A brief Overview - Nikon D300:

The D300 is a pro-grade camera, and shares many of the same revolutionary features as the D3. While the D3 breaks new ground for Nikon with a full-frame sensor (called FX) at 12.1 megapixels, the D300 nearly matches that resolution at the old DX-size recording a 12.3 megapixel image with a 1.5x crop factor. They share so many features that we like to think of the D300 as the customise-it-yourself Nikon D3. You can almost achieve the D3's performance by adding accessories to the D300. You get everything but the larger frame size. The Nikon D300 also has Live View, in-camera Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, a self-cleaning sensor, and optic-by-optic autofocus fine-tuning, plus the ability to upgrade to eight-frames-per-second with the purchase of a battery grip, all sure to be popular with D200 fans.

The Nikon D300 has 14-bit A/D conversion, just like the D3 that was introduced at the same time, plus the option of stepping back into 12-bit A/D conversion if you desire. The Nikon D300's new Scene Recognition System merges data from the AF system with data from the 1,005-point metering system for greater accuracy and better tracking. A new 51-point AF system includes 15 cross-type sensors and a wide range of modes to take best advantage of them. And the 920,000 pixel, 3-inch LCD rivals the Nikon D300's own optical viewfinder for clarity; both are even said to offer 100% viewfinder coverage.

Manufacturer's Announcement:

Combining innovative Nikon technologies with advanced new features and precision engineering, the D300 delivers the ultimate blend of DX-format performance.

The sheer imaging power of a new 12.3 effective-megapixel DX Format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter; the precision processing and astounding speed of Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept; the unprecedented focusing speed and precision of a new 51-point AF system; Nikon's innovative new Scene Recognition System for optimal autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance; the composition and focusing ease of a large new pentaprism viewfinder that provides full 100% frame coverage; an expansive 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch (7.6 cm) LCD monitor with wide viewing angle; near-instant power-up and immediate response; all with the advantages of Nikon DX-format agility and system expandability.

Meet the new generation digital SLR camera that blends all these advanced features into one fine package — the Nikon D300.

Key Features:

12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor: Nikon's exclusive digital image processing system advances DX-format image quality to new levels.

The 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: 170-degree, wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection makes critical image review possible.

Continuous shooting from 6 frames per second up to 8 frames per second*: The new optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack makes the D300 a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines.
* When using the EH-5a AC adaptor or the MB-D10 multi-power battery pack with batteries other than rechargeable Li-ion En El3e.

Low-Noise ISO from 200-3200: The D300’s DX-format CMOS sensor with a high signal-to-noise ratio empowers photographers to select from a broad range of ISOs from 200-3200 with exceptional performance at low-noise high ISO settings. Included is an expanded range of options with Lo-1 (ISO 50 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent).

Fast, accurate 51-point auto focus with 3D focus tracking and three dynamic AF modes: Exacting auto focus precision at blazing speeds!

Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS): The improved 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II provides even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with smarter auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.

Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing Concept: The foundation of Nikon’s newest Image Processing Systems, EXPEED culminates the concepts, innovations and years of Nikon’s digital image processing technologies at blazing processing speeds.

Selectable 12-Bit or 14-Bit A/D Conversion: The choice of selecting bit-depths at 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a full 16-bit processing pipeline, enables photographers to choose smaller files at faster operating speeds, as opposed to larger files with smoother tonal gradations as slower operating speeds.

Dynamic integrated dust reduction system: Self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles.

Two LiveView shooting modes: Use either hand-held or tripod when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles.

New Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 4 preset options; standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings.

Nikon's Active D-Lighting Image enhancement: Provided on the fly while shooting, Active D-lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling light intensity and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve the right level of contrast across the entire image for sharp, detailed results.

Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism: The D300 has been tested to 150,000 cycles making it the perfect choice for photographers who demand high performance and agility.

Detailed Specifications - Nikon D300

Effective pixels		12.1 million
Image sensor		Nikon DX format (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CMOS sensor
Image size (pixels)		4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
Sensitivity		ISO 200 to 3,200 in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent); sensitivity decreases approx. LO-0.3, LO-0.5, LO-0.7 and LO-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) 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
Storage media		CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) and Microdrive™
LCD monitor		3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD, allows up to 170-degree viewing angle
Exposure metering		1) 3D-Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses, Non-CPU lenses require manual input of lens data) performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor, 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15 or 20mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame; 3) Spot: Meters 3mm circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)
Exposure modes		1) Programmed Auto [P], 2) Shutter-Priority Auto [S], 3) Aperture-Priority Auto [A], 4) Manual [M]
Interface		Hi-speed USB
Power sources		Rechargeable EN-EL3e Li-ion Battery, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC Adapter (optional)
Dimensions (W x H x D)		Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm
Weight		Approx. 825 grams without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover

Nikon D300 Images