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Nikon D300 ReviewA follow up to a highly popular and commercially successful camera puts much pressure on a company to equal or surpass its previous achievement. The release of the Nikon D200 camera several years ago revolutionized camera speed and photo quality and practically dominated the limited competition. It also presented a less costly alternative to the more expensive D2X.

Nikon D300 sticks in many ways to the body design and interface of its predecessor. Although its upgraded features are noticeable, the model is almost identical with the D200. The camera however presents more focus areas, faster shoot speeds, and better resolution. The other obvious differences are the camera’s 3-inch colour LCD screen, upgraded ASIC processor new Expeed technology, large 12.3Mp CMOS DX sensor, 51 focus points AF system, and self cleaning sensor with four active vibration points.

The D300 weighs considerably heavier. This characteristic however enables the user to feel that it is a camera that offers great things. When it comes to texture, the D300 has a remarkable grip and provides a comfortable touch to the hands. To enable control of the shutter speed and aperture, two selector dials are located around the shutter release. With a distinct screen for modifying ISO, Resolution and White balance below, the 3in LCD screen looks prominent at the rear of the camera. An interesting part of it is that its screen does not have motion blur and is remarkably bright. Images cannot be continuously taken with the screen because the camera’s live view feature is not continuous. Instead, it must be focused first before the screen enables. Just like most of the camera brands nowadays, it can be connected to a PC thus enabling the user to view images from the PC screen.

The D300 is an upgrade to the 5fps capability of the Nikon D200. It has 6fps capability and can even be improved to 8fps with its optional battery grip.

As another proof that it is really more advanced, the camera’s microlenses are already gapless on its front. An innovation as such is a breakthrough in sensor design and adds more satisfaction to the users. The latest Expeed sensor of the D300 enables faster processing and lower energy consumption.

Probably, the best innovation that the D300 can offer is the world’s first 51 point focus area. This technological breakthrough is the satisfying red glow that appears at the main centre of the screen when the camera is focused.

Despite offering some revolutionary innovations, the D300 is in for a tough competition. Aside from having its admired, time-tested and now more affordable predecessor in the same market, it is also set to compete with a cluster of elegant, decent, and mostly less expensive known brands. Some of its solid contenders are the Canon EOS 40D, the Pentax K20D, the Olympus E-3, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

With the D300, buyers would certainly have a hard time to determine its flaws. The thing is despite this fact, there are still several less costly brands available which offer features very close to what the D300 offers. Another thing to note is that the now more affordable D200, although an older brand, still enjoys the high regard and trust of buyers. Therefore the only visible flaw of the D300 as of yet is its price.