Read Nikon D300 Hands-On Preview on Digital Photography Review

Nikon D300 Hands-on Preview
Phil Askey, September 2007

Nikon D300 Hands-On Preview: Digital Photography Review

Nikon announced Nikon D300 digital SLR

The Nikon D300 was announced August 23rd 2007.The D300 is a 12MP DX (1.5x crop factor), 6 FPS (8 FPS with grip), 3" LCD DSLR. It's $1,799.95

Nikon D300 Key Features

1. 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
2. Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
3. ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
4. 14-bit A/D conversion
5. Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
6. Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
7. Shutter life 150,000 exposures
8. New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
9. Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
10. Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
11. Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
12. Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
13. Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
14. Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
15. Compact Flash UDMA support
16. 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
17. Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
18. HDMI HD video output
19. 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
20. Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
21. New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
22. Buttons sealed against moisture
23. Available November 2007 for $1800 USD, £1299 GBP or €1980