Nikon D300

Nikon managed to protect very well the two projects (D3 and D300), the first information that predicted the appearance of D300, where published on the Internet just 24 hours before the official release date.

D300 is a giant in technology (photo-technology)by now and needs a little more attention. In fact, D300 represents the new reference point in the professional zone of digital photography.
The only aspect, at which Nikon looses in front of Canon, is the number of megapixels.

If D300 offers 12.1 MP (4256x2232 pixels), Canon with his EOS-1Ds Mark III rises the record at 21 MP. It seems that even Canon has kept secret this model, or else, Nikon could have made up something like a resolution sensor (maybe better that Canon). But this a part of the gigantic marketing ideas.
Anyway, it was a huge surprise for all of us to find out that these big names have upgraded their DSLR system. And all of this happened in just a week!

From now on, D300 is the most performing camera DSLR of Nikon, being the logo of the "full-size" (36x24mm) cameras. The difference between the 21 MP sensors from Canon and Nikon's 12 MP may be misleading. Canon has a superior resolution, but to corner those pixels on the same physical surface will make a bigger noise (visually speaking) than the sensor of D300. So, D300 is capable of working with better ISO at a reduced noise level. The camera comprises the ISO rates between 200 and 6400. But, this great camera has also three set rates: ISO 100, ISO 12800 and, unbelievable - ISO 25600.

The new CMOS sensor used in D300 is helped by a brand new image processor - EXPEED, which can capture in gust mode at 9frames/second. The record is set by Canon, with MARK III, EOS-1D (10frames/second), but which doesn't have a "full-size" sensor. D300 may even gain 2 frames and ascend at the level of 11 fps if you use it at a lower resolution - 5 MP.

We may boast D300 for the 3" display, made by 920.000 pixels which support the Live View function. This means that the scene is viewed and on the LCD, exactly like "normal" cameras.

As I said before, D300 is a camera that forces new standards to appear. This change is made throw technological endowments. Now, everybody talks about HD, and Nikon bets on this aspect. Aside with the big display of 1 MP, at HD chapter is included the HDMI port, throw which the images can be viewed directly on a high-definition TV.

As for advanced technological details, D300 remains the same commanding captain of cameras : 51 points of autofocus, time to start - 0.12s, spot metering - 1.5%, exposure redress +/-5EV, exposure time 30-1/8000s along with Bulb and the sure fact that the camera will function for 300.000 pictures.

D300 includes a new facility which takes care of exposure calculation - Scene Recognition System. It is based a CCD sensor, with 1005 pixels that helps the camera to calculate more efficiently the white balance and the metering parameters.

Nikon applied much more functions to edit the final image - 7 Sharp levels, 5 contrast levels, 3 luminosity levels, 5 levels of saturation and 5 for HUE. As almost all the DSLR camera there are save options in color specter sRGB or AdobeRHB

As for storage, there are also a lot of things to be said. Probably the most important aspect is the presence of two slots of CF cards. Both of them at 45MB/s speeds (UDMA), speeds absolutely needed for the gust mode, especially if the 9fps is used. D300 can save images in more formats: NEF (Raw, from Nikon), NEF si JPEG, and also TIFF.
Nikon D300 is a solid and hardy piece of technology, with a weight of 1.390g (accumulator included). It doesn't have to be dainty, but an endurance athlete, and Nikon made that possible.

They hided all it behind of an magnesium alloy housing, resistant to conditions of different kinds - humidity, dust, heat and excessive cold emperatures. At least, this is what Nikon declares. The buttons are resistant like the entire housing.

The montage system of lens is the same as the majority of precedent Nikon models - Nikon F with AF contacts.

It is pretty weird to talk about some cameras able to work in network. So, throw the optional package we find modules that permit the connection of D300 to a computer where the images can be quickly saved.

Also, five cameras of this kind can work in a wireless network, and this means that a user can see the pictures from other cameras.

Along with D300, Nikon announced five new objectives :AF-S 14-24mm, f/2.8G ED, AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR, AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR.

The single concurrent of Nikon on the High End area of DSLR cameras is Canon. Evidently, we exclude the ultra-professional solutions as Hasselblad, which can be compared only by command. Nikon D300 is making concurrence with 1Ds series from Canon. As for the price, Nikon is superior. D300 has a recommended price of 2.000€, meanwhile Canon offers the EOS-1Ds Mark III for a price around 8.000€.

Many professional photographers have their "soul brand" and the new features from Nikon and, why not, Canon could make them change their mind. This is influenced, somehow, by the equipments that every photograph possesses. If a photograph has a large set of accessories, the changing of a mark assumes and their change and this may provoke big supplemental expenses. This product is remarkable, but I wouldn't recommend to professional to change their entire photo arsenal for this.