Nikon D300 review

-





The easy-to-use DX-format Nikon 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-inch VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the Nikon D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.

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 color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
  • Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) 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 Color 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 color in darkness
  • New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
  • Buttons sealed against moisture
Nikon D300 digital single lens reflex:
The Nikon 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).

NikonD300 D-SLR camera - Anti dust and Sensitivity:
The new Nikon D300 offers fast power-up, quick response and outstanding flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments. The Nikon D300 powers-up in just 0.13 seconds, with an almost imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter lag. The Nikon D300 D-SLR camera 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 recognize 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 Nikon 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.

Nikon D300 SLR - VGA display and Information panel:
The Nikon 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 Nikon D300 is ready for tomorrow’s imaging environment. The controls of the Nikon 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.

Nikon D300 camera - Durable and Dependable:
The Nikon D300 single lens reflex 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 Nikon D300 is also designed for a high level of dust and water resistance.

Nikon D300 specification:

Effective Pixels
12.3 million

Image Sensor
CMOS, DX Format; total pixels: 13.1 million

Shutter lag
45ms

Start Up
0.13 sec

LCD Monitor
3.0-in., 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 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

Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx. 100%

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.

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

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

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)

AF Area Mode
1) Single point AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Group Dynamic AF

Auto Area AF now with primary subject priority

Dust-reduction System
• Mechanical image sensor cleaning unit.

• Enhanced weather dust protection and seals (covers have added protection versus D200)

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

Image Size
• 4,288 x 2,848 [L]
• 3,216 x 2,136 [M]
• 2,144 x 1,424 [S]

Storage Media
CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II), High Speed UDMA compliant, Microdrive

Liveview Mode (Preview image on rear LCD live)
• Hand-held shooting mode
• Tripod shooting mode with Contrast AF

Auto Exposure Bracketing
2 to 9 exposures in 1/3, 2/3, 3/4 or 1 EV steps

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

Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 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)

Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)

Weight
Approx. 825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Canon EOS 400D review

-
Image
The Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi digital SLR is the s uccessor to the best-selling EOS 350D / Rebel XT . Announced in August 2006, it combines a number of anticipated improvements along with a few genuine surprises. Most people won’t be surprised to learn the 400D / XTi now features a larger 2.5in screen and Canon’s Picture Styles, but following the earlier EOS 30D, many equally expected the new entry-level body to employ the same sensor as its predecessor. But instead of re-using the 350D / XT’s 8 Megapixel sensor, Canon’s developed a brand new 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor for the 400D / XTi. This m akes it Canon’s highest resolution digital SLR with an EF-S lens mount to date. Improved Performance: As well as the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, the EOS 400D incorporates a number of developments over the EOS 350D. Resolution increases from 8.0 to 10.1 Megapixels, using the superior hi-sensitivity, hi-speed, low-noise CMOS technology now found in all six EOS Digital mod
Read more

Canon EOS 550D Review

-
Image
Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (18.0 MP CMOS (APS-C) Sensor, Full HD 1080p Video, Advanced Live View, 3" 1.04 Million Dot Clear View LCD, 3.7 fps) The EOS 550D is an advanced mid-range camera, just one step down from the EOS 50D (although ironically slightly more expensive). It is aimed at experienced amateur photographers, and has a features set to match. It has a wide range of shutter speeds, from 30 seconds to 1/4000th, a nine-point AF system with a cross-type f/5.6 central point, and the sophisticated 63-point metering system from the EOS 7D, more advanced than the 35-zone meter of the 500D. Pros Tweaked Auto ISO function High resolution LCD screen Quick control function Larger buttons Increased exposure compensation range Battery life Movie mode Cons Small buffer for RAW images Although improved, AF during LiveView could still be better Canon EOS 550D: Specification Resolution 18Mp Sensor size 22.3 x 14.9mm
Read more

Bokeh and DOF (depth of field) tips

-
Image
What is bokeh and DOF? Depth of field (DOF), refers to the area of an image that is in focus. You have most likely seen images where the main subject is in focus, while the background is out of focus or totally blured. The area that covers the focused area is the DOF (depth of field). Bokeh on the other hand, refers to the appearance of the light that is seen within the blured part of the photograph. Bokeh and DOF are important to consider for photographs when you need the main subject to stand out on its own and not be lost in background distractions. Isn't Bokeh and DOF the same thing? No, bokeh and depth of field is not the same thing, although they do work together. DOF is seen in a photograph where there is an obvious focus area, set against a blured background or foreground. Bokeh on the otherhand, refers to how your camera lens renders the light that is seen within the blured parts of the image.
Read more