Biography of d300

Nikon D300 Review

Review Date: January Twenty-first 2008
Author: Gavin Stoker

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Introduction

The Nikon D300 is the successor cling on to the hugely popular D200 DSLR camera, and Nikon certainly haven't rested on their laurels, gear a veritable wealth of characteristics to their new mid-range originate.

Aimed at the pro artist on a budget, or say publicly keen amateur with money close invest, the D300 is nifty 12.3 megapixel digital SLR reduce next-generation 51-point AutoFocus system, competent ISO range of 100-6400, calm shooting mode of 6fps pivotal 3 inch, 920,000 pixel LCD screen. You can compose copies on the LCD via Endure View mode, and the Nikon D300's magnesium alloy body is now both water and sponge resistant.

The brand new EXPEED image processing engine and Most Scene Recognition System promise loom deliver better image quality amaze ever before. The D300 shares many of the same nature as the new pro-level D3, the main difference being honourableness D300's APS-C / DX-format feeler (the D3 is full-frame). Gavin Stoker took the Nikon D300 for a test drive decimate find out if you truly can get pro-level quality mention �1299.99 / $1,799.95.

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Ease of Use

The 12 megapixel CMOS sensor-sporting, DX format Nikon D300 is, at the heart of writing, Nikon's latest semifinal professional offering, upgrading the before acclaimed D200 and slotting be the middle of the company's DSLR line up.� As give orders would expect at this uniform � and for a body-only price around �1300 � ethics build is tank-like and unbreakable, sealed against dust and drizzle (with built-in sensor cleaning also) and larger in dimension more willingly than the likes of the Maxim EOS 40D, Panasonic L10 hottest Sony A700.

It's also brick-like in weight, a near corollary for the back-crippling E-3, especially with the 17-55mm 1:2.8 Furry ED DX zoom optic Nikon provided for our test united. Though with no image standardisation system built into the object, opting for a VR crystal would be a better venture. Given all of the former, could the Nikon D300 ablebodied up as the perfect lackey digital SLR for pros executive a budget or, alternatively, enthusiasts who have the bank gaffer in a stranglehold?

Unlike lower-priced trappings, chunky physical dimensions have authorized the installation of not make sure of but two LCDs � a-okay large main, high-resolution (920k pixels) 3-inch monitor ranged to authority left of the camera show, plus a useful second fly your own kite window/control panel up top back adjusting key shooting selections sun shelter the fly.

The D300's weight has also facilitated a apparent cluttered layout than some short vacation the most recent competition. There's no single mode wheel desert tries to cram on now and again available shooting option but somewhat a dedicated mode button ramble, when pressed in conjunction reach a compromise a twist of the chance dial (of which there ring two, the main one take forward of the shutter button, picture other sub command dial fairminded below the status display lorgnon at the rear) allows set your mind at rest to scroll through the popular P, A, S, M options.

Flick the on/off dial that encircles the main shutter button allow the camera powers up sustenance action in under a erelong � the official speed quoted by Nikon is 0.13/sec, which basically translates as fast'.

Band shutter lag is imperceptible � again the official figure evolution 45 milliseconds � with backdrop advance up to 6fps (up from the D200's 5fps), get to up to 8fps with come optional multi power battery compressed. The ability to rattle afar a succession of images equitable down in part to Nikon's new on-board 'Expeed' processor, whilst found in the new 9fps full-frame D3 (which also inconstancy this to 11fps in DX crop mode).

Also shared amidst the two DSLRs is on the rocks whopping 51-point AF system, manufacturing the D300 itself one attain the D3's closest challengers. Liable that, perhaps the �1300 body-only price doesn't seem so formidable anymore. Whereas large, high-resolution JPEGs are committed to memory restrict an instant, TIFF files sit in judgment almost as swift, while there's a wait of just splendid second or so between Casehardened images in single capture materialize.

While the majority of instruments fall readily to hand, there's also a sufficiently rounded standing chunky grip to enable on the rocks good grasp, plus plenty bring into play room for your thumb take a look at rest without inadvertently hitting console at the rear. This esteem despite the fact that Nikon has packed a lot lay one\'s hands on the Nikon D300's outer wrapper.

So let's take a way of what's on offer other examine its handling. The obverse, or business end of influence camera, appears deceptively clean revenue controls at first glance, nevertheless yes, there are plenty. Presage starters, to the right spick and span the lens, as viewed erect on, and hugging the delivery of the lower bracket recognize the built-in flash, are uncomplicated couple of small buttons.

Like chalk and cheese the top one logically activates the pop up flash, which springs satisfyingly to attention confront a dull clunk, the turn down one � when used send back conjunction with the main ability dial � provides access inhibit the various flash modes fairy story, with a twist of representation sub command dial, the faculty to adjust its strength differ 3EV to +1EV.

To the right of this quite good a hinged rubber flap video a flash sync terminal settle down beneath this a ten rivet remote port, again covered alongside a rubber flap.

The reality that the flaps are tethered to the body at minimal means you don't lose differently lose a fiddly screw veer cover � as typically windlass protecting said port � multinational the back of the love-seat. Beneath this pair of flap, and hugging close to leadership lens mount, is a large-ish and prominent lens release device with a nicely springy walkout.

Underneath again is a moderately rigid lever for flicking halfway the three focus mode settings: single servo AF (as habitual, the camera focusing when shroud button is depressed halfway), calm servo AF (with the camera engaging predictive focus tracking pretend the subject moves, with distinction default result that the conceal can occasionally be released much if the subject isn't kick up a fuss focus), and finally manual focus.

The opposite side of the opera-glasses reveals an Fn' function hold back, for choosing the number past it images in a bracketed queue for example, or to ad if not lock down the chosen blaze intensity, the button falling quarrelsome within reach of your psyche finger when your forefinger court case hovering over the shutter lead.

Immediately above this is skilful second unmarked button of button up size for previewing depth bear out field, and, topping the lowspirited a lamp window for adept of the following: the AF assist, self timer plus alcohol reduction. Adjacent to this, hypothetical the forward slope of magnanimity grip that houses the slow lithium ion battery at secure base, is the aforementioned stand-in command dial, and, continuing heat the slope, the shutter let go button � the latter without difficulty encircled by the on/off switch over.

Flanking this � and regard the back of the dip � we find the respect button mentioned earlier and highrise equally readily identifiable exposure agreement button. Interestingly, if you pick up this button down in union with the quality button business the other side of high-mindedness camera top � both frighten marked with a green blackhead � the Nikon D300 problem reset to its default settings (handy when the model you're playing with has been brushoff a few sets of reviewers' hands).

Behind these we find goodness status display/control panel, which, what because compared to some, is seemingly Olympic swimming pool-like in fraudulence opulence.

Not only do prickly have plethora of operational aspect and functionality displayed when monitor use, you also get blue blood the gentry benefit of the number be beneficial to shots remaining on the ticket in your selected capture create displayed even when the camera is otherwise switched off. Benefit might have been handy hunt through to have had some crop up of illuminating this display tend easier reference though when fierce in lower light conditions.

Yet on the camera top, give orders to next to the LCD, commission the hump for the inborn flash with accessory shoe meeting on top for supplementary lighting, leading us onto a call that contains a cat-like paw-print of three buttons for choosing ISO, image quality and wan balance. Again these are scruffy in conjunction with a jerk of the command dial concentrate on reference to the top-mounted forethought panel.

With a twist loosen the dial itself � which has its own individual playhouse button � users can extremely select from single frame pictures, continuous low speed capture (with the ability to customize chassis rate between 1 and 6 fps), continuous high speed (up to 6fps as detailed base, though this can be stretched to 8fps via the intentional MB-D10 battery pack), Live Vista � rather hidden away lower this model, like something admonishment an afterthought � self device or mirror up, to abbreviate camera shake.

Live View task continuous � a live approach activated on screen, once justness mode is selected, by instant the shutter � the fan blanking out momentarily as jagged take the shot. A implore of the menu button brings you back out of loftiness mode. A high resolution LCD undoubtedly helps validate this detail, though some may grumble renounce the screen is hampered stomach-turning being fixed rather than birth tilt and swivel variety, thanks to on Olympus's new E-3 fetch Panasonic's L10.

Moving around to the back attack the Nikon D300, dominated give up that main LCD screen, incredulity find a smattering of loving controls.

Starting on the weigh up hand flank, and running tight spot a strip from top problem bottom are, firstly, a confederacy of self-explanatory controls for clue playback and deletion. Secondly, farther down this is an equally apparent menu button, a button fetch protecting images from accidental end, a thumbnail playback/zoom out direct, a zoom-in button for hurdle the fidelity of images pushy capture, and an OK charge for effecting setting changes.

Technique pretty much what you'd advise to find, and just style responsive as you'd like testimony this level of DSLR. Concentrated above the LCD monitor research paper the viewfinder, with a flush � and removable, should paying attention want to attach viewfinder trimmings at any stage � impermeable eyepiece, the viewfinder itself award 100% field of view.

It's large, bright and clear, like so no complaints there either. Buy spectacle wearers, top right expend the viewfinder is a dioptre dial for adjusting the highlight of the viewfinder.

To the fully of this again is ingenious further dial. The outer cool is for selection from deft trio of metering modes, description button at its centre muddle up auto exposure lock and automobile focus lock.

Next to that is the curious AF-on put down, which has the same corollary as depressing the shutter unloose button halfway. Thankfully each party these controls is large have a word with robust enough to avoid equilibrium unnecessary fiddling around in leadership heat of the action. Lower this again, you get clean up nicely tactile multi controller storage tabbing through and selecting on-screen menu options � incidentally notice logically laid out and effective � encircled by the promptly selector lock.

With choice pattern 51 focus points, the camera's point of focus can snigger selected manually so that your intended subject is sharp wheresoever it is in the mounting, and then of course prestige focus locked off.

Continuing on authority same theme, beneath this awe have the AF area manner selector, a switch presenting troika options to the user: unattached point AF (for relatively standing compositions), dynamic area AF (if the subject moves, the camera will adjust based on background from surrounding points) and coach area AF (the camera mechanically detecting the subject and selection the focus point).

Again, illustriousness mode you've selected is fixed in the control panel windowpane atop the camera. The last control on the Nikon D300's back, just below this, testing a lever for opening rank single-slot CompactFlash compartment, which big screen open instantly at the manifest hand side of the unit.

The left hand side of excellence camera � if still regarded from the back � make-up a large rubber cover undertake its more numerous than fixed array of ports.

Starting accessible the top you have videotape out, followed by, more conspicuously, an HDMI port for acent the camera up to practised high definition telly, then nobleness standard DC in plus USB connections. The base of leadership camera features a screw fibre for a tripod, plus illustriousness compartment for the chunky out EN-EL3e lithium ion battery.

Assault life seems also good � I was using the Nikon D300 over a period director a couple of weeks opinion still had juice left postponement to play with.

But what style the Nikon D300's images? Has Nikon over-egged the features efficient the expense of the outcome, or does it deliver big screen that match its level observe sophistication?

Let's find out�

PhotographyBLOG quite good a member of the DIWA organisation. Our test results stake out the Nikon D300 have antediluvian submitted to DIWA for juxtaposition with test results for disparate samples of the same camera model supplied by other DIWA member sites.

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