3.0-inch LiveView LCD display; new 51-point AF system
In burst mode, shoots up to 100 shots at full
12.3-megapixel resolution
Self-cleaning sensor unit; magnesium alloy construction
with rubber gaskets and seals
Technical Details
Color: Black
Type of camera: Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective pixels: 12.3 million
Total pixels: 13.1 million
Image sensor: CMOS, Nikon DX format
Image size (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848 (large), 3,216 x 2,136
(medium), 2,144 x 1,424 (small)
Lens type: AF-S VR DX NIKKOR zoom lens
Focal length: 18 to 200mm (35mm equivalent: 27 to 300mm)
Aperture: f/3.5 to 5.6
Lens elements: 2 ED glass and 3 aspherical elements
Dust-reduction system: Self-cleaning sensor unit, image
dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)
Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 3,200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
with additional settings of approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 EV (ISO
100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 EV
(ISO 6,400 equivalent) over ISO 3,200
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: Single frame, continuous low speed (1 to 7
fps), continuous high speed (6 or 8 fps), LiveView, self-timer, mirror
up
White balance: Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB
sensor), 7 manual modes with fine tuning, color temperature setting,
white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1 to 3)
LiveView: Handheld shooting mode: TTL phase-difference AF
with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors); tripod shooting mode:
focal-plane contrast AF on desired point within a specific area
LCD monitor: 3-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD
with brightness adjustment
Viewing angle: 170 degrees
Frame coverage: 100 percent
Playback function: Full frame, thumbnail (4 or 9 segments),
zoom, slideshow, RGB histogram indication, shooting data, highlight
point display, auto image rotation
Delete function: Card format, all photographs, selected
photographs
Video output: NTSC/PAL
HDMI output: Supports HDMI version 1.3a
Interface: High-speed USB 2.0
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: DX AF NIKKOR; D-/G-type AF NIKKOR
(excluding IX NIKKOR lenses); AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding
lenses for F3AF); AI-P NIKKOR; non-CPU AI NIKKOR
Picture angle: Equivalent in FX format (135mm) is
approximately 1.5x 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: 19.5mm (-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: Approximately 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification: Approximately 0.94x with 50mm
lens at infinity
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: Single point AF, dynamic area AF (9 points,
21 points, 51 points), 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 percent given to
6, 8, 10, or 13mm diameter circle in center of frame or weighting based
on average of entire frame (8mm circle when non-CPU lens is used). 3)
Spot: Meters approximately 3mm diameter circle (about 2.0 percent of
frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when
non-CPU lens is used)
Exposure metering range: 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or
center-weighted metering); 2 to 20 EV (spot)
Built-in Speedlight: Manual pop-up with button release
Accessory shoe: ISO 518 standard hot-shoe contact with
safety lock
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-second 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 (v. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard
supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and MC-35 GPS cable
(optional)
Tripod socket: 1/4 inch
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)
Item width: 5.8 inches
Item height: 4.5 inches
Item depth: 2.9 inches
Item weight: 1.82 pounds without battery, memory card, body
cap, or monitor cover
In the box:
D300 camera body, 18 to 200mm zoom lens, rechargeable li-ion battery,
quick charger, USB cable, video cable, strap, LCD monitor cover, body
cap, eyepiece cap, rubber eyecup, software suite CD-ROM, user's manual
From the Manufacturer
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 and agility.
Similar to the D3, 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 autofocus 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 is found in the D3; it
promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure,
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.
(NORMAL-LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV 1GB
CompactFlash card.)
The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features
that will significantly improve the accuracy, control, and performance
photographers can get from their equipment. 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 autofocus,
autoexposure, 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 autofocus 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.
Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the
D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides
remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized
image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in
both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure
compensation while applying localized tone control technology to
achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And
because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are
captured, image editing time can be shortened.
The D300's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects
and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD
monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus
and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is
not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using
focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as
the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode,
allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing
system with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When
using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the
shutter button is pressed to ensure accurate focus.
The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different
resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low-pass filter in front of
the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of
dust.
Refined Ergonomics and
Usability
The D300 inherits one of Nikon's most streamlined,
functional, and aesthetically pleasing layouts in a digital SLR camera,
designed to enable photographers to take pictures with less fatigue,
greater accuracy, and comfort.
The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage so
pictures can be framed accurately, while an ultra-high definition
920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images
with vivid color and clarity. Its 170-degree wide viewing angle makes
it easy to compose shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode.
The D300 features rugged magnesium alloy construction and the camera's
shutter mechanism is tested up to 150,000 cycles. The 3.0-inch LCD is
strengthened with tempered glass and the D300's rubber gaskets and
seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
The lens included with this kit offers a broad 18-200mm focal range for
use in a variety of situations. It is equivalent to a 27-300 lens in
the 35mm format. Its VR II system offers the equivalent of using a
shutter speed 4 stops faster.
Two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic
aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion while ensuring
high resolution and contrast. It employs a seven-blade rounded
diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus
elements, and it can focus from as close as 50 centimeters (20 inches)
from the subject through its entire focal range.
The lens also incorporates a SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet
focusing, an M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual
focus operation, and an internal focusing (IF) design for smoother
focusing improved balance.
The Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color
reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare, and the included
flower-shaped lens hood HB-35 (provided) greatly reduces stray light.
What's in the box
Nikon D300 digital SLR body, EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion
battery, MH-18a quick charger, UC-E4 USB cable, EG-D100 video cable,
AN-D300 strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap,
DK-23 rubber eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM
