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Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body Only

Nikon’s rugged D300S’ features include versatility, speed, agility and exceptional image quality. Versatility is its 12.3-megapixel, DX-format CMOS image sensor, with Nikon EXPEED image processing that captures stunning low-noise stills and extraordinary 24 fps, 720p HD video with sound. Speed is split-second startup and continuous shooting at up to 7 fps 8 fps with the optional MB-D10 grip, which also extends shooting capacity and makes shooting more comfortable. Accurate image review, Live View shooting and Menus come alive on a 3-inch tempered glass-protected, 920k-dot LCD monitor, while image quality is bolstered by a 51-area AF system and Nikon’s 1,005-pixel RGB exposure sensor, in concert with the newly accelerated Scene Recognition System technology that increases exposure and AF accuracy, improves white balance detection, and more. Photographers have preferences, and the D300S offers choices including Picture Control, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering, user-assignable CompactFlash and SD card slots and an external stereo microphone input. Included is Nikon ViewNX software, ready to process rich 14-bit NEF (RAW) or JPEG files. For more editing power, optional Capture NX 2, with U-Point technology, safeguards image quality and speeds workflow. The D300S’ pro-level performance, paired with world-famous NIKKOR lenses, was engineered to exceed the expectations of the most demanding photographers. Dual memory card slots (CF and SD) Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System In-Camera Image Editing Rugged and Durable Lens Not Included But Required!

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Minor upgrade compared to D300 but the value is not there
Pros:

1) Great starting point (D300)

2) Dual memory cards

Cons:

1) The “upgraded” five-way joystick now feels cheap and wobbles; I keep wondering when this thing is going to fall off.

2) HD video with interchangable lenses is great for stationary shots and “testing” but essentially useless for real-life applications (filming children…). Get D300 for $500 less and a dedicated HD camcorder for $500 and will be better off.

3) This is mostly a firmware upgrade that is worth to Nikon probably around $10 extra per camera while charging $500 premium over the D300’s street price.

4) The HDMI port is non-standard (unlike the older D300) that requires a separate purchase.

5) The main reason to upgrade is the availability of the (almost useless) video capability. At least Nikon could have thrown in a HDMI cable to “play” with video capabilities. I could not wait to test the video when the camera arrived only to find out that the necessary cable was not included.

5 Stars Quite an upgrade from the D90!
As a former D90 owner (and I dont have complains of it) this is clearly a big step ahead. I spend most of my shooting in the outdoors and clearly the D300s is a camera designed for a much more rough use, although it shares functions and characteristics with the D90, but I dont regret at all the upgrade. Its a very fast and accurate machine in all its functions, wonderful image quality and small learning curve, I can see a difference in the image quality. The video is a nice addition. Completely recommended.

3 Stars blue lights appear in many pictures
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1HDMY916N2MCU I just received the Nikon D300s two weeks ago and I have noticed blue lights in many pictures that I have taken on several different occasions. I would like to think that I have the setting wrong, but I am beginning to feel like it is a defect in the camera. Since I live abroad for most of the year, this is a hassle that I would like to fix without having to send it to Nikon to be repaired.

5 Stars Great new semi-pro flagship from Nikon
I actually planned to purchase the D300 as replacement for the D200 that used to be the backup for my D3, when Nikon announced the D300s. I placed the unit on pre-order with Amazon and received it shortly after the official launch date.

First impressions out-of-the-box was that the unit is as solidly built as the D200 with a good grip and feel. Controls are well placed and within easy reach for manual shooters. I’ve now used mine for almost one month, primarily with the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, and some telephoto shooting with the 80-400mm Nikkor zoom. Focusing is fast and sharp, and picture quality is very good, with outside shots at ISO200 almost comparable to the D3. Shutter actuation sounds very smooth and quiet compared to the D3 and I used the D300s extensively inside some cathedrals without feeling embarrassed.

I do lots of manual shooting, but also took many shots in P-mode with exceptional results and perfect exposure. Color rendition is great and noise is minimal, even at ISO800 on some of the indoor shots. This camera is a great option for any semi-pro or professional photographer and I give it a 5-star rating with confidence.

One con is the fact that there is no menu option for having a PC see the D300s as a drive letter, so you need to use a Windows utility or the Nikon software to transfer files to the PC, unless you use an external card reader of course. I have logged a call with Nikon regarding this and will update this post when I hear from them. Another feature that are being criticized by some reviewers is the video capability. Of course this is a still camera and the video option is a nice-to-have. The couple of videos that I have taken looks quite good to me, but I am not a videographer, and if I were, I would have purchased a video camera without expecting it to take great photographs.

5 Stars Great camera!
I use my cameras well, and hard, for many types of publications. This camera opens up whole new worlds for me in low light photography, and really extends my capabilities in new ways. It has typically superb Nikon ergonomics; although with lots more features, there’s a bit of a learning curve with more comprehensive menus (for those control settings you can’t access directly with buttons on camera). That’s not a criticism, just a statement.

Highly recommended.

Lee Krohn Photography, LLC

Manchester, Vermont

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