| The Old and New |
© Mark LaMonica. All Rights Reserved.
| Assignment |
| by Mark LaMonica |
Welcome to the world of the D300 (introduced in 2007) and the D300s (introduced in 2009). The discontinuation of the D2Xs was not taken very well with working photographers. It's 12.4 effective
megapixel Nikon DX Format CMOS image sensor was poo poo'ed by the Canon camp and pixelators who measure everything by how many pixels is there?, not the quality of those pixels. The color
reproduction and image quality straight out of the D2X (introduced in 2004) and D2Xs (introduced in 2006) is spot on with accuracy and photographers were concerned with now trying to match that
with a new camera. For those of you who don't work for clients that need to have absolute color reproduction, here's a little info for you. Film cameras functioned essentially the same. The difference in
color accuracy and image quality came from the film. With digital, each digital camera has its own RAW data color profile and you need to program the camera to capture the data as closely as possible
to real life to minimize any post production adjustments that will degrade image quality. The bottom line is each camera is like using a different film, with some exceptions of course. For the new digital
era, us Nikon users have what is called Picture Controls that are custom settings you can program into the camera and save to an SD card. An Optional D2X Picture Control is available for newer
professional bodies via the Nikon web site or you can mimic the D2X colors by post producing images in Nikon Capture NX2.
megapixel Nikon DX Format CMOS image sensor was poo poo'ed by the Canon camp and pixelators who measure everything by how many pixels is there?, not the quality of those pixels. The color
reproduction and image quality straight out of the D2X (introduced in 2004) and D2Xs (introduced in 2006) is spot on with accuracy and photographers were concerned with now trying to match that
with a new camera. For those of you who don't work for clients that need to have absolute color reproduction, here's a little info for you. Film cameras functioned essentially the same. The difference in
color accuracy and image quality came from the film. With digital, each digital camera has its own RAW data color profile and you need to program the camera to capture the data as closely as possible
to real life to minimize any post production adjustments that will degrade image quality. The bottom line is each camera is like using a different film, with some exceptions of course. For the new digital
era, us Nikon users have what is called Picture Controls that are custom settings you can program into the camera and save to an SD card. An Optional D2X Picture Control is available for newer
professional bodies via the Nikon web site or you can mimic the D2X colors by post producing images in Nikon Capture NX2.
Now onto the main feature . . . . . The Old and New . . . .
The D2Xs is a full size body with the vertical grip built into the body. The D300
is modeled after the F6 film camera era, small light weight, yet maintaining
professional quality in durability and image quality. I'm all for the larger
bodies, they work well for the type of work I do, but there are times when
weight is an issue, like traveling or hiking long distances. The DX format
sensor gives me the 1.5x focal length factor, so I can use smaller/lighter
lenses without sacrificing image quality. The D300 features a built in
speedlight, which I find powerful enough for fill flash in many situations,
eliminating the need to carry or attach a larger SB900 speedight. For
situations where I want the feel and controls of a larger body with vertical grip,
I can add the optional MB10 Multi-Power battery pack.
is modeled after the F6 film camera era, small light weight, yet maintaining
professional quality in durability and image quality. I'm all for the larger
bodies, they work well for the type of work I do, but there are times when
weight is an issue, like traveling or hiking long distances. The DX format
sensor gives me the 1.5x focal length factor, so I can use smaller/lighter
lenses without sacrificing image quality. The D300 features a built in
speedlight, which I find powerful enough for fill flash in many situations,
eliminating the need to carry or attach a larger SB900 speedight. For
situations where I want the feel and controls of a larger body with vertical grip,
I can add the optional MB10 Multi-Power battery pack.
The "New" doesn't stop there either !, The D300s replaced the D300 in 2009. The "s" in this model puts a whole new meaning to a new version of an already great camera. Now I have light weight with
video capabilities that rival broadcast quality. Some of the new features include, but are not limited to, 720p HD video at 24P, phase detection auto-focusing during recording, SD card slot in addition to
existing CF slot, Faster continuous shooting (7fps, vs. 6fps) with 8fps if you use the MB10 Multi-Power battery pack, Socket for external microphone to record sound in stereo, Live View mode, Virtual
horizon, 'OK' button in multi controller, Auto and Extra High Active D-Lighting options, dedicated info button, rear speaker, front microphone and Quiet drive mode. The front of the cameras are the
same with the exception of the microphone under the D300s. The back of the D300s is where the control layout has the most changes to enhance operation and incorporate the video control functions.
The D300s has proven to be an excellent upgrade to the DX professional line of Nikon Digital cameras.
video capabilities that rival broadcast quality. Some of the new features include, but are not limited to, 720p HD video at 24P, phase detection auto-focusing during recording, SD card slot in addition to
existing CF slot, Faster continuous shooting (7fps, vs. 6fps) with 8fps if you use the MB10 Multi-Power battery pack, Socket for external microphone to record sound in stereo, Live View mode, Virtual
horizon, 'OK' button in multi controller, Auto and Extra High Active D-Lighting options, dedicated info button, rear speaker, front microphone and Quiet drive mode. The front of the cameras are the
same with the exception of the microphone under the D300s. The back of the D300s is where the control layout has the most changes to enhance operation and incorporate the video control functions.
The D300s has proven to be an excellent upgrade to the DX professional line of Nikon Digital cameras.
D300s
D300s