As soon as I read the announcement of the new D3 and D,
and read about them, I ordered a D300.
I'll have it as soon as they start shipping......
I love my D200.....but the D300 is a quantum leap!
Do I need it? NO
Will I get better photos? DOUBTFUL
Will I have lot's of fun with it? ABSOLUTELY
Now I have to decide whether or not I'll sell my D200.....it has less than 26,000 shutter actuations, and it has another 3 years of total-warranty.....maybe my wife will want to use it (which would mean I'd have a second camera body, hmmmm.....have to work that angle)
I also just ordered an Epson 1800 printer.........I'm going to be busy!
Durable and Dependable
The D300 body is built from a durable and lightweight magnesium alloy, and has been designed for a high level of dust and water resistance, while the camera's shutter has been tested for 150,000-release cycles, thereby continuing Nikon's long tradition of sturdiness and durability
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12.3 Megapixel Resolution
The high-resolution 12.3 Megapixel DX format CMOS sensor generates image files of the highest quality that are suitable for almost every type of output.
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Self Cleaning Senor
The D300 incorporates a self-cleaning sensor unit, which vibrates at four different resonance frequencies to remove any loose dust on the surface of the sensor's optical low pass filter.
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Fast Performance
The D300 can support continuous shooting up to 6 frames per second (up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack), making it a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines, particularly for action sports, wildlife, or news gathering applications. It also provides fast power-up (0.13 seconds), quick responsiveness (45 millisecond shutter lag), and outstanding timer and shutter flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments.
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Enhanced Images with EXPEED
The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the D300's ability to capture and process high definition image data so quickly. It features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon's signature 'look and feel' of rich accurate colors, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.
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Wide ISO Sensitivity
The camera has a broad ISO range from 200-3200 plus Lo (equivalent to ISO 100) and Hi (equivalent to ISO 6400) sensitivity settings.
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Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus with 3D Focus Tracking
The D300 incorporates Nikon's Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. 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. Altogether, the D300 delivers exacting autofocus precision at blazing speeds.
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Exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS)
The Nikon Scene Recognition System uses the acclaimed Nikon 1005-pixel RGB color sensor modified to recognize subjects' shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the 51-Point Autofocus system in tracking subjects by their color, while enhancing the accuracy of exposure and white balance metering.
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Active D-Lighting Mode
The Active D-Lighting mode provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast, producing broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because Active D-Lighting is applied as images are captured, image editing time can be reduced.
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Picture Control Settings
Nikon's 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 Picture Control System offers four basic setting options - Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome - that can be directly customized with image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Furthermore, users can store up to nine customized options or export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras.
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3.0" Color LCD Display
The 3.0-inch super density (920,000-pixel) color LCD monitor provides a crisp clear view of your images with 170-degree wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection - making critical image review possible. The camera also includes an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change color according to the ambient lighting conditions, and an easy-to-view top LCD panel.
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Live View Feature
The D300 includes the Live View system, which presents photographers with a live image on the LCD screen, with two modes suited to either hand held or tripod shooting. The Live View system is particularly useful when shooting in a studio, utilizing remote shooting, or when shooting from challenging angles.
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Comfortable Controls
The controls of the D300 were designed for ease of use with a totally intuitive 8-directional multi-area selector that makes selecting any of the 51-Point autofocus settings simple, and an intuitive menu system that provides fast access to many of the fine controls of the camera.
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A Total Imaging System
The D300 isn't just a camera, but part of the Nikon Total Imaging System, and is compatible with NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights, accessories and software that provide a complete solution for any photographic challenge to help photographers create great images.
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Wireless Networking