Nikon D300S Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview in-depth review identifies the Nikon D300S as a robust, semi-professional DX-format DSLR featuring a durable magnesium alloy body, excellent ergonomics, and a 51-point autofocus system with effective 3D tracking. Key strengths include 7 fps shooting (8 fps with grip), dual CF/SD card slots, a 100% coverage viewfinder, and 720p HD video with a microphone input. Conversely, the review notes the contrast-detect AF in live view is slow, default JPEG images can appear soft compared to higher-resolution competitors, and the mirror mechanism is quite loud despite a "Quiet" mode. While the 12.3MP sensor offers solid high-ISO performance, its dynamic range and resolution are merely competitive rather than class-leading.

Nikon D300S Review Summary The Nikon D300S is a rugged, weather-sealed DSLR that builds upon the success of its predecessor, the D300, by offering outstanding performance and excellent photo quality for its class. It is built like a tank and features a highly responsive continuous-shooting rate of 6.8 frames per second, a big and bright viewfinder with 100% coverage, and a flexible dual card slot architecture that accommodates both CF and SD cards. The camera delivers vibrant, accurate colors and lightning-fast single-shot response times, taking just 0.3 seconds to power on and shoot. Key pros include its exceptional burst speed, robust build quality, an onboard wireless flash controller, and helpful, less frequently used settings now accessible through an updated interactive information display. Despite these strengths, the D300S suffers from several design and performance drawbacks. A major downside is that it uses the same sensor as its predecessor, providing no significant improvements in high ISO noise performance; images begin to look processed at ISO 800 and exhibit distinct softness and luminance noise by ISO 6,400. Additionally, the user-settings menus require at...

The Nikon D300s is evaluated as a highly capable but iterative upgrade that retains the exact same 12.3-megapixel DX sensor, 51-point autofocus system, and robust chassis design as its two-year-old predecessor. Main pros include its exceptional color saturation, reliable white balance handling, and solid low-light performance with minimal noise up through ISO 1600. Additionally, the inclusion of dual memory card slots (CF and SDHC) stands out as a major workflow benefit, allowing users to extend storage, duplicate backups, or separate RAW and JPEG files. The camera also maintains its multi-generational compatibility with vintage Nikon lenses, providing an affordable lens path for value-conscious photographers. However, the review highlights several critical cons, particularly regarding its headline addition of 720p HD video recording. Video recording is strictly capped at 5 minutes, the autofocus during filming is described as "god-awful slow," and users cannot access video playback while remaining in Live View mode. Furthermore, image and video noise becomes problematic when pushing past ISO 1600. Ultimately, because the D300s launched at the original $1,800 price point without introducing new sensor technologies, it faced a...

The What Digital Camera review identifies the Nikon D300s as a highly capable, feature-packed DSLR offering exceptional 12.3MP image quality, accurate color reproduction, and a robust 51-point autofocus system. Key strengths include superb ergonomics, a 100% field-of-view pentaprism viewfinder, and reliable subject tracking. However, the review notes drawbacks, including a finicky, small rear multi-selector pad and initially slow autofocus acquisition. It is characterized as a minor, rather than significant, update to the D300, focusing mainly on adding 720p video and dual card slots.

The Nikon D300S is a rugged 12.3-megapixel CMOS DSLR housed in a durable magnesium-alloy shell with advanced dust and moisture countermeasures. The reviewer notes that while the camera is not a revolutionary upgrade from the original D300, it introduces significant functional enhancements, most notably a dual-card compartment supporting both CF and SD memory cards that can work in tandem to back up or separate RAW and JPEG files. Other physical updates include a dedicated Live View button on the back of the camera, a newly added Quiet shutter release mode, a sliding media door that replaces the old latch, and a slightly boosted continuous shooting speed of up to 7 frames per second. The camera earns praise for its highly capable 51-point autofocus system with 3D tracking, reliable multi-pattern Matrix metering, and excellent handling when paired with a high-end external flash like the Nikon SB-900. However, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks. The addition of HD movie recording is criticized as clumsy because the monitor blacks out during focusing, and prolonged video use generates excessive internal heat that forces automatic...

The Nikon D300 and D300s are highly durable, DX-format DSLRs that initially served as a powerful "mini D3," bridging the gap between prosumer and professional bodies. Built with exceptional magnesium alloy construction and partial weather sealing, these cameras excel in physical ruggedness, offering pro-level handling, a 100% viewfinder, and dual-card slots on the "s" refresh. Their performance highlights include a rapid autofocus system featuring the 51-point CAM3500 DX sensor with uncanny 3D tracking capabilities, high frame rates of up to 6 to 8 fps depending on the battery configuration, and highly efficient UDMA CompactFlash write speeds. Furthermore, the 12.3-megapixel sensor delivers accurate color, excellent micro-contrast, and expanded dynamic range at base ISO compared to prior generations. However, looking at the cameras through a modern lens, their age exposes severe limitations. The 12.3-megapixel sensor falls well behind contemporary pixel density standards, and its low-light performance is effectively capped at ISO 1600, beyond which image noise and red-channel degradation become highly apparent. The camera also suffers from notable user-interface flaws, including a highly disorganized, bloated menu system and a design error where...

The Nikon D300s is a 12.3-megapixel prosumer DSLR that serves as a refreshed, video-capable update to the original D300. It is highly praised for its exceptional build quality, comfortable ergonomics, and intuitive layout, which includes a dedicated live-view button and a dual slot for both CF and SD cards. Still-image performance is a major strength, featuring a highly reliable 51-point autofocus system that excels in low-light environments, an advanced 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II system for accurate exposures, and a fast continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second (which can be bumped to 8 fps with the MB-D10 battery grip). Additionally, the camera seamlessly integrates into Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS), allowing users to effortlessly command wireless off-camera flashes directly from the pop-up flash. However, the camera is not without its limitations, particularly regarding its high-ISO noise control and video capabilities. Image noise becomes noticeably problematic in shadow areas starting around ISO 2000 to 2500, underperforming when compared to full-frame alternatives and even the lower-priced Nikon D90. Performance also takes a severe hit when shooting 14-bit RAW files,...

The What Digital Camera review rates the Nikon D300s at 93%, highlighting its robust magnesium alloy build, excellent image quality, 51-point AF system, and 720p movie mode with external mic support. Key pros include a 100% field of view viewfinder, accurate exposure, and solid, weather-sealed construction, though it is considered a minor update to the original D300 rather than a major overhaul. Cons noted in the review include a small rear multi-selector pad, occasional sluggish autofocus, and muted colors in the default "Standard" picture setting, which may require a shift to "Vivid". Additionally, the camera is prone to slight underexposure in certain scenes, making the use of Active D-Lighting recommended for better balance.

The Nikon D300s is a capable mid-range DX-format DSLR that offers minor incremental updates over its predecessor, the original D300, making it an excellent upgrade for users moving up from older models like the D40, D70, or D90. It retains the very good image quality, low-noise performance, and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor of the previous generation, wrapped in a rugged, weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body featuring exceptional manual buttons and dials. Key hardware improvements in this "s" variant include an increased continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second, a dual memory card setup with slots for both CF and SD cards, a dedicated one-button Live View activator, and a highly praised soft and silky Quiet shutter mode. The camera's performance shines with its blazing-fast, accurate 51-point autofocus system and impressive high ISO performance, which yields usable images up to ISO 3200. Reviewer Steve Huff highlights the body's ergonomics as the best of any DSLR and notes that the bundled 18-200mm VRII kit zoom delivers great, vibrant results for landscapes and wildlife, despite minor vignetting at 18mm. However, the review outlines distinct downsides,...