Comparison of nikon d300 and d300s cameras. Nikon D300s: test of a semi-professional "SLR" with new lenses. Side-by-side comparison

The D300S is a professional DSLR in a compact DX format that empowers photographers who value creative freedom... Housed in a compact body, Nikon's D-movie function and built-in photo editing function let you quickly switch between capturing great stills and movies with stereo sound *. This camera features an extremely sensitive 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and supports continuous shooting at an unrivaled 7 frames per second. The CF and SD card slots add flexibility to your work, allowing you to capture pictures on one memory card and movies on another. Nikon's proven 51-point AF system provides larger area coverage and high sensitivity in low light conditions. Selectable Picture Controls simplify post-processing, and the 3-inch LCD screen supports D-movie and two monitor framing modes. Protected by a durable, lightweight, waterproof and dustproof magnesium housing, the D300S will change the way you think about the photography profession.

* Requires a compatible stereo microphone.

12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor. Built-in module self-cleaning of the matrix to a minimum reduces the influence of dust.

Continuous photography at 7fps (8 fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack).

Function D-Movie provides beautiful high-definition movie recording with stereo sound *, as well as start and stop editing functions.

Double slots for memory cards: CF and SD card slots for increased flexibility.

ISO 200-3,200: can be increased to ISO 6400 equivalent or reduced to ISO 100 equivalent.

EXPEED image processing system With 14-bit A / D conversion and 16-bit image processing, it delivers stunning color tones.

AF System Multi-CAM3500DX with 51st point. Possibility to select and configure one of the modes with 9, 21 or 51 focus points.

Performance thanks to turn-on in just 0.13 s and fast shutter lag (no more than 45 ms).

Quiet shooting mode: Ideal for quiet shutter photography due to dramatically reduced noise from camera mechanisms.

Picture Controls simplify in-camera image processing by allowing you to adjust image settings before shooting and control the sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, and hue of images in various color modes.

3-inch VGA LCD monitor with 920,000 dots with a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees.

Active D-Lighting function Helps you get stunning, high-contrast images by automatically adjusting the tone at the time of shooting.

Durable magnesium alloy housing: moisture and dustproof.

Reliable shutter mechanism, tested for 150,000 operating cycles.

Video output HDMI Allows you to connect your camera to high definition video systems.

Intuitive ergonomic design with optimal button placement for quick operation and convenience.

The D300s is a compact professional DX-format SLR that empowers photographers who value creative freedom. Housed in a compact body is Nikon's D-movie function and built-in photo editing, allowing you to quickly switch between capturing great stills and movies with sound. This camera features an extremely sensitive 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and supports continuous shooting at an unrivaled 7 frames per second. The CF and SD card slots add flexibility to your work, allowing you to capture pictures on one memory card and movies on another. Nikon's proven 51-point AF system provides larger area coverage and high sensitivity in low light conditions. Selectable Picture Controls simplify post-processing, and the 3-inch LCD screen supports D-movie and two monitor framing modes. Protected by a durable, lightweight, waterproof and dustproof magnesium housing, the D300s will change the way you think about the photography profession.

Camera at work

The first thing I want to write about is once again about ergonomics. We have already noted that the Nikon D300s grip is quite massive. It is convenient to hold the camera even with one hand, despite the considerable weight. All fingers right hand enough space on the handle. The special recess for the fingertips makes it easy to carry the camera in a relaxed, lowered hand without the fear of slipping out. The thumb pad on the rear panel is embossed and does not slip.

The number of controls is simply enormous! However, for a not very experienced photographer, this is rather a minus. Learning their purpose and, moreover, programming the camera control logic to suit your shooting style is not a one-day task. In the same time, professional photographer can always access almost any function without leaving the viewfinder, literally with one press of the corresponding button. The camera is ideal for sequential shooting.

All buttons are located quite conveniently. There is only a small complaint about the position of the front steering wheel. To rotate it, you have to slightly change the grip of the right hand. For myself, I set up the camera in such a way that all the basic operations are performed with the help of the rear, more convenient for me, steering wheel, and the front one almost does not use.

The camera shutter deserves special praise. Almost no vibration is generated when the shutter is released. The shutter sound is soft, quiet. But you can make it even quieter! The camera has a special Quiet shutter mode. In this mode, the mirror moves with a noticeable slowdown and almost silently. In all other shooting modes, the mirror travel is very fast. Blackout in the viewfinder during shooting is minimized. The burst speed can be up to 7fps. But if it seems to you that it is too fast, then in the menu you can assign the burst speed yourself and save this value for the Cl mode (slow continuous shooting).

The Nikon D300s pentaprism viewfinder is simply amazing. Not many APS-C cameras have this class of viewfinder. Frame coverage is 100%, magnification 0.94x. The viewfinder displays all the main shooting parameters, focus points. Additionally, you can turn on the indication of the grid to simplify framing.

Autofocus Nikon D300s is consistent with the class of the camera. Among DSLRs with APS-C frame format better system autofocus is simply not there today. To be fair, it should be noted that the Canon EOS 7D has a similar autofocus system. But to say that one of these two cameras has better autofocus, while the other has worse, it is impossible.

Nikon D300s phase focusing module consists of 51 points. The points are arranged in such a way that they cover most of the frame. For focusing, you can use all the points, or you can limit it to 9 or 21 points. Focusing is possible with 3D-tracking at 51 points. The menu also allows you to set release priority or focus priority for single and continuous AF separately. Also in the menu, you can set the time for tracking a subject through an obstacle for tracking autofocus (long, normal, fast, off). Focusing is also possible with Live View shooting. You can use phase detection autofocus with a preliminary lowering of the mirror (darkening of the display in this case is less than a second), or you can focus on the contrast principle. Contrast AF is slower than phase detection, but also quite tenacious. There were no problems using it.

Interface

Almost all camera control during shooting is carried out using hot buttons and a monochrome display on the top panel. In this case, the main display is not activated (unless you separately turn on the indication of shooting parameters with the INFO button). Even the white balance has to be selected using the pictograms on the auxiliary dipole. As such, Nikon D300s does not have a quick OSD menu. There is only a possibility by pressing the INFO button to display information in the form of a table about the basic settings of the camera. Pressing the INFO button again gives access to quick editing of the settings stored in the current memory bank. The fact is that the Nikon D300s provides several memory banks for storing a number of camera system settings.

Those settings that are not available through the individual controls are hidden in the main menu. The menu is very extensive, divided into several tabs. Understanding it is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. But this is not a disadvantage of Nikon D300s, but rather a consequence of the huge number of available settings and additional functions.

To capture slow-moving processes, the function of interval shooting is provided. Unfortunately, during the test, there was not enough time to fully test this function.

The camera now has an electronic level that can be useful when photographing architecture and landscapes.

For solutions possible problems with the accuracy of autofocus, the focusing system can be fine-tuned for a specific lens.

RAW files can be compressed in several ways: lossless compression, normal compression, uncompressed. The camera also supports shooting 14-bit RAW files. The color depth is set in the menu: 12 or 14 bit (when setting the color depth to 14 bit, the camera speed drops).

Photo recording can be carried out both on one and simultaneously on two flash drives: CompactFlash and SD. It is possible to mirror both flash drives, write RAW files to one, and JPEG to the other. It is possible to use the second flash drive only if the first one is full. Also in the menu you can set on which of the two flash drives the video will be recorded. As with all modern Nikon DSLRs, the maximum auto ISO can be limited in the menu. In the same menu item, you can limit the maximum allowable shutter speed.

The metal case is waterproof and dustproof.

Filming

The camera can record video with a resolution of up to 1280x720 and a frequency of 24 frames / s. You can use the built-in or external microphone to record sound. When shooting movies, contrast-based autofocusing is possible. To enable video recording, you must switch to Live View mode, and then press the center button of the navipad.

By your way out Nikon model The D300 made a big impression enough to be dubbed the best semi-professional DSLR on the market. In many ways, it still holds its position and is sold at almost the same price as when it was released. This success left Nikon at a loss as to how to further enhance its flagship model with an APS-C sensor.

While most add-ons D300S based on those already presented in Nikon cameras released after the D300 (virtual horizon display from D3, video recording from D90), one really new feature is the use of contrast-detection autofocus in movie mode, which was first implemented in a Nikon digital SLR camera. The focusing system isn't the fastest we've seen, and you'll need to use the external microphone jack if you want to avoid the loud noises of the AF motor.

The D300S inherits the non-latching memory card door first seen in the D700, but now includes CF and SD card slots. As expected for a camera of this level, information is recorded on cards in the following ways: cards are used one after another, backups are made to a second card, RAW and JPEG formats are recorded on separate cards, and stills and movies can be split in the same way. In fact, many of the changes make the D300S more similar to the D700, including the standard Nikon DSLR multi-controller with a separate center button that (on this particular camera) enables video recording in Live View mode.

Continuous shooting speed has slightly increased, now you can shoot 7 fps when using the internal battery or 8 fps with a rechargeable grip. The settings menu is now the same as in most modern "DSLRs" - interactive, allowing you to change shooting parameters more quickly, also two new features of the Active D-Lighting function ("Auto" and "Extra High") have been added. To top it all off, there is a quiet focusing drive mode that was first introduced with the D5000.

However, against the backdrop of the Canon EOS 7D, which is clearly aimed at professionals, and the excellently executed, but cheaper Pentax K-7, the camera from Nikon, as an insignificant upgrade to the D300, does not look convincing.

D300S vs. D300 (main differences)

  • 720p HD video recording at 24fps
  • External microphone connectivity for stereo sound
  • Built-in basic video editing tools
  • Increased burst speed up to 7fps (6fps in D300)
  • Two slots for CF and SD memory cards (CF only in D300)
  • Quiet shutter mode
  • Rear camera multicontroller (borrowed from D3)
  • Interactive settings menu
  • Live View enable button (Live View is a drive mode in the D300)
  • Info button for displaying basic information
  • HDMI Type C interface (Type A in D300)
  • Two additional Active D-Lighting features: Auto and Extra High
  • Displaying the virtual horizon
  • Built-in Image Editing (RAW Reduction)

Main functions of the D300S

  • 13.1 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (12.3 million effective pixels)
  • 720p HD video
  • 3-inch LCD monitor (920K dots)
  • Image sensor cleaning system (sensor shift)
  • 51 AF points (with 3D tracking)
  • ISO range 200-3200 (expandable up to 6400)
  • Continuous shooting at 7 fps (buffer (number of frames): 17 RAW, 44 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
  • Expeed image processor
  • Picture Controls presets - match options across Nikon's current line of digital SLRs
  • Battery EN-EL3e (same as D300)
  • Index view of 72 images in playback mode
  • 14-bit A / D conversion
  • High speed (turn-on -13 ms, shutter lag - 45 ms, blackout - 100 ms)
  • Shutter resource - 150 thousand actuations
  • AF sensor Multi-CAM3500DX (51 points, 15 cross sensors, more vertical coverage)
  • Color AF tracking mode (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
  • Calibration (fine tuning) of autofocus is now possible
  • Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor and AF sensor)
  • Picture Control Presets (Color Swap Modes I, II, and III)
  • General Image Options now support Brightness and Contrast
  • Compact Flash UDMA card support
  • Live View with phase detection autofocus (mirror up / down) or contrast
  • HDMI output for HD video
  • Active D-Lighting (compensates for metering and also applies the D-Lighting curve)
  • Detailed information panel on the LCD monitor changes color in the dark
  • The new rechargeable vertical shooting grip is compatible with the Multi-battery type
  • The buttons are protected from moisture by special seals
12.3 Megapixel DX-format CMOS sensorViewfinder pentamirror
Main board with image processorEXPEED processor
51-point AF module Multi-CAM 3500DXPlacement of 51 AF points per frame (approx.)
1005-pixel metering sensor

Body materialMagnesium alloy
Sensor... 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
... DX format
... RGB Primary Color Filter
... Built-in low pass filter (with self-cleaning mechanism)
... 13.1 million (total pixels)
... 12.3 million (effective pixels)
... Aspect ratio 3: 2
Image processorNikon EXPEED
Analog-to-digital conversion14 bit
Image dimensions... 4288 x 2848
... 3216 x 2136
... 2144 x 1424
Image dimensions (video) *... 1280 x 720 @ 24 fps *
... 640 x 424 @ 24 fps *
... 320 x 216 @ 24 fps *
File format... NEF (12-bit or 14-bit Lossless Compressed or Compressed RAW)
... NEF + JPEG
... Tiff
... JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
... AVI *
... Motion JPEG *
Compression NEF... 12/14-bit NEF compression (RAW, Lossless compressed):
... 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): Approx.
Lens mount... Nikon F mount with AF coupled and AF contacts
... 1.5x crop field of view
Compatible lenses... DX AF NIKKOR: All functions are available
... AF NIKKOR equipped with D / G mounts (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses): All functions available (excluding PC Micro-NIKKOR)
... AF NIKKOR without D / G mounts (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions available except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II
... AI-P NIKKOR: All functions available except Auto Focus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II
... AI NIKKOR non-CPU: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used with aperture f / 5.6 and faster; Color matrix metering and aperture display are supported if user specifies lens information.
Dust removal system... Sensor self-cleaning mechanism ("Clean image sensor")
... Dust removal with software(Capture NX software required)
Autofocus... 51 focus points (15 cross sensors)
... Multi-CAM 3500DX
... AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, at normal temperature)
... Determining Contrast with Live View (Tripod Mode)
Autofocus (video) *Contrast AF is possible at any point within the frame (tripod mode) *
Lens drive... Single-frame AF drive [S]
... Continuous AF drive [C]
. Manual focus[M]
... Tracking focus is automatically activated based on the movement of the subject in [S] or [C] AF mode
Focus point... One point of 51 or 11 focusing points
... Live View (tripod mode): Contrast AF at any point in the frame
AF-area mode... Single point AF
... Dynamic AF area
... Auto AF area
Focus lockFocus can be locked by half-pressing the shutter release button (Single-shot AF) or by pressing the AE-L / AF-L button
Autofocus illuminator... Yes, a special light
... Approx. range from 0.5 to 3 m
Exposure modes... Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program selection
... Shutter Priority Auto [S]
... Aperture Priority Auto [A]
... Manual [M]
Exposure meteringTTL metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
... 3D color matrix metering II (for type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (for other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (exposure metering is carried out for lenses without a microprocessor, if the user specifies lens parameters in the settings)
... Center-weighted: 75% of measurements taken in 8mm circle in center of frame. Circle diameter can be changed to 6, 10, or 13 mm at the center of the frame, or weighted averaging over the entire area of ​​the frame (8 mm circle with non-CPU lens)
... Spot: Meters 3 mm circle (approximately 2% of frame) centered on selected focus point (center focus point if non-CPU lens is attached)
Metering range... 3D color matrix metering: 0 to 20 EV
... Center-weighted metering: 0 to 20 EV
... Spot metering: 2 to 20 EV
... At 20 ° C normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent sensitivity, f / 1.4 lens
Pairing with an exposure meterCombined with microprocessor and AI
Exposure lockUsing the AE-L / AF-L button
Exposure bracketing2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
Exposure compensation... +/- 5.0 EV
... in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
ISO sensitivity... Default: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
... Zoomable: 100 to 6400 ISO in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Gate... Electronically controlled vertical-curtain shutter, focal plane shutter
... Shutter speed: 30 to 1/8000 sec (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps)
... Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec (up to 1/320 sec with reduced guide number)
... By hand
Depth of field preview... Dimming the lens when the button is pressed
... Activates modeling flash
White balance... Auto (1005 pixel CCD, image sensor)
... Preset modes (seven) with fine tuning
... Manual presets (five) *
... Color temperature in degrees Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps)
... White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames in steps of 1, 2, or 3)
Picture Control System... Standard
... Neutral
... Brightly
... Monochrome
Image options... Quick adjustment: 5 settings (Sharpness, Contrast and Saturation at a preset level) *
... Sharpness: Auto, 10 levels *
... Contrast: Auto, 7 levels *,
... Brightness: 3 levels
... Saturation: Auto, 7 levels *
... Shade: 5 levels *
Color space... sRGB
... Adobe RGB
Viewfinder... SLR pentaprism straight line viewfinder
... Built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1 m-1)
... Viewfinder focal point: 19.5mm (-1.0m-1)
... Frame coverage: 100%
... Viewfinder magnification 0.94x with 50mm f / 1.4 lens; -1.0 m-1
Focusing screen... Type B BriteView II matte screen
... Inflicted AF area frame
... Display framing grid on demand
Lcd monitor... 3.0 "TFT LCD
... 920,000 pixels * (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors)
... Viewing angle: 170 °
... Brightness adjustment
... 100% frame coverage
Live View on LCD... Manual: TLL phase detection AF with 51 focus points (15 cross sensors)
... Tripod mode: Contrast-detect AF at any point in the frame
Shooting modes... Time-lapse
... Continuous (Low)
... Continuous (High)
... Quiet descent [Q] *
... Self-timer (configurable)
... Raising the mirror
Continuous shooting... With built-in rechargeable battery: up to 6 fps
... With adapter alternating current or MB-D10 battery pack and other battery other than EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery: up to 8 fps
... 12-bit RAW at full speed, 14-bit RAW at only 2.5 fps
Self-timer... 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds *
Flash control... TTL: TTL flash control using 1005-pixel RGB sensor.
... Built-in flash units SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and i-TTL standard flash
... Auto Aperture Mode: For SB-900 or SB-800 flash units used with CPU lenses
. Auto mode no TTL control: Supported with SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27, or SB-22S
... Distance-priority manual: available with SB-900 and SB-800
Flash sync mode... Front curtain sync (normal)
... Red-eye reduction
... Slow sync with red-eye reduction
... Slow sync
... Rear curtain sync
Built-in flash... Manual flash with push button
... Guide number (ISO 200, m): approx. 17 (manual mode 18)
... Guide number (ISO 100, m): approx. 12 (manual mode 13)
Accessory shoeStandard ISO 518 hot shoe with sync pin; Safety latch
Flash Level Compensation... -3 to +1 EV
... in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps *
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, or SU-800 as master and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 as slaves; Auto FP high-speed sync and modeling light supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except the SB-400; Flash color information transmission and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
View Mode... Time-lapse
... Small pictures (4, 9 or 72 * pictures)
... One-touch magnification
... Slideshow
... RGB Histogram Display
... Displaying survey data
... Highlights
... Automatic image rotation
... Annotate pictures (up to 36 characters) *
Supported languages ​​*. Norwegian*... Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
... Dutch
... English
... Finnish
... French
... German
... Italian
... Japanese
... Korean
... Polish
... Portuguese
... Russian
... Spanish
... Swedish
... Danish *
Interface... USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector
... HDMI mini connector (Type C) *
... 10-pin connector for an optional remote control
... USB connector for PC synchronization
10 pin connector... GPS: Connects a GPS GP-1 or GPS device that is compatible with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional GPS MC-35 cable and 9-pin D-sub cable)
... Remote control: connection via 10-pin connector
Information carriers... Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compatible)
... SD memory cards compatible with SDHC
Nutrition... Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e (7.4V, 1500mAh)
... MH-18a charger included
... EH-5a / EH-5 AC adapter (optional)
... Battery Grip / Vertical Grip MB-D10 (Optional)
Vertical handle holder... Battery Grip / Vertical Grip MB-D10 (Optional)
... With one EN-EL3e, EN-EL4a / EN-EL4 rechargeable Li-ion battery, or eight R6 / AA alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6), or nickel-manganese (ZR6) batteries; Rechargeable Li-ion batteries EN-EL4a / EN-EL4 and R6 batteries / AA size
Battery charge controlThe LCD monitor on the back of the camera displays the following information:
... Remaining charge (%)
... Number of pictures taken since the last recharge
... Battery life (5 stages)
Dimensions (edit)147 x 114 x 74 mm
Weight (without battery)840 g
Weight (with battery)918 g
Supplied accessories... Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
... Fast charger MH-18a
... Eyepiece cover DK-5
... Rubber eyecup DK-23
... USB cable UC-E4
... Audio / video cable EG-D2
... Camera Strap AN-DC4
... LCD Monitor Cover BM-8
... Mount cover BF-1A
... BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
... CD with software
Optional accessoriesPowerful MB-D10 Battery Pack, WT-4 Wireless Transmitter, DK-21M Magnifying Eyepiece, EH-5a AC Adapter, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2

* New or changed from D300

Except for a couple of changes regarding buttons and a redesigned memory card compartment cover, the D300S looks almost identical to its predecessor. The small speaker at the bottom right of the rear panel and the three microphone holes below the model number are the only physical differences.

Design

In hand

Most high-end DSLRs have magnesium alloy bodies, but the D300 has become an example of a particularly heavy and well-built design in its day. And although the D300S has inherited the same good build quality, it does not stand out as much from the competitive models as the older model. However, the D300S differs from other analogues in terms of ergonomics.

While ergonomic options depend on individual preference and hand shape / size, the basic principles are universal - well-placed buttons may be slightly more or less convenient for different users, but if they can be easily accessed without having to change the grip position cameras, they are considered to be well positioned. The main feature of the D300S is the well-placed controls - the control dials and most of the control buttons are side by side, two dedicated buttons on the front of the camera are also easily accessible. The only thing is that the White Balance, ISO and Image Quality buttons on the top left of the camera are questionable (not everyone likes the location of the buttons when holding the device near the eyes).

Side-by-side comparison

Among the existing DSLRs on the market with an APS-C size sensor, equipped with the same sophisticated autofocus system as the D300S, perhaps the only worthy competitor is the Canon EOS 7D. Although the Olympus, Pentax and Sony counterparts are close to Canon's 19 cross-over AF points (although not Nikon's 51 points, 15 of which are cross-over), none can match the difficulty of point selection. autofocus in the camera. While the Nikon D300S offers fewer ways to ensure that the correct focus point is being used, it is capable of tracking subjects to different focus points based on distance and color than its competitors can match.

Lcd monitor

The D300S features the same 921600-dot LCD as its predecessor. By combining three dots (red, green, and blue) to produce one full color pixel, these dots represent a 640x480 pixel matrix. The D300 (along with the Sony A700) was one of the first cameras with such a screen, which provides the same resolution as a VGA computer display in the 80s. Such a high resolution has a positive impact in terms of assessing the quality of the captured image when viewing both the entire image and its approximate part.

The high resolution also means that the user interface can be extremely detailed and include information on each page to help simplify the management of the extremely extensive menus. The D300S has a plastic protective cover that prevents the LCD from being scratched when in use.

Top control panel

The D300 includes one control panel. This large display covers the entire top right of the camera and provides information on all settings. The display has a green backlight, which is turned on by moving the power switch to the "light" position, it springs and immediately returns to the "On" position. ("ON"), the backlight remains on for the "auto meter-off" time (CSM c2). You can also configure the camera so that the backlight is activated every time you press any button (CSM d8). It should be noted that even when the camera is turned off (in the "Off" position), this display shows the number of remaining frames on the memory card or the message -E- if the memory card is not inserted into the slot (indicates that the camera is not turned off, but In standby).

Viewfinder view

The image below does not show the typical view in the viewfinder, but shows the position of all possible data, including 51 AF points, battery status, and grid lines. All information is presented in the form of several overlays different types LCD, so the focal points are completely invisible until they are selected.

1. Focus indicator
2. Metering mode
3. Auto exposure lock
4. FV lock
5. Flash sync indicator
6. Exposure
7. Aperture indicator
8. Aperture (F-number / stops)
9. Exposure mode
10. Electronic scale of exposure / compensation
11. Flash compensation indicator
12. Exposure compensation indicator
13. ISO / Auto ISO indicator
14. ISO sensitivity value
15. Remaining number of shots / buffer / exposure value
16. Thousands indicator
17. Flash-ready indicator

Diagram taken from D300 owner's manual with permission from Nikon.

Viewfinder size

The parameter that is hidden in the specifications for digital "SLRs" is the size of the viewfinder (this often makes it impossible to compare between competitive models). The size of the viewfinder is a key factor in the usability of a DSLR - the larger the viewfinder, the easier it is to frame and focus on your subject, as well as making the process of shooting more fun and exciting.

When considering how the viewfinder is measured (using a prime lens rather than an equivalent magnification lens), you also need to consider the sensor size. We obtained the values ​​in the figure below by dividing the coefficients of approximation, declared by the manufacturers, by the relative crop factors. The D300S retains the same 0.94x magnification and 100% frame coverage as its predecessor.

Viewfinder crop

Nikon D300S belongs to limited number digital SLR cameras offering 100% frame coverage (along with the EOS 7D and K-7). As a result, the user sees in the viewfinder exactly the picture that the sensor registers, which makes it possible to optimize the composition.

Nikon D300S: 100% Coverage Viewfinder

Battery and charger

Battery information available in the camera:

  • The upper control panel displays a five-segment battery level indicator
  • Selecting Setup menu -> Battery Info displays:
    ... Battery meter (percentage)
    ... Number of shots (estimated number of shots with current charge)
    ... Charge duration (a scale from 0 to 4, indicating the duration of the battery charge)

Battery Grip / Vertical Grip Holder (Optional)

The D300S can use the same battery pack (vertical grip) as its predecessor. The grip connects to the camera using special connectors located at the bottom of the camera that provide power and control without removing the built-in battery or opening the battery cover, allowing you to quickly attach or detach the grip. The MB-D10 supports a range of batteries: EN-EL3e (used in the camera), high-capacity EN-EL4a (used in D3 series) or AA batteries. Using AA batteries or an EN-EL4a rechargeable battery can slightly increase the continuous shooting speed up to 8 fps. (D300 pictures)

Memory card compartment

The D300S borrows the memory card slot cover from the D700, ditching the secure snap-on version found in the D300. The new cover slides open and also has the same level of sealing as around the memory card slots themselves. The most notable change is that there are now two memory card slots behind the cover.

Battery compartment

The battery compartment is located inside the grip area of ​​the camera. The compartment cover opens with a small lever, inside the battery is held without falling out and without using a latch.

Connectors

The D300S has received a microphone jack, which is located under a large rubber flap on the left side panel. It also houses a composite A / V output, an HDMI port, a constant power input, and a USB connector. HDMI output can be specified in the camera setup menu (options are Auto, 480p, 576p, 720p, or 1080i).

The PC-sync flash socket and remote control / GPS connectors are located in the front left corner of the camera behind rubber caps that are securely attached to the camera. (Pictures of the PC-sync jack on the D300)

Camera base / Tripod socket

Flash

The D300S pop-up flash is manually activated by pressing the small button on the left side of the camera directly below the flash. You can use your hand to raise the flash to the desired height above the lens (convenient when using hoods and to reduce the red-eye effect). Directly below the shutter button is another button that changes flash modes and a flash level compensation button (-3.0 to +1.0 EV).

Hot shoe

Bayonet

In the image below, on the left you can see the D300S mount with the mirror down, and on the right with the mirror up and the shutter open (the sensor is visible). The lenses are screwed in clockwise and locked by turning counterclockwise. The camera is equipped with a standard Nikon F-mount and can be used with virtually the entire Nikkor F line of lenses (however, some features are available with the new type G or D lenses). As stated at the beginning of the review, the D300 also supports an aperture ring on older AI lenses. (D300 pictures)

Self-cleaning sensor

The Nikon D300S features the same self-cleaning sensor as the D300. The system works in the same way as other similar solutions - piezoelectric elements vibrate and shake the surface filter, which, in theory, should remove any fine dust particles that have settled on the sensor. In practice, when a speck of dust was found that began to appear in the image at small apertures, it was removed with just one activation of the sensor cleaning function in the camera menu.

Included

The package contents may vary depending on the region:

  • D300S DSLR with Mount Cap
  • LCD Monitor Cover BM-8
  • Shoulder strap
  • Eyepiece cover DK-5
  • Rubber eyecup DK-23
  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
  • Fast charger MH-18a and AC power cord
  • USB cable
  • A / V cable
  • CD with software
  • Instructions

Comparison of studio results (high ISO sensitivities)

In this section, we will compare the results of the D300S with the 7D, K-7, and 50D (using the default settings) when shooting in the studio at high sensitivities, especially focusing on areas in the shadows. Here is a comparison of JPEG images from cameras. And being able to produce good results right in the chamber can be a real asset.

ISO 1600

ISO 3200

ISO 6400

The first model, the D300, was famous for its high image quality at high sensitivities, not because its sensor was much better than its competitors (the Sony A700 has a very similar sensor), but because the camera had a good JPEG processing system, producing very acceptable results on high sensitivities. This is possible thanks to the excellent performance of the noise reduction system, which provides an optimal balance between level of detail and noise reduction, as well as maintaining good saturation for a realistic-looking image of the resulting image.

It is not surprising that competitors are keeping up and performing well. For example, the Canon models we tested provide very similar noise levels as well as a very good noise / detail / saturation balance. It is difficult to decide between Canon or Nikon based on the results, with the only difference that the Canon EOS 7D retains slightly more detail across the sensitivity range, while the Canon EOS 50D lags behind the competition at high ISOs.

Conclusions "for"

  • Highly competitive image quality across the entire ISO range
  • Excellent performance at high ISO sensitivities with low noise and lots of detail
  • Auto ISO has a wide setting range (can set maximum ISO sensitivity and minimum shutter speed)
  • Continuous shooting at 7fps (8fps when using rechargeable grip)
  • Convenient slots for two types of memory cards
  • Sophisticated AF system with efficient subject tracking
  • Excellent build quality with magnesium alloy body and seals to protect against dangerous factors environment
  • Good ergonomics, comfortable shape of the grip area of ​​the camera
  • Conveniently located and easily customizable buttons
  • The menu is well organized and responsive despite its size and complexity
  • Large, bright viewfinder with 100% coverage
  • Relatively fast contrast AF in Live View
  • Video output for video good quality 720p
  • Easily switch between Photo, Video and Live View modes
  • Contrast detection available in video mode
  • External microphone jack
  • Helpful Active D-Lighting protects against excessive highlights and shadows
  • Reliable flash performance
  • Full wireless flash control
  • Wide range of accessories (WiFi, battery pack, GPS)
  • Long battery life
  • Advanced Interval Timer Function
  • Complete software suite
  • Built-in AF-assist beam

Conclusions "against"

  • Unreliable white balance under artificial lighting
  • Slight tendency to overexpose in high contrast conditions
  • Rolling shutter effect when shooting video
  • In some places "graininess" appears in the blue sky, even at basic sensitivities
  • Slow contrast autofocus (like all digital SLRs)
  • Built-in microphone readily records lens noise

General conclusion

The D300S is not as significant a step forward for Nikon as it was with the D300, which is partly a testament to how successful the D300 has been. When testing the D300, it was very difficult to find flaws for constructive criticism, so it is not surprising that the company's engineers did not know how to improve for a long time. this model... Still, improvements were presented to the heiress, some of which will especially delight certain stake photographers. The ability to shoot video, although seemingly "gimmicky", is indeed an advantage in terms of both creative possibilities and commercial potential that cannot go unnoticed. The addition of a second memory card slot and possible uses for it also greatly increases the camera's versatility.

Image quality

Considering the D300S's 12MP sensor, one could say that the camera is not quite up to date. But that would be wrong, since the difference between 18 and 12 megapixels (20% in both ratios) only plays a role in certain specific conditions, especially in this case. The D300S delivers excellent quality images that are hard to find fault with. JPEG images may appear a little washed out in our opinion, but they can easily be sharpened to your liking. RAW processing will provide even better results.

Control

Operation is one of the greatest advantages of the D300S - ergonomics and build quality meet the highest demands. While the number of external controls can be daunting at first, once you get to know them you will be very glad that they are in the camera. And thanks to the high level of customization of the device to your requirements, you can assign other functions to the function buttons that you want to have direct access to. In addition, if you are not familiar with how Nikon DSLRs work (all command dials and indicators are positive to the right and negative to the left), you should note that it can be changed so that it most closely resembles the way you set up your camera. which you used before.

While the button changes are subtle compared to the D300, they still constitute a major difference, and not just in terms of direct video access. We also disagree on the location of the buttons on the left side of the camera (White Balance, ISO and Image Quality). But this, perhaps, was the only subject of controversy, despite the fact that we were already familiar with similar models of other brands.

The last word

The D300S is not the outstanding product that its predecessor was. Therefore, in our opinion, there is no significant reason for owners of an older model to replace it, unless your clients require video filming. But that shouldn't diminish the value of the great new D300S - a more refined and improved update to the model that has set a new level of quality since its release. The main competitor to the D300S is the Canon EOS 7D, but if you are not critical of the latter's high sensitivity, Nikon's model will be a very attractive option for you.

Based on materials from dpreview.com
Translation: Popil Katerina


In handheld mode, the camera uses fast phase focusing (the mirror goes up, the camera focuses and the mirror goes down) and the slower contrast AF, which is used in tripod mode. In order to perfectly focus on the focus, there is the possibility of enlarging part of the frame. The magnification is split into 7 steps and ends with a maximum magnification up to a 1: 1 ratio.

All menu setting parameters, as well as all custom camera settings values, can be saved and named as profiles (menu banks). This is very convenient for multipurpose use of the camera and allows you to prepare for shooting in a minimum time by simply loading a saved bank. The HELP button, which displays a text explanation of the selected item, greatly helps in mastering the menu.

The camera performs well in all modes. While the automatic exposure is fine, you have the ability to fit into the histogram even better: thanks to Active D-Lighting, the camera adjusts the exposure so that no light is knocked out, giving the camera better histogram hit. D-lighting settings can now also be assigned by the camera independently, and for those who like soft tonal transitions there is an even more powerful value - Extra High.

When shooting with Active D-Lighting, the recording time on the memory card slightly lengthens and the burst buffer becomes noticeably smaller. A simple D-Lighting is also available through the menu, which optimizes the dynamic range after shooting, programmatically. In addition, there is a custom Picture Control that allows you to adjust parameters such as sharpness, contrast, brightness, saturation, and tonality. You can also apply filter and toning effects to your liking.

Up to 72 pictures can be displayed simultaneously in playback mode. The information about the captured frame is split into several pages and includes information about the file, general information(color space, vignetting correction, white balance parameters, etc.), GPS data, brightness histogram and RGB channels. Therefore, it is not at all difficult for a photographer to obtain comprehensive information about the footage without using a computer.

It is also convenient to delete images - you just need to press the delete button again; in Canon cameras, pictures are deleted in the same way, only to confirm you need to turn the wheel, which is frankly annoying if you need to delete several pictures in a row.

 

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