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12.3-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CMOS image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm) * high-def movie mode with sound * high-res 3" LCD (920,000 dots) with Live View for composing shots on-screen in real-time * pentaprism optical SLR viewfinder (with diopter adjustment) * Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System to keep image sensor clean for spotless photos * Nikon EXPEED image processor for fast, accurate shooting and longer battery life * 51-point autofocus system for rapid, precise autofocusing * 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II for accurate automatic exposure control, plus center-weighted and spot metering modes * Active D-Lighting mode for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions * built-in flash and flash exposure compensation * in-camera image editing functions, including: edit movie, D-Lighting, image overlay, monochrome, NEF (RAW) processing and more * AVI movie files (Motion JPEG) up to 1280 x 720 resolution at 24 frames per second with mono sound *
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Technical Details
- 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor for high resolution, low-noise images- Body only; lenses sold separately
- Nikon EXPEED image processing; D-Movie HD Video for cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips
- 3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD; one-button Live View
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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By K. Morse (Statesboro, GA)
this review is for the average person wanting to upgrade from the D40/D5000
With it's magnesium alloy inner body and rubber sealed buttons, this camera is an excellent piece of equipment for wildlife photography when paired wig the correct lens.
It is well constructed in the areas that it needs to be strong but quite honesly there are some places on the camera tha have been reduced in quality to cut costs such as the switches, buttons, or the flash release. Those components are higher quality on the D90 to be honest wh you.
Speaking of the D90, this camera has the exact same sensor as the D90. I lke to think of the D300s as a D90 with features and processing from the D3. This camera can shoot 720p motion JPEG based AVI video from a Live View mode activated by a dedicated button. This camera does have a 51 point auto focus system and color 1005 pixel light metering.
Now the ugly truth. If you put this camera next to a D90 in the same conditions, the D90 will out perform this camera in low light. If the D300s is used past ISO 3200 it produces the most horrid smuged and noisy pictures I have seen. The D90 with all of it's "auto help the novice processing" will help you out and rescue your photos the best it can. The D300s is a professional APS-C camera which means it won't help you out like that. You absolutly cannot take pictures in inadequate light without the proper equipment.
I would go with the D90 if you want a decent camera that will produce sharp pictures without all of the fuss. With the money you save you can get the AF-S 18-200 VRI. That comes in the D300s kit. If you must absolutly have the pro features such as wired remotes, flash box control, and so on go with the D300s.
By R. Frew (United States)
After much research I moved from a Nikon D70s to the D300s. I was very happy with the D70s however I needed a larger pixel count for the large prints I prefer to make (13x19"+). I agree with many pro's that have advised that you don't need more than 8MP if you are producing 8x10's or even 11x14 full frame in most cases. If you go beyond that print size or crop severely for 11x14's, then a larger pixel count is where you need to be.
The D300s has been a perfect camera for me. I certainly put it in the prosumer category. It should not be your first camera. If you shoot mostly Auto or like to point and shoot, the D300s is not for you even if you have the money. It is very full-featured/complex camera and to get good pictures and your money's worth you need to be willing to invest the time to learn its many modes and capabilities. It is capable of shooting great pictures in very low light or in fast moving scenes with its wide ISO range, very low noise and advanced focus system. The ergonomics feel just right to me unlike many Canons I have tried. It has good balance and a very solid feel (metal frame). I shoot often with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR that is heavy and a good grip and balance is important for me.
I have found the color and resolution to be superb. I easily get professional (saleable) 13 x19" prints working through Lightroom 2.5 and Photoshop CS4 to a Canon Pro 9000 MkII printer. The D300s' many focus, white balance and color modes are a great help in a rapidly changing shoot. I have programmed several custom settings for both studio and outdoor work. Its great to be able to shift multiple camera settings with one button push. The "Info" button alone should keep you from buying the D300 vs D300s.
The dual memory card setup is also great. I switch between using the second card as a backup for important shoots to using it in overflow mode when I'm out for a long shoot. I shoot RAW most of the time and the safety of the overflow mode keeps me in the shooting flow so I don't have to stop, lose the mood and change memory cards. I often add a power grip when I'm using multi-Speedlight set-ups with a remote commander. The Nikon Remote Commander can draw down the main battery over the course of a long studio shoot. Otherwise the battery will easily do a full day and hundreds of shots. The Info button instantly shows you battery condition as a % in both the main and power grip. Nice upgrade so you don't have to look at a little battery icon and guess.
I am very happy with the D300s and highly recommend it if you are looking for a solid, pro-level camera. It has performed flawlessly for me. Amazon (B&H Photo) remains perfect for me with great price and on time delivery.
By Mateo
I have been using this camera for a couple of weeks and taken about 5000 exposures. This camera is great; however, it took me a little while to figure out the autofocus (AF) system. I switched from Canon because I truly do not like the size of their files (18MP is way beyond what I need). I like shooting when the subjects are in motion--not necessarily action--and learning how to focus properly is crucial for me. After reading the manual and playing around with the AF, I feel much better with the D300S. I am not new to photography--started with Minolta SLRs and then moved to Canon dSLRs--but I can safely say that the D300S has allowed me to take my best shots. I am still a bit reluctant to use the 6400 ISO, but the 3200 ISO works fine.
This camera is not for beginners. If you are not familiar with photography lingo, reading the manual would be frustrating. Moreover, the Program Mode is not the greatest. The video feature is dandy, but you have to keep the camera still. I have used the video feature a couple of times, and the image quality is fine as long as you use a tripod and don't move the camera too much. In my opinion, the video recorded with this camera needs a lot of editing, and I don't really have much practice editing videos.
In sum, this camera is a great buy for those who enjoy taking the time to take pictures. I would not recommend this to a first-time dSLR buyer, an inexperienced/casual photographer, or someone who wants to shoot video.
By Charles D. Mason (Nokomis, Florida)
I upgraded from a Nikon D300 to the D300S mainly for the video capability. The video produced is not super HD quality, but I didn't expect that. The video is actually quite good especially if you use a tripod and it allows me to travel without a dedicated video camera. The other improvements have proved to be fun and useful. I like the new door over the data cards, easier to use that the D300 lever. The new location of the live view button is very convenient, the extra frame per second is useful and the focusing and image quality seem marginally beter than the D300. The rocker switch on the back has tactile feedback which is better. All in all I am very happy to have upgraded. The service from Amazon was fabulous. I ordered the camera on Sunday, it was shipped (free of charge) on Monday and I had it in my hand a couple of days later. After I ordered on Sunday the price dropped $75.00 on Monday. I called customer service on Monday and they agreed to credit my VISA account with the $75.00 difference. You can't beat that! cm
By Anthony Loh (NY, USA)
I am a relatively advance hobbyist, and have recently upgraded to a D300S from a D90, but keep the D90 as a backup.
D300S and the D90 share plenty of similarities, hence, although it was quite a upgrade to me, I wasn't completely lost.
I am not going to repeat all the positive features of this camera other than to say I agree and love the frame speed, dual memory-card slots, 51 AF points, and many more.
However, I think the major weakness about this camera is actually what many considered to be its strength, which is the Auto Focus ability. As you know, of the 51 AF points in the D300S, 15 of them are "cross-type" focus-point sensor, all locating in the centre, and the remaining 36 are "horizontal-type" focus point sensor spreading on the two sides.
While the 15 cross AF points are fast very accurate, the line AF points aren't, especially if the subject has pattern going the same direction as the line AF points. You will need to tilt it a bit to get the AF to work/lock in and then move it back. Compare that to the D90, the D90's 11 AF points are much more reassuring.
I give this camera a solid 4.5 stars, and still glad that I made the purchase. However, I wonder why would Nikon want to concentrate all of the cross AF points in the centre, and wonder why the D90 appears to have a faster and more accurate AF points.
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