Matthew Shanks
05-05-2010, 03:00 PM
<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1270267735.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><h6><strong>Product Category:</strong> Digital SLR (Single-lens Reflex) Camera Body</h6><h6><strong>Manufacturer:</strong> <a href="http://www.nikon.ca" target="_blank">Nikon</a></h6><h6><strong>Where to Buy:</strong> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002JCSV6M" target="_blank" title="Amazon">Amazon</a> [USA, Affiliate], <a href="http://www.thecamerastore.com/products/cameras/digital-cameras/digital-slr-cameras/nikon-d300s-body" target="_blank">The Camera Store</a> [Canada]</h6><h6><strong>Price:</strong> $1649 USD (Amazon), $1598 CAD (The Camera Store)</h6><h6><strong>System Requirements:</strong> Nikon F mount lenses required</h6><h6><strong>Specifications: </strong>12.3MP, 3.0" LCD Monitor, 7fps, dual memory card slots, ISO 100-6400; <a href="http://www.nikon.ca/en/Product.aspx?m=17350" target="_blank" title="Spec details">details from Nikon site</a>.<p> </p></h6><p><strong>Pros:</strong></p><ul><li>Great ergonomics, buttons and dials well placed and easy to operate; </li><li>Excellent low light capability with large ISO range;</li><li>Fast 7-8fps continuous shooting speed;</li><li>Extremely customizable.</li></ul><p><strong>Cons:</strong></p><ul><li>Continuous autofocus not available during movie recording;</li><li>Movie recording clips limited to 5 minute duration with 720p resolution;</li><li>Autofocus groups not visible in viewfinder at all times;</li><li>Exposure meter and histogram not available on LCD monitor during Live View.</li></ul><p><strong>Summary:</strong> The impressive <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25464/D300S.html" target="_blank" title="Nikon D300s">Nikon D300s</a> is an update of the well-regarded D300 DX format digital SLR body, and is a recommended upgrade for existing Nikon users, or as a new body for photographers looking for a powerful and versatile camera.</p><p><MORE /></p><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1>Introduction</h1><p>Nikon released their flagship DX format (non full frame) digital SLR camera body, the D300s, in late summer of 2009. The camera improved upon their already successful D300, with the addition of 720p HD video, an additional SD memory card slot, faster continuous shooting, and a new Live View mode to utilize the LCD screen during composition rather than the viewfinder. The D300s is available at some dealers with a kit lens, but most sell the body on its own and allow the buyer to pair it with any of Nikon's NIKKOR lenses and accessories. I reviewed the body with my Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 DX VR lens and compared it to my previous generation Nikon D70s body.</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1270942913.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p><em>Figure 1: Front View of D300s.</em></p><h1>Ergonomics</h1><p>The D300s body is well designed, solidly built and comfortable to use. Ergonomics are always subjective, but I felt that the body fit my hand extremely well and was very comfortable to grip. The power switch, shutter release and control dials all fall directly under the thumb and index finger, allowing the camera to be turned on and operated one handed, if necessary. The buttons, dials, doors and connection covers are easy to operate, and the new multi-controller makes scrolling through autofocus points or images during playback much easier than previous generations.</p><p><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/P2241290.jpg" target="_blank" title="Top View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s"><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1270248292.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></a></p><p><em>Figure 2: Top View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s. [Click the image above for a high-res version]</em></p><p>The body is constructed from magnesium alloy and is well sealed against weather, allowing it to survive in rougher conditions than many photographers would subject it to. I would still recommend a rain cover for those that plan to take the body and lens out into poor weather. The body feels solid without being unwieldy, weighing in at 840g without battery, memory cards, body cap or LCD cover. In comparison, my D70s weighs in at 600g.</p><p><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/P2241288.jpg" target="_blank" title="Front View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s"><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1270248275.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></a></p><p><em>Figure 3: Front View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s. </em><em>[Click the image above for a high-res version]</em></p><h1><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/P2241289.jpg" target="_blank" title="Rear View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s"><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1270248282.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></a></h1><h6></h6><h6><em></em></h6><h6><em></em></h6><p><em>Figure 4: Rear View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s. </em><em>[Click the image above for a high-res version]</em></p><p><PAGE /></p><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1></h1><h1>Features & Performance</h1><p>The D300s is easy to pick up and use after an initial familiarization period. Existing Nikon users such as myself will be quicker to use the camera right out of the box, while users new to Nikon would benefit from time spent with the comprehensive user manual. The sheer level of features and customization available to the user will likely result in a longer period of use before the full potential of the camera can be realized.</p><h2>Sensor</h2><p>The D300s utilizes a DX format 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. This resolution is a huge jump for users of older digital cameras such as myself, at just over double the 6.1MP resolution of the D70s I currently use. This higher resolution provides a large benefit in post-processing and the production of large prints, and allows for a stunning amount of detail to be captured in images. The camera produces very low noise images through its ISO range of 200 to 3200, which can also be extended down to 100 and up to 6400. The higher ISO range allows for excellent pictures in low light, especially compared to older models such as mine that are limited to ISO 1600; it made it possible to achieve shots that I simply wouldn't have been able to capture with my D70s. The sensor also has a self-cleaning feature to prevent unwanted dust in its images. It is customizable to clean on start-up, shutdown or both. I preferred it to clean on shutdown rather than start-up, which I felt negated the camera's very fast start-up of 130 milliseconds, and could cause the user to miss some quick photo opportunities.</p><p><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/_AA10743.jpg" target="_blank" title="Wood Wall, ISO 200"><img height="897" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1272228943.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" width="603" /></a></p><p><em>Figure 5: Wood Wall, ISO 200. </em><em>[Click the image above for a 9.3 MB high-res version]</em></p><h2><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/_AA10766.jpg" target="_blank" title="Transformer, ISO 200"><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1272229132.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></a></h2><p><em>Figure 6: Transformer, ISO 200. </em><em>[Click the image above for a 6.5 MB high-res version]</em></p><h2><PAGE /></h2><h1>Features & Performance (...continued)</h1><p> </p><h2>Autofocus System</h2><p>The camera also features a 51 point autofocus system, using 15 cross type sensors. The autofocus system works extremely well, allowing the camera to quickly lock onto moving subjects, or the user to focus on a specific point while photographing static subjects, without focusing and re-composing. The number of focus points is significantly higher than many of the D300s's competitors, and a huge improvement over previous generations. The user can select from single point or dynamic modes (9,21,51, or 51 point groups with 3D tracking). I would have liked the option to show the chosen autofocus point group all the time in the viewfinder, as with my D70s. This would allow the user to quickly see what group they can move the autofocus point within. The camera currently shows the chosen group in the top control panel and LCD monitor information display only.</p><h2><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/_AA10840.jpg" target="_blank" title="Katelyn, ISO 500"><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1272229331.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></a></h2><p><em>Figure 7: Katelyn, ISO 500. </em><em>[Click the image above for an 8.2 MB high-res version]</em></p><p><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/_AA10846.jpg" target="_blank" title="Katelyn, ISO 500"><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1272229482.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></a></p><p><em>Figure 8: Katelyn, ISO 200. </em><em>[Click the image above for a 4.4 MB high-res version]</em></p><p><PAGE /></p><h1>Features & Performance (...continued)</h1><h2></h2><h2>LCD Monitor</h2><p>The D300s' 3.0", 920,000 dot LCD monitor is quite stunning. It allows for easy viewing and zooming of images during playback, and allows up to 72 viewable thumbnails on screen. The image playback information options are extensive, and can be customized. They include file information, overview data, GPS data (if attached), RGB histogram, highlights, and four pages of shooting data. Auto image rotation can also be turned on if desired, although it is often useful to leave this off if you shoot in portrait orientation, as it will allow you to review the images with the camera still vertical and utilize the full height of the LCD screen. The camera is also now aware of what lens is attached and what VR mode is active; it can display this during playback.</p><p><img height="571" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1270248216.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" width="600" /></p><h6><em><em>Figure 9: File Information Playback Display.</em></em><em></em></h6><p><img height="564" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1270248207.usr108523.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" width="600" /></p><h6><em><em><em><em>Figure 10: Overview Data Playback Display.</em></em></em></em><em></em></h6><p><PAGE /></p><p><em><em><em><em></em></em></em></em></p><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2></h2><h1>Features & Performance (...continued)</h1><p> </p><h2></h2><h2>Release Modes</h2><p>The D300s has several different release modes, including single frame, continuous low speed, continuous high speed, quiet shutter release, self-timer and mirror up. It also features customizable interval timing. I found this feature useful for time lapse photography, candid shots with the camera unattended, photographing children playing, or as an alternative to taking portraits without having to re-initiate the self-timer release mode. The continuous high speed shooting mode was excellent, with 7fps achievable normally, 7.6fps on AC power, and 8fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack. This is also higher than many of Nikon's competitors. The shooting speed is reduced to 2.5 fps however, if 14bit RAW mode is selected. Users will have to determine if the trade-off of speed vs. bit depth is worth it. Compared to my D70s, which is limited to approximately 3fps, it is a huge upgrade for shooting fast moving subjects. The D300s also has an interesting multiple exposure mode, which some users may have a use for, rather than relying on post-processing software. I'm disappointed that the D300s does not offer the older style connection for my remote shutter release, although the new 10 pin remote terminal has significantly more functionality and can be used with several remote cords, extension or connecting cords, infrared control, or GPS units.</p><h2>Dual Memory Card Slots</h2><p>The camera also includes dual memory cards slots, allowing for simultaneous use of a CompactFlash and an SD card. This feature allows the second card to be used for overflow once the primary card is full, back-up recording of images to both cards, and saving of RAW and JPEG images to separate cards. The back-up functionality is extremely useful for those who cannot afford to lose images due to a memory card failure, and I utilized this mode exclusively.</p><h2>Live View</h2><p>The D300s' Live View is a welcome feature, allowing the user to compose shots using the LCD monitor rather than the viewfinder, using one of two modes. The handheld mode focuses normally using phase-detection autofocus. The tripod mode uses contrast-detect autofocus (using the image sensor rather than the focusing sensor), which unfortunately takes longer to focus. A virtual horizon is also available during Live View, to ensure the camera is level, if desired. I found it odd though that in Live View, the rear LCD monitor does not show the exposure meter, and the top control panel must be viewed instead. A live histogram on the LCD monitor would also be a welcome addition. The Live View feature is quite useful, allowing for zooming of static subjects to confirm specific points are in focus, or taking handheld shots that otherwise would not be possible.</p><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2>Movie Recording</h2><p>The last major feature the D300s introduces is the 720p HD movie recording. The camera can capture movies in AVI format at 24 frames per second and at 3 resolutions: 1,280x720, 640x424, or 320x216 pixels. For budding filmmakers using a variety of NIKKOR lenses, this feature could be very useful, as the results can be quite stunning. There are several issues, however, that limit its usefulness. Recording movies in the handheld mode does not allow for autofocusing, and manual focusing of the lens is required. Recording movies in tripod mode requires pressing the AF-ON button to use the contrast-detect autofocus each time focus is required. The maximum file size at 720p resolution is also limited to 2GB, or 5 minutes of recording. With memory cards continuing to increase in size, it is disappointing to be limited in file size and have to break a recording up into small clips. An external microphone can be connected to the camera for audio recording; this will likely be required for anyone planning to seriously film with the D300s, as the sounds of manually zooming or focusing a lens, vibration reduction, or using the contrast-detect autofocus are recorded by the integrated microphone. I believe that due to these limitations, the movie recording feature will be attractive only to a very small population of D300s users, specifically those with a lot of patience and creative vision. The average user who hopes to replace a standalone HD camcorder for shooting videos of family, friends or events will be disappointed. I would rather carry my Sony camcorder for full 1080p HD recording and the D300s for still images.</p><h6><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/Lucy-Handheld Mode.mpg" target="_blank" title="D300s Video Handheld Mode"> <object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/fW_inWjmwKQ&ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fW_inWjmwKQ&ap=&fmt=18" /></object></a></h6><h6><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>Figure 11: D300s Video Handheld Mode.</em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></h6><p><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/files/dht/D300s/Lucy-Tripod Mode1.mpg" target="_blank" title="D300s Video Tripod Mode"> <object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/xd1mhwX7xSk&ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xd1mhwX7xSk&ap=&fmt=18" /></object></a></p><h6><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>Figure 12: D300s Video Tripod Mode.</em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></h6><p><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></em></p><h2></h2><h1>Conclusion</h1><p>The Nikon D300s is a fantastic update of the already excellent D300 digital SLR body. It offers great ergonomics, outstanding low-light performance, high continuous shooting speeds, very deep customization, and reasonably useful movie recording functionality. It is a recommended upgrade for existing Nikon users, or as a new body for photographers looking for a powerful and versatile camera.</p><p><em>Matthew Shanks is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional, based in Calgary, Alberta. His interests include <a href="http://shanksphotography.smugmug.com/" target="_blank" title="Shanks Photography">photography</a>, home theater, and gaming. He is happily married and recently welcomed his baby daughter to the family.</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>