Is it possible to find heaven in a camera? More precisely, the Nikon D300 DX Digital SLR Camera. Maybe. Maybe not. As with all great things, there are numerous blemishes. As good a camera as the D300 is, it’s not for everyone, and knowing who it’s good for is important. At least essential to those contemplating buying the D300. Let’s consider a good deal of things to watch out for.

As hard as it is to find fault with the Nikon D300, the primary thing most people look at when buying anything, is the price. Apologies to Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates (this article is not for you). There are a number of solid challengers in this category, including the Canon EOS 40D, the Pentax K20D, the Olympus E-3, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. At the time of writing, those cameras all trade at a lower price point then the Nikon D300. Anywhere from $200 to $500 less according to Amazon. Which is significant, when you consider what an extra $500 in your lens budget could do for your artwork.

If your this close to full frame, why not just go for it? Is full frame worth it? No, the D300 is not a full frame camera, but there are a good deal of full frame cameras for only a few hundred dollars more. Right now, online pricing shows the Canon EOS 5D (full frame) for when it comes to $2100, while the D300 is $1800. It would appear, that Nikon has positioned itself among a rock and an hard place with their pricing. For a few hundred dollars less I may buy a comparable camera from a number of vendors, or for a few hundred dollars more, I could buy a authenti full frame camera. Some would argue that going for the full frame technology is a no brainer.

While talking about price, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the predecessor to the D300, the Nikon D200. A fine camera for sure, and priced presently beneath the $1000 mark. The D300 does have a few upgrades you will miss out on of course, such as live view, HDMI output, better grip, free NX Capture software, and a few extra megapixels. There had to be something to upgrade for after all. Although I’ve heard from a number of D200 owners that couldn’t be bothered, and are sticking with their D200.

Most helpful customer reviews

74 of 76 people found the following review helpful.
This professional level camera is amazing
By Thomas R. Sweet
Update: Images up to ISO 51,200 have very acceptable levels of noise (very little). Worst case, I touched up with Dfine 2.0 (noise reduction software) and they look nearly perfect. I experimented with the movie mode. The camera took some very nice looking videos in extremely low light. I don’t know what ISO it used, but it must be hitting ISO 102,400 at times. The video and sound using the internal microphone are really good. I may add an external stereo mic in the future if I shoot video. I should have known, you can’t shoot movies in vertical format — of course — but I did take some that way before I realized that format doesn’t work when you play back on a TV.

See all 37 customer reviews…

Nikon D300s 12mp Cmos Digital Slr Camera

The D3S is unambiguously qualified to meet the altering needs of photographers whose assignings demand 100% from them and their equipment. Leading with uncompromising FX-format multimedia skillfulness and engineered for demanding professional use at up to 9 fps, the D3S rugged magnesium alloy construction, comprehensively sealed versus dust and moisture, delivers on it is promises of superiority. Exacting moments in time are captured to an expanded buffer, permitting uninterrupted capture of up to 82 JPEG (fine) or 36 14-bit NEF (RAW) images.

Power. Precision. Performance. The bluprint for versatility.

The D3S is in an unambiguous manner qualified to meet the altering needs of photographers whose assignings demand 100% from them and their equipment. Leading with uncompromising FX-format multimedia skillfulness and engineered for demanding professional use at up to 9 fps, the D3S’ rugged magnesium alloy construction, comprehensively sealed versus dust and moisture, delivers on it is promises of superiority. Exacting moments in time are captured to an expanded buffer, permitting uninterrupted capture of up to 82 JPEG (fine) or 36 14-bit NEF (RAW) images.

Rugged and Precise Magnesium Alloy Construction
Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.

Nikon Picture Control
Four preset choices and 9 customizable settings provide individualized style control.

100% Viewfinder Coverage

Dual CF Card Slots with Overflow, Backup and Copy Option

Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator

Up to 4,300 Images per Battery Charge