Last update 16 November’09 – Image Quality Samples @ RobGalbraith
Nikon D300S announced on July 30, 2009 is a 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor mid-level DSLR that features full 720p HD video recording, 7 fps continuous shooting, Dual CF and SD card slots, 3 inch LCD, camera dimensions are (W x H x D) approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.) and it weighs approx. 840 g (1 lb. 14 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover.
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Review Index – (updated 16 November’09)
DPReview
“This camera does not set new standards like its predecessor did and unless you absolutely must have video there is clearly no reason for D300 owners to upgrade. Don’t get us wrong though, this is a magnificent piece of gear – with subtle amount of upgrades on a camera we all ready thought had set new standards when it was released. Canon’s EOS 7D may be a tasty alternative but if you don’t need the higher resolution the Nikon still shines a little brighter in competitive landscape.”
Rating: 
Photocrati
“Bottom Line: Pick one up, for those looking for a dependable DSLR at a good price. Do you find yourself constantly wishing for another card in the camera, here’s your solution. Don’t buy this camera if all you need is the movie feature. With that said if you already have a D300, get the D300S for that second body, otherwise, pass because you won’t be picking up much of boost in performance or feature.”
WDC
“It seems Nikon had a good thing going with the D300 and felt that because they had few new additions, like video, it was time to come out with a new camera. It is pretty evident the D300s is for people who shoot stills and video. Bottom line it’s enhancements are subtle upgrades to an already outstanding camera.”
Rating:
PhotographyBay
“The Nikon D300s is a great camera overall. The D300s occupies the space of a prosumer DSLR very well. It matches up nearly perfect to its intended market. The D300s is not without its flaws though. A couple of downers, which may vary in gravity depending on your needs, are the lower frame rate with 14-bit RAW image capture and the elevated noise at higher ISOs.”
TrustedReviews
“While the second card slot and slightly improved performance are welcome upgrades to an already brilliant camera, the new video recording mode and live monitor view are a bit disappointing compared to other premium models. The D300s is still utterly superb and one of the best DSLRs on the market, but don’t trade in your D300 just yet.”
Rating:
Neutralday
“From my point of view the D300s offered incredible performance. The AF system that I initially had told myself (as a Canon EOS 5D Mark II owner) was overkill is actually not so at all. It’s fast, very fast, at gaining focus, and while seemingly complex, it turns out to be quite easy to use. I kept trying to find faults with the AF, but this system really is the best I’ve used.”
Rating: 
Ken Rockwell
“The D300s adds the same crappy movie mode as the D90 but with a new stereo microphone input (the D300s has only a mono mic built-in), face detection on playback so you can zoom right in on faces, ADR bracketing, and a Live-View virtual horizon so you won’t have tilted horizons when shooting in dense fog.”
PhotoReview.au
“Buy this camera if: – You want a solidly-built DSLR camera with a weather-resistant body and a professional-standard controls and functions – You want a Live View system plus the ability to shoot HD video clips – and are prepared to accept the limitations in the Movie mode – You have a selection of DX-Nikkor lenses.”
Rating: 
CrunchGear
“Nikon used a faster processor in the D300s, and it shows. The autofocus (one of the things that didn’t work *quite* right on D300) is fast and intelligent, the picture controls are intuitive, and the end results are outstanding. Nikon’s inclusion of custom picture control settings makes it easy to get everything exactly how you want it, consistently.”
PhotographyBlog
“So what does the D300s bring to the table that wasn’t available in its predecessor? In our opinion, the most important improvement is the addition of a second memory card slot, which lets you instantly back up your images or helps organize them by allowing you to record NEFs on one card and JPEGs on the other. Another nice addition is the Virtual Horizon, which helps you keep the camera level.”
Rating: 
PDNGearGuide
“The D300s may not be the revolutionary update that some photographers had hoped for but Nikon has done a good job of retaining the solid, high performance base of the D300 and enhancing its performance and feature-set. HD video no longer has the “Wow Factor” it used to but photographers who want the flexibility to shoot video will find the D300s even more appealing.”
DigitalCameraReview
“The D300S combines high-speed performance, exceptional image processing, rugged build quality, and great video capabilities in a very familiar package. Add to that Nikon’s extraordinary collection of lenses, and a huge variety of accessories and the Nikon D300S becomes the obvious centerpiece to a top-quality photographic kit.”
Camera Labs
“Indeed by recycling the still and video capabilities of the year-old D90, the D300s comes across as standing still in some important regards when its arch rival ploughs forward. To be fair, Nikon makes no attempt to hide the fact the D300s is simply an enhanced version of an earlier model and not an entirely new camera – it is after all called the D300s, not the D400. But the important point is it’s now up against a brand new rival at much the same price point.”
Rating:
CNET Australia
“It’s fast, reliable workhorse for the semi-professional or amateur photographer who’s not quite ready for the D700 or the D3/D3X. It feels great to use and makes picture taking a real pleasure. That said, if you don’t need the addition of HD video you might want to look at trying to pick up a D300 seeing as they are so similar.”
Rating:
CNET.uk
“The Nikon D300S is a great choice for professionals who’ve got numerous Nikkor DX lenses and don’t plan on going full-frame any time soon. It could even make a handy second camera for a full-frame system, thanks to its fast frame rate and 1.5x focal factor (it makes your telephotos go further). But it’s not cheap, and the DX format is hardly future-proof.”
Rating:
CameraLabs (High ISO results as compared to the Canon EOS 50D)
“At 6400 ISO we’re at the upper-level of the D300s, and both cameras have taken a plunge in overall quality. Canon then goes on to bravely offer a 12,800 ISO option, but the results ain’t pretty.”
CNET
“If you don’t need or want video, slightly faster low-light AF, or a bump in continuous-shooting speed, current D300 owners needn’t get upgrade envy and new purchasers might want to consider the older model if they can find it at a significantly lower price–though that may be difficult.”
Rating:
Pocket-lint
“The Nikon D300s updates the excellent D300 as Nikon’s flagship DX format DSLR. While superficially very similar to the D300, there are major additions “borrowed” from other models such as the virtual horizon system introduced on the D3 and HD movie capture from Nikon’s D90. Another stunning new Nikon DX format DSLR that combines the performance and handling panache of its predecessor with HD video and other neat toys that may just make it worth your reaching for your check book.”
Rating:
First Impression Video @ DigitalRev
Video Overview @ B&H Photo
TechRadar
“The bottom line is that we loved taking pictures with the D300S. Quite apart from image quality, it’s so quick to use and adjust that you’ll hardly ever miss a shot. The build-quality is extraordinary and the inclusion of (admittedly limited) HD video recording is a sleeper feature that grows on you over time. The deceptively good value is the icing on the cake.”
Rating:
Owner Feedback
Outstanding!!!
Bought this camera recently to replace the many years, but still trusty Nikon D200. Took both of them on a road trip recently and was extremely please with the Nikon D300s. The auto focus was super fast and accurate.
A word of warning if you’re buying a D300S for its video capabilities
This is a tough review because this camera is so excellent as a still device and easily earns five stars. However, if you’re currently a D300 owner looking to upgrade for this camera’s new video capabilities you will be disappointed.
]Sample Photos
[Image Quality Samples @ RonGalbraith]
[Sample Photos @ DPReview]
[Sample Photos @ WDC]
[Image Samples @ TrustedReviews]
[Image Samples @ Neutralday]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraReview]
[ISO Performance Photos @ Camera Labs]
[ISO Performance Photos @ CNET Australia]
[Sample Image Quality @ CNET.uk]
[Sample Photos @ CNET]
[Video Samples @ Pocket-lint]
[Video Samples @ focus-numerique.com]
[Sample Photos @ TechRadar]
Press Release
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 30th July 2009 – Nikon announces the D300S, a camera to broaden the possibilities for today’s creative image makers.
The D300S brings HD movie capability, a faster frame advance rate of 7fps and dual CF and SD memory card slots to offer new opportunities to explore creative imaging. Built upon the widely acclaimed D300, the D300S incorporates the same DX-format 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, professional 51-point autofocus system and commended EXPEED image processing in a discrete compact body.
Robert Cristina, Manager, Professional Products for Nikon Europe, comments: “The D300S is designed for today’s generation of creative image makers who want to combine brilliant stills in photography with the creative potential of video capture. The DX format has the advantage of lens magnification, compact size and affordability making the D300S a really exciting package for anyone looking to take their photography to another level”.
Capture and Edit HD Movies in stereo
The D300S comprehensively extends DSLR HD movie capture by adding external stereo sound input, autofocus capability and premieres in-camera movie editing. External stereo microphone support adds more realistic sound to shooting movie clips, and a new dedicated LV button makes switching between stills and movies easier than ever. In-camera movie clips can be edited by simply selecting the start and stop points during playback. Also, the new Type C HDMI interface enables editing to be carried out on an HD display if desired.
Dual slot storage media
For the first time in this class, the D300S offers the choice of dual storage media standards; CF (Compact Flash™) and SD (Secure Digital™) with options to manage how the camera records data to them. For example, one can elect to store stills to one format and movie clips to another.
Faster shooting, outstanding quality.
The D300S captures images up to a blistering 7 frames per second without requiring any additional battery pack. The optional MB-D10 pack makes 8fps possible as well as improved vertical shooting ergonomics.
The camera inherits the groundbreaking imaging technologies from the D300 such as Scene Recognition System with 1005 pixel RGB colour metering, and class-leading autofocus performance from the 51-Point Multi-CAM3500 autofocus system, which together deliver accurate autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance control. The EXPEED image processing system delivers Nikon’s acclaimed image quality criteria of rich accurate colours, smooth skin gradations, exceptional detail with the minimum of noise, with all of the flexibility of Nikon’s exclusive Picture Control system to manage the ‘look and feel’ of your work.
Intuitive ergonomics
Significant improvements have been made to Nikon’s renowned ergonomics with the adoption of the same multi-selector to that used on the D3 series and D700 that features a centre button to trigger movie start and stop. The D300S also features a Quiet release mode for discrete photography by allowing the user to manage the mirror return manually. The dedicated Info button simplifies displays and short cuts to commonly used settings, and the built-in pop-up flash diffuser covers 16mm wide-angle field of view.
Practical performance
The 3 inch 920K dot high definition TFT monitor offers excellent image playback and movie composition support. One can also display the Virtual Horizon level during movie shooting if desired. A variety of in-camera processing tools now includes an image resize function to process RAW files to one of four pre-set dimensions to enable to do more in camera, and less on the PC.
More than just an ‘s’
The D300S comprehensive feature set is designed for anyone who is serious about the future of their photography. It proposes much more than the simple ‘s’ suffix might suggest to cement a unique position in Nikon’s comprehensive DSLR range with a practical blend of creative options, professional technologies, compact size and affordability.
The D300S will be available in two kit configurations: AFS DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II.
Features
High-speed performance
One major advancement of the D300S is its ability to shoot as fast as 7 frames per second,*1 with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, and up to 8 frames per second*2 when using the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a. It also offers a rapid startup time of approx. 130 milliseconds and an amazingly short shutter release time lag of only 49 milliseconds*1.
*1 Based on CIPA Guidelines.
*2 Based on CIPA Guidelines. Battery Chamber Cover BL-3 required for Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a.
Refined D-Movie
The D300S’s advanced D-Movie function benefits from a number of functional and technological advancements, including an external stereo microphone input enabling high-fidelity audio, plus in-camera movie editing. In Tripod mode, the D300S features contrast-detect AF.
Experimenting with Nikon’s selection of finest-quality NIKKOR interchangeable lenses — from ultra-wide-angle and fisheye to super-telephoto – will enhance the dramatic impact of HD video. What’s more, the camera’s versatile Picture Control adjustment options let you modify the tone and colour of HD video clips with remarkable ease.
AF system with high-density 51-point AF
The D300S’s Multi-CAM 3500DX AF sensor module provides an exceptionally wide area of AF coverage. With 51 AF points densely positioned across the frame, it’s designed to capture your subject accurately, even when its movement is unpredictable. Moreover, it utilises 15 powerful cross-type sensors in the centre of the frame to give you the ultimate in detection performance with any AF NIKKOR lens of f/5.6 or faster. You can also choose to shoot with 11 focus points.
The 51 AF points are employed in various focus area modes, according to subject conditions. Single-point AF mode allows you to choose a single AF point from among the 51, and in dynamic-area AF mode, you can select from 9, 21 or 51 AF points. The 51-point option offers 3D-tracking mode, which automatically shifts the focus point to match the subject’s movements. Auto-area AF mode specialises in focusing on people, automatically detecting and prioritising skin tones with all 51 points.
Large, bright viewfinder with approximately 100% frame coverage
The D300S’s viewfinder features an eye-level pentaprism with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.94x magnification. The large, bright viewfinder makes for easier, more accurate composition.
DX-format CMOS image sensor; 12.3 effective megapixels
The D300S employs Nikon’s renowned DX-format CMOS image sensor that provides 12.3 effective megapixels. It delivers extraordinary image quality throughout a wide ISO sensitivity range of ISO 200 to ISO 3200 with low noise. In addition, Lo 1 for ISO 100 equivalent and Hi 1 for ISO 6400 equivalent are also available. Initial image capture data can be quickly and accurately transferred using 14-bit integrated A/D conversion. All successive internal processing is then handled at a full 16 bits. The resulting output reveals breathtaking details and remarkably smooth tonal gradations.
EXPEED image processing
Nikon’s comprehensive EXPEED image processing utilises an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption. It also effectively reduces lateral chromatic aberration.
Scene Recognition System makes the most of the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
Nikon’s intelligent and exclusive light metering sensor applications have been refined to deliver the Scene Recognition System, which uses precise colour and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to push accuracy levels for autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to an unprecedented level. And in playback mode, the added Face Detection System lets you instantly zoom in on a human face in the high-resolution, 920k-dot LCD monitor.
Dual card slots for CF/SD memory cards
New for the D300, the D300S provides dual card slots, enabling the simultaneous use of both CompactFlash*3 and SD memory cards and allows photographers to select the primary recording slot. The secondary slot can record in three methods : “Overflow” recording lets you use the memory capacity of the secondary card when the primary card is full, automatically; “Backup” recording stores the same images on both cards; and “RAW primary, JPEG secondary” recording lets you record RAW data and JPEG data separately to each card. You can also copy images between the two memory cards. And when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity.
*3Type I compatible only.
Engineered durability
Tested on fully assembled cameras, the shutter mechanism assembly has been proven for 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The ruggedly constructed D300S employs a strong yet lightweight magnesium alloy for its exterior cover, chassis and mirror box, as well as for the cover of the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10. The camera also offers comprehensive countermeasures at key points to combat invasive moisture and dust.
Easy-to-access Live View mode
Live View function, activated by pressing the dedicated Live View button, makes it easy to shoot while composing on the LCD monitor.
In Handheld mode, which allows you to recompose the frame prior to actual shooting, TTL phase-detection AF using 51 AF points is activated. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects. It allows contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a frame.
Quiet Shutter-release mode for non-intrusive shooting
By selecting “Q” on the release mode dial, photographers can opt to substantially reduce the sound of the camera’s mirror-down during shooting. This is particularly useful when shooting in restrictive conditions such as when photographing wildlife.
Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast lighting
By localising tone control, Active D-Lighting accurately restores the details in shadows and highlighted areas which are often lost in high-contrast lighting situations. Simply choose the appropriate setting — auto, extra high, high, normal, low or off — prior to shooting. For further options that will help you achieve your desired tone, the D300S also allows you to bracket your pictures with varying strength levels, for up to five frames, perfect for difficult lighting situations or if you don’t have the time or experience to select just one Active D-Lighting setting.
Picture Control: Customise the visual style of your images
Nikon’s Picture Control enables you to create the pictures you envisage, quickly and easily, by making specific selections and adjustments to image sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue. And with other Picture Control-compatible cameras, as long as the settings are the same, you’re able to obtain the same picture tone. The D300S offers four preset Picture Control options — Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. You can also download two additional presets, Portrait and Landscape, from the Nikon website.
Built-in flash with 16mm lens coverage
With a guide number of approx. 17/56 (m/ft., ISO 200, 20°C/68°F) and 16mm lens coverage — wider than the 18mm of the D300 — the high-performance built-in flash supports Nikon’s original i-TTL flash control that evaluates flash exposure with greater precision for exceptional results. Compatible with the Nikon Creative Lighting System, the built-in flash controls up to two groups of remote units as a master/commander in Advanced Wireless Lighting.
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional)
The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 supports three types of batteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon’s Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a. It combines added stability with extended shooting of up to approx. 2,950 shots*1 per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to 8 fps*2.
*1Based on CIPA Standards. When Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e is used for camera body, together with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a and Battery Chamber Cover BL-3 for the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10.
*2 Based on CIPA Guidelines. When Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a and Battery Chamber Cover BL-3 are used for the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, all of which are sold separately.
