Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-135mm AF-S DX f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF Nikkor Zoom Lens

Product Features

• 12.3-megapixel captures enough detail for poster-size photo-quality prints
• Kit includes 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED-IF Nikkor zoom lens
• 3.0-inch LiveView LCD display; new 51-point AF system
• In burst mode, shoots up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution
• Self-cleaning sensor unit; magnesium alloy construction with rubber gaskets and seals

Technical Details

• Color: Black
• Type of camera: Single-lens reflex digital camera
• Effective pixels: 12.3 million
• Total pixels: 13.1 million
• Image sensor: CMOS, Nikon DX format
• Image size (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848 (large), 3,216 x 2,136 (medium), 2,144 x 1,424 (small)
• Lens type: AF-S DX ED-IF NIKKOR zoom lens
• Focal length: 18 to 135mm (35mm equivalent: 28 to 200mm)
• Aperture: f/3.5 to 5.6
• Dust-reduction system: Self-cleaning sensor unit, image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)
• Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 3,200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV with additional settings of approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 EV (ISO 6,400 equivalent) over ISO 3,200
• File system: Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF, and Exif 2.21
• Storage system: NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed, or compressed RAW), TIFF (RGB), JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant
• Storage media: CompactFlash (CF) card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), MicroDrive
• Release modes: Single frame, continuous low speed (1 to 7 fps), continuous high speed (6 or 8 fps), LiveView, self-timer, mirror up
• White balance: Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), 7 manual modes with fine tuning, color temperature setting, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1 to 3)
• LiveView: Handheld shooting mode: TTL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors); tripod shooting mode: focal-plane contrast AF on desired point within a specific area
• LCD monitor: 3-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
• Viewing angle: 170 degrees
• Frame coverage: 100 percent
• Playback function: Full frame, thumbnail (4 or 9 segments), zoom, slideshow, RGB histogram indication, shooting data, highlight point display, auto image rotation
• Delete function: Card format, all photographs, selected photographs
• Video output: NTSC/PAL
• HDMI output: Supports HDMI version 1.3a
• Interface: High-speed USB 2.0
• Text input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header
• Lens mount: Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
• Compatible lenses: DX AF NIKKOR; D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses); AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF); AI-P NIKKOR; non-CPU AI NIKKOR
• Picture angle: Equivalent in FX format (135mm) is approximately 1.5x lens focal length (DX format)
• Viewfinder: SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
• Eyepoint: 19.5mm (-1.0 m-1)
• Focusing screen: Type-B BriteView clear matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines
• Viewfinder frame coverage: Approximately 100 percent
• Viewfinder magnification: Approximately 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity
• Autofocus: TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20 degree C/68 degree F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal-plane contrast in LiveView (tripod) mode
• Lens servo: Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF
• Focus point: Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points LiveView (tripod mode); contrast AF on a desired point within entire frame
• AF area mode: Single point AF, dynamic area AF (9 points, 21 points, 51 points), automatic area AF
• Focus lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button'
• Exposure metering system: TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor. 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed). 2) Center-weighted: weight of 75 percent given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm diameter circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8mm circle when non-CPU lens is used). 3) Spot: Meters approximately 3mm diameter circle (about 2.0 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
• Exposure metering range: 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering); 2 to 20 EV (spot)
• Exposure meter coupling: Combined CPU and AI
• Exposure modes: Programmed auto, shutter priority auto, aperture priority auto, manual
• Exposure compensation: Plus or minus 5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
• Auto expsoure lock: Yes, via AE-L/AF-L button
• Picture control system: 4 options: standard, neutral, vivid, monochrome
• Shutter: Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter: 1/8000 to 30 seconds in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
• Sync contact: X=1/250 of a second, flash synchronization at up to 1/320 of a second (FP) adjustable with built-in Dpeedlight or optional Speedlight
• Flash control: i-TTL, auto aperture, non-TTL auto, range-priority manual
• Flash sync mode: Front-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync
• Built-in Speedlight: Manual pop-up with button release
• Accessory shoe: ISO 518 standard hot-shoe contact with safety lock
• Sync terminal: ISO 519 standard terminal
• Creative lighting system: With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, supports advanced wireless lighting, auto FP high-speed sync, flash color information communication, modeling flash, and FV lock
• Self-timer: 2- to 20-second duration
• Depth-of-field preview: When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode)
• Remote control: Via 10-pin terminal or WT-4A wireless transmitter (optional)
• GPS : NMEA 0183 (v. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and MC-35 GPS cable (optional)
• Tripod socket: 1/4 inch
• Power source: One EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery, MB-D10 multi-power battery pack (optional) with one EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC adapter (optional)
• Item width: 5.8 inches
• Item height: 4.5 inches
• Item depth: 2.9 inches
• Item weight: 1.82 pounds without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
• In the box: D300 camera body, 18 to 135mm zoom lens, rechargeable li-ion battery, quick charger, USB cable, video cable, strap, LCD monitor cover, body cap, eyepiece cap, rubber eyecup, software suite CD-ROM, user's manual

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3-effective-megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon's newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance and agility.

Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45-millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution. (NORMAL-LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV 1GB CompactFlash card.)

The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features that will significantly improve the accuracy, control, and performance photographers can get from their equipment. Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection.

The D300 incorporates Nikon's new Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21, or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus-point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.

Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options--Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D300 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras that feature Picture Control System.

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D300's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing system with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed to ensure accurate focus.

The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust.

Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D300 inherits one of Nikon's most streamlined, functional, and aesthetically pleasing layouts in a digital SLR camera, designed to enable photographers to take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy, and comfort.

The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage so pictures can be framed accurately, while an ultra-high definition 920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. Its 170-degree wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode.

The D300 features rugged magnesium alloy construction and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested up to 150,000 cycles. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D300's rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.

18-135mm AF-S DX f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF Nikkor Zoom Lens
The lens that comes with this kit is a versatile, high-power 7.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, approximating the picture-angle performance of a 28-200mm lens on 35mm SLR.

A Nikon Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass element delivers superior optical performance. ED glass minimizes chromatic aberrations, contributing to superb contrast and resolution performance. In addition, Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet autofocusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject working distance through the focus range. You can also focus as close as 1.47 feet throughout entire zoom range.

A compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast and quiet autofocusing, along with quick switching between autofocus and manual operation (M/A and M), and a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural. A Non-Rotating front element provides for convenient use of circular polarizing filters and the Nikon Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System. The lens' filter attachment size is 67mm.

What's in the box
Nikon D300 digital SLR body, EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery, MH-18a quick charger, UC-E4 USB cable, EG-D100 video cable, AN-D300 strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap, DK-23 rubber eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM

Product Description
12.3-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CMOS image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm) * 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor ED lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 28-200mm) * 3" high-resolution (307,000 pixel) LCD screen with brightness adjustment * two Live View modes for handheld or tripod-based shooting using the LCD screen * Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System to keep image sensor clean * 51-area autofocus with 15 cross-type sensors and 3D Focus Tracking for accurate, high-speed focusing * 14-bit A/D conversion for outstanding color tones and gradations * built-in i-TTL flash * continuous high-speed shooting at 6 frames per second for up to 100 frames in JPEG Basic/Large (up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack)