Nikon D300 First Hands-on Review - DigitalRev.com

[AnalogCaliga]

Would the D300 still be a competent camera even today? I'm thinking of upgrading from my D3100 to this, but I'm not sure. I have several AI lenses for my D3100 that I use manually and love, somewhat more than AF lenses, and I saw that the D300 can actually meter the post 1977 lenses.

[squazz]

@AnalogCaliga The d300 is miles ahead, its a really great camera

[AlvaroVonKunstler]

Well the music is better than the previous video.

[Kromikki89]

thank god for Kai!!

[DarkShark190]

Cool, doesn't come with a battery. lol

[hakei432]

@DarkShark190 lol it does.

[DarkShark190]

@hakei432 I know, he just doesn't mention it.

[hakei432]

@DarkShark190 hahaha ok :)

[CallMeElune]

weired how the discussion mostly is about the pronunciation everyone outside the us has got right anyways

[MEESH810]

im a begener so what better the nikon d3000 or the canon 50D ?! any body ?! answer .. i really need so information .. !! nice review .. !!

[killer0178]

Since you so badly want to say Nikon in the "american way" like Naikon (japanese written version of american) let's start saying Ceinon instead of Canon or Sonui instead of Sony or Jeipein instead of Japan. The japanese invented the brand so it's only right it's spelled the way they created it.

[alexaffliction93]

i hate how he says nikon..

ANYWAYS..

OH MY GOOD GOD DAMN...

I WANT IT SOOOOOO BAD!!!

*day dreams

[Andyhinds]

I've got a D300 and I love it! BUT!! I'm now in the process of ditching all of my bog standard lenses to get some good pro standard lenses because the lenses are everything! You wouldn't put cheap tyres on a Ferrari would you??? Huh!...HUH!!... WOULD YOU!!!! HUH...HUHHH!!!...WOULD YOU!!!!

[MarcHaers]

@Andyhinds

LMFAO

[hotbutterdtoast]

sold !!!knock going once going twice sold !!!!!!

[vagnervagulak]

if this video is made in the USA it cames with a manu in spanish also, what is not shown there, it means that they have looked at everything frist, and they show just what the costumer whats

[lafsomuch]

how much is this?D:

[livnthedrminmn]

1600.00 camera only

[yfjameslo]

MAMAMIA I want this!

[rave811]

Is the Nikon d300 suitable for landscape photography?, because I'm thinking to buy either D700 or D300. The only thing that stopping me to buy the D700 is the price.

[phillydam]

The d700 is full frame so that would definitely help out with landscape.

[Andyhinds]

The D300 is a great camera, so buy one. The only thing is to get good and I mean GOOD lenses!! The lenses are everything. A photo taken with a D70 with good lenses is going to be better than a D300 or higher spec with entry level lenses.

[stavrophotography]

Agreed I have a Nikon d50. And the lenses are o.k. When I do get a new camera I am getting three better lenses. wide angle, telephoto and likely macro

[varkstein]

exellent camera!!! i wan't this one!

[varkstein]

exellent camera!!! i wan't this one!

[elisirfromslovenia]

Does the upper smaller screen have a lighting screen to see it in the dark?

[H3aDShotDuDe]

It does :)

[truckdude48]

i have the d300 and the d70..I see no difference in pic quality...the d300 is just better construction, and more bells & whistles

[yomi1896]

What do you usually photograph with the D300?

I only have a e-520. damn lol.

[vorasil]

I Like Nikon D300

[ShutterBug717]

Beautiful camera.

[onlyXoneXspike]

I have one of those for sale New, Still in box exactly. $600 and its yours.

[lukeks99]

hey ill buy it

[tacitblue04]

if what you say is true i'll buy it off of you just contact me

[JonoFP]

My friend, u made a good video, but plz learn how to say nikon right

[kafka27]

I guess that in japaneese language, the name "Nikon" is the exactly the way he's saying it,and therfore he's saying it right.

[hunjael]

True. It's supposed to be pronounced like NEE-kon..

[hakei432]

@JonoFP HAHAHAHAHA. He is pronouncing it right.

[Shedoy]

does this have a live view?

[yfjameslo]

Yes it does. Although it doesn't work as good as Olympus DSLRs.

[GutarDrummer69]

Why do you say that?

[blackice609]

he pulls it out straight off the box and it has already a DigitalRev picture hehe

[ion7]

he did say displaying previous shot photos

[fvgotch]

fung sions! LOL!

[Richet125]

OMG I can't stand to watch this because it makes me cringe every time that Jap say Neekon!!!

[99falc]

That is how one correctly pronounces nikon in the reast of the world... (Neekon). The yanks make up there own way and ignorantly believe that it is correct.

[asimpleson]

@99falc on wiki/Nikon an OGG audio pronounces with last 'N' low stress. Kinda Neekau''n The Japanese way almost certainly :)

[asimpleson]

@99falc Right UR. Super fine pronounciation is "Neekau''n". Last n low stress (like silent) -- see wiki/Nikon - find actual audio OGG file.

[fotophile]

The dude sounds like an indian csr trying to imitate American accent.

[MacsMedia]

Well, it's a company from Hong Kong, so I guess this man to be an asian guy. But why do you mention that...

[jaymcneil]

ITS NIKON

it is spelled N-I-K-O-N, not N-E-E-K-O-N

[MacsMedia]

in English, it'S pronounced N I K O N, but the orginal, japanese pronunciation is neekon.

[zarf]

why u americans are so ignorant?

[cheftonyx1]

what

an

annoying

voice.

[prankster01234]

its NOT ne-kon its ni-kon

[telf10]

u are obviously an amercan

[anfonse]

who told you nikon is a word in english?

[LiberateBand]

just upgraded from d40, love the d300

[dryan2]

i dont think the upper display is any bigger,the d200's already takes up that whole side of the camera and they are the same size

[peteryu65]

The D300"s screen is a good 0.5 inches larger

[dryan2]

the "UPPER" Status Screen

[djaditya86]

There is always a "butterflies in the stomache" feeling when someone else is opening the Nikon D300 box... I want it so badly... And i'm currently having the D40..

[tacitblue04]

yo easy on the guy with the noob comment, he is asking a question so just answer it so he'll know. This camera can be qualified as a professional camera no matter how you look at it. Price it 3000 dollars higher and it would be one.

But seriously, i'm tired of all these "professional-know-it-alls" that think that just cuz they know they can condescend everybody else. seriously calm down, if you want to be a master of photography, it all starts by passing on the knowledge, not by critizicing.

[unkleluc]

i need tis camera in my life

[tipoomaster]

we all do.

[simshady163]

Neekon D300?

[cadrifting]

goddamn your accent is annoying

[dombower]

thanks digtal rev i got my camera the other week and has been working brill, much appreciated. i have even made a review. ill try and post it up on here for you

[BONDzer007]

canon and Nikon do very good packing

[UserIsAnFBIAgent]

Does it capture Video, Like my $120 Samsung S730 7.2 MP with a 4GB SDHC Card, thats 11,000 Photos, and thats over 6 Hours of Video, 15 FPS and 3++ Hours of Videos at 30 FPS...?

Just wondering, what you could of got for the price of the Nikon D300 which is $1.8K to my $120 Camera, That camera is an outcast...

Why the hell do you need 50++ Focusing points, G, you must really suck at taking photos, if you can't just point and shoot...

Can you take the Video off that Camera and post it on YouTube

[dombower]

This camera is not for pointing and shooting it is for Photography! I would agree that for 95% of people your camera is more than enough but once you start getting more involved you really start to appreciate the extra ablities if this camera.

[fabxp80]

the most stupid comment ever.........!!!

[Ezuip]

UserIsAnFBIAgent you must doing a joke? It's impossible that an human being, intelligent, can say something like that in any other reason than a joke? Or you are a stupid retarded?

[youarelame100]

...you really don't know jack shit about photography. This camera is for photography enthusiasts and professionals, not simple point & shoot people like yourself... if you don't know how to take advanced photos that require a more complex camera than your shitty Samsung S730 then you suck at taking quality pictures. By the way, this camera is for taking pictures, not capturing video..that's what a fucking video camera is for.

[angelgurlz06]

i sooo want this camera and doesnt mind saying nikon instead of neekon lolz (sorry):( lolz but thanks for the info though!!!!

[tacitblue04]

Thats the thing with the american, or just pretty much the english pronunciation, you don't pronounce something the way it is written like in japanese or spanish (which is pronounced nee-kon btw). That's what makes learning english somewhat difficult, especially when it comes to pronunciation.

but seriously, you dont pronounce richard nixon as richard NAY son do you? or nimble as NAI mble right, its just that you don't pronounce the english words as they are written.

[istiklalcaddesi]

Japanese Digital Camera NIKON is pronounced as NEE-KON. If you wanna pronounce as NIKE like Ni kon WHO CARES, but let the one pronouncing it right alone. ITS pronounced as NEE-KON. Anyone studied Japanese will know it.

[Mcbozburger]

ITS JAPANESE - NEE-KON

[enzospider656]

Lmao,

i was about to ask about that

[McBozburgerbum]

no problem

[McBozburgerbum]

no problem

[wijayane]

Love to have one.

BTW, it's pronounced Nee(short sound)-kon.

[Tigerinthewoods]

IT IS pronounced as 'nee-kon', thats the actual pronounciation as the Japanese would say it; NOT 'nine-kon' as some people may think or say. Fyi

[GospelofTheCrown89]

its nykon not neekon duh

[tomkat28]

AHHHH why the hell are they playing sex music to a camera and its pronounced Nikon not "Neekon" aha

[sowhatdude1]

He keeps calling it a "Neekon" WHY?

[tipoomaster]

lol thats what i was wondering, but good review anyhow.

[johnw100u]

Because he`s Japanese and they make Nikon and like the rest of the world (apart from north america) people pronounce it that way.

So stop saying NIGH-KON!! USA!

[lteles]

Right. In the whole of the UK we also say Neekon.

[BBnose]

just knew today. the sensor of D300 is made by SONY !!

[lberettal]

I got mine!

it rocks

[digitalbug30d]

whats not semi-pro about the 4od or the older 30d? I bet I could take the same picture with the nikon and the canon and you couldnt tell them apart

[lacma03]

I just bought a D300 and for some reason I can't find where you set it up to take multiple shots per second. If anyone would be able to anser my question. THANK YOU

[v0lv0]

i think but i'm not sure, on the left side on your camera, you have a wheel you can rotate, and to rotate it you have to press down a litle pin beside the wheel, and then you screw it around and you see some letters like S and some more, CL is for 1-6 fps and that do you adjuse in the menu i think and CH is for the 6fps...

enjoy your camera :)

[Fagottron]

I'm astonished how many entry-level consumers have DSLR cameras of this grade. To spend $3000 AUD just for happy-snapping and casual pictures is a very uneducated investment.

[matthamner]

I'd like to say that I've noticed a few comparison comments between the Canon 40D and the Nikon D300. May I point out that a better comparison between canon and nikon would be the canon 5d and the Nikon D300 simply for the fact that the sensor size is much more comparable. The 40d is newer and a step up from the xti, but the 5d is better when you compare features. This is really where the battle where take place between nikon and canon.

[iancond314]

Nikon actually uses CMOS sensor developed by Sony

[xOtakuGaijinx]

I think it would have been good for the reviewer to have read the manual first...

[pxjanders]

Thanks for posting this nice overview. Very helpful.

[redpinto]

Retouch? 51 focus points? You can be blind and missing arms to use this thing.  What's up with .nef files? Not .raw? This review is for the kids in the park.

[ChallengeDK]

Why did Nikon put into production a non-full frame, when this is becoming standard issue in all new high-end cameras? Any thoughts guys?

[tacitblue04]

Also at first site, the canon looks really plasticy, even my wife noted that at first site, and she doesn't care much for cameras. when i held the d300 it felt really solid in my hands, and i really look for that since electronics tend to break really easily, especially the expensive ones. So i'll probably end up buying the d300 after much research. However i really like the canon lenses so i'll probably end up buying both brands in the future.

[thejarred89]

stick with nikon.

[tacitblue04]

The 40d has always interested me ever since before it was unveiled. When i finally got my hands on it i was really impressed, however i'm a type of guy that likes to have everything on hand, in this case buttons. And the 40d seemed to not have sufficient buttons on the back, and i don't like going through menus ( don't really mind but i would prefer not to).

[tacitblue04]

I was finally able to get ahold of one of these cameras at my local bestbuy and wow, i mean WOW!!!!!!!!!! I've debating whether to buy a canon or nikon back in the d200 and 30d days, and ultimately decided on a canon 30d. Fortunately i never got around to buying either. But now after comparing the 40d and d300 side by side i can honestly and humbly say that the nikon impressed me way more than the canon 40d.

[theredrooter]

there's a huge defference between 40D and d300. 40d is low end and 300d si semi-pro

[sacredgeometry]

although you are right they are not really comparable there is not that huge a gap between them. the features availible are pretty similar the image quality is so close in most cases that it makes no difference. the build qulity is great on both, and although nikon allways feel more solid the 40d is weatherproof. the d300 is a pro camera the 40d is prosumer verging on pro. They are both amazing cameras and If i could aford both i would get a 40d, but now my wallet is empty :(

Peace

Brian

[lifeispeachy15]

deffinately not overkill.

for macro mode, and focus on one particular point, or just a few in one area.

[reggieschuey]

51 focusing is a bit of a overkill ?

[PoppinOtang]

D300 image quality is garbage compared to Canons. Sure you have all those extra features but who cares, Nikon's are for noobs.

[bmwguy145]

screw you.. Nikon RULES!

[RSK31]

Both canon and nikon are consumer trash.

[PoppinOtang]

RSK31 what do you shoot with smart guy?

[RSK31]

I didn't write that shit...someone is using my password and acting like it's me. My brother has the D300. Nikon and Canon are probably the only two brands worth buying.

[ahmelihah]

I' m using hasselblad what you think about it?

[xslaveryx]

You rich bastard!

[xmiloallx]

Indeed! ahaha

[TonyGphotography]

your trash RSK31

[Xzanve]

After using the D200 i really love Nikon.

[juanluisnikon]

Nikon have better construccion than Canon.

The button and shorcuts are better.

The Canon´s loocks like plastic toy´s, and the autofocus is worse.

Nikon is the best camera without doubs.

[Xzanve]

Yeah Nikons have very good build and material quality and feel and Olympus is good also but i do not like the plasticly look and feel of the Canons.

[Rosscrispin]

Looks so nice, their must be so much competitivness between Nikon and Canon.

And arguing over cameras is stupid, it's all down to how you like it, until you've used 2 cameras from 2 companies with the same abilities can you say which you prefer.

But i can't talk i'm a beginner with a D40X

[crispycritterz]

Every camera has it's own merits. It's not a question of which one is better, but which one is better for you, and arguing like a bunch of ten-year-olds will not prove your points.

[Master1One]

You're correct. It's a poor craftsman who blames his tools. Boost up your own skills so that you can take good pictures with whichever camera you have.

[wth1980]

The Nikon D300 is ahead of Canon's 40D, no doubt about that. The high ISO settings performs as well as the top models from Canon, many say even better. The new 51 point focus system and the lightmetering are also greatly improved on this camera (from the D200). This camera performs better than the D2XS all the way in my opinion. It's a great professional camera that was CLEARLY worth the wait!

[Ospif1]

It damn well should perform better, it is nearly double the price (here at least).

Nice review, is a great camera, look forward to purchasing mine off you soon digrev :)

[hansen4]

I'm really looking forward to your exclusive

full review of the D300. Compared to Gordon

Laing (Cameralabs) you speak slower, making

it easier to follow and understand. His TGV

velocity isn't suitable for a camera review.

[nandomark]

I have the D50 and the D300 and I think Nikon has really made some leaps in picture quality. Closer to film than ever. I think the Canons are fine too, but less ergonomic (for my taste).

[AlexMerenkov2]

i got a nikon D80 and its fantastic!

[PatsyB1955]

You cannot compare the D300 with the Canon 40D, the Nikon is a semi pro, and blows everything else away !!

[norcatch]

That's just a big load of rubble. The 40D will match the D300 in most ways, while the significantly more expensive D300 will surpass the 40D on some points.

Both are semipro bodies, end of discussion.

Hint, I am not a Canon-fanboy, I've never even owned an Ixus.

[PatsyB1955]

Do you own a D300? I do, and it will leave the Canon for dead.

Now its end of discussion. !!

[norcatch]

Do you own a 40D?

I love to see that who was formerly known as the worst fanboys, the Canon guys, have now been passed by the Nikon guys. Even hardened Canon faboys I've talked to agrees that the D300 is a great camera. It's fast, the AF has been measured to be slower than the E-3's AF in a couple of tests, it's got good ISO-performance, which is near as make no difference identical to the 40D, it's built very well, just as good as the A700 and it can fire off a lot of frames per second.

[Czosnkowainwazja]

I have D80 with new 18-200 VR lens....amazing, 4get canon.

[PoppinOtang]

Czosnkowainwazja rofl have fun with your soft blurry images.

[thejarred89]

i dont know what the fuck you're talking about, but i have the same lens and it's not blurry at all. you're probably just a stupid fuck using smaller apertures, no wonder it's blurry.

[PoppinOtang]

Hope you kept the receipt.

[balthiusdorn]

please shut the fuck up you trolling cock sucker. you have too much time on your hands, why don't you go practice getting laid for a change.

faggot

[dryan2]

it doesn't matter. canon, nikon, sony... they all make very good cameras, it just in personal preference and what tools and features you need. In the end its the photographer that really makes a difference.

[akulax2]

Are you the same guy who owns that dpreview site?

[ftpaddict]

I doubt it. This guy sounds Asian, and Phil Askey (the owner/webmaster of dpreview) is British, as far as I know.

[zildjian6600]

xD yey some one agree on mee thank you jashloser & schuckructz VV canon is better then nikon

[jashloser]

canon eos 5D is much better then this.

[ftpaddict]

"Lexus is so much better than Dodge"

^ kind of an analogy.

[brian111b]

So the D300 is not the same full frame format at the D3 ? I don't really understand all of the details the D3 new (full Frame) format is supposed to closer to the size of the 35mm film

frame size is that true?

[zildjian6600]

hes voice is annoying who cares bout D300 the important thing is the name of the brand canon40D etc... kicks nikons and every boddy camera assss.

[CSSBT]

He does have an accent...

the d300 is a moderately better action/sports camera w/ extra resolution, otherwise the 40d is just as good...

plus the canon is cheaper and uses a much better lens system w/ both better pro choices and cheap but good choices

[ALAPINO]

"NeeKON" is indeed closer to what most of the world pronounces it. However, North Americans like to pronounce it N'ai'KON. It's a regional thing.

Another note:

D300 NR seems really odd. Strike that, very odd!

I'm not jumping my back ups to the D300.

However, the D3 destroyed the competition and, indeed, the D2Xs.

So far, in my region D300 presales are full on. So, whether or not this is as revolutionary as the D200 still remains to be seen.

- Al!

[ALAPINO]

This is by no means the first review... Perhaps you should verify your claims.

Personally I am not impressed with the D300.

The D3 is a different story. That was beyond our expections. One of the many benefits of having press pools.

- Al!

[DigitalRevCom]

This video was posted on 21st November 2007, and at the time this was the first hands-on video review of a production model of the D300.

[fxgtz]

The D300 shoots 6fps but with the optional battery grip can do 8fps!!

[grafight]

He said 6fps. I thought the D300 had a max. shooting speed of 9fps

[Loitmustang]

yes it can shoot at 9fps when use with the optional battery grip MB D10 using any batteries other than the EN EL3e (in the grip).if you use the EN EL3e in the grip, it wil still shoot at 6fps but you'll have longer battery power usage for the camera.

[grafight]

Thanks for the clarification!

It looks like a great camera.

I agree that it faces stiff competition

from the Canon 40D. I would

have to try them both to decide.

[peeling]

The porn music is hilarious.

[macman13]

I WANT ONE!!!!

Who wants to give me $1,800? I'll off someone if that's what it takes.

[hakondawg]

thanx! have been waiting for a review like this one for a while. Thumbs up!

[shyboynyc]

As you say, the Capture NX is a release promotion that will be discontinued later.

Can't wait to get some unbiased opinions on high ISO noise and chromatic aberration. Thanks for this "out of the box" preview of the hardware.

[ALAPINO]

High ISO noise isn't stellar as it is on the D3.

Chromatic Abberation? That has very little to do with the sensor at this pixel density. Chromatic Abberation is an optical phenomenon. However, the D300 has little difference between the D200. Resolving power is roughly the same and thus and extra pixels of CA aren't really that much more obvious.

I am under the impression that a few well known Nikonians are soon to publish full reviews.

Read Bjorns thoughts about his D300.

- Al!

[phogon]

Amazing, I got the Nikon D200 and liked it so much I'm so gnna get this one. The videos a bit long though, maybe if you spoke faster and sped it up a bit ;)

[fxgtz]

no need to be mean to a guy with a bloody nice camera

[berzio2002]

What's a Neekon? Is it something like a Nikon?

[zedostubos]

"Neekon" is actually much more close to the real thing than your stupid "Náikon" accent...

[macman13]

Isn't it pronounced nick-on? And nick-or?

[simonfox82]

It seems that the Japanese pronounce it "Neekon", for Americans its "Naikon", and the english say "Nickon". Varies by region, but I think the correct official pronunciation is "Neekon" reflecting the companies Japanese heritage.

[DigitalRevCom]

we think the Capture NX is a release promotion that may be discontinued later

[warrock556]

wait... the D300 comes with Capture NX?!?!?!?

[orangeinorbit]

AWESOME !

[luingokchoi]

Great Nikon D300 Review .... i m still waiting for mine

[agus1954]

That's really the first hands-on review i've waiting for some time. But when the camera aproaches my country?

[Loitmustang]

What country are you from? I'm from Canada.

[philgross1]

Excellent, thanks for posting this. Mine's coming on Friday, but nice to get a preview.