Nikon D300S Review Discussion

[Jerry Jackson]

When Nikon launched their pro-bodied, DX-format D300 in 2007 it marked something of a revolution for Nikon. At last, Nikon cemented their top-level cameras into two categories: FX (cameras packed with 35mm full-frame image sensors) and DX (cameras using APS-C sized image sensors with a 1.5X crop factor). But as far as the rest of the world was concerned, the real revolution came a year later with Nikon's introduction of the D90 -- the first DLSR capable of recording HD video. It's no wonder that Nikon was so eager to take the new high resolution sensor and video mode from their mid-grade D90 and put it into a higher-priced DSLR ... the new Nikon D300S.

Read the full content of this Article: Nikon D300S Review

Related Articles:

• Nikon D3000 Review
• Nikon releases D300s with HD video
• Nikon D5000 Review

[photofreak8394]

AF= 0.51 seconds? Is that a typo?

[Jerry Jackson]

AF= 0.51 seconds? Is that a typo?

We will be re-running that test with some other lenses to see if it was an anomaly with the 16-85mm lens that Nikon sent with our loan unit. That lab test is way too long compared to what it should be. The D300S is noticeably faster than my personal Nikon D90 or Olympus E-3 when I was using all three cameras side-by-side-by-side in the field, so I seriously doubt the 0.51 seconds is correct for the camera's true performance, but that was the result in our lab.

Again, we'll re-run the tests and I suspect we'll see a better result.

[anshel]

The information about autofocus in video mode is incomplete/inaccurate:

Nikon D300s manual, page 59 bottom. (I've tried this and it functions)

"Focusing During Recording
In tripod mode, the camera can be focused by pressing the B
button (during shooting, a beep will not sound when the camera
focuses, but note that other sounds made during contrast-detect
autofocus may be picked up by the microphone). Autofocus is not
available in hand-held mode after recording begins; use manual
focus to focus during recording (083; note that in hand-held
mode, recording will end if the shutter-release button is pressed
halfway or the B button is pressed)."

[Jerry Jackson]

The information about autofocus in video mode is incomplete/inaccurate:

Nikon D300s manual, page 59 bottom. (I've tried this and it functions)

"Focusing During Recording
In tripod mode, the camera can be focused by pressing the B
button (during shooting, a beep will not sound when the camera
focuses, but note that other sounds made during contrast-detect
autofocus may be picked up by the microphone). Autofocus is not
available in hand-held mode after recording begins; use manual
focus to focus during recording (083; note that in hand-held
mode, recording will end if the shutter-release button is pressed
halfway or the B button is pressed)."

I am aware of this. You can use AF to "prefocus" (what Nikon politely calls "tripod mode") but the problem is that the D300S, D90, and D5000 (as well as all other current DSLRs capable of recording video) cannot use AF while recording video.

Yes, you can use AF before you start recording, but if the camera or subject moves and you need to refocus the image you cannot use AF.

[hd650]

"While not physically different from the D300 in any major way, the new D300S features similar plastic construction and is obviously less rugged than the D90 or D300."

Are you serious???

[anshel]

Sorry, but you are wrong at this point. You can try it. Press the AF button while recording and when being in tripod mode, it will refocus without interrupting your video in any manner.(and when replaying you will even "enjoy" the lens refocusing sound)

[Allison Johnson]

"While not physically different from the D300 in any major way, the new D300S features similar plastic construction and is obviously less rugged than the D90 or D300."

Are you serious???

Well that didn't make much sense... slipped by me. The phrase is corrected now and reads:

While not physically different from the D300 in any major way, the new D300S features the same rugged magnesium alloy construction and rubber gaskets for extreme weather proofing seen on the D300 and is a step up from the plastic construction of the D90.

[Allison Johnson]

After conducting the timing test again today, we've come up with a more accurate number for the AF acquisition and updated the story with the new result - a much quicker 0.15 seconds, just slightly faster than the 5D Mark II.

[Blink Project]

Just back from New Delhi having taken 3000 images with the D300s. The camera is outstanding, great image quality, battery life 1000 shots. Strong and easy to use quickly. I gave the camera to a ten year old at the orphanage to use for a few hours and he was a dab hand after five minutes. Only improvement I would like is better quality at higher ISO there is a lot of noise at 1200 so not as good I think as the D700 but I’ve not done a side by side test. Video quality is much better than the Full HD Sanyo 1010 because of the Nikon file format. My website has some photographs www.jeremynwhite.com