Nikon D300s DSLR Camera
September 28th, 2009
What’s new: The camera gained another review, this time at Photoreview.com.au!
Nikon D300S is new Nikon’s DSLR announced together with the D3000 model. It is the successor to popular D300 and spots DX-format 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 51-point autofocus system and EXPEED image processor in a compact body.
The D300S’s improvements over its predecessor are HD movie capability, a faster frame advance rate of (7fps) and dual CF and SD memory card slots.
The EXPEED image processing system delivers rich colors, smooth skin gradations, plenty of detail with the minimum of noise and lateral chromatic aberration for both still images and movies, and also manages high-speed processing and low power consumption.
The camera incorporates bright viewfinder with approximately 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.94x magnification and 3 inch 920K dot high definition TFT monitor with Live View function.
Alongside with full manual controls typical of DSLR cameras, this one features Scene Recognition System that makes it possible to shoot with accurate autofocus, right auto exposure and auto white balance control with ease.
Active D-Lighting restores the details in shadows and highlighted areas which are often lost in high-contrast lighting situations. Face Detection, in its turn will ensure faces are in focus as well as exposed properly.
Picture Control adjustment options let you modify the tone and colour of HD video clips with remarkable ease. Its options include Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome.
The D300S’s HD movie capture is enhanced by external stereo sound input, autofocus capability and in-camera movie editing.
The camera employs a strong yet lightweight magnesium alloy for its exterior cover, and will be available in two kit configurations: AFS DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II.
Camera Reviews:
Cameralabs.com:
The camera’s image quality speaks for itself with a good balance between resolution and noise handling. But there’s no 1080p video or live histogram among camera features.
Digitalcamerareview.com:
The camera delivers fantastic image quality and performance as well as HD video capability and unbeatable build quality. But basically it is a minor update to the D300.
Photographyblog.com:
The majority of D300 owners aren’t likely to switch to the D300s, but everyone else in the market for a capable and high-quality DSLR should seriously consider this camera as it deserves really high praise.
Photoreview.com.au:
It is a solidly-built DSLR camera with a Live View system plus the ability to shoot HD video clips. But it can’t offer fast autofocusing and focus tracking in Live View mode as well as body-integrated image stabilization.
Sample Photo Galleries: cameralabs.com, photographyblog.com.
Alternatives/Rivals: Olympus E-620, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.
Nikon D300s – Specifications (Full Specs):
- 12.3 Megapixels
- Nikon DX Format 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS Image
- Maximum Image Size: 4,288 x 2,848
- 3-inch 920k-dot Monitor with 170° Viewing Angle
- Live View Function
- Sensitivity: ISO 200 - 3200
- 51-point AF
- Contrast-Detect AF
- Exposure Metering: 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted, Spot
- Exposure modes: Programmed Auto (P); Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture-Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
- Scene Recognition System
- Continuous Shooting: 7 fps
- Quiet Shutter Release
- Built-in flash with 16mm lens coverage
- Weight : Approx. 840 g/1 lb. 14 oz.)
Official Information: imaging.nikon.com.








