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Nikon D300s review
Nikon?€™s latest flagship DX-format digital SLR - D300S Take a 3D Tour
Combines professional-level performance with agility, dual memory card slot
and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new measure of creative
versatility. The D300S digital SLR, combines professional-level performance
with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark
for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies,
including a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and the 51-point autofocus system;
the addition of HD video capture; and a faster 7 frames-per-second (fps),
the Nikon D300S balances form factor, performance, versatility and
reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals. The D300S
retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed
D300, while enhancing the speed, versatility and agility of the DX-format
for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts,
wedding photographers and photojournalists. The D300S can record HD video
clips and high-fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input,
offering users a digital SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card
slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one
CompactFlash?„? (CF) and one Secure Digital?„? (SD) card
separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode
and Active-D Lighting bracketing help users capture stunning images like
never before. The Benchmark of Speed, Performance and Reliability The D300S
can record HD video clips at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps
rate. In addition, the D300S records high fidelity audio ?€” either
with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo
microphone input ?€” trim video length and apply Picture Controls to
video, modifying the tone and colour. Users can also autofocus while
recording video using contrast detect AF, making it easy to compose on the
D300S?€™s bright 3-inch 920,000 dot LCD screen. Nikon?€™s
acclaimed AF system, with 51 high-density focus points, performs fast and
accurately on the new D300S. The Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module uses 15 cross
type sensors to provide unparalleled focus performance across the frame.
The D300S offers multiple focus modes, including single-point AF mode,
which allows photographers to choose a single AF point; and a dynamic-area
AF mode, where users can select from nine, 21 or 51 AF points with 3D
tracking. Additionally, the added Face Detection System lets users
instantly zoom in on a human face during playback mode on the
high-resolution LCD monitor to check critical focus. Nikon?€™s
exclusive and now faster Scene Recognition System (SRS) further refines
Nikon’s AF performance and light metering. In conjunction with the 3D
Colour Matrix Metering II system, the SRS uses precise colour and
brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to drive AF, auto
exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to unprecedented
accuracy. The renowned 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor in the
D300S delivers extraordinary image quality and low noise throughout the
entire ISO sensitivity range from 200 to 3200 (Lo-1 at 100 and 6400 at
Hi-1). The D300S captures image data using 14 bit A/D conversion, and
processes through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal performance, resulting in
images with sharp details and smooth tonal gradations. The D300S also
incorporates Nikon?€™s exclusive EXPEED?„? advanced digital image
processing system technologies. EXPEED?„? uses an accumulation of
sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable
quality for both still images and movie clips, while also achieving
high-speed processing and low power consumption. When using the included
EN-EL3e Li-Ion rechargeable battery, photographers can achieve
approximately 950 shots under normal shooting conditions. The reinforced
magnesium alloy body is lightweight, ruggedly constructed and
comprehensively sealed and gasketed against the elements at key points, and
the shutter is proven to a demanding 150,000 cycles. Additionally, the
D300S employs an Integrated Dust Reduction System to combat the
accumulation of image degrading particles on the optical low-pass filter.
World Class Versatility With the D300S, Nikon introduces the ability to
bracket Active D-Lighting (ADL). By localizing tone control, ADL restores
shadow and highlight detail typically lost in high contrast situations,
such as backlit subjects or in bight-light conditions. ADL bracketing
provides users with the ability to bracket up to five frames of ADL
strength to help ensure perfect contrast throughout the frame.
Additionally, the D300S features two memory card slots ?€” one CF and
one SD ?€” used simultaneously in a variety of configurations to match
users?€™ preferences. Among the many options available, stills and
video can record to separate cards, or slots can be assigned for JPEG and
RAW recording. The D300S offers ?€?overflow?€? or
?€?backup?€? modes, and when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows the
user to select the slot containing the card with the most available
capacity. Users can also copy and paste files between cards. The D300S also
features a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the
sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting
?€?Q?€? on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the
photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive. To further expand
versatility, users have the ability to fine-tune their images using
Nikon?€™s Picture Controls to adjust sharpening, brightness, contrast,
saturation and colour hue. The D300S offers users four presets including
Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, while Landscape and Portrait
settings can be downloaded from the Nikon customer support website. The
D300S offers a versatile built-in flash with wider coverage for a 16mm
lens, and is also compatible with Nikon?€™s Creative Lighting System
that makes it capable of controlling up to two groups of remote units as a
master/commander for Advanced Wireless Lighting. System Expandability In
addition to compatibility with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses and a broad array
of system accessories, the D300S will also perform well with the recently
announced AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8 VR and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm
f/3.5-5.6 VR lens.
Virtual Horizon available in Set-up Menu and Live View shooting
3-inch, 920,000 dot high-resolution LCD monitor
Highly efficient energy-saving design allows as many as 950 images on a
single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e (CIPA Standards)
Nikon?€™s Integrated Dust Reduction System provides effective dust
reduction
Versatile in-camera Retouch Menus lets users enhance their images without
using a computer
Compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) output.;Type C
connector (mini size) is employed
With the optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude,
longitude, altitude and time are automatically recorded to each
image?€™s Exif data
Exclusive Nikon Software ?€” Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software
packages (supplied) for a range of basic photo browsing and editing
operations; Capture NX 2, Camera Control Pro 2, and Image Authentication
Software (all optional) enable more advanced operation and image editing
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