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle, to the HDMI interface for HD ready displays, the Nikon D300 is ready for tomorrow’s imaging environment. The controls of the D300 were designed for ease of use, with an easy-to-view top LCD panel and an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change color according to the ambient lighting conditions.

The totally intuitive 8-directional multi-area selector makes selecting any of the 51-Point auto-focus settings simplicity itself.

Durable and Dependable

The Nikon D300 continues Nikon’s long tradition of sturdiness and durability. The camera body is built from a magnesium alloy, while the camera’s shutter has been tested for 150,000-release cycles. The Nikon D300 is also designed for a high level of dust and water resistance.

Total Imaging System

Like the Nikon D3, the Nikon D300 is not just a camera, but part of a complete Nikon system to help photographers create great images. The Nikon D300 is compatible with the Nikon Total Imaging System of NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights, accessories and software that provides a complete solution for any photographic challenge. 

One accessory that can extend shooting life, add ergonomic vertical shooting practicality and increase frame rate to up to 8 fps is the MB-D10 optional Multi-Power Battery Pack. The compact MB-D10 simply attaches to the base of the camera. Unlike other grips, the MB-D10 does not occupy the camera’s battery space, so one can shoot with two EN-EL3e batteries, or add a powerful EN-EL4a battery into the mix.  The D300 and MB-D10 can also be powered by AA size batteries as well. Requires EN-EL4a.

Wireless Networking

Nikon pioneered wireless image transmission. Now, with the new Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-43, the era of the multi camera network has arrived. Not only can one transmit (‘push’) images to servers and remotely control the camera from afar, the WT-4 also enables remote browsing of the camera’s image thumbnails as well. In a wireless environment, networks of up to five Nikon D300 cameras can be established and image thumbnails from all connected cameras browsed simultaneously and relevant image files ‘pulled’, while the photographers continue shooting.

Conclusion

The Nikon D300 has a 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s new 3D Focus Tracking Feature. The camera continues the trend–first begun by Olympus–of having a digital SLR with a live preview of the image on the LCD screen. The D300 has two LiveView modes: one for standard handheld shooting, and one for use with a tripod. It also has Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System to enhance the accuracy of photos’ focus, exposure, and white balance; includes its Picture Control System for image adjustments; a bright 3-inch VGA LCD display; and Active D-Lighting for providing real-time highlights and shadow corrections. All of these features are also found on the D3.

And–perhaps most notably for those of us who loathe digital SLRs’ dirty little secret about the misery of dust-on-the-image-sensor– the Nikon D300 features a dust reduction system. Nikon’s multipurpose approach includes both a mechanical dust shake-off option and a reduction in the static electricity of components inside the camera. The Nikon D3 also has dust reduction.

Other noteworthy D300 attributes: Nikon says it has improved the camera’s noise reduction abilities; given the camera a start-up time of just 0.13 seconds, and its shutter release a lag of 45 milliseconds; and supplied a shooting speed of six frames per second.

The D300 body measures 147.2 (W) ×112.8 (H) × 74(D) mm and weighs just 795 grams.

Nikon D300 Body:

Nikon D300 BODY: $1,799.99

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Addtional Nikon D300 images

Nikon D300 Specification (Compare with Nikon D200)

	Nikon D300	Nikon D200
Sensor	• 12.3 million effective pixel CMOS • DX format	• 10.2 million effective pixel CCD • DX format
A/D converter	14-bit	12-bit
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED	Unspecified
Image sizes	• 4288 x 2848 • 3216 x 2136 • 2144 x 1424	• 3872 x 2592 • 2896 x 1944 • 1936 x 1296
RAW files	NEF / Compressed NEF 14-bit	NEF 12-bit
TIFF files	Yes	No
Dust reduction	Self-cleaning sensor unit	No
Auto focus	• 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX • 15 cross-type sensors • Contrast detect in Live View mode	• 11-point Multi-CAM 1000
Focus tracking by color	Yes	No
AF area mode	• Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF	• Single Area AF • Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on • Group Dynamic AF • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF
Sensitivity	• Default: ISO 200 – 3200 • Boost: ISO 100 – 6400 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps	• Default: ISO 100 – 1600 • Boost: Up to ISO 3200 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Continuous shooting	• With built-in battery: up to 6 fps • With AC adapter or MB-D10 pack and batteries other than EN-EL3e: up to 8 fps	5 fps
Image Parameters	• Picture Control (4 presets) • Sharpening • Contrast • Brightness • Saturation • Hue	• Presets (6 presets) • Sharpening • Tone • Color mode • Saturation • Hue
Active D-Lighting	Yes (also adjusts exposure)	No
Viewfinder	100% frame coverage	95% frame coverage
LCD monitor	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels	• 2.5 " TFT LCD • 230,000 pixels
LCD Live View	• Handheld mode (phase detect AF) • Tripod mode (contrast detect AF)	No
Compact Flash	Type I / II (UDMA support)	Type I / II
Vertical grip	MB-D10	MB-D200
Video output	HDMI (HD)	Composite (SD)
Menu languages	14	13
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)	147 x 113 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in)
Weight (no batt)	825 g (1.82 lb)	830 g (1.8 lb)

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