Opinions on the nikon D300 slr camera?
I'm thinking about purchasing the nikon D300 for my first camera. Just want to know about the pros and cons about this camera. Or anything else that you may want to add about it.
I have been using a D300 professionally since they were first released. It is still my choice when I need to use a cropped sensor camera
Sample shot using the D300
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While the Nikon D3 is well known for providing low noise at high ISO, you can see that the D300 is not too bad at 3200 ISO
It is a very good DX camera to have. Very reliable and capable tool.
If you are going to be using your camera carefully and not too often, I suggest that you opt for D90 or D7000 and use the saved money in future for better lenses.
The D300 is a very good camera, but I would not suggest you get it as your first camera as it is heavy (compared to the beginner models).
I would suggest your money go to a camera like the D90, for the D300 is more intermediate-pro
Since you say it is your first camera, Might I encourage you to go take a class and read a few books on photography. If you use the DSLR as a PnS, your images will come out like a PnS's camera.
Pros: excellent build and image quality, excellent speed, great autofocus, many custom options, great feature set, ergonomically-designed.
cons: expensive (compared to a D90 for example), heavy and cumbersome to carry everywhere, confusing to use if you don't know how cameras work, lacks video, simply overkill for most amateurs (especially if this is someone's very first camera).
Assuming that you DO have prior experience with DSLR cameras, that you have worked with them in the MANUAL exposure modes but never got around to buying your own, then yes, the D300 is a superb choice.
If you are a newcomer in this field that has no prior experience with DSLR cameras, then the D300 will be a little overkill. A point-and-shoot may suit your needs better and will be A LOT easier to use.
I think a D90 has pretty good features for the money. It costs a lot less than a D300, money you could use for a good lens. Nikon pro lenses are really good but they cost a fortune IMO.
Nikon D300s 12.3 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera is a great camera to get.
Pros:
Dual-slots: This was crucial for me when deciding which camera to purchase because I shoot weddings… And there's no way to recreate the magic of the original moment if your card fails at the wrong time. One CF slot which supports UDMA cards and one SD slot.
Handling of High ISO: I've shot this thing at 1600 ISO with little to no noticeable noise. There's a Noise Reduction setting which I never use but have heard good things about.
Battery Life: Easily shoots 800-900 shots per charge
Acts as a Commander to my flash: The Nikon CLS allows your camera to transmit signals to my SB-600 flash
Weather Proof: Body is built like a tank and all the nooks and crannies are sealed up
Video mode: Yawn, I'll never use it, but it's there if you need it.
Live view: This can come in handy sometimes
18-200 lens: This lens is a great walk-around lens and actually pretty compact, considering how flexible your focal length is. VR is amazing and the lens shoots very nice at f8 thru out the entire focal length.
Cons:
Honestly I can't think of any, it's the best camera I've ever owned and a complete bargain!
http://www.amazon.com/...002JCSV7G/
I would consider Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Technical Details
12-megapixel CMOS image sensor for high resolution, low-noise images
Body only; lenses sold separately
Nikon EXPEED image processing; D-Movie HD Video for cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips
3-inch Super-density 920, 000-dot VGA LCD; one-button Live View
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)