Unveiling the impressive Nikon DSLRs
In a move that won’t amaze anyone that has been listening out for rumors, Nikon has introduced the D300S, a refreshed model of its triumphant mid- level DSLR. When compared to D300.
The Nikon D300S brings HD movie functions, a better frame advance rate of 7fps and dual CF and SD memory card slots to offer new opportunities to explore creative imaging. The D300S incorporates a similar DX- format 12. 3 megapixel CMOS sensor, professional 51- point autofocus system and commended EXPEED image processing in a discrete compact body.
The D300S comprehensively offers DSLR HD movie capture by adding external stereo sound input, autofocus capability and premieres in- camera movie editing. External stereo microphone support provides more realistic sound to shooting movie clips, and a new dedicated LV button makes switching between stills and movies easier than ever. In- camera movie clips can be edited by simply selecting the start and stop points during playback. Also, the new Type C HDMI interface makes it possible for editing to be carried out on an HD display if desired.
For the first time in this class, the D300S shows the choice of dual storage media standards; CF(Compact Flash™) and SD(Secure Digital™) with options to manage how the camera records data to them. For example, one can elect to store stills to one format and movie clips to another.
The D300S reflects images up to a blistering 7 frames per second without necessitating any extra battery pack. The optional MB- D10 pack makes 8fps possible as well as improved vertical shooting ergonomics. The camera inherits the groundbreaking imaging technologies from the D300 such as Scene Recognition System with 1005 pixel RGB colour metering, and class- leading autofocus performance from the 51- Point Multi- CAM3500 autofocus system, which together deliver accurate autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance control. The EXPEED image processing system delivers Nikon’s commended image quality criteria of rich accurate colours, smooth skin gradations, exceptional detail considering the minimum of noise, with the entire flexibility of Nikon’s original Picture Control system to control the ‘look and feel’ of your work.
Significant design changes have been made to Nikon’s renowned ergonomics with the adoption of the same multi- selector to that used on the D3 series and D700 that highlights a centre button to trigger movie start and stop. The D300S also features a Quiet release mode for discrete photography by enabling the user to control the mirror return manually. The dedicated Info button simplifies displays and short cuts to commonly used settings, plus the built- in- up flash diffuser covers 16mm wide- angle field of view.
The 3 inch 920K dot high definition TFT monitor offers good image playback and movie composition support. One can also display the Virtual Horizon level during movie shooting if preferred. Many different in- camera processing tools now includes an image resize function to process RAW files to one of four pre- set dimensions to enable to do more in camera, and less on the PC.
The D300S all-inclusive feature set is designed for anyone who is serious about the future of their photography. It proposes much more than the simple ‘s’ suffix might suggest to cement a unique position in Nikon’s comprehensive DSLR range with a practical blend of creative choices, professional technologies, compact size and affordability.
The D300S will be available in two kit configurations: AFS DX NIKKOR 16- 85mm f/3. 5- 4. 5 VR along with the AF- S DX NIKKOR 18- 200mm f/3. 5- 5. 6G ED VR II.
The D300S’s advanced D- Movie function benefits from a number of functional and technological advancements, including an external stereo microphone input enabling high- fidelity audio, plus in- camera movie editing. In Tripod mode, the D300S highlights contrast- detect AF. Experimenting with Nikon’s selection of finest- quality NIKKOR interchangeable lenses — from ultra- wide- angle and fisheye to super- telephoto – will enhance the spectacular impact of HD video. What’s more, the camera’s versatile Picture Control adjustment choices let you modify the tone and colour of HD video clips with significant ease.
The D300S’s Multi- CAM 3500DX AF sensor module provides an exceptionally wide area of AF coverage. With 51 AF points densely positioned across the frame, it’s designed to capture your subject properly, even when its movement is unpredictable. Moreover, it utilises 15 powerful cross- type sensors in the centre of the frame to provide you with the ultimate in detection performance with any AF NIKKOR lens of f/5. 6 or faster. You can even elect to shoot with 11 focus points.
The creation of Nikon’s new D700 may have been one of the worst kept secrets in an industry with more leaks than the Titanic, but it was still something of a surprise coming so hot on the heels of the Nikon D3 and D300. Essentially a D3 shrunk down and squeezed into a body roughly the same size as a D300, the D700 is Nikon’s first ‘compact’ professional SLR, and in its segment of the market will compete with the recently introduced Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Sony DSLR- A900.
The imaging side of the Nikon D700 is pretty much just like the Nikon D3; it shares the acclaimed 12. 1MP full frame(’FX’) sensor and has identical processing engine, so we would presume output to be virtually identical. The main differences(aside from being considerably smaller) are physical; there’s a different shutter(good for 150, 000 exposures rather than 300, 000 on the D3) , different viewfinder prism(with 95% coverage) and also a slower burst rate. You also lose the rear LCD info panel(there’s no room for it) and one of the D3’s two CF card slots, but you do get a couple of extra features to soften the blow slightly; most notably a self- cleaning sensor including a built- in flash. We’ll look a little more in- depth at the differences between the D3 and D700 in a moment.
The D700 joins the D3 as a fully- fledged ‘professional’ model; it has identical tank- like build quality(though we’re sure the- up flash will cause a few raised eyebrows) , and gets you the full pro service from Nikon.
