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Need help?Do you have a question about the Nikon D300 and is the answer not in the manual?
General| Megapixel | 12.3 MP |
|---|---|
| Camera type | SLR Camera Body |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Sensor format | DX |
| Image stabilizer | No |
| Total megapixels | 13.1 MP |
| Image sensor size | - \ |
| Image formats supported | JPG, RAW, TIF |
| Maximum image resolution | 4288 x 2848 pixels |
| Image sensor size (W x H) | 23.6 x 15.8 mm |
| Still image resolution(s) | 4288 x 2848, 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 |
| Focus adjustment | Auto/Manual |
| Auto Focus (AF) lock | Yes |
| Auto Focus (AF) points | 51 |
| Auto focusing (AF) modes | Continuous Auto Focus, Single Auto Focus |
| Display diagonal | 3 \ |
| Vari-angle LCD display | - |
| Display resolution (numeric) | 920000 pixels |
| Magnification | 0.94 x |
| Product color | Black |
| Eye relief | 19.5 mm |
| Image editing | Trimming |
| Photo effects | Black&White, Neutral, Vivid |
| White balance | Auto, Fine, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Manual, Shade, Sunny |
| Playback modes | Zoom |
| Camera playback | Highlights, Slide show, Thumbnails |
| Self-timer delay | 2, 5, 10, 20 s |
| Camera file system | DCF 2.0, DPOF, Exif 2.21 |
| Battery type | EN-EL3e |
| Battery life (CIPA standard) | 1000 shots |
| Number of batteries supported | 1 |
| Flash modes | Auto, Red-eye reduction, Slow synchronization |
| Flash range (wide) | - m |
| Compatible memory cards | CF, CF Type II, MicroDrive |
| Light metering | Centre-weighted, Matrix, Spot |
| ISO sensitivity | 100, 200, 3200, 6400 |
| Light exposure modes | Aperture priority AE, Auto, Manual, Shutter priority AE |
| ISO sensitivity (max) | 6400 |
| ISO sensitivity (min) | 100 |
| Light exposure correction | ±5EV (1/2; 1/3 EV step) |
| USB version | 2.0 |
| Optical zoom | - x |
| Mounting type | Bayonet |
| Lens mount interface | Nikon F |
| Camera shutter type | Electronic |
| Fastest camera shutter speed | 1/8000 s |
| Slowest camera shutter speed | 30 s |
| HD type | Not supported |
| Maximum video resolution | - pixels |
| Analog signal format system | NTSC, PAL |
Weight and Dimensions| Depth | 74 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 147 mm |
| Height | 114 mm |
| Weight | 825 g |
Information differentiating the D300S and D300 camera models, covering differences in settings and functionality.
Guidance for new DSLR users, including initial hardware considerations and basic setup steps.
Author's personal suggestions for camera settings and usage, offering starting points for familiarization.
Details on the camera's LCD monitor resolution, size, viewing angle, and dot count.
Explains how to selectively delete images from the memory card or clear all folders.
Describes the 'All' option for deleting all images, similar to card formatting but preserving folders.
Explains how to adjust the Playback folder setting to manage image display from multiple cameras.
Author's advice on using the 'All' setting for Playback Folder to avoid losing images from other cameras.
Lists and overviews the items found on the D300(S) Shooting Menu, highlighting configurability.
Explains how to label and configure the camera's four Shooting menu banks for different shooting styles.
Resets the Shooting Menu for the currently selected bank to factory default settings.
Allows selection of a default folder for storing subsequent images, useful for organizing photos.
Enables control over the first three alphanumeric characters of image file names for personalization.
Allows selection of the SD or CF memory card slot as the primary slot for receiving images.
Controls file storage behavior when using two memory cards, offering Overflow, Backup, or RAW primary/JPEG secondary.
Determines the type of image created and the amount of image compression, affecting picture storage sizes.
Allows selection of various megapixel ratings for captured images, affecting file size and detail.
Fine-tunes the level of compression for JPEG images, balancing file size and image quality.
Covers two menu choices: Type (image compression) and NEF (RAW) bit depth (color quality).
Allows selection of bit depth for NEF (RAW) files, affecting color gradations and file size.
Adjusts camera colors to match the available light source for accurate or creative color casts.
Allows selection of Picture Controls to define image appearance, controlling sharpening, contrast, and color.
Enables creation, storage, renaming, and deletion of Custom Picture Control settings for future use.
Selects between sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces, affecting how images fit into broader imaging device ranges.
Helps control image contrast by bringing out shadow detail and protecting highlight details from blowing out.
Combats visual noise in long exposures by reducing digital noise, especially at high ISO sensitivity.
Lessens the effects of visual digital noise in images when using high ISO sensitivity settings.
Allows control over the light sensitivity of the imaging sensor, manually or automatically.
Enables the camera to control ISO sensitivity and shutter speed based on sensed light levels.
Sets the minimum shutter speed allowed when light diminishes, helping control image sharpness.
Discusses the pros and cons of automatic ISO adjustment for consistently excellent images.
Examines the Live View mode for still images, allowing composition using the Monitor instead of the Viewfinder.
Covers the D-Movie mode for video recording, including quality settings, microphone, and destination.
Describes the two distinct types of Live View: Hand-held and Tripod modes, detailing their autofocus mechanisms.
Provides steps to select either Hand-held or Tripod mode within the Shooting Menu's Live View setting.
Explains the electronic shutter and rolling shutter effect in D-Movie mode, detailing skew, wobble, and partial exposure.
Discusses HD video frame sizes available for D-Movie mode, including resolution and aspect ratios.
Explains the technical differences between progressive and interlaced video output for display.
Details the four essential settings required before shooting the first D-Movie.
Explains the NTSC and PAL encoding methods for video recording, used in different geographical regions.
Covers the three basic D-Movie Quality settings: 1280x720 (HD), 640x424 (SD), and 320x216 (SD).
Discusses sound recording options using the built-in mono microphone or an optional stereo microphone.
Explains how to adjust controls like exposure compensation and AE-L/AF-L during video recording sessions.
Details how to use Nikon Picture Controls and Custom Picture Controls to influence video 'look' and color.
Provides steps to view D-Movies directly on the camera's Monitor, showing playback controls and indicators.
Guides on connecting the camera to an SDTV using the included AV cable for video playback.
Explains how to connect the camera to an HDTV using an HDMI cable for full HD video display.
Offers advice on minimizing camera movement and using tripods or VR lenses to avoid video wobble.
Explains the 1005-segment RGB sensor and how the camera selects exposure based on brightness, color, and distance.
Details Nikon's powerful and accurate 3D Color Matrix II metering system, analyzing image characteristics.
Describes how to fine-tune the Matrix meter for shooting type, adjusting exposure to match highlights and minimize noise.
Addresses the D300(S) conservatism with flash in Matrix metering and suggests reprogramming the Fn button for Spot meter.
Explains the variable-sized weighting circle in the Viewfinder for metering, allowing control over the central area.
Details the Spot meter's 3mm circle surrounding the active AF point, evaluating only 2% of the frame for precise readings.
Explains the P, S, A, and M exposure modes and how to set them using the MODE button and Main command dial.
Describes Programmed Auto mode for simple shooting, where the camera handles shutter speed and aperture.
Illustrates Flexible Program mode (P*) where the camera allows aperture control while managing shutter speed.
Allows control of shutter speed while the camera maintains the correct aperture for optimal exposure.
Lets users control aperture for depth of field, while the camera manages shutter speed for optimal exposures.
Explains how to use older non-CPU lenses with aperture rings or the Sub-command dial for aperture control.
Provides complete control over shutter and aperture, allowing users to make all exposure decisions.
Explains the importance of histograms for visually verifying exposure and managing light range.
Guides on interpreting histogram screens, including RGB and luminance histograms, for well-exposed images.
Discusses the camera's limited light recording range (EV steps) and the importance of understanding light capture.
Explains how histogram shape reflects image exposure, detailing clipped values and smooth graduations.
Explains how White Balance adjusts camera colors for accurate representation or to introduce creative color casts.
Details the camera's WB range (2500K to 10,000K) and how color temperature affects image appearance.
Covers two methods for manual White Balance: using the WB button or the Shooting Menu.
Describes measuring ambient light values and setting camera WB using a white or gray card.
Explains how to save and reuse custom White Balance settings in memory locations d-1 to d-4.
Allows renaming memory locations for White Balance settings to aid in identification and recall.
Guides on selecting White Balance settings from a previously taken image and applying them.
Details how to fine-tune stored White Balance color values using the Set function and color box.
Explains how to bracket White Balance settings, similar to exposure or flash bracketing.
Discusses the Auto WB setting and its automatic color balancing, noting potential shot-to-shot color variance.
Addresses whether White Balance settings matter when shooting in RAW mode, explaining sensor data processing.
Provides practical advice on measuring WB using gray or white cards, including tips for lighting and accuracy.
Illustrates the full Kelvin color temperature range of the camera's white balance system with sample images.
Details the Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module, highlighting its 51 AF points and three AF-area modes.
Explains AF-area modes: Single-point AF, Dynamic-area AF, and Auto-area AF, detailing their use for subject tracking.
Describes three Focus modes: Single-servo (S), Continuous-servo (C), and Manual (M), for static and moving subjects.
Guides on using the A-M switch to set lenses to Manual focus and override the AF system.
Explains the interplay between Focus modes, AF-area modes, and Release modes for acquiring and maintaining focus.
Details the various Release modes: S (Single frame), CL (Continuous low), CH (Continuous high), Q, Self-timer, and MUP.
Describes the simplest frame rate, taking a single picture per Shutter-release button press, ideal for static subjects.
Allows selection of frame rates between 1 and 6 FPS (or 7 FPS with MB-D10), adjustable via Custom setting d5/d4.
Designed for high-speed shooting, attempting 6 FPS (or 8 FPS with MB-D10), requiring a fast shutter speed and charged battery.
A mode designed to minimize noise during shutter firing by separating mirror movement and shutter release.
Utilizes the Monitor to display the subject instead of the Viewfinder, useful for odd angles or macro shots.
Allows adjustment of the self-timer delay from 2 to 20 seconds and controls the beep sound.
A simple and effective mode for nature photography that raises the reflex mirror before the shutter fires.
Explains how to use the Monitor for composing images and the differences between Hand-held and Tripod AF modes.
Guides on setting the Shooting Menu > Live view mode selection to Hand-held or Tripod.
Explains how to select frame rates (S, CL, CH) using the menus and Release mode dial on the D300S.
Explains how guide numbers measure flash power and the factors influencing comparison, like zoom and ISO settings.
Describes the five flash modes: i-TTL Balanced Fill Flash, Standard i-TTL, Front-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, and Slow Sync.
Explains the function of preflashes in TTL metering for determining accurate exposure before the main flash burst.
Fires the flash as soon as the front shutter curtain opens, balancing ambient light with flash for natural results.
Uses the AF-assist illuminator before flash to reduce red-eye effect, acting like Front-curtain sync otherwise.
Similar to Slow Sync, but with AF-assist illuminator light shining before flash, emphasizing ambient light.
Uses ambient light for primary exposure and flash for extra light, rounding shadows or improving foreground exposure.
Fires the flash just before the rear shutter curtain closes, creating a ghosting effect for moving subjects.
Allows shutter speeds up to 1/8000s by firing thousands of short pulses instead of one large flash burst.
An advanced wireless lighting system allowing creative lighting arrangements using commander and remote flash units.
Explains how Commander mode controls built-in flash and external flash units via groups and channels.
Details the Mode options within Commander mode: TTL, AA, M, and -- (double-dash).
Utilizes i-TTL technology for maximum flexibility and accuracy, allowing exposure compensation for flash groups.
Allows manual control of flash output from full power (1/1) to 1/128, with intermediate 1/3-stop settings.
Disables the main flash burst for the built-in Speedlight, useful for testing flash groups or avoiding unwanted light.
Explains channel selection for communication between the camera and external flash units to prevent interference.
Reviews Nikon Speedlight units compatible with the D300(S), including SB-400, SB-600, SB-800, and SB-900.
Details SB-R200 units designed for special arrangements on brackets, often used for crime scene evidence flashes.
Describes the SU-800 unit for extra range or controlling multiple flash banks wirelessly via infrared signals.
Credits for the chapter opening image: Apples - Courtesy of Neale Dyster (Digitwized).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Red-Tailed Hawk – Courtesy of Doug Sipes (Dsipes).
Credits for the chapter opening image: F-22 Raptor – Courtesy of Norman Paratore (carlysgranddad).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Bikes Catch Air – Courtesy of Ken Rutt (raxafarian).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Dawn on El Capitan – Courtesy of Russ Glindmeier (russg).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Free Climber – Courtesy of Octavian Radu Topai (Tavi).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Maine Coon Cat – Courtesy of Cindie Fearnall (Gipsi).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Sol Duc Valley Stream – Courtesy of Daniel Stainer (spiritualized67).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Father and Son – Courtesy of LaDonna France Huizinga (Cookies35).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Hello Cutie – Courtesy of Stephen J. Weston (stevezz1).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Bald Eagle Fishing – Courtesy of David Summers (dm1dave).
Credits for the chapter opening image: Contemplation – Courtesy of Richerd Reynolds (slartybartfast).
