Nikon has today officially introduced the Nikon D300 digital SLR, the successor to the award winning Nikon D200 (Nov 2005). The Nikon D300 incorporates major advancements in performance and design compared to the Nikon D200, making the new camera much more than a simple upgrade.
A host of new Nikon technologies have been implemented in the Nikon D300 including; a newly developed 12.3 effective megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor with up to 3200 ISO sensitivity (+ Hi1 6400), a new precision Multi-CAM 3500DX 51-point AF system, a large 3.0-inch high resolution 920,000 pixel LCD information display with Live View Mode, 6 frames per sec continuous shooting (up to 8 fps with new MB-D10 power grip), new Nikon Scene Recognition System and EXPEED image processing concept including "Picture Control" settings, an integrated self cleaning sensor unit, in camera Retouch Menu (like on the D80), HDMI output and support for the new Wi-Fi transmitter WT-4 .
The Nikon D300 also differs from the Nikon D200 in terms of general ergonomic design and the layout of some of the control buttons. We will look at these enhancements in more detail, however we begin by looking at the major new features of the D300 and compare the differences in specifications between the two cameras. See the latest price on the Nikon D300 from a range of merchants (US).
Nikon D300 Digital SLR: Major new features:
New 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output
Rapid 8 fps (with optional MB-D10 vertical power grip) or 6 fps continuous shooting for up to 100 shots at full 12.3 MP resolution
Faster start up, shorter shutter lag and viewfinder blackout versus the Nikon D200
Nikon's new Scene Recognition System incorporated in the Nikon D300 and the Nikon D3 digital SLR advances the use of Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance functions in the D300.
New Scene Recognition System (SRS) provides for improved Color Matrix Metering II, White Balance and AF performance:
Leveraging data provided by their 1,005-pixel RGB Matrix Meter, Nikon’s new SRS provides more precise subject identification, optimizing autofocus, exposure and white balance detection.
The system uses data from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor to track a moving subject along the plane of direction within the frame. Complementing the AF sensor data with the subject tracking data calculated from the RGB sensor makes it possible for the D300 to select focus with great speed and precision.
Improved subject identification performance: information from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor is used to identify the background and any human subjects, and contributes to sharp focus by detecting where the subject's face is positioned. Human subjects are given higher priority when using Auto Area A.
Enhanced Color Matrix Metering II algorithms: metering data from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor is used to detect the areas of highlights. The range of brightness to be reproduced is calculated from the results of highlight analysis and more precise exposure control can be acheived.
Light source inference uses subject distance information and integrated pattern recognition to optimize auto white balance.
New 51-point AF system offers 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6, 3D Focus Tracking, 3 Dynamic AF modes using groups of 51, 21 or 9 points
Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 920,000-dot (VGA) resolution, brightness adjustment and a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle and tempered-glass protection makes it possible for even more critical image review
Camera shooting information can be displayed on the rear LCD monitor or viewed in the traditional way on the camera's large top LCD panel.
Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining, buffer capacity, and AF area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the "Info" (Protect) button is pressed.
Liveview: Hand-held shooting mode and Tripod shooting mode with Contrast AF
Real-time lateral chromatic aberration compensation and refined high ISO noise reduction
Enhanced battery performance from the supplied rechargeable Nikon Li-ion EN-EL3e battery offering the ability to shot almost twice as many images as with the Nikon D200 on a single charge. (Better than D70)
Viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and large 0.94 magnification
Built-in image-sensor cleaning mechanism for dust-reduction
New Picture Control for predictable image finishing optimized to match individual preferences
New EXPEED digital image processing concept for faster processing of images
Quick response of 0.13 sec. power-up and 45 ms shutter release time lag
Magnesium-alloy construction, advanced dust and moisture protection and
durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles
Active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights
Nikon D300 Digital SLR versus D200 side by side major feature comparison
Specifications
Nikon D300 Digital SLR
Nikon D200 Digital SLR
Effective Pixels
12.3 million
10.2 million
Image Sensor
CMOS, DX Format; total pixels: 13.1 million
RGB CCD, DX Format; total pixels: 10.92 million
Pixel Pitch 5.49µm (same as the Nikon D2Xs) 6.05µm
Viewfinder Blackout 100ms 105ms
Shutter lag
45ms
50ms
Shutter Unit Rating 150,000 cycles 100,000 cycles
Start Up 0.13 sec 0.15 sec
LCD Monitor
3.0-in., 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, brightness adjustment
2.5-in., 230,000-dot, brightness adjustment
Sensitivity
ISO 200 to 3200 equivalent ) in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV plus Lo 1 (ISO 100) and HI 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
Refined high ISO noise reduction. The new A/D converter integrated into the image sensor reduces shadow noise
100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings up to 1 EV over 1600 (HI 1 is ISO 3200 equivalent)
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx. 100%
Approx. 95%
Nikon Scene Recognition System • Scene Recognition System: (Subject tracking and identification, highlight analysis, light source inference)
• Improved subject tracking performance realizes more rapid and accurate focus point selection.
• Improved subject identification contributes to more accurate focus lock.
• The results of highlight analysis improves exposure control accuracy.
• Light source inference uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition to achieve optimal white balance.
Not available
Metering Type 1005-segment RGB metering sensor improved with new diffraction grating system (directs RGB wavelengths to a finer point for enhanced colour accuracy)
1005-segment RGB Matrix Metering
Exposure Metering System
New Scene Recognition System
Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II improved with SRS
2) 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
3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area
Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II
2) 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
3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area
White Balance and Fine Tuning • Improvements with new Scene Recognition System: Light source inference uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition.
• A color cast (G-M) option has been added on the Nikon D300 for adjustment on 2 axes
• Fine-tuning steps are now equivalent to 5 mired each (same with bracketing) 10 mired each fine-tune step
Autofocus
• TTL phase detection / Focal plane contrast (in Liveview tripod shooting mode)
• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500 autofocus module; with AF-assist illuminator
• Detection range: -1 to +19 EV
• Fine AF adjustment possible: 20 non- CPU lenses supported
• TTL phase detection 11 focus points (one cross-type sensor) by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator
• Detection range: -1 to +19 EV
3D Focus Tracking Uses new Scene Recognition System and analysis colour and brightness from data provided by the 1005-segment RGB sensor Not available
Focus Points
• AF51 mode: 51 focus points from which a single area can be selected
• AF11 mode: 11 focus points from which a single area can be selected (like Nikon D2Xs)
• Liveview: Full screen AF possible in contrast AF mode (tripod mode)
• Normal: 11 areas; single area or group can be selected
• Wide: focus area can be selected from 7 areas
AF Area Mode
1) Single point AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Group Dynamic AF
Auto Area AF now with primary subject priority
1) Single Area AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Group Dynamic AF
4) Dynamic area AF with closest subject priority
Dust-reduction System
• Mechanical image sensor cleaning unit.
• Enhanced weather dust protection and seals (covers have added protection versus D200)
Weather dust seals
Image Quality Settings
• 12-bit NEF (RAW):uncompressed or compressed RAW
• 14-bit NEF (RAW):uncompressed or compressed RAW. Images are recorded at a bit-depth of 14 bits, producing files roughly 1.3 times larger than 12-bit files but increasing the color data recorded resulting in smoother tones. Maximum frame advance rate decreases to 2.5 fps.
• TIFF (RGB)
• JPEG: Fine, Normal, Basic
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Normal
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Basic
• Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression
• JPEG: Fine, Normal, Basic
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Normal
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Basic
Image Size • 4,288 x 2,848 [L]
• 3,216 x 2,136 [M]
• 2,144 x 1,424 [S] 3,872 x 2,592 [L]
2,896 x 1,944 [M]
1,936 x 1,296 [S]
Storage Media
CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II), High Speed UDMA compliant, Microdrive
CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II) and Microdrive
Image Processing EXPEED Image Processing
• Faster digital signal processing: Contributes to improved Auto White Balance (AWB) performance and real-time lateral chromatic aberration compensation. Approximately 4x faster than the D200
• Improved memory card recording speed: 4x faster than D200 using new UDMA CF cards
• Improved USB transfer speed: 2x faster than the D200
• Improved memory card access speed: approximately 2.5x faster than the Nikon D200
Does not support the faster new generation UDMA Compact Flash (CF) memory cards
Active D-Lighting
Yes. Preserves details in shadows and highlights while also maintaining the right level of contrast across the image. Set before taking the picture.
Not available
Liveview Mode (Preview image on rear LCD live)
• Hand-held shooting mode
• Tripod shooting mode with Contrast AF
Not available
HDMI Output
HDMI 1.3a compliant Type A HDMI connector
Not available
In Camera Editing with Retouch Menu
Yes (like Nikon D80, D40x, D40)
• D-Lighting
• Red Eye Correction
• Trim
• Monochrome
• Filter Effects
• Color Balance
• Image Overlay (NEF / RAW)
Not available
Auto Exposure Bracketing
2 to 9 exposures in 1/3, 2/3, 3/4 or 1 EV steps
2 to 9 exposures in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
Picture Control System
Select and adjust from Picture Control settings:
• Standard
• Neutral
• Vivid
• Monochrome.
Each Picture Control setting can be tweaked for personal preference. Parameters include:
• Quick Adjust: Equal increments of change in sharpness and contrast are applied at the same time. Choose from -2 to +2
• Sharpness: Choose from Auto, or select one of 9 settings (0-9)
• Contrast: Set from Auto, -3 to +3 in one step increments
• Brightness: Settings include
-1, 0, +1
• Saturation: Auto, -3 to +3 in one step increments
• Hue:-3 to +3 in one step
Three Optimize Image Colour Modes I, II, III
Mode I - For portraits, renders natural looking skin tones. Bias towards the reds. Can be used with sRGB or Adobe RGB color profiles.
Mode II - Provides wider color reproduction range and a wider color gamut. Only with Adobe RGB
Mode III - More vivid. Applies to landscapes and scenery. sRGB or Adobe RGB color profiles can be used
Shooting Modes
1) Single frame [S] shooting mode
2) Continuous low speed [CL] shooting mode: 1 to 6 frames per second
3) Continuous high-speed [CH] shooting mode: 6 frames per second (up to 8 fps with MB-D10 power grip and 8x AA batteries or the optional Li-Ion rechargeable EN-EL4a (D2 series)
4) Liveview [LV] mode
5) Self-timer shooting mode
6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode
1) Single frame shooting mode
2) Continuous low speed (CL) shooting mode: 1-4 frames per second
3) Continuous high-speed shooting mode: around 5 frames per second
4) Self-timer shooting mode
5) Mirror-up mode
Custom settings 48 custom settings 45 custom settings
Maximum number of continuous shots (JPEG Large-Fine or NEF/RAW) • Up to 99 shots at 6 frames per sec with 14-bit processing (Jpeg)
• Around 19 images at 6 or 8 fps in NEF/RAW with 12-bit processing
• Around 37 shots at 5 fps (JPEG-Large, Fine)
• Around 22 images at 5 fps in NEF/RAW
Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or ½ EV
Power Source
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Li-ion battery or eight A6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D200 battery pack (optional) with one or two rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion batteries or six AA alkaline (LR6), NiMH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or ZR6 nickel-manganese AA batteries, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)
Battery Consumption Approximately twice the number of images can be captured with an EN-EL3e battery compared to the Nikon D200. Improved and better than the Nikon D70s. About 340 shots under normal shooting conditions without using an active VR lens
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)
Approx. 147 x 113 x 74mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in.)
Weight
Approx. 825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
Approx. 830g (1 lb 13 oz) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
Optional Accessories
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (stand alone wired), Wireless Transmitter WT-4, DK-21M Magnifying Eyepiece, AC Adapter EH-5a,
Multi-Power Battery pack MB-D200, Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (grip and battery function), Semi-soft case D200, AC Adapter EH-6,