Nikon D300s

There are no really big new features in the D300S. They did add video, but that is pretty much standard now in this class of DSLR.

Here is the list of new and or upgraded features between the D300 and the D300s.

• 720p HD video, including autofocus while recording
• SD card slot in addition to existing CF slot
• Faster continuous shooting (7fps, vs. 6fps)
• Socket for external microphone
• Live View and Info buttons
• Discrete ‘OK’ button in multi controller
• Interactive settings display screen
• Auto and Extra High Active D-Lighting options
• Quiet drive mode
• Virtual horizon

You can read all of the details on the Amazon website.

Nikon D3000

The D300 is the newest entry level DSLR from Nikon replacing the D60. Same 10MP sensor and 3fps shooting. They have upgraded the LCD to 3″ and it inherits the AF system from the D5000 and D90. This should be a kick butt camera for those just moving from compact cameras to a DSLR. It will be $600 with the 18-55mm lens.

Here are the key features:

• 10.2megapixel CCD sensor. Even in low light the image resolution makes easy work of big prints and sharp enlargements.
• 11-point autofocus system. Keeps even the fastest moving subjects in focus, often the biggest challenge for compact cameras
• Fast response. The start up time and shutter lag means you can capture the shot almost instantly, without the delayed response time common of compact cameras
• Guide mode. Simply the easiest way to get great pictures, without having to read the manual
• 3-inch TFT. With pictures this good, you will need a great screen to share them with friends and family
• EXPEED image processing. Exclusive system to deliver rich, bright results close to what you saw with your own eyes
• Picture Controls. Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot
• 3 fps continuous shooting allows you to capture fast-moving action at 3 frames per second
• Intuitive ergonomics. We challenge anyone to pick up a D3000 and it not to feel part of your hand
• Stylish discrete appearance. The D3000 does not become a barrier between you and your subject, resulting in natural looking expressions
• Compact, light and durable. It won’t fit in your pocket, but with pictures this good you will find a shoulder to hang it on

You can read the rest of the details and purchase one on the Amazon website.

Nikon 70-200 AF-S F2.8G ED VRII

All new optical formula which is said to improve edge sharpness especially on the FX format cameras. Nikon also claims improved VR and sharper faster auto focus. Shockingly they have made it HEAVIER than the original even though it is slightly smaller…

You can read the rest of the details on the Nikon website.

Nikon AF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G ED VRII

Lastly and most surprising to me is the update to the 18-200mm lens although it did address the number one complaint with the lens, zoom creep. Otherwise mostly the same features.

You can read the rest of the details and order it from my Amazon store.

My take on to buy or not to buy.

• If you own a D300 there is no real need to buy the “s” version.
• If you don’t own a DSLR and cannot afford the D300s buy the D3000.
• If you own the 70-200 and you own an FX body, sorry fork it over and buy the new one.
• If you own the old 18-200mm and hate using because of the lens creep then sell it and buy the new one. If you have been on the fence about the lens, now is the time to buy.

The big deal for me is that when you are using auto iso you can now set the minimum shutter speed up to a 4000th. The old setting was 1/250! They also clain improved auto focus which is always welcome.

Link to the upgrade and full details about the update.

The following improvements have been made in version 1.10

- The Highlights playback display option has been moved from Display mode > Basic photo info > Highlights in the playback menu to Display mode > Detailed photo info > Highlights.
- The size and color of “Demo” displayed in the monitor with playback when No memory card? in the Custom Settings is set to Enable release, have been modified.
- The range of settings available for ISO sensitivity settings > ISO sensitivity auto control > Minimum shutter speed in the shooting menu has been increased from 1/250 – 1 s to 1/4000 – 1 s.
- When shooting in hand-held live view mode and the frame is magnified prior to autofocusing, operation has been modified so that display returns to the magnified display rather than full-frame display.
- Images captured with Rotate tall, in the playback menu, set to On are not automatically rotated for display immediately after capture (image review).
- A Copyright information item has been added to the setup menu.  When Copyright information is enabled, the copyright symbol (©) is shown in the shooting info display.
- Recent settings can now be displayed in place of My Menu.
- Custom Setting e3 Flash cntrl for built-in flash (e3 Optional flash when an optional Speedlight is mounted on the camera) can now be added to My Menu using the Add items option in My Menu from Add items > Custom setting menu > e Bracketing/flash.
- The degree of the High ISO NR setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display while the High ISO NR setting item, in the shooting menu, is being applied.
- Ankara, Riyadh, Kuwait, and Manama have been added to the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu.
- When a GPS device is used and no heading information is available, —.–° is now displayed for the Position > Heading option in the GPS item in the setup menu.
- When shooting in live view mode using Camera Control Pro 2 (Ver. 2.2.0 or later) with a PC-E lens, the aperture setting can now be adjusted from the computer.
- Focus acquisition performance in dynamic-area AF mode has been improved.
- Focus acquisition performance with contrast-detect AF has been improved.
- Auto white balance performance has been improved.
- The fourth digit in seconds display for GPS latitude and longitude information is now rounded off rather than omitted.
- The current MB-D10 battery type setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display when R6 / AA-size batteries are used with the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10.
- An issue that caused an increase in noise with shooting in [M] exposure mode at a shutter speed setting of bulb with the shutter held open for less than 8 seconds and Long exp. NR enabled has been resolved.
- An issue that prevented shutter release at the specified shutter speed when no operations were performed for 30 seconds in mirror up mode has been resolved.
- An issue that caused abnormal image display when  Image review was set to On and the playback zoom in button was pressed immediately after shooting at the following settings has been resolved.
. Image quality:  NEF (RAW ) + JPEG
.  NEF (RAW) recording:  Lossless compressed or Compressed
.  Image size: S or M
- When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and the camera recovered from standby mode triggered by the auto meter off function, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed.  This issue has been resolved.

A couple of useful links to Amazon for the D300.

Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200, D300, D700 and D80 Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera

Why but it? The display is world class, the high ISO capability (ISO 800 is my default setting), 52 auto ficus sensors and a great price, ~ $1800.

Here are some specs from Nikon:

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor: Nikon’s exclusive digital image processing system advances DX-format image quality to new levels.
• The 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: 170-degree, wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection makes critical image review possible.

• Continuous shooting from 6 frames per second up to 8 frames per second*: The new optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack makes the D300 a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines.

  * When using the EH-5a AC adaptor or the MB-D10 multi-power battery pack with batteries other than rechargeable Li-ion En El3e.

• Low-noise files at ISO from 200-3200; The D300′s DX-format CMOS sensor, with a high signal-to-noise ratio, empowers photographers to produce exceptionally clean files from a broad 200-3200 ISO range. Expanded range of options include Lo-1(ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1(ISO 6400 equivalent).
• Fast, accurate 51-point auto focus with 3D focus tracking and three dynamic AF modes: Exacting auto focus precision at blazing speeds!
• Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS): The improved 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II provides even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with smarter auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.

• Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing Concept: The foundation of Nikon’s newest Image Processing Systems, EXPEED culminates the concepts, innovations and years of Nikon’s digital image processing technologies at blazing processing speeds.

• Selectable 12-Bit or 14-Bit A/D Conversion: The choice of selecting bit-depths at 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a full 16-bit processing pipeline, enables photographers to choose smaller files at faster operating speeds, as opposed to larger files with smoother tonal gradations as slower operating speeds.
• Dynamic integrated dust reduction system: Self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles.
• Two LiveView shooting modes: Use either hand-held or tripod when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles.
• New Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 4 preset options; standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings.
• Nikon’s Active D-Lighting Image enhancement: Provided on the fly while shooting, Active D-lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling light intensity and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve the right level of contrast across the entire image for sharp, detailed results.
• Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism: The D300 has been tested to 150,000 cycles making it the perfect choice for photographers who demand high performance and agility.