The Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. It comes with an impressive resolution of 12.3 megapixels, speedy 6 fps frame advance, a self-cleaning sensor unit and a high definition 3" VGA LCD display. This is combined with Nikon's legendary durability.
The camera also 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 features; such as the 51-point auto focus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature, and two LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | Nikon DX format (23.6 x 15.8 mm) 13.1 megapixel CMOS sensor with Dust-reduction System |
| Effective Resolution | 12.3 Million pixels |
| Color Depth | 36-Bit or 42-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes |
Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome (sRGB in standard and vivid modes, Adobe RGB in neutral mode) |
| Image File Formats |
NEF (12-bit or 14-bit) TIFF (RGB) JPEG (baseline-compliant) Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21 |
| Recorded Resolution |
L (4288 x 2848) M (3216 x 2136) S (2144 x 1424) |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount |
Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Compatible with DX AF, D-/G-type AF (excluding IX), AF (other than D-/G-type excluding lenses for F3AF), AI-P, and Non-CPU AI NIKKOR Lenses |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Compatible with Nikon VR Lenses |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type |
TTL phase detection (51 focus points, 15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module Focal plane contrast [in Liveview (Tripod) mode] Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible |
| Focus Modes |
Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder, Focus Lock AF Area Mode (Single point AF, Dynamic Area AF, Automatic-area AF) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO 200 to 3200 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps 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 |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed |
30 - 1/8000 second (1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps) Bulb |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Exposure Metering |
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor (3D Color Matrix Metering II with type G and D lenses [Color Matrix Metering II with other CPU lenses and non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data], Center-weighted, Spot [centered on active focus area with CPU Lens, center focus area with non-CPU lens] |
| Exposure Modes | Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program, Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture Priority Auto [A], Manual [M], Exposure Compensation (±5 EV in i1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV increments), Exposure Lock, Exposure Bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV) |
| White Balance Modes | 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) |
| Scene Modes | No (48 Custom Settings available) |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Manual pop-up flash (Front-curtain Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, Rear-curtain Sync) |
| Effective Flash Range | 27.0' @ ISO 100 |
| External Flash Connection |
Accessory Shoe (ISO 518 Standard hot-shoe) Sync Terminal (ISO 519 standard terminal) |
| External Flash Control |
TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash, Non-TTL Auto, Range-priority manual flash Creative Lighting System supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock Flash Compensation (-3 to +1 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV increments) |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed |
1/250 second Up to 1/320 second (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN) |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | 0.13 seconds |
| Shutter Lag | 0.045 seconds |
| Time Between Shots | Less than 1 second |
| Burst Capability |
Continuous low speed [CL]: 1 to 7 fps Continuous high-speed [CH]: 8 fps (using AC Adaptor), or 6 fps (using EN-EL3e Battery) |
| Self Timer | 2 to 20 seconds duration |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Date & Time Stamp | No |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
CompactFlash (Type I & II) compliant with UDMA Microdrive |
| File Size | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery |
| Power Adapter | EH-5a AC Adapter (optional) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control |
10-pin Remote Connection (supports Nikon MC-22/30/36 remotes) Wireless Remote Control with optional WT-4 Wireless Transmitter |
| Video Output |
NTSC or PAL HDMI 1.3a (Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.1.5 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Fixed eye-level pentaprism with built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1), Eyepoint of 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1), and Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines |
| Viewfinder Info | Focus indications, Metering system, AE/FV lock indicator, Flash sync indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, ISO sensitivity, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes |
| LCD Display | 3.0" Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD (920,000 pixels) with 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, brightness adjustment and Liveview (Handheld or Tripod mode) |
| Information Display | Top panel monochrome LCD (Shutter-speed, Exposure compensation value, Flash compensation value, ISO sensitivity, White balance fine-tuning, White balance preset number, Number of shots in bracketing sequence, Number of intervals, Focal length (non-CPU lens), Aperture (f-number), Aperture (number of stops), Bracketing increment, Number of shots per interval, Maximum aperture (non-CPU lens), PC connection indicator, Number of frames remaining, Number of shots remaining before buffer fills, PC mode indicator, Preset white balance recording indicator, Electronic analog exposure display, Exposure compensation, Bracketing progress indicator, PC mode indicator) |
| Language Options | Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish |
| Playback Options | 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 delete, Selected photographs delete), Text Input (Up to 36 characters - stored in Exif header) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4.5 x 5.8 x 2.9" (147 x 114 x 74mm) body only |
| Weight | 29.2 oz. (825g) body only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 63 customers
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
I am still learning but this does everything I want...
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
Good balance and easy to use if you're used to using Nikon DSLR's. However, I find the lens zoom function is not very smooth and certainly not as smooth as some of my other Nikkor lenses. I also have dust in the camera from new which I would not have expected and this does tend to detract a little from the pleasure of using my new camera. Overall quality is very good. I started years ago with a D100 then moved up to a D200 and I'm hoping that my new D300 will prove to be the best yet.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
I love the fact this camera has alot of quick settings on the outside of the camera without having to go into the menu. Camera is fast by itself but add the battery grip and you get 8fps.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
I'm just starting my photography business and this camera has been a dream. It is easy to use and takes amazing photos!
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
The camera is fabulous...takes awhile to learn how to use it. Heavy but sturdy. The lens if flexible and reasonably good. Only complaint it that when the lens is slightly zoomed and is aiming at the ground, it fully extends. Oh, another thing about the camera, I have shot many hand held shots in very dim light without a flash.The pictures come out and come out well.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
Nothing bad to say about my new D300. The camera speaks for itself. Amazing photo's right off with it. Very very pleased and will do more buisness with B & H in the future.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
GREAT camera for those who want advance features (Consumer Reports #1 - B Advanced). Pictures are unbelievable - sharpness and color are right on target (Photoshop does very very little to improve). Very easy to use, and the size of the body allows easy to use buttons - with no second function for must of the buttons. The camera reminds me of my old Nikon F3. Lens is nice fit (18-200mm), and cover must of my requirements - great to have one lens cover so much. Can find nothing that I am disappointed with in the D300!!!! Would recommend holding the camera (with your desired lens) before you buy it to get the feel for it ... it is a bit bulky for some.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
This is the BEST camera I have ever owned in over 30 years! Easy to use- lightweight - gorgeous photos - bracketing is a breeze - making for cool HDR pics... love it!!!
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
I bought the Nikon D300 SLR to use it professionally and the results have been outstanding, well beyond my expectations. The image, granularity , exposure, it is simply an excellent camera.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
The camera has easy to use controls for exposure settings, most settings can be performed without going through the menus. I like but don't love the image quality of the lens. You'd be better off buying the camera body only and then higher quality glass. My package came with a trial version of "Capture NX" photo processing software. I've read where you can get the full version included. The battery lasts forever. I tried to run it down so I could recharge a flat battery but finally gave up and recharged it anyway (I bought an extra with my order. As always, great service from BHPHOTO.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
The D300 is an excellent DSLR. As a photography student at RISD i use the camera constantly and am never without it. The picture quality is astounding, you simply cant go wrong with this purchase.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
This camera makes it easy to get the great shot. With its metering and focusing systems, it's almost hard not to take a good picture. Yet, when you want to get creative with settings, the D300 lets you do what you want while still producing extrodinary results.
Combine the D300 with the Nikon SB-800 flash unit and you'll think using a flash was never so easy.
The Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens is going to spend a lot of time attached to the camera. It's a great lens when you are out on a "lets see what's out there today" day. It's an all around lens. The only issue I've come up against with the lens is that I've seen some viginetting with UV and a polarizing filter added to the front when zoomed out to 18mm.
I'm using a Extreme IV CF card with the camera and it gives very good response time, even using 14 bit NEF raw. I would recommend getting the fastest card you can especially if you are going to shoot in continuous mode.
If there is one minor complaint that I have is that the D300 with the Nikkor 18-200mm lens is a little heavy. After a long day you'll start to notice it's weight. This is a trade off though that I'll gladly accept, because this camera is built like every other Nikon I've ever owned. Like a tank! This camera will be outdated with newer technology long before it ever wears out.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
Very nice camera, strong build, fast responstime. happy with the purchase.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
Having used the D70 for over four years, and now having tried out the D300, I can compare the changes and advances that Nikon has made. I wanted to wait until this camera was available and is one reason I put off buying the D200 which is also an excellent camera. But the D300 is a more professional camera with a sturdier chassis and more features that a professional needs to capture difficult lighting situations. I love the monochrome feature and the different filters available in-camera, plus I can do things in-camera that I had to wait to do in photoshop after I downloaded my images.
All in all, I am very satisfied with my D300. I have used it in light rain, in mist, in the Florida heat and humidity and in many different outdoor weather situations.
The 18-200 VR lens lets me hand hold low-light shots two stops lower than I was able to take with my D70 and the images showed no sign of camera shake.
It has almost everything the $5,000 plus D3 has, at a fraction of the cost.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
Following a little study and familiarization of the camera's performance and features, I began taking pictures which friends are describing as "awewome". I look forward to spending some more time with it, and have all but put away my point and shoot.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
This is my first Nikon. I use it for all types of photography but primarily for sports and events. I am very impressed with how well the camera is laid out with respect to accessing the various controls and functions as well as the feel or ergonomics... very important in a long shoot. As far as the operation goes it is just outstanding. Very fast.
I have made some shots at ISO 1600 and am very impressed with the image quality at that ISO. I have only had the camera for 3 weeks and I have nothing but positive things to say about it. Although I would have preferred a full frame sensor, at the significant savings over the D3 this is well worth the money.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
I LOVE the D300... this is a really great camera. The 18-200mm is a good all purpose lens, and I love the VR feature. And 12 megapixels.... WOW. I'm a designer by day, and didn't realize the impact those extra pixels could make.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
SIMPLY AMAZING SHOOTING AUTO AT 6FPS.AM SIMPLY OVERWHELMED WITH THE SHARPNESS ALSO
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
This camera is absolutely wonderful, and honestly quite easy to learn and use. Though the manual is nearly 500 pages, it only takes about an hour with the camera in your lap to go through some of the image menu's and get shooting and learning. It takes wonderful pictures, and my only complaint, would be to have a silent shutter for outdoor wildlife, like the Canon 40D has. I had to decide between the two, and didn't know about this at the time.
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Comments about Nikon D300 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-200mm Lens:
D300 is not necessary to explain agin.
It is fantastic.
And 18-200 mm lens is good to trip everywhere.
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