Product Category: Digital SLR (Single-lens Reflex) Camera Body

Manufacturer: Nikon

Where to Buy: Amazon [USA, Affiliate], The Camera Store [Canada]

Price: $1649 USD (Amazon), $1598 CAD (The Camera Store)

System Requirements: Nikon F mount lenses required

Specifications: 12.3MP, 3.0" LCD Monitor, 7fps, dual memory card slots, ISO 100-6400; details from Nikon site.

Pros:

• Great ergonomics, buttons and dials well placed and easy to operate;
• Excellent low light capability with large ISO range;
• Fast 7-8fps continuous shooting speed;
• Extremely customizable.

Cons:

• Continuous autofocus not available during movie recording;
• Movie recording clips limited to 5 minute duration with 720p resolution;
• Autofocus groups not visible in viewfinder at all times;
• Exposure meter and histogram not available on LCD monitor during Live View.

Summary: The impressive Nikon D300s is an update of the well-regarded D300 DX format digital SLR body, and is a recommended upgrade for existing Nikon users, or as a new body for photographers looking for a powerful and versatile camera.

Introduction

Nikon released their flagship DX format (non full frame) digital SLR camera body, the D300s, in late summer of 2009. The camera improved upon their already successful D300, with the addition of 720p HD video, an additional SD memory card slot, faster continuous shooting, and a new Live View mode to utilize the LCD screen during composition rather than the viewfinder. The D300s is available at some dealers with a kit lens, but most sell the body on its own and allow the buyer to pair it with any of Nikon's NIKKOR lenses and accessories. I reviewed the body with my Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 DX VR lens and compared it to my previous generation Nikon D70s body.

Figure 1: Front View of D300s.

Ergonomics

The D300s body is well designed, solidly built and comfortable to use. Ergonomics are always subjective, but I felt that the body fit my hand extremely well and was very comfortable to grip. The power switch, shutter release and control dials all fall directly under the thumb and index finger, allowing the camera to be turned on and operated one handed, if necessary. The buttons, dials, doors and connection covers are easy to operate, and the new multi-controller makes scrolling through autofocus points or images during playback much easier than previous generations.

Figure 2: Top View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s. [Click the image above for a high-res version]

The body is constructed from magnesium alloy and is well sealed against weather, allowing it to survive in rougher conditions than many photographers would subject it to. I would still recommend a rain cover for those that plan to take the body and lens out into poor weather. The body feels solid without being unwieldy, weighing in at 840g without battery, memory cards, body cap or LCD cover. In comparison, my D70s weighs in at 600g.

Figure 3: Front View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s. [Click the image above for a high-res version]

Figure 4: Rear View of D300s (Right) vs. D70s. [Click the image above for a high-res version]