Nikon D300S Pro Reviews

The fact that the D300s is so similar to the original D300 really is testament to how highly specified the original model already was. Many of the changes Nikon has made seem more as justifications for bringing out a new model, rather than the result of any focus groups or market demand. This isn't to say that the changes in themselves aren't useful, but perhaps Nikon didn't consider the few generally subtle additions - mainly that of a movie function - to be enough reason to introduce a whole new DSLR. As video is the main addition (and however obvious as it may be to state it), it's clear that the D300s is designed for those who will be using the camera for both still images and video, particularly the latter in a more professional manner when connecting an external microphone. Overall, it adds subtle enhancements to an already rock-solid, excellent system.

A good value semi-pro/serious enthusiast SLR with the added bonus of HD movie capture and some nifty aids for making impressive photography less demanding. Aside from the video features, the D300s isn't radically different to its predecessor, the D300. In that respect, those who are only interested in stills may want to save themselves a large whack and purchase an older model whilst stocks last. Although it was a wise move changing the directional control pad design on the D300s, this means the size of the rubberised grip on the camera body has been reduced. This isn't a problem if you only tend to shoot in short spurts, but for a semi-pro who uses this extensively throughout the day unfortunately it's not as comfortable to carry as it could be. Nevertheless, the Nikon D300s is a reliable and sound performer and should consistently provide you with stunning results.

When Nikon released the D300, working photographers quickly found their new favorite workhorse. The D300S takes the rugged popularity of the D300 and adds some of the bells and whistles from the D90 to give photographers a modest, but much appreciated, upgrade. Current D300 owners might not find the new D300S particularly tempting unless they've been lusting after the ability to shoot video, but I get the feeling that wasn't Nikon's intent. After spending several weeks with the D300S I can't shake the feeling that the D300S was really meant to give current D90 owners a reason to upgrade.

The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D300s is a solid D-SLR and a nice speed upgrade if you already own Nikon lenses. But for the same price, Canon offers larger 18-megapixel images and more comprehensive HD-video-capture options with its EOS 7D.

Now I've had the camera in for a full test, I'm amazed by the improvement in noise reduction. The images I produced are clean and pleasing to look at.

If you are familiar with the Nikon D300, then you can just expect more of the same. The D300s doesn’t do anything ground breaking, but what it does is add some nice features to an already excellent DSLR — most importantly, HD video and SD card support.

When Nikon launched the all-new entry-level D3000, they took the time to freshen the D300 with - what else - video capability, adding the “s” suffix, as is their naming habit. The camera appears parked between Canon’s EOS 5D and 50D models and, with the addition of video capture, places it head-to-head with the new EOS 7D.

With the D300s, Nikon’s taken the already highly capable D300 and further enhanced it with a number of features – some expected, others less so. The inclusion of a movie mode was a predictable, although welcome upgrade, and the microphone input a very useful addition. The Virtual Horizon and Quiet mode are minor but handy gadgets, and we’re also pleased to find Live View now relocated from the Release dial to its own button, allowing you to easily select drive modes whether composing with the screen or viewfinder.

The Nikon D300S brings the enthusiast flagship up to the standards of more recent Nikon models, including the D90 and D5000, as well as taking on the Canon 50D and Pentax K7 with their HD movie modes. Though the upgrade didn't include an increase in resolution, there's no question that the Nikon D300S continues to serve as an excellent photographic tool, one now capable of video as well. Competing designs have caught up with the D300S in terms of overall printed output, and some have surpassed it. That doesn't diminish the Nikon D300S at all, but it does widen your choices a bit.

A superb stills camera, but the video capability appears somewhat limited now.

D300s marks a neat upgrade to the D300, but the £1499.99 price tag might mean you think twice about upgrading. Because, if you already own the D300, then unless you desperately need the HD video capability, the slightly improved frame rate or the stereo audio capability, then the D300 would probably be perfectly adequate.

Build quality is superb, handling and ergonomics are first-rate, and the abundance of dedicated external controls leads to quick and straightforward operation in the field. The optical viewfinder is up there with the best ones in this class.

While the second card slot and slightly improved performance are welcome upgrades to an already brilliant camera, the new video recording mode and live monitor view are a bit disappointing compared to other premium models. The D300s is still utterly superb and one of the best DSLRs on the market, but don't trade in your D300 just yet.

The bottom line is that we loved taking pictures with the D300S. Quite apart from image quality, it's so quick to use and adjust that you'll hardly ever miss a shot. The build-quality is extraordinary and the inclusion of (admittedly limited) HD video recording is a sleeper feature that grows on you over time. The deceptively good value is the icing on the cake.

The Nikon D300s is a great camera, especially if you need the burst speed or slightly improved low-light focus, but if you don't care about video you might consider looking for a really good deal on a D300 and using what you save to splurge on a good lens.

The D300S is not the standout product that its predecessor was and unless you find your clients are clamoring for video footage, we can't see much need for existing owners to upgrade. But that shouldn't take away from an absolutely excellent product - a gently polished and refined update of a product that we considered a benchmark when it was released.