Comparison of nikon d300 and d300s cameras. Nikon D300s: test of a semi-professional "SLR" with new lenses. Viewfinder view

The D300s is a compact professional DX-format SLR that empowers photographers who value creative freedom. Housed in a compact body is Nikon's D-movie function and built-in photo editing, letting you quickly switch between great stills and movies with sound. This camera features an extremely sensitive 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and supports continuous shooting at an unrivaled 7 frames per second. The CF and SD card slots add flexibility to your work, allowing you to capture pictures on one memory card and movies on another. Nikon's proven 51-point AF system provides larger area coverage and high sensitivity in low light conditions. Selectable Picture Controls simplify post-processing, and the 3-inch LCD screen supports D-movie and two monitor framing modes. Protected by a durable, lightweight, waterproof and dustproof magnesium housing, the D300s will change the way you think about the photography profession.

Increase the burst speed from 6 to 7 frames (8 with battery grip);
connector for an external stereo microphone;
new Active D-lighting parameters: Auto and Extra High modes;
the ability to record HD-video in a resolution of 1280 × 720 @ 24 fps and with autofocus by contrast;
the ability to edit videos without connecting to a PC;
two slots for memory cards: one for CF, the other for SD;
silent shooting mode;
dedicated button for calling Live View and video recording;
interactive settings menu (as in D90, D3000, D5000);
Info key;
HDMI C.

Key features

3.0 ″ TFT LCD high resolution. As with all professional DSLR cameras, the D300s has a 920,000-pixel VGA display. In a camera of this class, an instant check of the result is very important, and it is much easier to evaluate the image quality and detail on such a screen than on a display with a resolution of 230,000 pixels. Two years ago, such a display was a rarity, but now it is found not only in DSLR cameras such as the Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 500D, but also in some compact cameras from Samsung, Ricoh and Sony.

The viewing angles of the screen are about 170 °, there is no anti-reflective coating. At the same time, the information remains readable even in bright sunlight. The display is not very easily soiled, its protective surface is made of plastic, not tempered glass, as is the case with the Canon EOS 7D. The background of the LCD screen automatically changes from light to dark depending on the lighting conditions. The set includes a plastic cover that protects the display from dirt.

Kevlar / carbon composite shutter. It is worth recalling that body armor is also made from Kevlar, and super-strong and lightweight sports car bodies are made of carbon fiber. So it comes as no surprise that the D300s has a guaranteed 300,000 shutter-release rate. If you do shoot a lot, then in terms of service, buying this camera is a better value than any other professional model.

Live View. The D300 was one of the first DSLR cameras to feature an LCD sight mode. For the former owners of this camera, the improvements will be obvious, as well as the ability to record video. The fact is that the image transmission rate from the D300 matrix was only 15 frames per second, while in the case of the D300s it was 24 frames / s.

Dust and water resistant magnesium alloy housing. Designed with the advanced amateur photographer in mind, environmental resilience has been given special attention. The assembly of the camera is flawless, and all controls are protected from dust and moisture by special membranes.

Appearance and functionality

As mentioned above, the D300s is housed in a one-piece magnesium alloy case, which is very lightweight yet very durable (it won't be damaged by minor drops). The design of the camera assumes work in the cold: the buttons are large enough, they are convenient to press both with gloves and without them. It is noteworthy that the Canon EOS 7D SLR camera, unlike the previous models, also has large buttons, the location of which is almost the same as in the D300 (D300s is almost identical to the D300 except for some details).

The camera is very comfortable in the hand. The controls are extremely intuitive, so after a few days of working with the device, you won't even think about what to press.

For owners of Nikon SLR cameras, the transition to D300s will be painless; only former owners of DSLRs of other brands will have to get used to the ergonomics of the camera.

Despite the serious weight, the camera does not seem heavy at all. Even with heavy zooms, the model is easy to use and transport, hands almost never get tired. The body of the device is lined with soft rubber, which will protect the expensive device from slipping.

Compared to the D300, the rubber gasket has been significantly reduced: it remained only in the place of the bead under the thumb. This is due to the appearance of new buttons for calling the sighting mode on the LCD display (Live View), the Info button, as well as a new slot for two memory cards.

In addition to the main screen, the camera is equipped with an additional monochromatic LCD display. It is backlit with green light and is intended for quick assessment of shooting parameters - shutter speed, aperture, white balance, ISO settings, exposure compensation and bracketing. It also displays service information about the battery charge (5 divisions), the recording format and compression rate, the number of images remaining on the memory card.

The viewfinder in the D300s is 100% frame coverage, large, bright and with comprehensive shooting information. By the way, this is one of the few cameras with such a coating (Canon EOS 7D can also boast of it).

The information bar displays a large number of settings, which can confuse novice photographers. There is an indication of autofocus, metering mode, AE lock, exposure compensation and flash exposure compensation, current values of shutter speed, aperture, ISO, flash-ready indicator and the number of frames remaining to fill the buffer.

A framing grid is displayed on the viewfinder frame itself, as well as information about a discharged battery or a full memory card, which will prevent you from taking a bunch of frames anywhere or staying in the most interesting place without the opportunity to take pictures. By the way, the discharge of the camera, in addition to the divisions on the display, can also be judged by the focusing operation: when the battery level is low, the device focuses slowly, unhurriedly.

Unlike the D300, the D300s has a slot not only for Compact Flash cards, but also for standard SD cards. Working with cards can be carried out in the same way as in the case of: recording as the cards fill up one by one, simultaneous recording on two cards (duplication mode, which will be useful for important shooting or when copies of images need to be given immediately), RAW recording files on one, and JPEG on the second card, and finally, separate recording of videos and photos.

The only thing that the D300s has lost is the memory card lock, which is connected with the appeared Info buttons and the call of the Live View mode. However, the compartment lid sits tightly, and it is not possible to open it by accident, whereas in other SLR cameras (for example, in the D3000) it was in the order of things.

A new 1500 mAh battery is responsible for the power supply of the camera. Its resource is enough for an average of 800-1000 shots, which can be considered just an excellent indicator that few cameras can boast.

Switching between shooting modes is not quite familiar. Instead of the PASM mode dial, there are the following modes (switching between them is carried out only when the lock button is held down, which protrudes slightly above the wheel in front):

S - time-lapse shooting mode;
CL - low-speed burst mode;
CH - high-speed burst shooting mode;
Q - silent shooting mode;
timer shooting mode;
the mirror is up.

The burst rate for low and high speed shooting can be set in the range from 1 to 7 frames per second (at the discretion of the user).

Within the above modes, the photographer can choose any of the required exposure modes (P - Program AE, A - Aperture Priority, S - Shutter Priority, M - Full Manual).

Oddly enough, this is the most convenient mode for professionals. Well, just a fan of filming, such an organization of camera control will not cause any particular inconvenience.

Almost all possible changes to the shooting parameters can be made by holding down a certain key and scrolling one of the two wheels. Or, as in Canon cameras - with a single press of a button and selection with the wheel of one of the available options.

The D300s is equipped with a 51-point AF system (15 cross-type sensors), so in practice the device cannot be fooled by shooting through a mesh fence or through a window glass with reflections. Autofocus is very fast and tenacious.

The brightness of the focus point illumination can also be changed. It is possible to correct specific aberrations, vignetting based on the lens base and micro-correction autofocus. You can switch focusing modes (C, S, M) using the lever near the camera mount.

S - single-frame tracking focus. Focusing occurs when the shutter button is pressed halfway. When the focus indicator appears in the viewfinder, focus locks and remains in focus while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. At default settings, the shutter can only be released when the focus indicator is displayed in the viewfinder.

С - continuous tracking focusing. The camera focuses continuously until the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If the subject moves, predictive focus tracking will be used to determine distance and focus. At default settings, the picture is taken regardless of whether the subject is in focus or not.

M - manual focus mode. Auto focus does not work. Focusing is done manually using the focusing ring on the lens. When using lenses with a maximum aperture of f / 5.6 or faster, focus can be checked using the focus indicator in the viewfinder. The photo can be taken at any time, even if the subject is out of focus.

The AF points are controlled by a separate switch. There are three modes.

Automatic focus point selection. The camera independently detects the subject and selects the focus point. When using a type G or D lens, the camera can recognize human figures, as we have seen clearly when photographing people in various conditions. In seven cases out of seven, the camera focused on the person. In S mode, the active focus points light up after just under a second is reached. Active focus points are not displayed in C mode.

Dynamic Zone AF. In C mode, the focus point is manually selected. If the subject leaves the selected focus point for a short time, the camera will continue to focus on the data from the neighboring points. You can choose from 9, 21, or 51 focus points in Custom Settings. If 3D-tracking is selected, the focus point is automatically selected with it.

Single point autofocus. Focus point is manually selected, the camera focuses only on the subject at the selected focus point. In the D300s, the focus point (s), as, in general, everything else, is selected instantly, you just need to move the lever ring from position L to the position marked by a dot. Focus point selection is carried out using a 9-position joystick, which is framed by this ring.

Live View. As noted, Live View has improved to match today's cameras. D300s can focus both by phase detection mechanism and by contrast focusing. In the sighting mode on the LCD, you can turn on the display of shooting information, live histogram and composition grid. The Live View also calls up the movie shooting mode.

If the D300s video is similar in sharpness and artifacts to other HD cameras, then videos shot in low light conditions and shallow depth of field look simply amazing. And this is all thanks to the large matrix, which is much larger than the matrixes even in the most expensive video cameras. The shooting frequency of 24 frames / s is not encouraging: it is precisely because of this frequency that the floating shutter effect (aka the jelly effect) is more noticeable than at 30, 50 and 60 frames per second on Canon DSLR cameras (in the same EOS 7D, for example). With fast movement of objects in the frame, artifacts characteristic of progressive scanning are observed in the form of jagged edges at the boundaries of objects and jelly.

The ability to use any optics from Nikon's arsenal will allow you to achieve a variety of creative effects when shooting movies. They can also be edited without connecting to a computer. Unfortunately, in all aspects, except for autofocusing during shooting, the camera loses to Canon models: both the EOS 7D and the cheaper EOS 550D can shoot videos not only in 1280 × 720 resolution, but also in 1920 × 1080 resolution, with a frequency of 24 to 60 frames per second. Although it is possible that advanced video capabilities will not be so important for a photographer.

All menu values, like all custom camera settings, can be saved as profiles (called menu banks) and given full names. This is very convenient for multi-purpose use of the camera and allows you to prepare for shooting in a minimum time. The HELP button, which displays a text explanation of the selected item, helps in mastering the menu.

The camera performs well in all modes. And while the automatic exposure works flawlessly (affected by the 1005-pixel RGB sensor), you have the opportunity to fit into the histogram even better: Active D-Lighting adjusts the exposure so as not to knock out the light, ensuring the camera falls into the dynamic range.

Shooting with Active D-Lighting lengthens the recording time on the memory card and greatly reduces the burst buffer. A simple D-Lighting is also available through the menu, which optimizes the dynamic range after shooting, programmatically. With the Extra High option, gradient areas appear at the borders with contrasting objects. In addition, there is a custom picture control mode that allows you to adjust parameters such as sharpness, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue. You can also apply filter effects and toning to your liking.

There are features such as interval timer photography and multiple exposure. Their parameters can be flexibly configured.

You cannot use Live View for more than one hour. Such operating conditions are associated with the heating of the matrix and the appearance of noise in the field of the frame. With a camera mounted on a tripod, getting a perfectly sharp picture is easier than ever, since in Live View you can enlarge any part of the frame to a scale of 1: 1 and to visible pixelation.

Up to 72 pictures are displayed simultaneously in playback mode. Information about the captured frame is divided into seven pages and includes information about the file, general information (color space, vignetting correction, white balance parameters, etc.), GPS data, histogram of brightness and RGB channels, as well as three pages of additional parameters shooting. In other words, you can get comprehensive information about the footage without using a computer. You can add text comments to pictures.

The virtual horizon mode is available in both Live View and normal shooting. The horizon is only horizontal, not biaxial like in Canon EOS 7D.

Test shots

I'll just describe their differences:

Nikon D300S has increased burst speed without using the battery pack. The D300S can shoot at a speed 7 fps, could only shoot at 6 fps. Nikon D300s can accelerate and shoot at the fastest possible speed 8 fps but only when using JPEG or 12-bit RAW and only using the optional MB-D10 battery pack or EH-5a / EH-5 AC adapter. To get the camera to shoot at 8 fps, the MB-D10 alone is not enough. You need to use the special holder MS-D10 with 8 AA cells (batteries or rechargeable batteries). The MS-D10 holder is included with the MB-D10. Also, 8 fps can be achieved using a larger EN-EL4 battery (from cameras, D2hs,) or EN-EL4a (from cameras,, D3x), but this requires an additional BL-3 cover (which is not included with MB-D10). In addition, if you buy an EN-EL4 or EN-EL4a battery, you will have to additionally buy and charge Nikon MH-21 / Nikon MH-22 for it. If you use a regular EN-EL3e battery in the MB-D10, the burst speed will not change. The MB-D10 battery pack fits equally well for, D300S and. Personally, I don't like the fact that for these cameras you have to ‘dance with a tambourine’ to achieve the coveted 8 fps.

Added ‘’ function when sighting via Live View. The Nikon D3 had the same function, but was not copied into the.

Added the ability to use Active in ‘Auto’ and ‘Extra High’ modes.

Added video function... True, the D300S only shoots with the maximum quality up to HD 1280X720 at 24 fps and the maximum video length is only 5 minutes. Also, the modes 640x424 and 320x216 are available at the same frame rate, while the shooting duration is increased to 20 minutes. Unlike its predecessor models - and, the D300S now has the ability to shoot video using contrast focusing. The D300S is the first Nikon DSLR to feature automatic focusing when shooting a video (to focus, select the Live View ‘Tripod’ mode and press the AF-ON button when recording a video). It is believed that video shooting is one of the main differences between the D300 and D300S. Also on the D300S you can find an audio input for using a stereo microphone, and speaker to output audio when watching video. And the menu now has a function for very simple video editing.

D300S removed the lock for opening the memory card compartment that the D300 had. The memory card cover now opens in the same way as on. Some buttons have changed. The D300s has 'LV' button to quickly switch to Live View, on the D300 this mode was selected on the control tower. Added a convenient 'Info' button, is the same as on, and with it the new interactive display (can display data on a black or white background, depending on the lighting conditions). And most importantly, the central button of the joystick was made separate. On the D300, it was sometimes inconvenient to press the center button of the joystick. On the D300s, the center button is just as easy to use as on and.

In the new cell appeared 'Q' silent shooting mode(‘Quiet’ - ‘Quiet’), which is selected by a wheel on the control tower. In turn, the ‘LV’ mode disappeared from there, which is now activated by the ‘LV’ button near the joystick.

D300S now has the ability to use immediately 2 memory cards 2 different types of SD (SDHC) and CF. The D300 worked with only one CF memory card. Of course, various possibilities have been added for writing data to memory cards.

It is possible to record pictures first on one card, and when it is filled - on another.
You can duplicate material on two cards at once, which is sometimes an indispensable function for saving images in case of failure of one of the cards.
It is possible to record RAW and JPEG files on separate cards separately.
You can set the card on which video files will be recorded.

Only one of the specified working methods is selected.

Added face detection function on the footage, with the ability to instantly enlarge this part of the image.

Face detection function. Image taken from Nikon's official website.

The image quality has improved slightly, but there has been no such dramatic change as when switching from the Nikon D3 to. A synthetic comparison can be viewed.

You can find information that cameras use a different matrix: IMX021 for D300 and IMX038 for D300s (as well as for and). But information changes from source to source. Based on the data from the instructions for the cameras, we can conclude that the Nikon D300s has the same sensor as the Nikon D300 and differs from the sensors installed in and (it is easy to determine by the total number). But most of the sources agree that the D300s is used by the IMX038.

The Live View picture on the Nikon D300 slowed down noticeably (a similar problem exists with the Nikon D300). On the D300s, the picture is displayed normally in Live View mode.

Nikon D300S uses 'C' type HDMI, D300 'A' type.

The menu is slightly different, moreover, Nikon D300s can edit the footage, including RAW files.

It is very strange that the D300S not cured of a serious illness which the D300 had. Both cameras get very slow when shooting at 14-bit color depth, with a maximum burst speed of a measly 2.5 fps. For example, the Nikon D3 from the same era chewed 14-bit RAW at 9 fps without any problems. And the one that was released between the D300 and D300S coped with this task without any problems at a speed of 8 fps. By the way, a disease with brakes from processing 14-bit RAW files was transmitted (cannot accelerate to 7 fps, works at 6 fps) and (cannot accelerate to 5 fps, works at 4 fps).

My experience

For me, the only important innovations in the D300S are: the ability to work with 2 memory cards, a slight improvement in image quality and an adequate central joystick button. It may seem strange, but just one single button makes the D300S much more convenient to use. On the D300, I was constantly annoyed by this stupid button, which you press, pushing the entire joystick into the camera body, but in the end you still can't press it (instead, one of the joystick directions is pressed).

Nikon D300S is still the best crop reportage camera. No offense, but all of these are of a lower class, do not accelerate to 8 frames per second, have a meager buffer, do not have such a solid body and professional control as the Nikon D300S.

Attention, quote! This text once came to my mail. Original spelling and punctuation preserved.

“Good afternoon, Arkady. I own the BEST Nikon camera ever. And you still haven't reviewed this camera. In general, I think that you only needed to review her and EVERYTHING. The rest of Nikon's cameras aren't even worthy of public attention. There is only ONE best camera, the Nikon D300s the best camera for real alpha males! 7 frames per second, the best, 2 CF + SD slots, super ergonomics, shooting 720p video clips, really working ISO3200, 51 autofocus points scattered from edge to edge of the frame (and not knocked down in the center like in. A lot of little things for photos can be found on Aliexpress.
D300S officially discontinued.

‘Used shnuyu’. Nikon D300S sells one and a half to two times more expensive than Nikon D300. Personally, I think that when choosing between the D300 and D300S, a photographer should think 10 times whether he should pay extra for video shooting and a few other small improvements.

Outcomes

Nikon D300s - one of the best Nikon DX cameras ever released. Many years later, at the beginning of 2016, Nikon D300s received a full-fledged continuation - Nikon D500.

Many may wonder what the new product looks like in comparison with its predecessor - Nikon D300S. Given the huge delay between releases, the D500 can be argued as a more powerful and advanced camera. However, what do we see if we compare the specifications of these two cameras? Let's find out by comparing Nikon D500 and Nikon D300S.

To begin with, let's look at the passport specifications of the cameras:

Camera characteristic	Nikon D500	Nikon D300S
Matrix resolution	20.9 megapixels	12.3 megapixels
Matrix type	CMOS	CMOS
Matrix size	23.5 × 15.7 mm	23.6 × 15.8 mm
Matrix pixel size	4.2µ	5.5µ
Low pass filter	Not	There is
Dust removal system	There is	Not
Image size (pix)	5 568 x 3 712	4 288 x 2 848
GPU	EXPEED 5	EXPEED
Viewfinder type	Pentaprism	Pentaprism
Viewfinder coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder magnification	1.0x	0.94x
Built-in flash	Not	Yes, with commander mode
Storage interfaces	1x XQD, 1x SD	1x CF, 1x SD
Continuous burst shooting speed (fps)	10	7, with battery grip - 8
Buffer size (RAW, 14-bit lossless)	200	30
Duration of continuous burst shooting	20 sec	4.3 sec / 3.75 sec
Exposure range	from 1/8000 to 30 sec	from 1/8000 to 30 sec
Shutter resource	200,000 cycles	150,000 cycles
Metering sensor	180,000-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering III	1,005-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II sensor
Base ISO	ISO 100	ISO 200
Base ISO range	ISO 100-51 200	ISO 200-3 200
Expandable ISO range	ISO 102 400-1 640,000	ISO 6 400
Autofocus system	Advanced Multi-CAM 20K	Multi-CAM 3500DX
Autofocus points	153, 99 cross type	51, 15 cross type
AF detection	above f / 8	above f / 5.6
AF detection range	-4 to +20 EV	-1 to +19 EV
Automatic AF adjustment	There is	Not
Video recording	There is	There is
Video recording format	MOV, H.264 / MPEG-4	AVI, Compressed
Maximum video resolution	3 840 × 2 160 (4K) @ 24p, 25p, 30p	1280 × 720 (720p) @ 24p
Audio recording	Built-in stereo microphone,	Built-in microphone (mono), External stereo microphone (optional)
LCD size	3.2 ″ TFT-LCD	3.0 ″ TFT-LCD
LCD resolution	2,359,000 points	921,000 points
Rotatable LCD	Yes	Not
Touchscreen LCD	Yes	Not
Bracketing	from 2 to 9 frames	from 2 to 9 frames
Built-in GPS	Not	Not
Built-in bluetooth	Yes	Not
Built-in NFC	Yes	Not
Built-in Wi-Fi	Yes	Not
Accumulator battery	Li-ion EN-EL15	Li-ion EN-EL3e
Number of frames per 1 battery charge	1240 frames	950 frames
Charger	MH-25a Quick Charger	MH-18a Quick Charger
Waterproof housing	Yes	Yes
Body material	Magnesium alloy	Magnesium alloy
USB version	3.0	2.0
Weight (body)	760 g	840 g
Dimensions (edit)	147 x 115 x 81 mm	147 x 114 x 74 mm
Price	1,999 (announced)	1,799 (at the time of the start of sales)

As expected, Nikon D500 surpasses the D300S in every parameter - 7 years of technical progress, of course, gave rise to a real chasm between the characteristics of the cameras in question. The first significant difference is obviously in the sensor technology - the D500 has a 20.9MP sensor, while the D300S has a 12.3MP sensor. In addition to the difference in resolution, both cameras have completely different dynamic range and noise reduction characteristics. While the D500's high ISO performance is yet to be tested, it is safe to expect the new Nikon camera to outperform its predecessor significantly, both in terms of dynamic range and noise reduction performance at high ISOs. Even the basic ISO cameras speak for themselves (ISO 100-51200 versus ISO 200-3 200).

But still, the most significant difference between the new items and its predecessor lies in the new AF system - 153 AF points (99 of which are cross-type), while the D300S used a 51-point AF system (with 15 cross-type points). In addition to this, Nikon D500 can focus in almost total darkness thanks to a sensor with a sensitivity of up to -4 E.V., which is unattainable for the D300S with its sensor sensitivity of up to -1 E.V.

Finally, the D500 will be able to successfully work with teleconverters, providing accurate autofocus operation even at f / 8, while the D300S has this capability at an aperture of at least f / 5.6.

There are also significant differences in camera GPUs - the D500 comes with the latest EXPEED 5, which is 5 generations better than the original EXPEED on the D300S. Thanks to its faster processor, the D500 is obviously capable of handling a lot more data. The new camera is capable of not only shooting at a higher speed - 10 frames per second versus 7 frames per second for the D300S - but also recording higher quality video - 4K video versus 720p on the D300S. Add to that the huge D500 buffer for 200 RAW images - the predecessor camera had only 30 RAW images.

Another feature of Nikon's new camera is that the D500 lacks a built-in flash. This is the first Nikon semi-professional camera in which the manufacturer decided to abandon it. Nikon may have decided that the D500 didn't need it, as the camera is aimed primarily at sports and wildlife photographers. In addition, the lack of a built-in flash enhances the camera's tightness, especially in rainy weather, which significantly improves its all-weather protection.

It differs for the cameras under consideration and the switching capabilities - in Nikon D500 there is Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi, the D300S does not have any of these wireless data transmission interfaces.

In general, despite the fact that the D500 is a direct descendant of the D300S, their differences are so great that it makes no sense to compare them with each other. Nikon D500 unconditionally surpasses its predecessor in everything!

More useful information and news in our Telegram channel"Lessons and Secrets of Photography". Subscribe!

The Nikon D300 made a big impression with its release, enough to be dubbed the best semi-professional digital SLR on the market. In many ways, it still holds its position and is sold at almost the same price as when it was released. This success left Nikon at a loss as to how to further enhance its flagship model with an APS-C sensor.

While most add-ons D300S are based on those already featured in Nikon cameras released after the D300 (virtual horizon display from D3, video recording from D90), yet one really new feature is the use of contrast-detection AF in movie mode, which was first introduced in a Nikon digital SLR camera. The focusing system isn't the fastest we've seen, and you'll need to use the external microphone jack if you want to avoid the loud noises of the AF motor.

The D300S inherits the non-latching memory card door that was first seen in the D700, but this compartment now includes CF and SD card slots. As expected for a camera of this level, information is recorded on cards in the following ways: cards are used one after another, backups are made to a second card, RAW and JPEG formats are recorded on separate cards, and stills and movies can be split in the same way. In fact, many of the changes make the D300S more similar to the D700, including the standard Nikon DSLR multi-controller with a separate center button that (on this particular camera) enables video recording in Live View mode.

Continuous shooting speed has slightly increased, now you can shoot 7 fps when using the internal battery or 8 fps with a rechargeable grip. The settings menu is now the same as in most modern DSLRs - interactive, allowing you to change shooting parameters more quickly, and two new features of the Active D-Lighting function ("Auto" and "Extra High") have also been added. To top it all off, there is a quiet focusing drive mode that was first introduced with the D5000.

However, against the backdrop of the Canon EOS 7D, which is clearly aimed at professionals, and the excellently executed, but cheaper Pentax K-7, the camera from Nikon, as an insignificant upgrade to the D300, does not look convincing.

D300S vs. D300 (main differences)

720p HD video recording at 24fps
External microphone connectivity for stereo sound
Built-in basic video editing tools
Increased burst speed up to 7fps (6fps in D300)
Two slots for CF and SD memory cards (CF only in D300)
Quiet shutter mode
Rear camera multicontroller (borrowed from D3)
Interactive settings menu
Live View enable button (Live View is a drive mode in the D300)
Info button for displaying basic information
HDMI Type C interface (Type A in D300)
Two additional Active D-Lighting features: Auto and Extra High
Displaying the virtual horizon
Built-in Image Editing (RAW Reduction)

Main functions of the D300S

13.1 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (12.3 million effective pixels)
720p HD video
3-inch LCD monitor (920K dots)
Image sensor cleaning system (sensor shift)
51 AF points (with 3D tracking)
ISO range 200-3200 (expandable up to 6400)
Continuous shooting at 7 fps (buffer (number of frames): 17 RAW, 44 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
Expeed image processor
Picture Controls presets - match options across Nikon's current line of digital SLRs
Battery EN-EL3e (same as D300)
Index view of 72 images in playback mode
14-bit A / D conversion
High speed (turn-on -13 ms, shutter lag - 45 ms, blackout - 100 ms)
Shutter resource - 150 thousand actuations
AF sensor Multi-CAM3500DX (51 points, 15 cross sensors, more vertical coverage)
Color AF tracking mode (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
Calibration (fine tuning) of autofocus is now possible
Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor and AF sensor)
Picture Control Presets (Color Swap Modes I, II, and III)
General Image Options now support Brightness and Contrast
Compact Flash UDMA card support
Live View with phase detection autofocus (mirror up / down) or contrast
HDMI output for HD video
Active D-Lighting (compensates for metering and also applies the D-Lighting curve)
Detailed information panel on the LCD monitor changes color in the dark
The new rechargeable vertical shooting grip is compatible with the Multi-battery type
The buttons are protected from moisture by special seals


12.3 Megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor	Viewfinder pentamirror

Main board with image processor	EXPEED processor

51-point AF module Multi-CAM 3500DX	Placement of 51 AF points per frame (approx.)

1005-pixel metering sensor

Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor	... 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor ... DX format ... RGB Primary Color Filter ... Built-in low pass filter (with self-cleaning mechanism) ... 13.1 million (total pixels) ... 12.3 million (effective pixels) ... Aspect ratio 3: 2
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED
Analog-to-digital conversion	14 bit
Image dimensions	... 4288 x 2848 ... 3216 x 2136 ... 2144 x 1424
Image dimensions (video) *	... 1280 x 720 @ 24 fps * ... 640 x 424 @ 24 fps * ... 320 x 216 @ 24 fps *
File format	... NEF (12-bit or 14-bit Lossless Compressed or Compressed RAW) ... NEF + JPEG ... Tiff ... JPEG (EXIF 2.21) ... AVI * ... Motion JPEG *
Compression NEF	... 12/14-bit NEF compression (RAW, Lossless compressed): ... 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): Approx.
Lens mount	... Nikon F mount with AF coupled and AF contacts ... 1.5x crop field of view
Compatible lenses	... DX AF NIKKOR: All functions are available ... AF NIKKOR equipped with D / G mounts (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses): All functions available (excluding PC Micro-NIKKOR) ... AF NIKKOR without D / G mounts (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions available except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II ... AI-P NIKKOR: All functions available except Auto Focus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II ... AI NIKKOR non-CPU: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used with aperture f / 5.6 and faster; Color matrix metering and aperture display are supported if user specifies lens information.
Dust removal system	... Sensor self-cleaning mechanism ("Clean image sensor") ... Dust Removal Using Software (Capture NX Software Required)
Autofocus	... 51 focus points (15 cross sensors) ... Multi-CAM 3500DX ... AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, at normal temperature) ... Determining Contrast with Live View (Tripod Mode)
Autofocus (video) *	Contrast AF is possible at any point within the frame (tripod mode) *
Lens drive	... Single-frame AF drive [S] ... Continuous AF drive [C] ... Manual focus [M] ... Tracking focus is automatically activated based on the movement of the subject in [S] or [C] AF mode
Focus point	... One point of 51 or 11 focusing points ... Live View (tripod mode): Contrast AF at any point in the frame
AF-area mode	... Single point AF ... Dynamic AF area ... Auto AF area
Focus lock	Focus can be locked by half-pressing the shutter release button (Single-shot AF) or by pressing the AE-L / AF-L button
Autofocus illuminator	... Yes, a special light ... Approx. range from 0.5 to 3 m
Exposure modes	... Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program selection ... Shutter Priority Auto [S] ... Aperture Priority Auto [A] ... Manual [M]
Exposure metering	TTL metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor ... 3D color matrix metering II (for type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (for other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (exposure metering is carried out for lenses without a microprocessor, if the user specifies lens parameters in the settings) ... Center-weighted: 75% of measurements taken in 8mm circle in center of frame. Circle diameter can be changed to 6, 10, or 13 mm at the center of the frame, or weighted averaging over the entire area of the frame (8 mm circle with non-CPU lens) ... Spot: Meters 3 mm circle (approximately 2% of frame) centered on selected focus point (center focus point if non-CPU lens is attached)
Metering range	... 3D color matrix metering: 0 to 20 EV ... Center-weighted metering: 0 to 20 EV ... Spot metering: 2 to 20 EV ... At 20 ° C normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent sensitivity, f / 1.4 lens
Pairing with an exposure meter	Combined with microprocessor and AI
Exposure lock	Using the AE-L / AF-L button
Exposure bracketing	2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
Exposure compensation	... +/- 5.0 EV ... in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
ISO sensitivity	... Default: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV ... Zoomable: 100 to 6400 ISO in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Gate	... Electronically controlled vertical-curtain shutter, focal plane shutter ... Shutter speed: 30 to 1/8000 sec (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps) ... Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec (up to 1/320 sec with reduced guide number) ... By hand
Depth of field preview	... Dimming the lens when the button is pressed ... Activates modeling flash
White balance	... Auto (1005 pixel CCD, image sensor) ... Preset modes (seven) with fine tuning ... Manual presets (five) * ... Color temperature in degrees Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps) ... White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames in steps of 1, 2, or 3)
Picture Control System	... Standard ... Neutral ... Brightly ... Monochrome
Image options	... Quick adjustment: 5 settings (Sharpness, Contrast and Saturation at a preset level) * ... Sharpness: Auto, 10 levels * ... Contrast: Auto, 7 levels , ... Brightness: 3 levels ... Saturation: Auto, 7 levels ... Shade: 5 levels *
Color space	... sRGB ... Adobe RGB
Viewfinder	... SLR pentaprism line viewfinder ... Built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1 m-1) ... Viewfinder focal point: 19.5mm (-1.0m-1) ... Frame coverage: 100% ... Viewfinder magnification 0.94x with 50mm f / 1.4 lens; -1.0 m-1
Focusing screen	... Type B BriteView II matte screen ... Inflicted AF area frame ... Display framing grid on demand
Lcd monitor	... 3.0 "TFT LCD ... 920,000 pixels * (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) ... Viewing angle: 170 ° ... Brightness adjustment ... 100% frame coverage
Live View on LCD	... Manual: TLL phase detection AF with 51 focus points (15 cross sensors) ... Tripod mode: Contrast-detect AF at any point in the frame
Shooting modes	... Frame by frame ... Continuous (Low) ... Continuous (High) ... Quiet descent [Q] * ... Self-timer (configurable) ... Raising the mirror
Continuous shooting	... With built-in rechargeable battery: up to 6 fps ... With AC adapter or MB-D10 battery pack and other battery other than EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery: up to 8 fps ... 12-bit RAW at full speed, 14-bit RAW at only 2.5 fps
Self-timer	... 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds *
Flash control	... TTL: TTL flash control using 1005-pixel RGB sensor. ... Built-in flash units SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and i-TTL standard flash ... Auto Aperture Mode: For SB-900 or SB-800 flash units used with CPU lenses ... Auto mode without TTL control: Supported with SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27, or SB-22S ... Distance-priority manual: available with SB-900 and SB-800
Flash sync mode	... Front curtain sync (normal) ... Red-eye reduction ... Slow sync with red-eye reduction ... Slow sync ... Rear curtain sync
Built-in flash	... Manual flash with push button ... Guide number (ISO 200, m): approx. 17 (manual mode 18) ... Guide number (ISO 100, m): approx. 12 (manual mode 13)
Accessory shoe	Standard ISO 518 hot shoe with sync pin; Safety latch
Flash Level Compensation	... -3 to +1 EV ... in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps *
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)	Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, or SU-800 as master and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 as slaves; Auto FP high-speed sync and modeling light supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except the SB-400; Flash color information transmission and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
View Mode	... Frame by frame ... Small pictures (4, 9 or 72 * pictures) ... One-touch magnification ... Slideshow ... RGB Histogram Display ... Displaying survey data ... Highlights ... Automatic image rotation ... Annotate pictures (up to 36 characters) *
Supported languages . Norwegian	... Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) ... Dutch ... English ... Finnish ... French ... Deutsch ... Italian ... Japanese ... Korean ... Polish ... Portuguese ... Russian ... Spanish ... Swedish ... Danish *
Interface	... USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector ... HDMI mini connector (Type C) * ... 10-pin connector for an optional remote control ... USB connector for PC synchronization
10 pin connector	... GPS: Connects a GPS GP-1 or GPS device that is compatible with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional GPS MC-35 cable and 9-pin D-sub cable) ... Remote control: connection via 10-pin connector
Information carriers	... Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compatible) ... SD memory cards compatible with SDHC
Nutrition	... Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e (7.4V, 1500mAh) ... MH-18a charger included ... EH-5a / EH-5 AC adapter (optional) ... Battery Grip / Vertical Grip MB-D10 (Optional)
Vertical handle holder	... Battery Grip / Vertical Grip MB-D10 (Optional) ... With one EN-EL3e, EN-EL4a / EN-EL4 rechargeable Li-ion battery, or eight R6 / AA alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6), or nickel-manganese (ZR6) batteries; Rechargeable Li-ion batteries EN-EL4a / EN-EL4 and R6 batteries / AA size
Battery charge control	The LCD monitor on the back of the camera displays the following information: ... Remaining charge (%) ... Number of pictures taken since the last recharge ... Battery life (5 stages)
Dimensions (edit)	147 x 114 x 74 mm
Weight (without battery)	840 g
Weight (with battery)	918 g
Supplied accessories	... Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e ... Fast charger MH-18a ... Eyepiece cover DK-5 ... Rubber eyecup DK-23 ... USB cable UC-E4 ... Audio / video cable EG-D2 ... Camera Strap AN-DC4 ... LCD Monitor Cover BM-8 ... Mount cover BF-1A ... BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover ... CD with software
Optional accessories	Powerful MB-D10 Battery Pack, WT-4 Wireless Transmitter, DK-21M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-5a AC Adapter, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2

* New or changed from D300

Except for a couple of changes regarding buttons and a redesigned memory card compartment cover, the D300S looks almost identical to its predecessor. The small speaker at the bottom right of the rear panel and the three microphone holes below the model number are the only physical differences.

Design

In hand

Most high-end DSLRs have magnesium alloy bodies, but the D300 has become an example of a particularly heavy and well-built design in its day. And although the D300S has inherited the same good build quality, it does not stand out as much from the competitive models as the older model. However, the D300S differs from other analogues in terms of ergonomics.

While ergonomic options depend on individual preference and hand shape / size, the basic principles are universal - well-placed buttons may be slightly more or less convenient for different users, but if they can be easily accessed without having to change the grip position cameras, they are considered to be well positioned. The main feature of the D300S is the well-placed controls - the control dials and most of the control buttons are side by side, two dedicated buttons on the front of the camera are also easily accessible. The only thing is that the White Balance, ISO and Image Quality buttons on the top left of the camera are questionable (not everyone likes the location of the buttons when holding the device near the eyes).

Side-by-side comparison

Among the existing DSLRs on the market with an APS-C size sensor, equipped with the same sophisticated autofocus system as in the D300S, perhaps the only worthy competitor is the Canon EOS 7D. Although the Olympus, Pentax and Sony counterparts are close to Canon's 19 cross-over AF points (although not Nikon's 51 points, 15 of which are cross-over), none can match the difficulty of point selection. autofocus in the camera. While the Nikon D300S offers fewer ways to ensure that the correct focus point is being used, it is capable of tracking subjects to different focus points based on distance and color than its competitors can match.

Lcd monitor

The D300S features the same 921600-dot LCD as its predecessor. By combining three dots (red, green, and blue) to produce one full color pixel, these dots represent a 640x480 pixel matrix. The D300 (along with the Sony A700) was one of the first cameras with such a screen, which provides the same resolution as a VGA computer display in the 80s. This high resolution has a positive impact in terms of assessing the quality of the captured image when viewing both the entire image and the close-up of it.

The high resolution also means that the user interface can be extremely detailed and include information on each page to help simplify the management of the extremely extensive menus. The D300S has a plastic protective cover that prevents the LCD from being scratched when in use.

Top control panel

The D300 includes one control panel. This large display covers the entire top right of the camera and provides information on all settings. The display has a green backlight, which is turned on by moving the power switch to the "light" position, it springs and immediately returns to the "On" position. ("ON"), the backlight remains on for the "auto meter-off" time (CSM c2). You can also configure the camera so that the backlight is activated every time you press any button (CSM d8). It should be noted that even when the camera is turned off (in the "Off" position), this display shows the number of remaining frames on the memory card or the message -E- if the memory card is not inserted into the slot (indicates that the camera is not turned off, but In standby).

Viewfinder view

The image below does not show the typical view in the viewfinder, but shows the position of all possible data, including 51 AF points, battery status, and grid lines. All information is presented in the form of several overlays of different types of LCD, so the focal points are completely invisible until they are selected.

1. Focus indicator
2. Metering mode
3. Auto exposure lock
4. FV lock
5. Flash sync indicator
6. Exposure
7. Aperture indicator
8. Aperture (F-number / stops)
9. Exposure mode
10. Electronic scale of exposure / compensation
11. Flash compensation indicator
12. Exposure compensation indicator
13. ISO / Auto ISO indicator
14. ISO sensitivity value
15. Remaining number of shots / buffer / exposure value
16. Thousands indicator
17. Flash-ready indicator

Diagram taken from D300 owner's manual with permission from Nikon.

Viewfinder size

The parameter hidden in the specifications for digital "SLRs" is the size of the viewfinder (this often makes it impossible to compare between competing models). The size of the viewfinder is a key factor in the usability of a DSLR - the larger the viewfinder, the easier it is to frame and focus on the subject, and also makes the process of shooting more fun and exciting.

When considering how the viewfinder is measured (using a prime lens rather than an equivalent magnification lens), you also need to consider the sensor size. We obtained the values in the figure below by dividing the coefficients of approximation, declared by the manufacturers, by the relative crop factors. The D300S retains the same 0.94x magnification and 100% frame coverage as its predecessor.

Viewfinder crop

The Nikon D300S is one of a limited number of DSLRs offering 100% frame coverage (along with the EOS 7D and K-7). As a result, the user sees in the viewfinder exactly the picture that the sensor registers, which makes it possible to optimize the composition.

Nikon D300S: 100% Coverage Viewfinder

Battery and charger

Battery information available in the camera:

The upper control panel displays a five-segment battery level indicator
Selecting Setup menu -> Battery Info displays:
... Battery meter (percentage)
... Number of shots (estimated number of shots with current charge)
... Charge duration (a scale from 0 to 4, indicating the duration of the battery charge)

Battery Grip / Vertical Grip Holder (Optional)

The D300S can use the same battery pack (vertical grip) as its predecessor. The grip connects to the camera using special connectors located at the bottom of the camera, which provide power and control without removing the built-in battery or opening the battery cover, allowing you to quickly attach or detach the grip. The MB-D10 supports a range of batteries: EN-EL3e (used in the camera), high-capacity EN-EL4a (used in D3 series) or AA batteries. Using AA batteries or an EN-EL4a rechargeable battery can slightly increase the continuous shooting speed up to 8 fps. (D300 pictures)

Memory card compartment

The D300S borrows the memory card slot cover from the D700, ditching the secure snap-on version found in the D300. The new cover slides open and also has the same level of sealing as around the memory card slots themselves. The most notable change is that there are now two memory card slots behind the cover.

Battery compartment

The battery compartment is located inside the grip area of the camera. The compartment cover opens with a small lever, inside the battery is held without falling out and without using a latch.

Connectors

The D300S has received a microphone jack, which is located under a large rubber flap on the left side panel. It also houses a composite A / V output, an HDMI port, a constant power input, and a USB connector. HDMI output can be specified in the camera setup menu (options are Auto, 480p, 576p, 720p, or 1080i).

The PC-sync flash socket and remote control / GPS connectors are located in the front left corner of the camera behind rubber caps that are securely attached to the camera. (Pictures of the PC-sync jack on the D300)

Camera base / Tripod socket

Flash

The D300S pop-up flash is manually activated by pressing the small button on the left side of the camera directly below the flash. You can use your hand to raise the flash to the desired height above the lens (convenient when using hoods and to reduce the red-eye effect). Directly below the shutter button is another button that changes flash modes and a flash level compensation button (-3.0 to +1.0 EV).

Hot shoe

Bayonet

In the image below, on the left you can see the D300S mount with the mirror down, and on the right with the mirror up and the shutter open (the sensor is visible). The lenses are screwed in clockwise and locked by turning counterclockwise. The camera is equipped with a standard Nikon F-mount and can be used with virtually the entire Nikkor F line of lenses (however, some features are available with the new type G or D lenses). As stated at the beginning of the review, the D300 also supports an aperture ring on older AI lenses. (D300 pictures)

Self-cleaning sensor

The Nikon D300S features the same self-cleaning sensor as the D300. The system works in the same way as other similar solutions - piezoelectric elements vibrate and shake the surface filter, which, in theory, should remove any fine dust particles that have settled on the sensor. In practice, when a speck of dust was found that began to appear in the image at small apertures, it was removed with just one activation of the sensor cleaning function in the camera menu.

Included

The package contents may vary depending on the region:

D300S DSLR with Mount Cap
LCD Monitor Cover BM-8
Shoulder strap
Eyepiece cover DK-5
Rubber eyecup DK-23
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
Fast charger MH-18a and AC power cord
USB cable
A / V cable
CD with software
Instructions

Comparison of studio results (high ISO sensitivities)

In this section, we will compare the results of the D300S with the 7D, K-7, and 50D (using the default settings) when shooting in the studio at high sensitivities, especially focusing on areas in the shadows. Here is a comparison of JPEG images from cameras. And being able to produce good results right in the chamber can be a real asset.

ISO 1600

ISO 3200

ISO 6400

The first model, the D300, was famous for its high image quality at high sensitivities, not because its sensor was much better than its competitors (the Sony A700 has a very similar sensor), but because the camera had a good JPEG processing system, producing very acceptable results on high sensitivities. This is possible thanks to the excellent performance of the noise reduction system, which provides an optimal balance between level of detail and noise reduction, as well as maintaining good saturation for a realistic-looking image of the resulting image.

It is not surprising that competitors are keeping up and performing well. For example, the Canon models we tested provide very similar noise levels as well as a very good noise / detail / saturation balance. Based on the results, it is difficult to decide between representatives from Canon or Nikon, with the only difference that the Canon EOS 7D retains slightly more detail across the entire sensitivity range, and the Canon EOS 50D lags behind the competition at high ISO.

Conclusions "for"

Highly competitive image quality across the entire ISO range
Excellent performance at high ISO sensitivities with low noise and lots of detail
Auto ISO has a wide setting range (can set maximum ISO sensitivity and minimum shutter speed)
Continuous shooting at 7fps (8fps when using rechargeable grip)
Convenient slots for two types of memory cards
Sophisticated AF system with efficient subject tracking
Excellent build quality with magnesium alloy body and seals to protect against environmental hazards
Good ergonomics, comfortable shape of the grip area of the camera
Conveniently located and easily customizable buttons
The menu is well organized and responsive despite its size and complexity
Large, bright viewfinder with 100% coverage
Relatively fast contrast AF in Live View
Video output for good quality 720p video
Easily switch between Photo, Video and Live View modes
Contrast detection available in video mode
External microphone jack
Helpful Active D-Lighting protects against excessive highlights and shadows
Reliable flash performance
Full wireless flash control
Wide range of accessories (WiFi, battery pack, GPS)
Long battery life
Advanced Interval Timer Function
Complete software suite
Built-in AF-assist beam

Conclusions "against"

Unreliable white balance under artificial lighting
Slight tendency to overexpose in high contrast conditions
Rolling shutter effect when shooting video
In some places "graininess" appears in the blue sky, even at basic sensitivities
Slow contrast autofocus (like all digital SLRs)
Built-in microphone readily records lens noise

General conclusion

The D300S is not as significant a step forward for Nikon as it was with the D300, which is partly a testament to how successful the D300 has been. During testing of the D300 it was very difficult to find flaws for constructive criticism, so it is not surprising that the company's engineers did not know how to improve this model for a long time. Still, improvements were presented to the heiress, some of which will especially delight certain stake photographers. The ability to shoot video, although seemingly "gimmicky", is indeed an advantage in terms of both creative possibilities and commercial potential that cannot go unnoticed. The addition of a second memory card slot and possible uses for it also greatly increases the camera's versatility.

Image quality

Considering the D300S's 12MP sensor, one could say that the camera is not quite up to date. But that would be wrong, since the difference between 18 and 12 megapixels (20% in both ratios) only plays a role in certain specific conditions, especially in this case. The D300S delivers excellent quality images that are hard to find fault with. JPEG images may appear a little washed out in our opinion, but they can easily be sharpened to your liking. RAW processing will provide even better results.

Control

Operation is one of the greatest advantages of the D300S - ergonomics and build quality meet the highest demands. While the number of external controls can be daunting at first, once you get to know them you will be very glad that they are in the camera. And thanks to the high level of customization of the device to your requirements, you can assign other functions to the function buttons that you want to have direct access to. In addition, if you are not familiar with how Nikon DSLRs work (all command dials and indicators are positive to the right and negative to the left), you should note that it can be changed so that it most closely resembles the way you set up your camera. which you used before.

While the button changes are subtle compared to the D300, they still constitute a major difference, and not just in terms of direct video access. We also disagree on the location of the buttons on the left side of the camera (White Balance, ISO and Image Quality). But this, perhaps, was the only subject of controversy, despite the fact that we were already familiar with similar models of other brands.

The last word

The D300S is not the outstanding product that its predecessor was. Therefore, in our opinion, there is no significant reason for owners of an older model to replace it, unless your clients require video filming. But that shouldn't diminish the value of the great new D300S - a more refined and improved update to the model that has set a new level of quality since its release. The main competitor to the D300S is the Canon EOS 7D, but if you are not critical of the latter's high sensitivity, Nikon's model will be a very attractive option for you.

Based on materials from dpreview.com
Translation: Popil Katerina

Comparison of nikon d300 and d300s cameras. Nikon D300s: test of a semi-professional "SLR" with new lenses. Viewfinder view

Key features

Appearance and functionality

Menu

Test shots