The Nikon D300 (and D300s)

Information, reviews, updates and links about Nikon’s D300 and D300s

Nikon D300 Key Features

• 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
• ISO 200 – 3200 (6400 with boost)
• Power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms
• Shutter life 150,000 exposures
• 51-point, 15 cross-type AF
• 6 fps  (8 with battery pack)
• 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• HDMI HD video output

D300 news/info

2009 July 30th Updated to D300s

Advanced features

The D300S brings HD movie capability, a faster frame advance rate of 7fps and dual CF and SD memory card slots. Built upon the D300, the D300S incorporates the same DX-format 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, professional 51-point autofocus system and EXPEED image processing in a discrete compact body.

Virtual Horizon that is available in Live View shooting.
3-in., 920-k dot high-resolution LCD monitor.
Highly efficient energy-saving design allows as many as 950 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e. (CIPA Standards)
Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System including Image Sensor Cleaning function that provides effective dust reduction.
Versatile in-camera Retouch Menus let you enhance your images without using a computer.
Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output. Type C connector (mini size) is employed.
With the optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time are automatically recorded to each image’s Exif data.
Exclusive Nikon Software — Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software packages (supplied) for a range of basic photo browsing and editing operations; Capture NX 2, Camera Control Pro 2, and Image Authentication Software (all optional) enable more advanced operation and image editing.

More @ DPR

2008 October 28th 

Firmware update: D300 firmware v1.10 can be downloaded.

Modifications enabled with upgrade of A and B firmware from Ver. 1.03 to Ver. 1.10

The Highlights playback display option has been moved from Display mode>Basic photoinfo>Highlights in the playback menu to Display mode>Detailed photoinfo>Highlights.
The size and color of “Demo” displayed in the monitor with playback when No memory card? in the Custom Settings is set to Enable release, have been modified.
The range of settings available for ISO sensitivity settings>ISO sensitivity autocontrol>Minimum shutter speed in the shooting menu has been increased from 1/250–1 s to 1/4000–1 s.
When shooting in hand-held live view mode and the frame is magnified prior to autofocusing, operation has been modified so that display returns to the magnified display rather than full-frame display.
Images captured with Rotate tall, in the playback menu, set to On are not automatically rotated for display immediately after capture (image review).

A Copyright information item has been added to the setup menu. When Copyright information is enabled, the copyright symbol (©) is shown in the shooting info display.
Recent settings can now be displayed in place of My Menu.
Custom Setting e3 Flash cntrl for built-in flash (e3 Optional flash when an optional Speedlight is mounted on the camera) can now be added to My Menu using the Add items option in My Menu from Add items>Custom settingmenu>e Bracketing/flash.
The degree of the High ISO NR setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display while the High ISO NR setting item, in the shooting menu, is being applied.
Ankara, Riyadh, Kuwait, and Manama have been added to the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu.
When a GPS device is used and no heading information is available, —.–° is now displayed for the Position>Heading option in the GPS item in the setup menu.
When shooting in live view mode using Camera Control Pro 2 (Ver. 2.2.0 or later) with a PC-E lens, the aperture setting can now be adjusted from the computer.
Focus acquisition performance in dynamic-area AF mode has been improved.
Focus acquisition performance with contrast-detect AF has been improved.

Auto white balance performance has been improved.
The fourth digit in seconds display for GPS latitude and longitude information is now rounded off rather than omitted.
The current MB-D10 battery type setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display when R6/AA-size batteries are used with the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10.
An issue that caused an increase in noise with shooting in [M] exposure mode at a shutter speed setting of bulb with the shutter held open for less than 8 seconds and Long exp. NR enabled has been resolved.
An issue that prevented shutter release at the specified shutter speed when no operations were performed for 30 seconds in mirror up mode has been resolved.
An issue that caused abnormal image display when Image review was set to On and the playback zoom in button was pressed immediately after shooting at the following settings has been resolved.
Image quality: NEF (RAW ) + JPEG
NEF (RAW) recording: Lossless compressed or Compressed
Image size: S or M
When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and the camera recovered from standby mode triggered by the auto meter off function, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved.

For further information regarding the new firmware, download the supplemental document for the new firmware, D300_FirmUp_(11)En.pdf.

August 12th – are we to get a D300s before photokina? [DPR]

July 2008 Firmware update: D300 firmware v1.03 can be downloaded from these links: Mac, PC

Amongst other things it addresses battery level monitor problems

August 2007 After much speculation, Nikon announce the D300 a DX (1.5 crop) camera with some interesting features

This page has the press info and specs – we’ll add any other interesting info as we get it

More info from Nikon -(D300 Nikon PR and D3 Nikon PR)

Nikon D300 Key Features

12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
ISO 200 – 3200 (6400 with boost)
14-bit A/D conversion
Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
Shutter life 150,000 exposures
New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
Auto-focus tracking by colour (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) is now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
Picture Control image parameter presets (replace colour Modes I, II and III)
Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
Compact Flash UDMA support
3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
HDMI HD video output
‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes colour in darkness
New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
Buttons sealed against moisture
Available November 2007

The Nikon D300

Guide price: D300 body only £1299.99 / €1980*
*full list pricing, including lens, accessories and bundles will be available in September

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the 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 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 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 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 colour sensor modified to recognise subjects’ shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the new 51-Point Autofocus system in tracking subjects by their colour, while enhancing the accuracy of exposure and white balance metering. The 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. Autofocus is possible in both Live View modes.

Enhanced Images with EXPEED

The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the 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 colours, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.

Ready for tomorrow

The 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 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 colour according to the ambient lighting conditions.

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

Durable and Dependable

The 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 D300 is also designed for a high level of dust and water resistance.

Total Imaging System

Like the D3, the D300 isn’t just a camera, but part of a complete Nikon system to help photographers create great images. The 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 5 D300 cameras can be established and image thumbnails from all connected cameras browsed simultaneously and relevant image files ‘pulled’, while the photographers continue shooting.

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

Available in November 2007.

Nikon D300 specifications

Price (body only)	US: $ 1799 UK: £ 1299 EU: € 1980
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor *	23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor DX format RGB colour Filter Array Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) 13.1 million total pixels 12.3 million effective pixels 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor *	Nikon EXPEED
A/D conversion *	14 bit
Image sizes *	4288 x 2848 [L; 12.2 MP] 3216 x 2136 [M; 6.9 MP] 2144 x 1424 [S; 3.1 MP]
File formats	NEF (12-bit or 14-bit *, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) NEF + JPEG TIFF * JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
NEF compression	Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80% * Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60%
Lens mount	Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts 1.5x field of view crop
Usable lenses	DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-colour Matrix Metering II possible AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-colour Matrix Metering II possible Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; colour Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data /td>
Dust reduction *	Self-cleaning sensor unit (‘Clean image sensor’) * Image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)
Auto Focus	51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) * Multi-CAM 3500DX * AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode
Lens Servo	Single Servo AF [S] Continuous Servo AF [C] Manual focus [M] Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject’s status in [S] or [C] AF
Focus Point *	Single point from 51 or 11 focus points Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point anywhere within frame
AF Area Mode *	Single point AF Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] Automatic-area AF
Focus Lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
AF assist	Yes, lamp
Exposure modes	Program Auto [P] with flexible program Shutter-Priority Auto [S] Aperture-Priority Auto [A] Manual [M]
Metering	TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor 3D colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); colour matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); colour matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering range	3D colour Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens
Meter coupling	CPU and AI
Exposure lock	Locked using AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure bracketing	• 2 to 9 frames 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps *
Exposure compen.	+/-5.0 EV 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Sensitivity *	Default: ISO 200 – 3200 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps Boost: 100 – 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Shutter	Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec (up to 1/320 sec with reduced GN *) Bulb
DOF Preview	Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button Activates modelling flash
White balance	Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) Presets (seven) with fine tuning * Manual presets (four) colour temperature in Kelvin (2500 – 10000 K, 31 steps) White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)
Picture Control *	Standard Neutral Vivid Monochrome
Image parameters *	Sharpening: Auto, 7 levels Contrast: Auto, 5 levels, Custom tone curve Brightness: 3 levels Saturation: Auto, 5 levels Hue: 5 levels
colour space	sRGB (Standard and Vivid modes) Adobe RGB (Neutral mode)
Viewfinder	Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism Built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1m-1) Eyepoint: 19.5 mm (at -1.0m-1) Frame coverage 100% * Viewfinder magnification approx 0.94x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens
Focusing screen	B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II Superimposed focus brackets On-demand grid lines
LCD monitor *	3.0 ” TFT LCD 922,000 pixels 170° viewing angle Brightness adjustment
LCD Liveview *	Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors) Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
Shooting modes	Single frame Continuous Low [CL] Continuous High [CH] Liveview [LV] Self-Timer (programmable) Mirror-up mode
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
Continuous buffer	JPEG Large/Normal: 100 shots (at 6 fps) RAW: no data yet
Self-timer	2 to 20 sec custom
Flash control	TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. Built-in Speedlight, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode	Front-curtain Sync (normal) Red-Eye Reduction Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync Slow Sync Rear-curtain Sync
Built-in Speedlight	Manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 200, m) approx 17 (manual 18) Guide number (ISO 100, m) approx 12 (manual 13)
Flash Accessory Shoe	ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided
Flash Sync Terminal	ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided
Flash compensation	-3 to +1 EV 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps *
Creative Lighting System	With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash colour Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock
Orientation sensor	Tags images with camera orientation
Playback mode	Full frame Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) One-touch zoom Slideshow RGB histogram Shooting data Highlight point Auto image rotation
Languages *	Chinese (Simplified and Traditional),Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Custom functions	48 custom functions
Connectivity	USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type A connector) * Remote control 10-pin terminal PC Sync flash terminal
10-pin terminal	GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) Remote control: via 10-pin terminal
Communications	FTP and PTP/IP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (IEEE 802.11 b/g)
Storage	Compact Flash Type I or II UDMA *, Microdrive and FAT32 supported 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header
Power	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh) Included battery charger MH-18a Optional AC adapter EH-5a Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip *
Vertical grip *	Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries
Battery monitoring	The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following information about the EN-EL3e battery: Remaining charge (%) No. of shots taken since last charge Battery life (5 stages)
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)
Weight (no batt)	825 g (1.82 lb)
Box contents	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Strap AN-D300, LCD monitor cover BM-8, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-23, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories	Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2

* New or changed compared to the D200

Never miss a new article or review - Sign up for our Newsletter (2-4 a month max.)

Enjoyed this article?

Other areas of our site that may be of interest...

All the latest articles/reviews and photo news items appear on Keith's Photo blog 

We've a whole section of the site devoted to  Digital Black and White photography and printing. It covers all of Keith's specialist articles and reviews.

Categories include Colour management and Keith's camera hacks - there are over 1000 articles/reviews here...

Articles below by Keith (Google's picks for matching this page)

---