Nikon D300 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview in-depth review highlights the Nikon D300 as a groundbreaking semi-pro DSLR, praising its 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, robust 51-point Multi-CAM3500DX autofocus system, and durable weather-sealed body. Key performance pros include 6 fps continuous shooting, a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD, and excellent image quality with effective in-camera aberration correction. Conversely, the review notes that the fixed LCD restricts Live View usability, and the lack of built-in image stabilization requires relying on VR lenses. Other identified limitations include default JPEG images appearing slightly soft and a significant drop in burst speed to 2.5 fps when shooting 14-bit raw files. For the full, detailed review, visit DPReview.

In his review, Ken Rockwell highlights the Nikon D300 as a significant DX-format camera featuring excellent ergonomics, a sharp 920,000-dot LCD screen, and a highly effective 51-point 3D tracking autofocus system. Key performance advantages include the Adaptive Dynamic Range (ADR) system for managing contrast and automatic correction of lateral color fringes for improved lens sharpness. Conversely, the review identifies drawbacks, such as aggressive high-ISO noise reduction that blurs details at ISO 6,400, and a minimum native ISO of 200, which is higher than some competitors. Additionally, activating ADR severely limits the continuous shooting buffer, and the Picture Control menu system is noted as being slow to navigate.

The Nikon D300 is a robust semi-professional DSLR camera featuring a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, a durable magnesium alloy chassis with sealed buttons, and a massive 3-inch high-resolution back LCD screen. The review highlights significant performance upgrades over its predecessor, the D200, including vastly improved battery life, an integrated sensor-cleaning system, and a 100% coverage viewfinder. It delivers standout capabilities such as a highly accurate 51-point autofocus module with 3D-tracking, a built-in lens focal adjustment system to fix front/back-focus issues, and the helpful capacity to store and quickly switch profiles for up to nine non-CPU manual focus lenses. Additionally, image quality is greatly enhanced with smooth color gradation, reliable exposure metering, and superb noise reduction that preserves sharpness at high ISO settings up to 3200. Despite its high praise, the camera has notable drawbacks, particularly when utilizing its maximum capabilities. Shooting in 14-bit RAW mode severely throttles the continuous burst shooting speed from a swift 6 frames per second down to just 2.5 frames per second, while generating massive file sizes. Saving images in TIFF format is similarly impractical due to...

The Trusted Reviews assessment of the Nikon D300 highlights the camera as a durable, semi-professional DSLR with a rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, a precise 51-point AF system, and a high-resolution 3-inch LCD. It delivers excellent image quality via a 12.3-megapixel sensor and features a 100% viewfinder, making it a strong contender for demanding shooting conditions. Conversely, the review notes the D300 is notably heavy and bulky compared to competitors, which can lead to fatigue over long periods. Furthermore, the Live View functionality is criticized for being slow and noisy, and while image noise control is generally good, high ISO settings (ISO 3200) can produce unusable results.

The What Digital Camera review praises the Nikon D300 as a robust, high-performing, semi-professional DSLR featuring a durable magnesium alloy body, intuitive interface, and excellent high ISO noise control. Key strengths include a 51-point autofocus system, exceptional image detail, and a 3-inch high-resolution screen. The main drawbacks noted are its somewhat flat Live View functionality and a heavier, larger form factor compared to competitors like the Canon EOS 40D, which may cause fatigue during extended use. Despite these, the review concludes it offers consistent, professional-grade performance.

The Nikon D300 is a highly versatile and rugged semi-professional 12.3-megapixel DX-format DSLR featuring a durable magnesium alloy chassis and moisture-resistant controls. It shares advanced technology with the pricier full-frame Nikon D3, such as an EXPEED image processor, a high-resolution 3-inch 922,000-dot LCD screen, and a sophisticated 51-point autofocus system equipped with 15 cross-type points and Dynamic 3D tracking. Key advantages include exceptional shooting speeds of up to 6 frames per second (expandable to 8 frames per second with an optional MB-D10 battery pack), automatic lateral chromatic aberration correction, and dual-mode Live View capabilities. This combination of speed, reliable Matrix metering, and accurate autofocus tracking makes the camera particularly effective for sports, travel, and wildlife photography. However, the camera has notable limitations, especially regarding its out-of-camera image delivery and sensor performance. Standard default JPEG files tend to be slightly soft, requiring users to manually boost in-camera sharpness or work with 14-bit RAW files to get punchier results. Additionally, the Contrast-Detection autofocus used during "Tripod" Live View mode operates slowly, and the camera occasionally overexposes highlights in harsh, contrasty lighting, necessitating...

The Nikon D300 is a robust, magnesium-alloy, weather-sealed DSLR designed for serious photographers, featuring a 12.3-megapixel sensor and a highly precise 51-point autofocus system. Key advantages highlighted include excellent dynamic range, accurate metering, and significantly improved battery life. On the downside, the camera lacks a native ISO 100 setting—relying on a "Low 1.0" option that limits highlight range—and produces unwieldy, large uncompressed TIFF files. Additional criticisms include slightly softer image quality at very large print sizes and a heavy, complex menu system for beginners.

The Nikon D300 and its mid-life update, the D300s, are celebrated as "instant classics" that effectively merged the best traits of the D200 and D2x into a highly capable, rugged magnesium alloy body. Boasting pro-level build quality and exceptional weather sealing, the camera features a 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor that delivers excellent image sharpness, accurate color reproduction, and up to 8 frames per second when using an optional vertical grip. Key strengths include a massive 51-point autofocus system that integrates seamlessly with the 1005-pixel metering system for uncanny tracking (especially of skin tones), a vibrant 3-inch VGA-level LCD screen, and an advanced i-TTL built-in flash capable of managing two remote flash groups via Commander mode. Furthermore, its usable dynamic range is expanded compared to previous models, and write performance is remarkably swift when utilizing UDMA-enabled CompactFlash cards. Despite these robust positives, the review identifies notable drawbacks in ergonomics, software execution, and modern performance limits. The menu system is described as an unmanaged, "abysmal" sprawl of 109 items that lacks critical integration, such as the ability to save or link shooting...

The ePHOTOzine review praises the Nikon D300 for its high-end construction, 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus system, and fast 6fps burst performance, making it a capable semi-pro camera. Key advantages include robust build quality, excellent subject tracking, and a well-designed, intuitive control layout. Conversely, the review notes that shooting in 14-bit RAW significantly slows the camera's operation. Furthermore, the highest burst speeds require high-speed 266x CompactFlash cards, meaning performance can be limited by slower memory, according to ePHOTOzine. ePHOTOzine