Nikon D300S
The D300S is Nikon’s DX format digital SLR (single lens reflex) flagship innovatively designed for professionals and persons with the ultimate passion for photography. The Nikon D300S is remarkably fast and has a rugged well sealed body magnesium alloy body to protect against foreign particles making it ideal for the outdoors and extreme environments.
The D300S distinct features include contrast-detection autofocus that operates while in movie mode – a first for a Nikon DSLR. It comprises the non-latched memory card door that was incepted with the D700, but has both a CF and SD slot behind it. Other similarities to the D700 include Nikon’s now-standard multi controller with separate central button that, on this camera, initiates movie recording when in live view. The D300S also has similar features to the D90 including the same 12.9 megapixel (12.3 million effective pixels) APS-C sensor and Nikon’s latest generation EXPEED processor. The D300S is Nikon’s third DSLR camera to be equipped with a 12 megapixel image sensor with HD video recording capability.
The D300S now has the faculty of continuously shooting, up to approximately 7 frames per second (fps) on just the basic battery. Its 51 point AF offers superior speed and accuracy much like its predecessor the D300; the multicam 3500DX AF sensor gives a wide range of coverage, allowing for accurate capture of the subject even if its movement is unpredictable. The D300S offers three area modes – Dynamic-area AF, Single-point AF and Auto-area AF.
Nikon’s impressive D-movie function now comes with an external microphone for clear stereo recordings. The D300S’ superior video allows the user to easily switch between still images and D-movie; it’s perfect for creating high end multimedia pieces.
The Nikon D300S price ranges from $1700 to $2500 depending on where the purchase is made.
Key Features
- 13.1 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
- 720p HD video
- 3.0″ LCD monitor (920,000 dots)
- Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
- IS0 200-3200 range (6400 expanded)
- Picture Controls – image parameters consistent with all current Nikon DSLRs
- 72 thumbnail view in playback
- 14-bit A/D conversion
- Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
- Shutter life 150,000 exposures
- 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
- Compact Flash UDMA support
- 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
