Nikon D300S
The basics
The Nikon D300S is a pro-level digital SLR with self-cleaning 12.3MP DX-sized CMOS sensor offering HD (720p) video capture and 7fps continuous shooting. 3-inch 920K dot LCD, dual card slots, sensitivity up to ISO 6400. It weighs 840g body only.
The good
This isn’t a camera made for wedding snappers - it’s designed for the last journalist out of a warzone or the first into a street riot. Crafted from magnesium alloy (and possibly kryptonite), the water- and dust-resistant D300S is utterly reliable and, for experienced users, utterly easy to use. A huge viewfinder and pin-sharp LCD make framing a doddle, while every obscure manual feature has a dedicated button that falls neatly to hand. Dual CF and SD cards let you save JPEGs to one and RAWs to the other and a 51-point AF system ensures that you’ll never suffer a duff, blurry photo.
The bad
Is the HD video upgrade really worth an extra £200 over the movie-less D300? Clips, while sharp and colourful, are only 720p, you have to pre-focus before recording, and you’ll need an external microphone to record stereo sound. And while we’re counting pennies, unless you’re intent on wrestling hippos, the impressive D90 is tough enough, shipping with the same (non-full frame) sensor, the same movie mode plus a lovely 3x stabilised lens – all for £550 less.
The bottom line
The moment when amateurs sensibly put their cameras away and retire for a cuppa, is the exact moment pro photographers leap into action. The D300S is smart, sharp and tough enough for any situation – except facing your bank manager.
User comments (1)
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Verlet Barton29 September 2009
E-Mail me and let me know the price
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