Nikon D300 digital SLR camera review
The Nikon D300 is a semi-professional SLR camera for the serious amateur. The quality and price range is somewhere between the cheap entry level camera’s (Nikon D40x) and the more expensive professional models like D2Hs or D2Xs. For a Nikon D300 you can expect to pay around $1800 for the body only.
If you’re after key features and specifications, you can already find this information on the Nikon website (and hundreds of other review sites) so I won’t rehash that information again: Nikon D300 features and specifications.
What are photographers saying about the Nikon D300?
As you’d expect from a semi-professional SLR camera, comments concerning the Nikon D300 are all positive. Here are a few comments made from those who have purchased the camera:
- The Nikon D300 feels solid to hold. This is often a gripe by those who have purchased an entry level camera, is that they don’t feel solid enough.
- Many like how the camera has access to all the main settings through buttons found on the back and top. Therefore, you don’t have to scroll through menu’s (after you find the correct ones) to get to the main settings.
- The Nikon D300 allows you to frame and compose your shot by looking at the LCD screen at the back of the camera (similar to compact camera’s). This is currently not an option on the cheaper entry level SLR camera’s, were you need to look into the viewfinder to compose the shot.
- Even though the D300 features a 12.3 effective megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor, the image quality is still similar to that of a 10 megapixel camera. Therefore, don’t purchase the Nikon D300 if you are wanting sharper images. For that purpose, buy a better lens. However, if you’re after a better camera, as in options and specifications, then the D300 is your camera, as you’ll see by watching the video below.
Nikon D300 Video Review by Camera Labs
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{ 3 comments }
Hey thanks for this review. I use a nikon D40 and want to upgrade to a mid range model and the D300 would be perfect.
Again thanks for the review. It has almost made my mind up which model to get next.
Hey guys, just like to ask for your advise. I’m intending to buy my first dslr, and I’m choosing between Nikon D60, D80 and Canon rebel 450XSi, which would better for me?
Hi, this is a hard question as you’ll receive different answers depending on who you ask. Personally I like Canon camera’s. I find all the important settings are only a button away and therefore easy to get to when required. On the other hand, for the beginner Nikon camera’s you need to scroll through a menu navigation to change settings. Of course you do get used to whichever method you start with. I believe the image quality is pretty much on par between Nikon or Canon. Forget the D60. The Nikon D80 is usually compared to the 450XSi in photography magazines and as I said, usually come out even in quality. Sorry I wasn’t much help, other to say I personally prefer Canon myself for ease of use (having photographed with both).
Kind Regards.
Tanya.
The Nikon D300 is not a semi-professional SLR camera for the serious amateur; it IS a full-professional SLR for both professionals & serious amateurs. Nikon labels it professional first of all.
Hello,
Like many others (CNet, DPReview, cameralabs, engadget etc) I still refer to the Nikon D300 as a semi-professional SLR camera. Where as Nikon’s Flagship pro DSLR is the more expensive D3 camera. However, I do understand such things come down to a matter of opinion
Kind Regards.
Tanya.
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