Nikon D300 Digital Camera (2007)

A semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera announced in 2007 with a 12.3-megapixel DX-format sensor and 51-point autofocus system.

Overview

The Nikon D300 is a digital single-lens reflex camera built around a 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor, producing images at a maximum resolution of 4288 x 2848 pixels in a 3:2 aspect ratio. Announced on August 23, 2007, and launched in December of that year, it replaced the Nikon D200 and was positioned as a pro-level DX-format DSLR. It shares its launch day with the full-frame Nikon D3, serving as Nikon’s flagship crop-sensor model. The camera features a rugged magnesium alloy body, a 3-inch rear LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution, and support for Live View shooting. It uses the Nikon F mount with AF coupling and contacts, enabling compatibility with Nikon F mount lenses with AF coupling and AF contacts.

Specifications

Screen	3"
ISO range	200 to 6,400 (with Auto ISO)
Autofocus system	51 sensors
Viewfinder	the best finder in 20 years
Exposure compensation	adjustable in thirds (default) or full stops
AF Fine-Tune Adjustment	available, range is "very narrow"
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
Sensor	12.3-megapixel
Sensor type	DX format 23.6 mm × 15.8 mm CMOS
Max resolution	4288 x 2848
Image ratio	3:2
Shutter speed range	30 s – 1/8000 s, bulb
Continuous shooting	6 frame/s (8 frame/s with optional MB-D10 battery pack)
Monitor Resolution	921000 Dots
Battery	Nikon EN-EL3e
Weight	About 825 g
Construction	Magnesium alloy

Design

The rear AF selector-mode switch is praised for its thumb-operated design, allowing control without removing the eye from the viewfinder. Control dials are slightly canted for ergonomic access. The camera includes Live View, in-camera lateral chromatic aberration correction, a self-cleaning sensor, and optic-by-optic autofocus fine-tuning. Face detection is claimed with D or G lenses, though testing showed it failed on people but worked reliably on dogs.

Context

The Nikon D300 replaced the D200 in Nikon’s lineup and was launched on the same day as the full-frame D3. It was succeeded by the D300s, which retained the same sensor but added more features and speed.