Nikon D300 Digital SLR - Press Release

Remarkable response, handling efficiency and image quality masterfully blended to deliver the ultimate in Nikon DX-format D-SLR camera performance

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new DX-format digital SLR, Nikon D300.

Combining innovative Nikon technologies with advanced new features and precision engineering, the D300 delivers the ultimate blend of DX-format performance.

The sheer imaging power of a new 12.3 effective-megapixel DX Format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter; the precision processing and astounding speed of Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept; the unprecedented focusing speed and precision of a new 51-point AF system; Nikon's innovative new Scene Recognition System for optimal autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance; the composition and focusing ease of a large new pentaprism viewfinder that provides full 100% frame coverage; an expansive 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle; near-instant power-up and immediate response; all with the advantages of Nikon DX-format agility and system expandability. Meet the new generation digital SLR camera that blends all these advanced features into one fine package – the Nikon D300.

Major Features

New DX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.3 effective megapixels
The D300 features a new 12.3 effective megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor. It not only produces fine details with sharp resolution, but also provides a broad light sensitivity range of ISO 200 to ISO 3200, (plus LO 1 for IS0 100 equivalent and HI 1 for IS0 6400 equivalent settings; Auto ISO control is also available). The CMOS sensor's integrated A/D converter features the ability to select between 12-bit and 14-bit conversion, making it possible to shoot using high-quality 14-bit NEF (RAW) format. All internal processing is handled in full 16-bit color, color, benefiting from a fine balance between performance with outstanding speed that defies this level of precision and natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. Lateral chromatic aberration is also reduced.

EXPEED – Nikon’s image processing concept embodied
As Nikon’s new digital image-processing concept – featuring the core ideas of our image creation and processing – EXPEED incorporates the optimized knowhow and technologies we have accumulated throughout our long history while receiving users’ requirements. It realizes diversified functions to ensure high picture quality and high-speed image processing.
* For details, see “Nikon’s original digital image-processing concept EXPEED” on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

High-speed continuous shooting
The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid 6 fps*1, and as fast as 8 fps*2 when using the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, in continuous bursts of up to 100 shots*3 at full 12.3 megapixel resolution. The Nikon D300 is also the first digital SLR to support next-generation high-speed card UDMA, which enables high speed recording.
*1 When using one EN-EL3e battery installed in the camera
*2 When using batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*3 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card

Immediate response
Near-instant power-up within 0.13 seconds, a shutter release time lag of a mere 0.045 seconds*, and viewfinder blackout time of approximately 0.1 seconds contribute to optimized all-around performance that lets photographers respond to any sudden shutter opportunities.
* When shooting in JPEG, TIFF, or 12-bit NEF (RAW) formats

Scene Recognition System
By improving the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, which was first incorporated in the Nikon F5, information from the sensor can be utilized for auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus. For example, 3D tracking in AF realized by using the Scene Recognition System tracks subject position, and automatically shifts AF points to be used according to the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to improved accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance.
* For details, see “Scene Recognition System for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance” on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF
Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points is incorporated. 15 cross-type sensors located in the center provide subject detection capability with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. 51 AF points can be utilized in various focus area modes selected according to subject condition. In many aspects, the functions of AF points are linked with the Scene Recognition System to offer superior subject detection and focus tracking performance. A single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points. Dynamic AF mode enables appropriate focusing by detecting subjects with a zone containing many AF points located densely. In this mode, the number of AF areas, including user selected AF points and backup points, can be selected from either 9, 21 or 51. In addition, newly employed “3D tracking” mode shifts the focus point automatically to respond to the subject’s movements. Auto-area AF mode gives greater priority to the subject’s position in selecting AF points.

Picture Control System
Picture Control System is a new function to enable selection and adjustment to create pictures easily according to skills of users from novices to professionals. When settings are the same, even with different cameras, you can get the same picture tone. Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome – enabling image parameters (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation) to be easily adjusted and customized.
* For details, see “Picture Control System’s image optimization functions enable easy adjustments” on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

Two Liveview modes available
Liveview function enables shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor.
In Handheld mode, which allows recomposing of the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points is activated.
Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. In this mode, focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area is possible. Remote view, focusing and shooting are also made possible on a PC (wired or wirelessly).

Large, bright viewfinder that achieves 100% frame coverage
TThe D300's new eye-level pentaprism viewfinder aids composition and adds assurance to focus operations by providing full 100% frame coverage and large 0.94x magnification, as well as an eyepoint of 19.5 mm (at -1.0 m-1) and built-in diopter adjustment range of -2 to +1 m-1.

Durability that will go the distance
Testing to 150,000 cycles stands as firm testament to the durability of the new shutter unit for the D300. Its magnesium alloy chassis combines light weight with solid durability, while the body features an enhanced sealing system that helps protect against moisture and dust.

Active D-Lighting
D-Lighting incorporated in the conventional digital SLRs enables editing after the image is taken. In addition to the D-Lighting, newly developed Active D-Lighting is employed in the Nikon D300.
Active D-Lighting lets users choose the intensity from among “High”, “Normal”, “Low” or “Unchanged” prior to shooting. The conventional method of simply expanding dynamic range is not employed in compensation. Instead, localized tone control technology is utilized to prevent images from looking flat with low contrast. As a result, “lost highlights” and “lost shadows” are well compensated while maintaining proper contrast.

Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for efficient dust reduction
The D300 is the first Nikon D-SLR camera to employ a Self-cleaning Sensor Unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the presence of dust.

Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional)
The WT-4 supports wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates thumbnail mode as a new function.
It realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them and downloading of images selected. Also, by using Camera Control Pro 2 (optional), wireless remote view/control shooting is made possible with the D300’s Liveview function.
* For details, see “WT-4 / Camera Control Pro 2 Software” on our News Release in Aug. 2007.

Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional)
The optional new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 supports 3 types of batteries and features sequential power supply with auto-switching to the battery installed inside the camera body. When attached, it also enables high-speed continuous shooting at a rate of 8 fps*1 for up to 100 consecutive shots*2.
*1 When using batteries other than the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*2 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card

Other Features

• The large top control panel (46 x 20.8 mm) features an improved interface with lettering that can be switched to best match shooting conditions
• HDMI Output supports HDTV display
• Supports GPS devices via optional GPS Adapter Cord MC-35
• Retouch Menu provides handy access to Filter Effects, Trimming, Red-eye correction, Image overlay and other in-camera editing functions
• Software Suite CD-ROM included

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<table bgcolor="#c1c1c1" width="650" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0"><tr><td bgcolor="white" colspan=2><strong>Nikon Digital SLR Camera D300 Specifications</strong></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Type of Camera</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Single-lens reflex digital camera </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Effective Pixels</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">12.3 million </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Image Sensor </strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million; Nikon DX format </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Image Size (pixels)</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%"> 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S] </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Dust-reduction System</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Clean image sensor, Image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Sensitivity</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200, and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200 </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>File System</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21 </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Storage System</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%"> NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW) <br>TIFF (RGB) <br>JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Storage Media</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), Microdrives </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Release Modes</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) Single frame [S] mode <br>2) Continuous low speed [CL] mode: 1 to 7*1 frames per second <br>3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 8 frames per second*1, 6 frames per second*2<br>4) Liveview [LV] mode <br>5) Self-timer mode <br>6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode <font size="-1">*1. When using AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 or Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e *2. When using Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e (When shooting in Continuous-servo AF (C), Shutter-Priority Auto [S] or Manual [M] exposure modes, at a shutter speed of 1/250 sec. or faster with other settings at default) </font></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>White Balance</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), seven manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1~3)</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Liveview</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Hand-held mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors)<br>Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>LCD Monitor</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Playback Function</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) Full frame 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments) 3) Zoom 4) Slideshow 5) RGB histogram indication 6) Shooting data 7) Highlight point display 8) Auto image rotation</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Delete Function</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Video Output</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>HDMI Output</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Interface</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Hi-Speed USB </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Text Input</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Lens Mount</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Compatible Lenses</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible<br>2) D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro-NIKKOR)<br>3) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering II possible<br>4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D Color Matrix Metering II possible<br>5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Picture Angle</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Viewfinder</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Eyepoint</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Focusing Screen</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Viewfinder Frame Coverage</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Approx. 100% (vertical and horizontal) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Viewfinder Magnification</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Autofocus</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%"><li>TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible <li>Focal plane contrast [in Liveview (Tripod) mode] </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Lens Servo</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); Continuous-servo AF (C); Focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status<br>2) Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Focus Point</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus pointsLiveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point within entire frame </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>AF Area Mode</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) Single point AF 2) Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] 3) Automatic-area AF </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Focus Lock</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Exposure Metering System</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor <br>1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) <br>2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used) <br>3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Metering Range</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering) <br>2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20ºC/68ºF)</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Exposure Meter Coupling</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Combined CPU and AI </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Exposure Modes</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program 2) Shutter-Priority Auto [S] 3) Aperture Priority Auto [A] 4) Manual [M] </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Exposure Compensation</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Exposure Lock</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Exposure Bracketing</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Picture Control System</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Shutter</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 1/8,000 to 30 s. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Sync Contact</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">X=1/250 sec.; flash synchronization at up to 1/320 sec. (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Flash Control</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensorBuilt-in Speedlight, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash <br>2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens <br>3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S <br>4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800 </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Flash Sync Mode</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) Front-curtain Sync (normal) 2) Red-eye Reduction 3) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync 4) Slow Sync 5) Rear-curtain Sync </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Built-in Speedlight</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%"> Manual pop-up with button release </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Guide number</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">(ISO 200, m): approx. 17 (manual 18) (ISO 100 equivalent, m): approx. 12 (manual 13) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Flash Compensation</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Accessory Shoe</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">ISO 518 Standard hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Sync Terminal</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">ISO 519 standard terminal </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Creative Lighting System</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Self-timer</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">2 to 20 seconds duration </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Depth of Field Preview</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>10-pin Terminal</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1) GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)<br>2) Remote control: via 10-pin terminal </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Supported Languages</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Power Source</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Tripod Socket</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">1/4 in. (ISO 1222) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Custom Settings</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">48 settings available </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Dimensions (W x H x D)</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Weight</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Approx. 825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Operating Environment</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Temperature: 0-40°C/32-104°F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation) </td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Supplied Accessories</strong> <br>(may differ by country or area)</td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Strap AN-D300, LCD monitor cover BM-8, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-23, Software Suite CD-ROM</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="white" width="35%"><strong>Main Optional Accessories</strong></td><td bgcolor="white" width="65%">Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2 </td></tr></table>

100% viewfinder
Same 51 point focussing system as the D3
8 frames/second

Serious stuff for $1800, never before seen in a DSLR at this level

Clearly aimed at the low-end pro who doesn't need the extra performance of the bigger sensor.

Dear Santa... :D:D:D

Nikon really has done it again.
This camera won't be a slouch, that's for sure.

While its high ISO performance is yet to be seen, I have a feeling it'll be far superior to what Nikon shooters are used to. And that's good.
The competition will be more fierce than ever before. That's good for both brands. Canon gets a necessary kick in their complacency, Nikon reaches the challenger position.

This also shows Nikon's commitment to fight back with all they've got. The D200 was nowhere near Nikon's typical update cycle replacement phase, perhaps an "S" upgrade, but it's really a statement by Nikon that they're not going to sit around and let a body age while Canon replaces theirs every 18 months.


When the Nikon D200 was announced just about 2 years from the time the D300 should be available, I was thrilled. I bought one the day it was released. I screamed from the top of the hills that this was the long-awaited Digital F100.
But while the D200 was and is an incredible camera, hence my owning two and coercing many others into buying it, I was wrong.

The D300 is everything the D200 is and more...everything the F100 is and more...
In fact, not only does it meet the Digital F100 to the letter, it's really a digital F6. The top grade AF, identical MP to the top of the line (like having two different 35mm films in the cameras), body built like a tank with an add on grip for speed, and relatively inexpensive.

This camera will sell like hot cakes. And IMO, Nikon retains their dominance in the advanced amateur and light crop camera market.

If only the lottery guys would just pick my numbers once!!!

What's that painful burning sensation in my wallet? :rolleyes:

$1800, huh? I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere and just assumed it would be $2k which is where (I think) the D200 and possibly D100 came out of the gate. The D200 was close to a digital F100, but it really didn't make me want to make the jump. Still awaiting some of those high ISO files to see if they give "Brand C" a run for their money. That brand new 40D seems pretty impressive for $500 less - it doesn't have everything the D300 has, but still...

Where did you see it for $1800??? I need to know. What I saw was aout USD$5K at CNet! YIKES!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dbutler

Where did you see it for $1800??? I need to know. What I saw was aout USD$5K at CNet! YIKES!

---

DPReview (horrible site - don't believe anything you read on there except Phil's reviews, Thom Hogan and the press releases) have the UK release details on

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082313nikond300.asp

It says the guide price is 1299 UK pounds or 1980 Euros. That's the same as the D200 when it was announced. On the DPReview main page they say about $1800.

Nobody has the camera yet. The DPReview announcement says availability in November. The D200 was the same story. Then there was the banding scare, no cameras in the shops anyway and finally I bought mine in March. I'm in no hurry about this.

Never mind! I've gotten the D3 and D300 confused. Sigh.

ETA: Thank you, Charles.

Calumet Photo has both available for pre order as of this morning; D300 at $1800 and D3 at $5K. They don't even list the D200 anymore...

Silly that they don't, because if I read correctly at least one report said the D200 wasn't discontinued yet.

Either way, I pre-ordered my D3 from them last night, and if anyone just happens to want a pristine condition impossible to find D200...... :D


Photo-John asked me to write up my take on the day's groundbreaking announcements for the PhotographyReview articles page, so if you want to take a look, Just Click on This Link!

What has Nikon got against ISO 100???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Franglais

100% viewfinder
Same 51 point focussing system as the D3
8 frames/second

Serious stuff for $1800, never before seen in a DSLR at this level

Clearly aimed at the low-end pro who doesn't need the extra performance of the bigger sensor.

---

100% viewfinder and 8 fps sounds good to me!

But where is the ISO 100?

I understand increasing the ISO, and improving the higher ISO's, but why eliminate the ISO 100?

Speed, ISO 100 is present on both bodies as L. Just like the d40/50/70/100/2H/1/1H, the native base ISO of the sensor itself is 200, while the D2x and D200 etc. Sensor designs had a lower base iso

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Originally Posted by Franglais

DPReview (horrible site - don't believe anything you read on there except Phil's reviews, Thom Hogan and the press releases) have the UK release details on

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082313nikond300.asp

It says the guide price is 1299 UK pounds or 1980 Euros. That's the same as the D200 when it was announced. On the DPReview main page they say about $1800.

Nobody has the camera yet. The DPReview announcement says availability in November. The D200 was the same story. Then there was the banding scare, no cameras in the shops anyway and finally I bought mine in March. I'm in no hurry about this.

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The D300 list price is now 1749 Euros. That's 250 Euros LESS than the D200 at announcement (and what I paid).

I've given up resisting. Just wait for a few months till the bugs are sorted out. I really need a second semi-pro body anyway, it's only fair for my clients. I think I'll keep the D70 as well. It's a nice little camera and still enough for most things.

Charles, are you planning on getting the MB-D10 then? It seems to have its origins in the F6's MB-40. Don't know if you've ever used that, but it is such a completely different experience from the D200's grip. I just got my F6 and MB-40 with the BL-3 chamber cover that is also used on the MB-D10 and an EN-EL4 battery. It makes me want it as a backup body now :)

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Originally Posted by deckcadet

Charles, are you planning on getting the MB-D10 then? It seems to have its origins in the F6's MB-40. Don't know if you've ever used that, but it is such a completely different experience from the D200's grip. I just got my F6 and MB-40 with the BL-3 chamber cover that is also used on the MB-D10 and an EN-EL4 battery. It makes me want it as a backup body now :)

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I've noticed I hardly use my f2.8 constant zooms any more - most of the time I have the 18-200 on the D200 and that's enough. The f2.8 constant zooms are beautiful but they are big, heavy, expensive - and when I change lenses I can get dust on the sensor.

However the D300 has a real sensor cleaner so I may find that I use the big zooms more. Yes I definitely will get the grip. I find it's not comfortable to hold the big lenses with the D200 body alone, I need something extra to hold on to.