For the opportunity Nikon D300 body camera review many thanks to Vadim Jadan http://vk.com/id23823306.
Nikon D300 review
Nikon D300 is positioned by Nikon as a professional APS-C camera (a camera with a matrix in which crop factor 1.5X). The camera was introduced on 23.08.2007 along with Nikon D3. D300 and D3 have opened up a whole new level of camera engineering among all Nikon cameras. A whole bunch of innovations was laid in them.
Popularly, Nikon D300 is legendary 'shooter', 'armor piercing', 'small D3', 'cropped D3', 'workhorse', etc. Actually, such epithets are the best characteristic of the camera.
View of Nikon D300 from different sides
The main parameters of the Nikon D300, which should be paid attention to the photographer:
1. Professional ergonomics in a very high quality case. The camera body is waterproof and dustproof. The entire body is made of magnesium alloy, this affects the weight of the camera (about 1 kg). The heavy weight of the camera helps with handheld photography and keeps weight balance well with heavy lenses. Even the lugs for the strap are asymmetrically positioned for proper weight distribution. The camera grip is rubberized, and the front and rear control dials are also rubberized. The camera fits perfectly in the hand.
The camera is very convenient to control, all the necessary control buttons are moved to convenient places. The Nikon D300 has an excellent large monochrome display for quick setup. Such a large monochrome display is only in Nikon D200 и Nikon D300s, other cropped models have this display 'cut down'. In general, Nikon D300 can be controlled only by this display and not enter the camera menu itself. But for whom it is not enough, Nikon D300 has an excellent 3-inch color display with 920.000 dots. The same display is used in Nikon D3, D3s, D700, D300s, D90... The camera has an 'info' button which calls up all basic settings on the color display.
2. The D300 uses a cropped CMOS sensor. Most likely the same matrix is taken as the basis for the camera Nikon D300s, D90 and D5000. The ISO range is available from 200 to 3200 units. Strange, but in the professional camera Nikon D300 ISO is used instead of ISO 100 lo1, which is a plug-in and is equivalent to ISO 100. The ISO value can be expanded up to 6400 units (indicated by 'Hi1'). I do not recommend shooting at ISO higher than 1600. At present, the matrix does not show very clear images at high ISO. 12 megapixels are enough for any kind of standard tasks.
3. The camera has a huge maximum continuous shooting speed - Nikon D300 is one of the fastest "crop". The camera can shoot 6 frames per second. And if you connect an additional power supply unit (booster), then the speed increases to 8 k / s.
4. Nikon D300 has a built-in focusing motor, which allows the use of non-motorized lenses marked with 'AF', sometimes this allows you to save on optics. Also the camera can work with old AI lenses and AI-S types. You can store information on 10 manual lenses.
5. A very important indicator of camera speed is the frame buffer capacity. The buffer is the fast internal memory of the camera, where the captured photos are stored before they are written to the memory card. The Nikon D300 can hold a maximum of 18 frames in RAW format.
- 17 frames with 12 bit RAW lossless compression
- 18 frames with 12 bit RAW standard compression
- 15 frames at 14 bit RAW
- 14 frames in TIFF format
- 21 frames in JPEG L format, quality priority
You can save RAW files in the camera in several ways: 12 or 14 bits per pixel and one of three compression levels. TIFF format is available.
Important: when shooting in RAW format with 14 bit color depth, the maximum shooting speed will be only 2.5 frames per second. This is a serious limitation, so if you count on a 14-bit color depth, you will need to sacrifice speed. One RAW file with 14 bit color depth occupies 25 MB on the card. The problem with a low shooting speed at 14 bit was solved in Nikon D7000but she surfaced again in Nikon D7100.
Important: when you turn on noise reduction at high ISO, noise reduction at slow shutter speeds, enable Active D-lighting frame buffer can be reduced to only 6 shots. I usually turn off all these features when shooting in RAW.
6. The camera can use Live View. True, the activation of the mode occurs through the mode selection ring near the "tower" of control. This location of the Live View switch is very inconvenient. Live View works in two modes: “tripod” and “manual”. In one of them, you can compose images through the display, but when you press the shutter button, the camera turns off Live View and focuses through the focus sensors, and only then takes a picture. In the other mode, Live View works like a conventional point-and-shoot camera, allowing you to focus using contrast focusing. When zoomed in on a portion of the image using Live View, the image begins slow down, such a defect is no longer in Nikon D90.
7. The Nikon D300 has one of the best Multi-CAM 3500DX Focusing Systems, which includes 51 focus points (15 of which are cross-shaped). The same number of focus points have Nikon D3, D3s, D3x, D4,D4s, D800,D800e, D7100 и D700. Focusing is very tenacious and has a huge amount of settings. Focus speed is very dependent on the lens.
8. The camera’s battery can withstand over 1000 shots on a single charge. In fact, if you use a lens without autofocus and without a stabilizer, you can squeeze over 2000 frames on a single charge. Batteries are fully compatible with Nikon D90, D200, D80, D700.
9. Camera supports fast FP sync with external flashes. This means that with external flash it will be possible to shoot at any shutter speed, even for 1 \ 8000 s (the shortest excerpt in the camera). Also, the flash may work in command mode and control two groups of flashes using Nikon CLS. You can set the sync speed to 1 \ 320 s.
10. The camera has another million useful little things: fine-tuning the focus for different lenses, the processing functions of captured images, bracketing for different values, etc.
Nikon D300 is the continuation of the line, which previously included Nikon D100 и D200. The camera body is very, very similar to D200after I exchanged my camera Nikon D200 on Nikon D300, for writing a review, when manipulating the camera during shooting, I did not feel any difference. The controls are in their convenient places, all the buttons are the same.
Separately, it is worth considering the difference between Nikon D200 and D300
- The main difference in the number of focus points. 11 points D200 and 51 points on the D300. The difference is almost 5 times.
- The D300 optical viewfinder covers 100% of the frame, the D200 only 95%, which allows you not to be afraid of the edges of the frame when shooting.
- D300 has Live View
- The D300 has a matrix cleaning system. The types of matrices are also different: CCD vs CMOS.
- The D300 has a much quieter sensor than the D200. The D200's biggest problem is its very “noisy” matrix.
- Burst speed increased to 6 (up to 8 with a booster) frames per second, versus 5 fps for D200
- The display has increased. The difference in the display when viewing pictures is very much felt.
- D300 works much better with voluminous memory cards
- D300 consumes an order of magnitude better battery life. One battery charge in the D300 is enough for 1000-1500 frames, and in the D200 only for 400-500.
- The D300 can save 14-bit RAW files, which improves the original image during processing.
The rest of the cameras are very similar. The old D200 has even one advantage over the D300: frame buffer holds 21 frames, while the D300 has only 18, given the camera speeds, the D200 can shoot continuous high-speed shooting for a couple of seconds longer than the D300. (21/5 = 4,2 seconds versus 18/6 = 3 seconds, or 18/8 = 2,25 seconds). But since the D300 works better with memory cards, the difference is not particularly noticeable. I do not recommend upgrading D200 to D300, D300s without much need.
To date, the Nikon D300 is morally obsolete, it has successor Nikon D300s. Details the difference between Nikon D300 and D300s described in Nikon D300s review.
For whom will such a camera be useful?
First of all, Nikon D300 will be useful for professional photographers who can apply all the useful functions hidden behind the huge camera menu. Especially the D300 is good at reporting. For beginners, I do not recommend buying the Nikon D300. If there is a desire to join the ranks of the owners of the CZK, then to begin Nikon D90, D7000 much better, but you can even start with Nikon D40.
Sample photos on Nikon D300
All photos in this review were shot on Nikon D300, RAW + JPEG, JPEG L quality priority, ADL normal, Noise reduction on. The size is reduced to 2048 * 1536 and the data about the shooting parameters from EXIF. All photos were taken with Nikon 50mm F1.8D.
UPDATE 2
Examples of photos on HELIOS-44M 2/58 and camera Nikon D300 with readers of Radozhiva shared by photographer Alexander Gvozd.
Personal experience:
I really like the Nikon D300 because it has a full Live View, but there is no video mode that I do not need. Working with the Nikon D300 is very pleasant, since all the controls are at hand. The camera works with any optics that can be planted on it. In hand Nikon D7000 и Nikon D7100 inferior to the convenience of the D300, and for me, convenience is a very important indicator, since I have to run around with the camera all day. On the other hand, Nikon D300 is much inferior in some respects to brand new cameras.
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Hack and predictor Aviator
Nikon D300 performs very well in use, it is one of the best Nikon 'crop'. In an unequal struggle with time, it began to yield in some parameters to newer amateur cameras. But still, when working at low ISO - Nikon D300 is a camera, after 'talking' with which you don't want to use something else.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
then it’s clear why the quality of the photo is not very artistic (
Arkady, thanks to your review, I still took my wife this model, but for myself, d7000 (for the video).
Thank you for your work!
please tell me what resource personnel 100 or 150 000?
150000
QUESTION: where is the logic? in uncompressed 14-bit RAW - speed 2,5 frames per second. but in TIFF - up to 6 frames per second…. TIFF weighs 1,5-2 times more than RAW ...
The logic is in place, FIFF is encoded with 24 bits (3 channels * 8 bits), the file size here is not a measure of speed. Tiff simply does not compress files and stores data for 12 MP full pixels, while RAW only stores data on subpixels (https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/08/ice-cube-m/) The speed depends on the processor, which is 14 bits much harder to fool than 12 bits or 8.
When shooting in RAW format, the processor does not participate in the work,
only the ADC works, therefore, work in TIFF, according to the logic, should be slower, because the files 'weigh' more, in fact, the serial mode in raw is slower, so the logic will not help here, because the ADC does not turn off under other RAW conditions!
When shooting in RAW (if you take the entire shooting cycle), the processor is still involved. Re-read my comment above.
Hello. I am the owner of this device. I noticed this - the sound of the sound in RAV and ZHIPEG is different. My logic has already fought over this question, but it only gets my head against the wall. the sound is very different. What can it beat ????
Good afternoon, D70 is currently available. I am faced with the choice of used D300 or D7000. I rent for myself, mainly on Soviet optics. Main criteria: best metering, viewfinder, and Live View. Prices now for such used machines are approximately the same, camera size and weight are not critical. Thank you in advance.
D300 is better if there is a choice of buying bu. Take 300-tku and do not think if the video is not important for you. I have experience using both cameras. The quality of the in-camera JPEG of the D300 really exceeds the D7000 in many respects!
Yes, and professional ergonomics (including the location of controls, a larger size, weight and a more comfortable grip) in the case of the D300 camera is obvious!
The only thing is that the 300 has a loud clap of the mirror. Not as brutal, of course, as Sony's DSLRs with an ordinary mirror, but still it's a minus - you no longer take pictures of the performance or children, so that they are not greatly distracted by sound.
Thank you, I already took the 300th long ago) I did everything correctly, and the cotton of the mirror just makes me happy) Of course I already want the D700 or D800, but you can still wait with this device.
Better immediately 810, if money allows. 800 raw.
Or, used in good condition D700 thousand for 35-40.
Arkady You write that you can put any AI lens on the D300, AI-S only needs to specify the parameters in the camera (and you will be happy). And does the D300S also? Advance blogger for the answer!
Well, of course. Details here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/06/nikon-ai-s-old-lens-about/
Hello, please advise firmware for Nikon D300s so that autofocus will work with video.
Hello, please advise firmware for Nikon D300s so that autofocus will work with video.
Arkady, I want to ask your advice.
I started with d40. Now I have d7000.
I’m thinking of buying a second carcass. I don’t want to re-attach lenses in the cold.
What to choose d200 or d300?
I shoot either night landscapes with a long shutter speed, or at events.
Of the used lenses in half, manual ones like that (55mm 1,2f) and not expensive zooms (Nikor18-105, sigma 10-20).
D200 held in hands. D300 was not necessary. Or does it make sense to take something else d2x for example?
In terms of grip, 200 and 300 are the same, 300 has a new matrix, which is worse, although not significantly less in noise than 7000, but autofocus is just a miracle. After 300, 300s, 7000, 7100 you run into only ff. I shot 300 and 7000, I chose 300 for myself, anyway after ISO 800, the quality drops, then only ff. 300 can be taken with a range of 100 thousand, on average they run 300 thousand, but again, the lottery, in my opinion it is better to take a d700 with a range of 100-150 thousand, the shutter easily reaches 300 thousand, talked with repair masters, and if the shutter flies, so 200ue and again a new camera, gum stands on ebay 25 ye, but d700 is ff, you can pick it up without much loss in quality and af like in 300-ki 51 points always do their job, good luck in choosing
Thanks so much for the tip.
it's so funny to read about the d700 on which you can bully the ISO because FF ...
You wait another 9 years, it will be even funnier.
I have all these carcasses at hand in working order, do you think that in 9 years something will change between them, provided that they will also be in working order?
At the moment, this device is the most optimal one for the keen amateur. For which video is not needed. Otherwise, there is everything in abundance. Of course, the D700 is even better, but twice as expensive. Whoever faces the choice of D200 and D300, the overpayment of one and a half two thousand hryvnia is definitely worth the autofocus, a larger and better screen, a viewfinder, and Live View. Recently I got an old D70, an excellent camera, but I just don't want to work with it after the d300). Arkady says everything is correct - But still, when working at low ISO - Nikon D300 is a camera, after 'communication' with which you don't want to use something else.
Good day to all! I ask the owners of the D300 for advice. My camera does not give 6 frames / sec. Maximum 3. Transend memory card 16 GB 133x. What could be the reason: in the camera and memory card?
If in the settings of the equal NEFa 14bit, yes it can slow down
Need advice - there is a choice of D200 mileage 80.000 and D300 mileage 200.000, what to choose?
Same price.
Thank you.
It is unequivocally difficult to say, first you need to look at the state, work in general. Then in the D300 there is already an outrageous run - a lottery. If you take pictures like this for yourself, a couple of times a month, then it can work for a long time. But still, replacing the shutter is about $ 200, maybe it makes sense to look for options with a lower mileage but a little more expensive. And so D200 in this situation is preferable if other options are not suitable financially or for other reasons. The choice is yours
I wouldn’t take the D200, and the D300 with this mileage too ... if they give you some time to check the performance, then take the D300, it is a cut above all parameters, it is a lottery anyway ..
as the owner, I can’t understand what’s a cut above?))) something else makes noise, only the colors in the 200-ke are more interesting and the seven hundredth is somewhere nearby
What is the fashion to argue with the comments of 9 years ago?
Selling D300, in good condition, the camera was treated very carefully. the price is $ 300.
I rarely visit the forum, tel. 0503877065
What about the mileage? Place of sale? Write me
I was looking for the answer to the question: is there a dust shake in 300?
Yes, of course there is, in any description of the device you will find about it)
Good day! There is a question for the owner of this camera. When shooting (burst or frame by frame, no difference), my D300 takes shots with different exposures - first overexposure, then normal, after darkening. I don't use bracketing, multiple exposure is disabled. I used to use D3100 and D7000, I didn't notice anything like that on them. Tell me, what could be the matter?
bought one with sigma 1.4 50mm objektis… happy as an elephant.
Hello Arkady, I’m taking pictures for myself on the Nikon D80, I am tormented by the choice between Nikon D7000 and Nikon D300, tell me which is better to take? I do not consider the 3000 and 5000 series cameras due to ergonomics (lack of an additional screen and settings only through the camera menu)
The age-old question d7000 / d300 ... "for myself" I would stop at d7000.
Selling D300, in good condition, the camera was treated very carefully. the price is $ 300.
I rarely visit the forum, tel. 0503877065
And I would stop on the Nikon D300, if the video is not needed, I speak as the owner of these two cameras. As for the video, the 7000 is not even bad, but in this respect it is still inferior to its competitor Canon 7D.
I took a 300-ku, now I will test!
Tell me, please, which cameras other than the D300 (not FF) can record RAW without compression? It turns out that all new cameras, both amateur and advanced, necessarily compress RAW?
All professional crops - D100, D200, D300, D300s (the last crop), D1, D1h, D1x, D2h, D2x, D2xs, D2hs, S5 Pro
what about D500? Is this crop amateur coming out? time to update the post
In 2015, there was no D500 yet. It is not time to update the article, the DSLRs have already been done by hand.
Strange logic. Here I am interested in mirrors. I like them. (I am not at all interested in the BZK.) I came to the site to read. Found an inaccuracy.
Z.Y. B.R.P. your logic is flawed, because if you follow it, then the sections with SLR digital cameras should be deleted. It's never too late to write about the D500. This is an informational entertaining educational resource, do not forget about it.
Thanks a lot, Arkady.
I chased my camera for a long time, I wanted both convenience and speed, and the price was not biting, I realized that I wanted to drink, I took it for a test, I liked the skin tone. But there are so many jambs ... speed, battery, focus points, BB, screen, terrible change .. and much more, well, of course, dd was a bold plus, but again at low ISO 100-200, then this parameter is blown away. Returned to the previous model d300, but not just returned, but found a miracle option that allows you to use color and skin tone, similar, well, very similar to d2x, but at the same time you retain 51 points, a good display, speed, speed imputed by ISO, a full range of professional qualities that you can only wish for. As for the large DD, I am very familiar with the bracketing that any DD gives.
The conclusion is that there are no ideal cameras, but each one can be customized for itself, below is a link to a melon preset, a link from the Nikon official website, all good shots
http://nikonimglib.com/opc/d2x/index.html.en#os-windows
Good afternoon, tell me maybe someone came across, I shot a Nikon d300, put it in a bag, the camera came home, it doesn’t turn on, even the indication does not light up in the upper screen. The battery is fully charged) this is the case ..
For starters, you need to 100% check the battery’s performance, it’s best to just insert another, because the battery is fully charged, it still does not mean anything