The Nikon D300S is a 12.3 megapixel DX format digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) announced by Nikon on 30 July 2009. It replaces the D300 as Nikon's DX format flagship DSLR adding HD video recording (with autofocus). It has some similarities to the Nikon D700, with the same resolution, but has a smaller, higher-density sensor.
Features
- Nikon's 12.3 megapixel Nikon DX format CMOS sensor.
- Nikon EXPEED image/video processor with 12- or 14-bit processing.
- D-Movie mode 720p, 24 frame/s, AVI, with contrast autofocus and ability to use smaller apertures.
- 16Â bit/44.1Â kHz stereo sound and external stereo input. Optional manual sound level control.
- In-camera movie editing
- Active D-Lighting with bracketing and Auto / Extra High Active options.
- Automatic correction of lateral chromatic aberration for JPEGs. Correction-data is additionally stored in RAW-files and used by Nikon Capture NX, View NX and some other RAW tools.
- Expanded Retouch menu
- Shutter unit tested to 150,000 cycles.
- Quiet shutter mode.
- Live view mode with dedicated Live View button
- 3.0-inch 920,000-dot resolution VGA TFT LCD
- Dual slots for CompactFlash (Type I) and Secure Digital, SDHC compatible memory cards. Backup, overflow and RAW/JPEG separate mode.
- Continuous Drive up to 7 frames per second and 8 frames per second with optional MB-D10 battery grip.
- The rated maximum speed is available when recording JPEGs or 12-bit RAW files. However, when recording 14-bit RAW files, the maximum speed is only 2.5 fps.
- Faster startup, shutter release and autofocus time
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System.
- 3D Tracking Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus sensor module with 51 AF points.
- Nikon F-mount lenses.
- i-TTL flash exposure system with built-in wireless CLS (Nikon Creative Lighting System) control.
- Virtual horizon.
- File formats: JPEG, TIFF, NEF (Nikon's RAW, 12- or 14-bit compressed or lossless compressed), AVI (Motion JPEG).
- Up to 950 (CIPA) shots on a single EN-EL3e (7.4Â V, 1500Â mAh) rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
- Built-in flash covers 16Â mm
- Dedicated center Direction pad button.
- Dedicated Info button.
- GPS interface for direct geotagging supported by Nikon GP-1
Reception
The Nikon D300S has been tested by a number of independent reviewers, receiving generally favorable reviews. Digital Photography Review concluded in its extensive review: "The D300S is not the standout product that its predecessor was and unless you find your clients are clamoring for video footage, we can't see much need for existing owners to upgrade. But that shouldn't take away from an absolutely excellent product â€" a gently polished and refined update of a product that we considered a benchmark when it was released."
ePHOTOzine.com said that there was "a lot of scoffing at the release of this camera simply due to its only visible upgrade which is the inclusion of video. But it doesn't look like Nikon have been sitting back on their laurels at all and I think this is a worthy camera to add to the stable."
References
External links
- Nikon D300S â€" Nikon global website
- Nikon D300S Microsite
- Nikon D300S A/B 1.0.1 firmware update released January 6, 2010