Nikon D300s Digital SLR
The new D300s is Nikon’s latest flagship DX digital SLR and without a crystal ball it’s no fuss to predict the main upgrade: HD video recording – the hot trend in 2009. The real question is what else has changed between the D300 and the D300s?
Update 06/10/2009: Read our Nikon D300S Review!
The new Nikon D300s digital SLR
Quick Comparison: Nikon D300 v D300s
The D300s appears to be a similar beast to the D300 – key features such as the 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 51-point autofocus system, EXPEED image processor, and the high-resolution 3.0″ screen remain unchanged. However D300s owners will enjoy the following the key upgrades:
- 720p HD video recording at 24 fps.
- Contrast-detect autofocus during video recording.
- External stereo microphone input (optional accessory).
- Dual memory card slots – 1 compact flash & 1 secure digital.
- 7fps burst rate using a Nikon EN-EL3e (was 6fps on the D300).
- Weighs 840g without battery (the D300 is 825g).
D300s with Supercharged D-Movies
The first feature which really grabs our attention is the ability to autofocus while recording video. This is a major upgrade in D-movie functionality compared to the D5000 and D90. Although it’s only contrast detect AF this is certainly a welcome feature (although not a first – the Canon 5D Mark II and Panasonic GH1 can AF during recording).
Blurring the increasingly thin line between camera and camcorder even further is a microphone terminal for capturing stereo audio. Combined with the movie AF this should leave many enthusiast videographers, with a Nikon addiction disorder on the side, truly salivating over the D300s.
Dual Memory Card Slot
The Nikon D3 and D3X feature dual compact flash memory card slots. However the D300s approach of one compact flash and one secure digital slot. This is quite a smooth move by Nikon. Why? It makes the process of upgrading to a D300s easier. Entry-level & semi-pro users with an army of SD / SDHC cards can carry on, while pro Nikon DSLR users with compact flash cards are also supported (including UDMA compact flash).
D300s with a dual memory card slot
The Nikon D300s specifications indicate either slot can be used as the primary card, with the second for overflow or backup. Mixed formats make using both slots slightly less useful than the D3/x – but it’s clearly aimed at wider compatibility than professional dual recording / instant backup.
Hang on – I want more!
It could be easy to feel slightly cheated there is no 1080p HD video, found in the Canon 5D Mark II and 500D (the latter at a substantially lower price point), and the ‘meagre’ 12.3 megapixels (the Canon 50D has 15.1 megapixels at almost half the price).
However you can be swung back into focus with the sublime 51-point AF, 1005-pixel TTL exposure metering, 100% viewfinder, and integrated wireless Creative Lighting System (CLS). For many photographers that’s what makes this Nikon a Nikon.
Plus it’s time for faint sigh of relief; you don’t have to upgrade your PC again to deal with X million more megapixels!
Nikon D300s Summary
In summary the hugely capable & TIPA awarding winning D300 is still a great camera two years after it was announced. However the D300s upgrade looks like the perfect refinement to make another fantastic camera – thumbs up from Warehouse Express!
(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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When D3 & D300 were first announced I wanted the former but could not get one, so settled for the latter. When the D700 was announced I bought one as it allows use of my old wide angle Nikkors and has good low light capability. It also had two surprising improvements over D300: a built-in eyepiece shutter and easier access to card slot.
R. G. NoxonHow does the D300s compare re these two features?
PS I’m not into video or Live View but the latter overcomes the lack of 100% viewfinder (D700).
Hi Geoff,
The D300s doesn’t have a built-in eyepiece shutter (that only appears on the D700 / D3x with the round eyepieces, as you mention). It keeps the 100% viewfinder coverage, same as the D300.
Looking at the pictures of the back of the D300s the card slot access has changed to the D700 style – e.g. just slide the compartment open rather than a release lever on the back.
Oliver (author)Hi,
ElisWhat would your advice be on D300 Vs D300s, I am a keen photographer, and want to upgrade my ageing D40! I have an interest in portraiture, sports and travel photography. The Video option does expand my creative options, but is it worth the extra dosh, considering the price of the D300 is likely to drop when the D300s is released.
[...] Check out the article here [...]
Talk|URBEX > Nikon D300s Digital SLR ReviewElis,
I have a D300 which is a very capable DX. If you want SD and CF functionality and HD video then its worth considering the price difference. Personally, I wont be upgrading, video on a DSLR does not interest me, 1fps difference and dual SD/CF just costs too much
The problem is, if you dont get it – how much time will you spend wondering…
Either way, you will end up with a very nice DSLR
Dave BHi Elis,
Good advice from Dave B. If you aren’t tempted by HD video then a D300 will probably have identical image quality (99.99% likely – but we haven’t tested a D300s yet
). So with the £350 saving you could treat yourself to a nice prime lens (50mm f1.4 AF-S or 35mm f1.8 AF-S) or just bank it!
Just to add to the conundrum – I wasn’t a believer about video on DSLRs till I tried it on the D5000. It’s fun!
Oliver (author)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHLknisJ-Sg
Bit dissapointed with Nikon over the D300s, I don’t think the type of photographer who’d buy a D300 would be concerned with 720p HD video recording at 24 fps,Contrast-detect autofocus during video recording,External stereo microphone input (optional accessory) or Dual memory card slots – 1 compact flash & 1 secure digital.
H.SunIf only they had put in a full frame sensor instead?
I haven’t heard any news on whether they’ve improved the noise reduction in the D300s, to (at least) the same level as the D90. I have read that the D90 is better with high ISO noise than the D300, which I assumed was due to the improved internal processing in the newer camera. Does anyone know whether the D300s is better in this respect?
Jonathan BollandJust a quick question on some advice…made a post a while back. I am a keen photographer, and want to upgrade my ageing D40! I have an interest in portraiture, sports and travel photography.
I have been pondering for some time….
Nikon D300s or Canon Eos 7d
i’m more used to Nikon as i have a D40, but only the kit lens, so does not tie me in to staying with Nikon.
The canon is drawing me in by the high megapixels and more frames per second…but is 18mp too many for a CMOS sensor.
just keen to here your thoughts on which is the better camera for my interests!
Both of which i know will be a significant improvement to that of my D40.
PLEASE ADVISE!!!!
many regards,
ElisElis
[...] on the heels of the D300s and D3000 announced recently are two new Nikkor lenses: a completely new 70-200mm f2.8 VR II and an [...]
New Nikon 70-200mm & 18-200mm II | Warehouse Express[...] autofocus while recording and the external microphone terminal. You can learn more in our Nikon D300s blog [...]
Nikon D300s Sample Video | Warehouse Express