Digital Home Thoughts: Nikon Canada Announces the D300s

"Mississauga, ON, July 30, 2009 - Nikon Canada today announced the D300S digital SLR, combining 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; dual memory card slots; 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 CompactFlashTM (CF) and one Secure DigitalTM(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."

Nikon Canada has this habit of releasing new products right around the time I'm trying to call it a night, so I'm not going to do much analysis here - I'm just posting the press release and all the images I can find. Also coming tonight is the Nikon D3000, and two new lenses from Nikon.

As a D300 owner myself, I'm intrigued by the D300s, but the 720p video doesn't impress me. My $400 Panasonic ZS3 can do 720p - if I'm going to drop $2000 on a new DSLR, it should do 1080p. I was expecting Nikon to announce the D400 and have it support 1080p video capture, but that doesn't seem to be happening tonight. The remainder of the press release is after the break, along with a whack of images.

"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 EXPEEDTM advanced digital image processing system technologies. EXPEEDTM 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 VersatilityWith 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 bright-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 ExpandabilityIn 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.

D300S Feature Highlights

High-speed performanceThe D300S shoots as fast as 7 frames per second* with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e (included), and up to 8 frames per second** 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 approximately 130 milliseconds and an amazingly short shutter release time lag of only 49 milliseconds.* Based on CIPA Guidelines.** Based on CIPA Guidelines. Battery Chamber Cover BL-3 required for Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a.

Refined D-MovieThe D300S 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, allowing clips to be trimmed. In Tripod mode, the D300S features contrast-detect AF, which provides another means of enhancing the dramatic impact of HD video by taking advantage of the wide selection of finest-quality NIKKOR interchangeable lenses - from ultra-wide-angle and fisheye to super-telephoto - for incredibly sharp results. What's more, the camera's versatile Picture Control adjustment options lets the user modify the tone and colour of HD video clips with remarkable ease.

AF system with high-density 51-point AFThe D300S 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 the subject accurately, even when its movement is unpredictable. Moreover, it utilizes 15 powerful cross-type sensors in the centre of the frame to give the user the ultimate in detection performance with any AF NIKKOR lens of f/5.6 or faster. The 51 AF points are employed in various focus area modes, according to subject conditions. Single-point AF mode allows the user to choose a single AF point from among the 51 and in Dynamic-area AF mode, the user can select from nine, 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 specializes in focusing on people, automatically detecting and prioritizing skin tones with all51 points.

Large, bright viewfinder with approximately 100 per cent frame coverage The D300S viewfinder features an eye-level pentaprism with approximately 100 per cent frame coverage and approximately 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 is quickly and accurately transferred using 14-bit integrated A/D conversion. All successive internal processing is then handled at full16 bits. The resulting outputs reveal breathtaking details and remarkably smooth tonal gradations. Micro lens technology is also effective for reducing lateral chromatic aberration.

EXPEEDTM advanced digital image processing system technologies Nikon's comprehensive EXPEEDTM image processing utilizes an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption.

Scene Recognition System makes the most of the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor Nikon's intelligent and exclusive light metering sensor applications have undergone a refining process that has led to a breakthrough technology, 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 the user instantly zoom in on a human face in the high resolution, 920k-dot LCD monitor.

Dual card slots for CF/SD memory cardsNew for the D300S are dual card slots, enabling the simultaneous use of both CompactFlash* and SD memory cards and allowing photographers to designate the primary recording slot. For the slot designated as secondary, photographers can select from three recording methods:"Overflow" recording lets the user automatically use the memory capacity of the secondary card when the primary card is full; "Backup" recording stores the same images on both cards; and "RAW primary, JPEG secondary" recording lets the user record RAW data and JPEG data separately to each card. The user can also copy images between the two memory cards. And when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows the user to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity.* Type I compatible only.

Engineered durabilityTested on fully assembled cameras, the shutter mechanism assembly has been proven beyond 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 modeLive 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 the user 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 nonintrusive shooting Photographers can opt to substantially reduce the camera's mirror-down sound during shooting by selecting "Q" on the release mode dial. This is particularly useful when shooting in restrictive conditions such as movie sets, courtrooms or photographing wildlife.

Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast lighting By localizing tone control, Active D-Lighting (ADL) accurately retains the details in shadows and highlighted areas that 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 the user achieve their desired tone, the D300S also allows the user to bracket their pictures with varying strength levels, for up to five frames, perfect for difficult lighting situations or when the user doesn't have the time or experience to select just one ADL setting.

Picture Control: Customize the visual style of your images Nikon's Picture Control enables the user to create the pictures they envision, 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, users are able to obtain the same picture tone.D300S offers four preset Picture Control options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. Users can also download two additional presets, Portrait and Landscape, from the Nikon website.

Image Sensor CleaningVibrations are applied at four different resonant frequencies, each time the camera is turned on and off, to automatically remove dust from the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor. This function can also be activated on demand.

Built-in flash with 16mm lens coverageWith a guide number of approximately 17m (ISO 200, 20°C) 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 unlimited 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 ofbatteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon's Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a. When Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e is used for the camera body, together with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a (optional Battery Chamber Cover BL-3 required) for the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, it combines added stability with extended shooting of up to approx. 2,950shots* per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to 8 fps.*** Based on CIPA Standards.** Based on CIPA Guidelines. Additional Features* 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 (CIPAStandards)* 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

Availability and PricingThe D300S will be available from Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers in late August 2009. Pricing will be announced at a later date. Exclusive Canadian WarrantyNikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for the D300S purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer. Additionally, Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer. Consumer's investment is protected by Nikon Canada's warranties with in-Canada service."