Sunday, August 26, 2007

Nikon D300


Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new DX-format
digital SLR, Nikon D300.

Combining innovative Nikon technologies with advanced new features and precision
engineering, the D300 delivers the ultimate blend of DX-format performance.

The sheer imaging power of a new 12.3 effective-megapixel DX Format CMOS image
sensor with integrated A/D converter; the precision processing and astounding speed of
Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept; the unprecedented focusing
speed and precision of a new 51-point AF system; Nikon's innovative new Scene
Recognition System for optimal autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance
performance; the composition and focusing ease of a large new pentaprism viewfinder that
provides full 100% frame coverage; an expansive 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD
monitor with wide viewing angle; near-instant power-up and immediate response; all with
the advantages of Nikon DX-format agility and system expandability. Meet the new
generation digital SLR camera that blends all these advanced features into one fine package
— the Nikon D300.

Major Features

New DX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.3 effective megapixels

The D300 features a new 12.3 effective megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor. It not
only produces fine details with sharp resolution, but also provides a broad light sensitivity
range of ISO 200 to ISO 3200, (plus LO 1 for IS0 100 equivalent and HI 1 for IS0 6400
equivalent settings; Auto ISO control is also available). The CMOS sensor's integrated A/D
converter features the ability to select between 12-bit and 14-bit conversion, making it
possible to shoot using high-quality 14-bit NEF (RAW) format. All internal processing is
handled in full 16-bit color, color, benefiting from a fine balance between performance with
outstanding speed that defies this level of precision and natural-looking images that benefit
from faithful color and tone reproduction. Lateral chromatic aberration is also reduced.

EXPEED — Nikon’s image processing concept embodied

As Nikon’s new digital image-processing concept — featuring the core ideas of our image
creation and processing — EXPEED incorporates the optimized knowhow and technologies
we have accumulated throughout our long history while receiving users’ requirements. It
realizes diversified functions to ensure high picture quality and high-speed image processing.

* For details, see “Nikon’s original digital image-processing concept EXPEED”.

High-speed continuous shooting

The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid 6 fps*1, and as fast as 8 fps*2 when using the
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, in continuous bursts of up to 100 shots*3 at full 12.3
megapixel resolution. The Nikon D300 is also the first digital SLR to support
next-generation high-speed card UDMA, which enables high speed recording.

*1 When using one EN-EL3e battery installed in the camera
*2 When using batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*3 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB
card

Immediate response

Near-instant power-up within 0.13 seconds, a shutter release time lag of a mere 0.045
seconds*, and viewfinder blackout time of approximately 0.1 seconds contribute to
optimized all-around performance that lets photographers respond to any sudden shutter
opportunities.

* When shooting in JPEG, TIFF, or 12-bit NEF (RAW) formats

Scene Recognition System

By improving the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, which was first incorporated in the Nikon F5,
information from the sensor can be utilized for auto exposure, auto white balance and
autofocus. For example, 3D tracking in AF realized by using the Scene Recognition System
tracks subject position, and automatically shifts AF points to be used according to the
subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to improved accuracy of
auto exposure and auto white balance.
* For details, see “Scene Recognition System for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure
and auto white balance”.

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF

Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points is incorporated. 15
cross-type sensors located in the center provide subject detection capability with lens
apertures as small as f/5.6. This means they all work with currently available NIKKOR
lenses. 51 AF points can be utilized in various focus area modes selected according to
subject condition. In many aspects, the functions of AF points are linked with the Scene
Recognition System to offer superior subject detection and focus tracking performance. A
single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points. Dynamic AF mode enables
appropriate focusing by detecting subjects with a zone containing many AF points located
densely. In this mode, the number of AF areas, including user selected AF points and backup
points, can be selected from either 9, 21 or 51. In addition, newly employed “3D tracking”
mode shifts the focus point automatically to respond to the subject’s movements. Auto-area
AF mode gives greater priority to the subject’s position in selecting AF points.

Picture Control System

Picture Control System is a new function to enable selection and adjustment to create pictures
easily according to skills of users from novices to professionals. When settings are the same,
even with different cameras, you can get the same picture tone. Picture Control System offers
four fundamental setting options — Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome — enabling
image parameters (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation) to be
easily adjusted and customized.

* For details, see “Picture Control System’s image optimization functions enable easy
adjustments”.

Two Liveview modes available

Liveview function enables shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor.
In Handheld mode, which allows recomposing of the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary
TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points is activated.
Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization.
In this mode, focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area is possible.
Remote view, focusing and shooting are also made possible on a PC (wired or wirelessly).

Large, bright viewfinder that achieves 100% frame coverage

The D300's new eye-level pentaprism viewfinder aids composition and adds assurance to
focus operations by providing full 100% frame coverage and large 0.94x magnification, as
well as an eyepoint of 19.5mm (at -1.0m-1) and built-in diopter adjustment range of -2 to
+1m-1.

Durability that will go the distance

Testing to 150,000 cycles stands as firm testament to the durability of the new shutter unit
for the D300. Its magnesium alloy chassis combines light weight with solid durability, while
the body features an enhanced sealing system that helps protect against moisture and dust.

Active D-Lighting

D-Lighting incorporated in the conventional digital SLRs enables editing after the image is
taken. In addition to the D-Lighting, newly developed Active D-Lighting is employed in the
Nikon D300.

Active D-Lighting lets users choose the intensity from among “High”, “Normal”, “Low” or “Unchanged” prior to shooting. The conventional method of simply expanding dynamic
range is not employed in compensation. Instead, localized tone control technology is utilized
to prevent images from looking flat with low contrast. As a result, “lost highlights” and “lost
shadows” are well compensated while maintaining proper contrast.

Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for efficient dust reduction

The D300 is the first Nikon D-SLR camera to employ a 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 presence of dust.

Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional)

The WT-4 supports wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates thumbnail mode as a new function. It realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them and downloading of images selected. Also, by using Camera Control Pro 2 (optional), wireless remote view/control shooting is made possible with the D300’s Liveview function.

* For details, see “New accessory and software supporting the Nikon D3 and D300:
Wireless Transmitter WT-4 and Camera Control Pro 2 Software”.

Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional)
The optional new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 supports 3 types of batteries and
features sequential power supply with auto-switching to the battery installed inside the
camera body. When attached, it also enables high-speed continuous shooting at a rate of 8
fps*1 for up to 100 consecutive shots*2.
*1 When using batteries other than the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*2 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card

Other Features
  • The large top control panel (46 x 20.8 mm) features an improved interface with lettering that can be switched to best match shooting conditions
  • HDMI Output supports HDTV display
  • Supports GPS devices via optional GPS Adapter Cord MC-35
  • Retouch Menu provides handy access to Filter Effects, Trimming, Red-eye correction, Image overlay and other in-camera editing functions
  • Software Suite CD-ROM included

click for more details

source : nikon.com

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