Nikon D300 semi pro dSLR, packs a mighty punch (Nikon D300)

Member Name: sax_man_al

Product:	Nikon D300
Date:	01/07/09 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 12.3MP, 51 focus points, 6fps, low noise at high iso

Disadvantages: Nikon prices have gone up dramatically

The Nikon D300 is a premium camera targeted at a semi professional level, and is ideal for wildlife photographers owing to it's high speed focusing, good resolution and 1.5x multiplication of the DX sensor. It has a very good build quality and is very solid in the hand.

In specification terms this camera is most comparable to the outgoing d2x, and now sits below the full frame (FX) D3 and D3x, both of which are now the nikon top spec pro cameras.

One of the best features of this camera is the 51 focus points that are very accurate and very fast focusing. The 1.5x crop also means that the 70-200 lens that is also very popular with wildlife photographers behaves like a 105-300mm lens on a 35mm camera.

Image quality is excellent, even when you turn up the iso to deal with lower light, or to boost the shutter speed. Anything up to iso800 I would say is usable, although as with all digital cameras, lower iso is better if possible.

The frame rate of 6fps feels like you are firing a machine gun, and there is a low speed setting so that you can set the fps yourself. If you use the mb-d10 grip with enel-3a or aa batteries this goes up to 8fps.

The menu system is good and easy to navigate, although for some more complex operations you will need the instruction manual to guide you! Also has dust off to keep the sensor clean, although doesn't shift everything.

The price of this lens compares very favourably with canon competition and the rest of the nikon line up. Nikon and £vs$ price fluctuations mean all nikon stuff has gone back up to the price it was over a year ago which is a real shame.

This camera is perfect for anyone wanting that little bit more from their camera, and would like to be able to produce proffesional results.

Some people may find it big and heavy if they are used to a compact, especially if you have the grip attached and a decent f2.8 lens too.

Summary: Brilliant semi pro, or even pro camera, possibly the only dSLR you'll ever need or want!

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