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March 10, 2008

Nikon D300 digital SLR camera review

Nikon's D300 is a good-quality, semi pro/enthusiast dSLR camera.

The Nikon D300 is built like a tank and, like the Canon EOS 40D, has two LCDs – a high-resolution 3in screen dominating the rear and a second narrower display window up top to allow adjustment of key shooting options in seconds.

A dedicated mode button used with a command dial falls readily under the thumb and cuts down the need for a separate mode wheel. The result is that the Nikon D300's layout feel less cluttered than some.

Featuring an image-processing system also found in the higher-end Nikon D3, with a flick of the on/off dial that surrounds the main shutter release you can be up and shooting in less than a second (officially 0.13 sec), with a 45ms shutter lag and the optical viewfinder pleasingly large and clear for composing shots.

Continuous shooting of up to six frames per second is offered and, like the other units here, you can choose to capture images as Jpeg or RAW. Our review sample came with an adequate 17-55mm 1:2.8 G ED DX zoom lens. If you're not already a Nikon user, you'll have to budget extra for; if you can stretch to a VR (Vibration Reduction) lens, so much the better.

The Nikon D300 is also lightning fast in determining critical focus, with a whopping 51 autofocus points and Live View offering further creative flexibility, though in low light without flash we missed the built-in back- up of an image stabilisation system to avoid the occasional soft shot. White balance, however, is accurate – due in part to Nikon's new 'scene recognition' system.

With enough illumination or a steady surface to rest on, the Nikon D300 delivers naturalistically coloured, pin-sharp images that really jump off the screen.

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User reviews from Reevoo.com

Nikon D300 scores 9.3 out of 10 based on 158 reviews

Reevoo reviews are by people who definitely bought the product

The 2 most helpful reviews:

29 Nov 2007 Mark, Peterborough

Good Points

I have had the D100 since its first release and over the years have seen Nikon change its range, I very nearly brought the D200 but found that Nikon would soon be releasing the D300 so decided to wait. In September 2007 again very nearly brought the D200 as wanted to get my hands on a new camera but held back. I'm so pleased as in November 2007 the Nikon came through and what a piece of kit, this camera was well worth the wait. The one very bad point on my D100 was the camera was not very forgiving, if you made a slight error when taking a photo you paid highly for it, as I’m a complete novice when it comes to taking photos I more often than not managed to get it so very wrong. Even my young daughter on a Fuji 5m camera would take photos that made mine look as though it had been taken with an instamatic. I even sent the Nikon back to make certain there was nothing wrong with it as it was becoming embarrassing but every time the camera came back with no problems, so the conclusion was I’m rubbish at photography. Now with the D300 even me who struggled at times with the D100 found a new lease of life in taking photos as it's virtually impossible to get it wrong and even if you do the camera does a very good job of making a badly taken photo look good. The ease of use of the camera makes you want to take photos of everything in sight; the images are very clear and so sharp every time you press the shutter button. I can recommend selling everything that isn’t bolted to the floor for this camera especially if you’re like me someone who enjoys taking photos and really wants to capture a memory as it should be, this camera is amazing for the price, it again will be a number of years before I need to upgrade

Bad Points

It's still quite a heavy camera and no where to attach a shutter release cable, you’re going to need a remote control or the remote lead

09 May 2008 David, Peterborough

Good Points

Super high ISO quality, a step up from the D200, built like a tank, go to weight training before buying, particularly if you use the MB-D10 grip and the pro f2.8 nikkor lenses like the 17-55 or 70-200. 8fps and a fast auto focus make this a dream sports camera. Although with so many settings it can be a different camera to different people.

Bad Points

For a inexperienced digital photographer this camera would be a nightmare, the very thing that makes it great for experienced users,i.e all the settings and modes, would have other users out of their depth. Not the camera to upgade to from say a compact digital.

Overall score: 9.3

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