Nikon D300 Review - dcresource

The Nikon D300 is the LONG awaited successor to the D200, which was introduced way back in 2005. This upgrade isn't evolutionary by any stretch of the imagination -- it's a totally new camera. Here are the most significant new features:

* New 12.3 effective Megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
* EXPEED image processing "concept"
* Continuous shooting as fast as 8 frames/second (with the optional battery grip)
* 51-point autofocus with 3D subject tracking
* Huge 3-inch LCD display with 307,000 pixels (920,000 dots) with live view support
* Dust reduction system
* Picture Control settings let you have sets of color control settings (think Picture Styles on Canon SLRs)
* Active D-Lighting lets you brighten shadows while taking photos (instead of after)
* Rugged magnesium alloy body is sealed against dust and moisture
* HDMI video output

And that's just the short list -- there will be a lot more new stuff mentioned in the review.

The D300 is probably the most-anticipated digital SLR of the year. How does it perform? Keep reading -- our review starts right now!

The F2.8, 17 - 55 mm lens displayed in the product shots is optional.

What's in the Box?

There are three official "kits" available for the D300. You can go body only ($1799), with an 18 - 135 mm lens ($2099), or with an 18 - 200 mm VR lens ($2539). Here's what you'll find in the box for all of those:

* The 12.3 effective Megapixel Nikon D300 camera body
* F3.5-5.6, 18 - 135 mm AF-S DX lens [cheap lens kit only]
* F3.5-5.6, 18 - 200 mm AF-S DX VR II lens [expensive lens kit only]
* EN-EL3e lithium-ion rechargeable battery
* Battery charger
* LCD monitor cover
* Body cap
* Eyepiece cap
* Shoulder strap
* USB cable
* Video cable
* Software Suite CD-ROM
* 421 page camera manual (printed)

The D300 doesn't come with a memory card, so you'll need to pick one up if you don't have one already. Like its predecessor, the D300 has a CompactFlash slot that supports both Type I and Type II cards. It also supports the super high-speed UDMA CF cards. I'd recommend buying a high speed 2GB card, at the very least.

If you buy either of the lens kits, then you're ready to go right away. If you didn't, then you should know that you can attach nearly any F-mount Nikkor lens in existence. There is a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio here, so a 50 mm lens will have a field-of-view of 75 mm. If you want a full-frame Nikon D-SLR then you'll have to step up to the D3.

The D300 uses the same EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery as the D200 (and several other Nikon D-SLRs). This battery packs a lot of juice -- 11.1 Wh to be exact. How does that translate into battery life? Have a look at this:

Jeff Keller

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