The Nikon D300s is a refreshed version of the Nikon D300 that offers video capabilities and other tweaks to the previous model.
Nikon D300s Key Features
- 12.3-megapixel sensor
- 51-point autofocus
- 720p HD video recording
- 7 fps continuous shooting
- Dual CF and SD card slots
- Quiet drive mode
The Nikon D300s was available in August 2009 at an initial retail price of $1799.95.
Nikon D300s Availability
International Availability:
Photography Bay Resources
Nikon D300s ISO Test and Sample Images
Nikon D300s vs. Canon 7D ISO Comparison – Part 1 (NR on)
Nikon D300s vs. Canon 7D ISO Comparison – Part 2 (NR off)
Nikon D300s Reviews
PDN Gear Guide (hands-on)
Nikon D300s Press Release
MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon announced the D300s digital SLR, combining professional-level performance with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies, including a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 51-point autofocus system; the addition of HD video capture; and faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting, the Nikon D300s balances form factor, performance, versatility and reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals.
The D300s retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed D300, while enhancing speed, versatility, and agility of the DX-format for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts, wedding shooters and photojournalists. The D300s can record HD video clips and high fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input, offering users a D-SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one CompactFlash™ (CF) and one Secure Digital™ (SD) card separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode and Active D-Lighting bracketing help users to capture stunning images like never before.
“Today’s photographer demands excellence and value from high-performance digital SLRs – and the Nikon D300s delivers,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “It’s no secret that more photographers need to gather multimedia content. In addition to proven technologies, such as the 51-point autofocus (AF) system and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, we are more than confident that the D300s’ HD movie mode, along with a host of additional performance enhancements, will broaden the appeal of the camera to those seeking exceptional still image quality and video versatility.”
The Benchmark of Speed, Performance and Reliability
Whether on the front lines of spot news or behind the scenes at a spring wedding, users of the D300s can record HD video clips at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps rate. In addition, the D300s also records high fidelity audio—either with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo microphone input. Photographers can trim video length on the fly and apply Picture Controls to video, modifying the tone and color. Additionally, users can autofocus while recording video, using contrast detect AF, and do so while composing on the D300s’ bright three-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen.
Nikon’s applauded AF system, with 51 high density focus points, performs even faster and more accurately on the new D300s. The Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module uses 15 cross type sensors to provide unparalleled focus performance across the frame. The D300s offers multiple focus modes, including single-point AF mode, and a dynamic-area AF mode, where users can select from nine, 21 or 51 AF points with 3D tracking. Additionally, the added Face Detection System lets users instantly zoom in on a human face in playback mode on the high-resolution LCD monitor to check critical focus.
The Nikon exclusive and newly-accelerated Scene Recognition System (SRS) further refines Nikon’s AF performance and light metering. In conjunction with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II system, the SRS uses precise color and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to propel AF, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to unprecedented accuracy.
The renowned 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor in the D300s delivers extraordinary image quality and low noise throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range from 200 to 3200 (Lo-1 at 100 and 6400 at Hi-1). The D300s captures image data using 14 bit A/D conversion, processed through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal performance, resulting in images with sharp details and smooth tonal gradations.
The D300s also incorporates Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing. EXPEED image processing uses an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption. When using the included EN-EL3e Li-Ion rechargeable battery, photographers can achieve as many as 950 shots under normal shooting conditions. The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting comfort and supports three types of batteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon’s Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and the EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. It combines added stability with extended shooting of up to 2,950 shots*1 per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to 8 fps*2.
The reinforced magnesium alloy body is lightweight, ruggedly constructed and comprehensively sealed and gasketed against the elements at key points, and the shutter has been proven to a demanding 150,000 cycles. Additionally, the D300s employs the Integrated Dust Reduction System countermeasures that combat the accumulation of image-degrading particles on the optical low-pass filter.
World Class Versatility
With the D300s, Nikon introduces the ability to bracket Active D-Lighting (ADL). By localizing tone control, ADL restores shadow and highlight detail typically lost in high contrast situations, such as backlit subjects or while outdoors with strong sunlight. ADL bracketing provides users with the ability to bracket up to five frames of ADL strength to help ensure perfect contrast throughout the frame, putting an end to the guesswork behind the shot with a bride’s intricate white dress and a groom’s tuxedo in the same frame, for example.
Additionally, the D300s features two memory card slots—one CF and one SD, used simultaneously in a variety of configurations to match users’ preferences. Among the many options available, stills and video can record to separate cards or slots can be assigned for JPEG and RAW recording. The D300s offers “overflow” or “backup” modes, and when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity. Users can also copy and paste files between cards.
Also added to the D300s is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting “Q” on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive.
To further expand versatility, users have the ability to fine tune their images using Nikon’s Picture Controls to adjust sharpening, brightness, contrast and color hue. The D300s offers users four presets including Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome; while Landscape and Portrait settings can be downloaded from the Nikon website. While the D300s offers a versatile built-in flash with wider coverage for a 16mm lens, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and is capable of controlling up to two groups of remote units as a master / commander for Advanced Wireless Lighting.
System Expandability
In addition to compatibility with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses and a broad array of system accessories, the D300s will also perform well with the recently announced AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8G ED VR II and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lenses.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D300s camera body will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $1799.95.
Dual memory slots would be very nice but I hope there’s more than just an “s” and HD video added :(
Agreed. Seems like that would make it kind of a “me too” camera.
I hope that what ever it is, D400 or D300s, it just comes out soon. I’ve been waiting to upgrade from my D70s; I’ve been through the “s” upgrade cycle before so it’s no big deal. Regardless, a D300 wit video plu increased ISO and live view would be great.
Here’s a summary of the possible predictions for a D400, taken from DPreview forums:
POSSIBLE & LIKELY
[1] noise improvement: but don’t expect too much: move to a D700
[2] dynamic range improvement: but don’t expect too much: move to a D700
[3] 14MP+ sensor
[4] 1080HP video
[5] 6+fps shooting rate
[6] Drop down/flip around LCD like the D5000 n.b. adds depth to camera; likely if d40 has video capability
[7] improvement in AF
[8] More flexible Mirror-Up functionality
[9] Better, simple implementation of Live View
[10] True centre button on the multi-selector switch (as in the D700)
POSSIBLE
[1] Better Auto WB
[2] Faster face AF in Live View
POSSIBLE & UNLIKELY
[1] In-camera HDR
[2] Auto-Bracketing at 2.0 EV
[3] Bounce-able internal flash?
[4] Weather/Waterproof sealed body
[5] Newest Capture NX included
[6] custom bank should save all of your current settings both shooting menu and custom
[7] Allow any function to be assigned to any button
[8] RAW histograms
[9] smaller body
[10] Weaker anti-alias filter
[11] Live View with exposure simulation
[12] An additional channel in camera for CLS (3 extra groups instead of 2)
POSSIBLE & IMPROBABLE
[1] in-camera GPS – profitable option for Nikon
[2] in-camera Wifi and/or Bluetooth – profitable option for Nikon
[3] Built-in wireless remote capability – Nikon doesn’t seem to see this one because they think they already have it (via the 10-pin). Also, in Nikon’s defense, wireless is a huge design problem. Wireless spectrum is regulated worldwide
[4] more cross points in AF – not likely soon for technical issues
[5] Internal RF based flash control for CLS – Nikon hasn’t fully developed the current iteration yet
[6] Even more customizable buttons – D300 already has too many buttons; too much customization interferes with functionality; maybe some internal bus issues
[7] Small RAW files as an option – Not necessarily a pointless gimmick. Depends upon how they’re created and converted. If you don’t need the pixels, why waste the card space? But Nikon prefers closed propprietary systems rather than giving the downstream user full access to the original data that was captured, without manipulation.
[8] In body VR – way too much work for too little benefit. Nikon already has heat problems at the sensor
[9] Virtual Horizon inside viewfinder – impinges on high-end pro bodies.
[10] 8 fps jpeg shooting – requires a different shutter
[11] Dual CF and SD memory slots – potential issue of mismatching write speeds
[12] built-in IR – requires a user-reachable filter
[13] a less noisier shutter – a long time coming, why start with a D400.
[14] Built-in wireless tethering to a lightweight screen – already available as a 3rd party option; also looks like a profitable option for Nikon
[15] In-viewfinder icon that indicates when hyperfocal distance is achieved: accuracy an issue
[16] A viewfinder shutter like that on the Dx series – impinges on the higher end cameras
Nikon want come out with a new Camera until Sony make a new Sensor then you may see the D400 or the A7XX so all they have now is a Make over D300s