Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3 effective megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon's newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility.
The D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon?s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as found in the D3 that promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.
The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering-up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots* at full 12.3 megapixel resolution.
Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection.
The D300 incorporates Nikon?s new Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.
Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options ? Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D300 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras that feature Picture Control System.
Specifications:
Effective Pixels: 12.3 million Image Sensor: CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million; Nikon DX-format Image Size (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S] Dust-reduction System: Self-cleaning Sensor Unit, image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required) Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200 File System: Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21 Storage System: NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW), TIFF (RGB), JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant Storage Media: CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), MicroDrive Release Modes: 1) Single frame [S] mode 2) Continuous low speed [CL] mode: 1 to 7 frames per second (note 1) 3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 8 frames per second (note 1) , 6 frames per second (note 2) 4) LiveView [LV] mode 5) Self-timer mode 6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode Note 1. When using EH-5a/EH-5 AC Adapter or MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack with batteries other than EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Note 2. When using EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (When shooting in Continuous-servo AF (C), Shutter-Priority Auto [S] or Manual [M] exposure modes, at a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster with other settings at default) White Balance: Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), seven manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1~3) LiveView: Hand-held shooting mode: TTL Phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors), Tripod shooting mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area LCD Monitor: 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment Playback Function: 1) Full frame 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments) 3) Zoom 4) Slideshow 5) RGB histogram indication 6) Shooting data 7) Highlight point display 8) Auto image rotation Delete Function: Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete Video Output: NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available HDMI Output: Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available Interface: Hi-Speed USB Text Input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Compatible Lenses: 1) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible 2) D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKORlenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR) 3) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible 4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible 5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is 5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides Picture Angle: Equivalent in FX-format [135mm] is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length (DX format) Viewfinder: SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1) Eyepoint: 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1) Focusing Screen: Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines Viewfinder Frame Coverage: Approx. 100% (vertical and horizontal) Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 Autofocus: TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20 degree C/68 degree F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode] Lens Servo: Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF Focus Point: Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points LiveView (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point within entire frame AF Area Mode: 1) Single point AF 2) Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] 3) Automatic-area AF Focus Lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button Exposure Metering System: TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) 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 (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used) 3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Exposure Metering Range: 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering) (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20??C) Exposure Meter Coupling: Combined CPU and AI Exposure Modes: 1) Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program 2) Shutter-Priority Auto [S] 3) Aperture Priority Auto [A] 4) Manual [M] Exposure Compensation: Plus or minus 5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV Auto Exposure Lock: Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button Auto Exposure Bracketing: Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV) Picture Control System: Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted Shutter: Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb Sync Contact: X=1/250 s; flash synchronization at up to 1/320 s (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN) Flash Control: 1) i-TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, built-in flash, SB-800 or SB-600: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash 2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S 4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800 Flash Sync Mode: 1) Front-curtain Sync (normal) 2) Red-eye Reduction 3) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync 4) Slow Sync 5) Rear-curtain Sync Built-in Speedlight: Manual pop-up with button release Guide number : (ISO 200, m): approx. 17 (manual 18)(ISO 100 equivalent, m): approx. 12 (manual 13) Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV Accessory Shoe: ISO 518 Standard hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided Sync Terminal: ISO 519 standard terminal Creative Lighting System: With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock Self-timer: 2 to 20 seconds duration Depth of Field Preview: When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode) Remote Control: Via 10-pin terminal or WT-4A Wireless Transmitter (optional) GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and MC-35 GPS Cable (optional) Supported Languages: Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish Power Source: One EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional) with one EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC Adapter (optional) Tripod Socket: 1/4 in. (ISO 1222) Custom Settings: 48 settings available Operating Environment: Termperature 0-40 degrees C/32-104 degrees F: under 85 percent (no condensation) Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in. (147 x 114 x 74 mm) Weight: Approx. 1.82 lbs. (825 g) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
