Nikon D300 Camera Interactive Review (New Autofocus King for those on a budget?)

Nikon D300 Camera Interactive Review


Before we get started with the review here is a rundown of the specs for this new camera from Nikon.

Main Features

• All-new 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and the increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output
• Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept
• Nikon's original Scene Recognition System greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance
• New 51-point autofocus system features 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6
• Viewfinder with approx.100% frame coverage and large approx.0.94 magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0 m-1)
• Rapid 8 fps*1 or 6 fps*2 continuous shooting for up to 100 shots*3*4
• New Picture Control System for image finishing optimized to match individual preferences
• Quick response of 0.13 sec. power-up and 0.045 sec. shutter release time lag*5
• Two liveview modes enable shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor
• Magnesium alloy body for light weight and rugged durability
• 3-inch LCD with 920,000-dot (VGA) resolution and a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle
• Active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights
• Shutter speeds ranging from 1/8,000 to 30 s for full creative control
• Optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting capability, enhances stability, and provides the further shooting potential of added controls
• Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System
• Support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional) enables direct cable-free image transfer to a compatible computer
• Includes Nikon’s Software Suite software for easy control over image adjustment and management
• Supported by Nikon Capture NX software (optional), to explore the extensive potential of NEF (Nikon Electronic Format)
  *1 When using AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 or Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
  *2 When using Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
  *3 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1 GB card
  *４ 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
  *5 When shooting in JPEG, TIFF or 12-bit NEF (RAW) formats

The list looks pretty impressive for a camera at this price point. We plan to cover various features in detail. To start the review we'll jump right into one of the main new features of the camera- the autofocus system.

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