| The Good |
|---|
| 13.1 Megapixel Sensor, ISO Speed up to 6400, 7 FPS Continuous Shooting, Fast Operation, Expeed Image Processor, 3” LCD. |
| The Bad |
| Only 12.3 Effective Pixels, Poor Video Quality, ISO Speed up to 6400, Heavy. |
| Yay or Nay |
| If you’re thinking about buying the D300, go for the D300S. However, if you’re looking for a good semi-professional/pre-professional camera and haven’t decided yet, go with the D90 or D700. |
Overview
The D300S is a lightly upgraded version of the D300. With the new setup, many of the same features remain the same, while a few have been upgraded and a couple of additions have been made. The most notable difference is the quieter function of the D300S. However, the less noticeable, and probably more important, feature is the button that allows access to the features/options menu (via the rear screen) with a simple push. This makes finding the sometimes difficult to navigate options just a little bit quicker and easier for someone who is just getting used to the camera and how it’s arranged.
Snapshots
With the CMOS containing more pixels than even the D700 (by 200,000), and the combination of the upgradeable ISO settings, it is not impossible to use this camera in a sports or nature setting. To top it all off, the Expeed image processor that comes standard with this camera is one of the best ever created. When you combine all of these points, the camera becomes an extremely reliable, versatile piece of machinery capable of shooting at seven frames per second in continuous mode.
Video
Although the camera will technically shoot in 720p high definition video, it doesn’t offer the same quality as the pictures. The whole video system needs to be reworked in order for it to function more like a camcorder and less like a cell phone. One of the biggest issues is that the autofocus doesn’t really work in video mode, and as a result, the image can become blurry when something moves (the camera or the subject).
Photo Quality and Extras
Just the sheer size of the CMOS lends enough to the equation of taking brilliant photographs with this camera. However, it does get better with a wide range of ISO speeds and the great image processors that are produced by Nikon. Because of this combination, the quality of the pictures are at least as good as entry level professional cameras. This is great news for someone who is looking to get into the photography scene and needs something a bit more affordable than the D700 or the D3.
On the other hand, the almost countless features on this camera are virtually useless to anyone who hasn’t used or been taught how to use them before. They are hard to find, and can be difficult to use properly unless you know what you’re doing. However, the bottom line is that they are there, and they do all work as long as you know how to properly use them.
Downside
Obviously, a huge factor when buying a camera is the price. This is where the D300S excels when compared to the D3 or D700, but fails against the D90. The camera will run you roughly $1800, and that is before you get all the extras (such as lenses) that you will need to capture those perfect shots.
Conclusion
Though not the perfect camera for every job, it is certainly an acceptable camera for most of them. It has a rugged body and frame that allow it to go anywhere, and do the jobs that the others can’t. The wide variety of options allow for great photographs, even when you’d expect them to not turn out quite right. Overall, it is a great pre-professional camera for someone who can’t afford more and doesn’t want to go with something less.
