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Nikon D300s (no lens included) 12.3-megapixel digital SLR camera body with HD movie mode

Item # 054D300S

The D300s gives you a wide range of shooting options, from an easy-to-use automatic mode to advanced hands-on...

The D300s gives you a wide range of shooting options, from an easy-to-use automatic mode to advanced hands-on...

Item # 054D300S

Shop all Nikon DSLR Cameras

About the Nikon D300s (no lens included)

Dave Bar

Enjoy high-speed, pro-quality shooting

The D300s gives you a wide range of shooting options, from an easy-to-use automatic mode to advanced hands-on manual adjustments. Convenient button placement makes it easy to adjust camera settings on the fly, so you can concentrate on shooting. Dual media slots let you save images to your choice of optional CompactFlash® or SD/SDHC™ memory cards. Use one card after the other for increased storage, write backup images to the second card, RAW and JPEG images to different cards, or even split still photos to one card and videos to the other.

Enjoy high-speed, pro-quality shooting

Capture stunningly detailed still images and smooth HD videos like a pro with Nikon's advanced D300s. This digital SLR's responsiveness and intuitive, hands-on controls deliver nearly limitless photographic possibilities. Demanding shutterbugs will love the D300s's flexibility, extensive range of settings, and rock-solid build. Everyone will love the brilliant pictures it takes.

With flash extended

51 point AF sensors

Precision 51-point autofocus system

You can count on shot after shot of crisply focused images with the D300s thanks to Nikon's sophisticated autofocus system. It features an amazing 51-point array of AF sensors that can quickly and accurately lock on to your subjects, no matter where they appear in the frame. This lets you easily capture an off-center portrait on a whim, or snap high-speed action shots without getting into a lot of manual adjustments. The camera also employs 15 cross-type sensors in the center of the frame for ultra-precise focusing.

Shoot at a blazing 7 frames per second

Nikon's advanced image processor provides near-instant camera startup and shutter response. It also makes it possible to shoot images continuously at up to seven frames per second. (You can even shoot at up to eight frames per second with Nikon's optional battery grip.) All that speed is great for capturing high-quality photo sequences, like your favorite skateboarder performing a kick flip on the half pipe or a horse and rider clearing the fence at a steeplechase.


Self-cleaning 12.3-megapixel image sensor

The D300s's powerful 12.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor provides beautiful high-resolution photos you can crop heavily and still use to make big, crisp prints. Advanced CMOS technology delivers vibrant images with exceptionally wide dynamic range, allowing you to accurately capture subtle photographic detail on both strongly lit and deeply shadowed areas of your picture at the same time. And the self-cleaning sensor unit vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to efficiently remove dust from its surface — ensuring that your images remain spot-free.


3 inch LCD

3" high-resolution LCD with live view

This camera's bright LCD screen provides a sharp, crystal-clear window for shooting high-def videos and reviewing your shots. It also boasts two live view modes that let you compose photos on-screen in real time — just like you would with a point-and-shoot cam. The Tripod mode is ideal for shooting still subjects in a studio environment, allowing you to magnify the image up to 13 times on the LCD for ultra-precise focusing. Handheld mode works great for active shooting from tricky high or low angles that make it difficult to see through the viewfinder.


dual card slots

Versatile SLR design

The D300s gives you a wide range of shooting options, from an easy-to-use automatic mode to advanced hands-on manual adjustments. Convenient button placement makes it easy to adjust camera settings on the fly, so you can concentrate on shooting. Dual media slots let you save images to your choice of optional CompactFlash® or SD/SDHC™ memory cards. Use one card after the other for increased storage, write backup images to the second card, RAW and JPEG images to different cards, or even split still photos to one card and videos to the other.

Built to last

Nikon wraps all this versatile technology in a strong magnesium alloy body with rubberized surfaces for a superior grip. Additional environmental sealing of the D300s's body provides enhanced protection against dust and moisture. The result is a camera that's rugged and solidly built, yet surprisingly lightweight and easy to hold.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • 12.3-megapixel effective recording
  • APS-C-size CMOS image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm)
  • high-def movie mode with sound
  • high-res 3" LCD (920,000 dots) with Live View for composing shots on-screen in real-time
  • pentaprism optical SLR viewfinder (with diopter adjustment)
  • Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System to keep image sensor clean for spotless photos
  • Nikon EXPEED image processor for fast, accurate shooting and longer battery life
  • 51-point autofocus system for rapid, precise autofocusing
  • 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II for accurate automatic exposure control, plus center-weighted and spot metering modes
  • Active D-Lighting mode for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions
  • built-in flash and flash exposure compensation
  • in-camera image editing functions, including: edit movie, D-Lighting, image overlay, monochrome, NEF (RAW) processing and more
  • warranty: 1 year
Compatible Lenses:
  • DX Nikkor lenses: all functions supported
  • type G or D Nikkor lenses (except PC Micro and IX Nikkor): all functions supported
Exposure Modes and Controls:
  • continuous shooting mode: up to 7 frames per second
  • quiet shutter-release mode reduces noise levels for less intrusive shooting
  • shutter speed range: 30-1/8,000 seconds, bulb
  • sensitivity or ISO (film speed equivalent) range: 100-6400
  • program auto, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, and manual exposure modes
  • auto exposure and white balance bracketing (from 2 to 9 frames for each)
  • metering: 3D Color Matrix, center weighted, and spot
  • flash sync at 1/250 second (flash X-sync at 1/250)
File Formats and Storage:
  • image storage modes: RAW (12-bit or 14-bit uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed), TIFF, JPEG or RAW+JPEG
  • JPEG options (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848; 3,216 x 2,136; 2,144 x 1,424
  • AVI movie files (Motion JPEG) up to 1280 x 720 resolution at 24 frames per second with mono sound
  • dual media slots accept optional CompactFlash® memory cards, SD™, and high capacity SDHC™ memory cards
Connections and Dimensions:
  • high-speed USB interface
  • mini HDMI output (cable not included)
  • external stereo microphone input jack (microphone not included)
  • 10-pin terminal for optional Nikon wired remote and GPS unit
  • 6"W x 4-9/16"H x 3-1/8"D
  • weight (without battery and media): 30 oz.
Supplied Accessories:
  • rechargeable EN-EL3e lithium ion battery
  • battery charger
  • adjustable neck strap
  • USB and audio/video cable
  • body cap, eye-piece cap, and LCD monitor cover
  • software CD-ROM (PC and Mac)
  • MFR # 25464

What's in the box:

  • D300s digital camera body (with attached body cap and LCD monitor cover)
  • EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium ion battery pack (7.4V/1500mAh) with plastic terminal cover
  • MH-18a Quick charger
  • 6.5" AC cord
  • 5' USB cable (has a USB type-A connector on one end a mini-USB 2.0 on other end)
  • 5' A/V cable with a composite video connector and mono-RCA audio connector on one end and a 3.5mm minijack connector on other end
  • Adjustable camera strap
  • Eyepiece cap
  • Nikon Software Suite CD-ROM
  • User's Manual (English)
  • User's Manual (Spanish)
  • Quick Guide (English)
  • Quick Guide (Spanish)
  • Limited Warranty sheet
  • Online Product Registration sheet
  • Software Installation Guide
  • AC cord requirements notes

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More details on the Nikon D300s (no lens included)

Mark G.

Features & specs

General
LCD Screen Size 3"
Adjustable-angle LCD No
Wi-Fi No
GPS-enabled Optional
Lens 35mm Equivalent N/A
Optical Zoom N/A
Digital Zoom N/A
Filter Diameter N/A
Manual Focusing Yes
Manual Exposure Yes
Built-in Flash Yes
HDMI Output Mini
Memory
Internal Memory None
Memory Stick No
CFexpress Cards No
CompactFlash Cards Type I
SD Cards SD/SDHC
XQD Cards No
Image
Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.8mm CMOS
Megapixels 12.3
Image Stabilization None
Highest Resolution 4228 x 2848
4K Video No
Video Resolution 1280 x 720
Dimensions
Width (inches) 6
Height (inches) 4-9/16
Depth (inches) 3-1/8
Weight With Battery (ounces) 32.8
Warranty
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
The Nikon D300s (no lens included) replaces these items:

Product Research

Overview: The Nikon D300s (body only) includes the Nikon D300s digital SLR camera body and a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery (EN-EL3e) pack with an AC quick charger adapter (MH-18a). The Nikon digital SLR camera also includes a USB cable to connect the camera to your PC and a audio/video cable to connect the camera to your television. The camera does not include a lens (lenses sold separately).

Record Features
Play, Edit, and Print Functions
Connections
Battery Information
Computer Requirements
Estimated Image Capacity

Record Features

Digital SLR: The Nikon D300s is a digital SLR camera that combines fast start up time with super-fast shutter response and rapid-action shooting at up to 7 frames per second. Images will be recorded in a 3:2 aspect ratio similar to a 35mm film camera.

Live View LCD Monitor: The Nikon D300s's 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA, low-temperature polysilicon color TFT LCD monitor with 170-degree wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection features 100% frame coverage with adjustable brightness control. You can set the LCD monitor to turn off after 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes or 10 minutes of no use to prolong battery life. The D300s features a Live View LCD monitor that lets you use the 3-inch high-resolution LCD monitor in place of the camera's viewfinder to confirm your subject and composition while shooting. The camera features two Live View LCD modes.

  • Hand-Held Mode: Hand-held mode is useful when you want to recompose before shooting or shoot freely from various angles.
  • Tripod Mod: Tripod mode is highly effective in achieving pinpoint focus on still subjects when attaching the camera to an optional tripod.

Optical Viewfinder: The D300s uses a fixed eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder with a diopter adjustment knob. The diopter allows you to adjust the focus in the viewfinder to suit your eyesight (with or without eyeglasses). The bright and sharp viewfinder makes focusing in low-light situations possible. The viewfinder offers approximately 0.94x magnification with a 100% vertical and horizontal frame coverage. The viewfinder uses a Type-B BriteView clear matte Mark V screen with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines for clear and accurate focusing of your subject.

Control Panel: The camera features a small LCD control panel, located on the top of the camera, which shows the status of numerous camera settings, such as sensitivity, battery level, image quality and size, exposure mode, shutter speed, and flash mode.

12.3-Megapixel DX-Format CMOS Image Sensor: The D300s features a 23.6 mm x 15.8 mm Nikon SLR DX format image sensor with a total pixel count of approximately 13.1 million pixels and an effective pixel count of approximately 12.3 million. Nikon SLR DX format image sensors incorporate individual micro-optics on each of the sensors pixels. Micro Optics construction ensures that the image from the camera's lens will be precisely aligned with each pixel's sensor and that performance will be optimized. Nikon's DX format CMOS image sensor also delivers vivid color and sharp detail exceptional enough to provide detailed enlargements of 24 x 36 inches and beyond. Its high resolution also provides the ability of creative cropping.

EXPEED Digital Image Processing: Nikon's comprehensive new EXPEED Digital Image Processing developed for the D300s applies optimized technologies based on the EXPEED concept, with custom-tuned algorithms delivering processing power that greatly improves system performance while extending the achievable levels of image quality and tone reproduction. The exceptional image quality in the DX-format SLR digital camera also benefits from lateral chromatic aberration reduction, which effectively controls color bleeding around the image periphery, high-precision color reproduction, smooth tones and advanced noise reduction. Also engineered to maximize speed, EXPEED contributes to improved system performance, including quicker response, faster memory card access and faster data transfer.

Dust Reduction System: The Nikon D300s integrated ultrasonic Self-cleaning Sensor Unit, which employs four different resonance frequencies to vibrate the optical low-pass filter and shake dust away from the sensor. Image sensor cleaning can be set to operate automatically when the camera is turned off or on, or can be operated from the camera's menu. Nikon's integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit implements a comprehensive system that helps reduce dust by minimizing dust generated from within the camera through the removal process. The camera utilizes internal mechanisms that generate as little dust as possible during operation. The shutter unit and all moving parts are designed to minimize dust generation, and are operated adequately before mounting within the camera so that they do not disperse dust following camera assembly. The mechanisms are then operated again after assembly to further ensure that they do not generate dust. To make sure dust does not adhere to internal surfaces, anti-static finishing is used around the image sensor and optical low-pass filter (OLPF), while surrounding areas are specially treated. In addition, the space between the OLPF and image sensor is sealed to prevent dust particles from entering the assembly. Enough distance is left between the OLPF and image sensor that dust is less likely to affect the final image. The effects of dust can be reduced for images shot in NEF (RAW) format by using the Dust Off feature in Capture NX, Nikon's optional photofinishing software.

Magnesium Alloy Body: The magnesium alloy body for the D300s combines rugged durability with mobility to provide reassuring reliability that frees you to concentrate on your photography, even when shooting in rough conditions. Nikon's enhanced sealing system seals body seams with rubber gaskets to effectively help protect against moisture and dust

Dual Recording Media: Images are recorded onto CompactFlash (CF) memory cards up to 16GB (Type I UDMA compliant), or SD/SDHC memory cards up to 32GB. There is not a memory card supplied with the camera. When both types of memory cards are inserted in the camera, you can choose one as the primary card and the other as an overflow (secondary card is only used when primary card is full) or backup (each picture is record to both the primary and secondary card) card. You can also copy images between memory cards when two memory cards are inserted in the camera.

Note: Type II CompactFlash memory cards and microdrive memory cards cannot be used.

Memory Buffer: The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succession.

Image Size/Quality: The D300s records still images in JPEG and NEF formats. Images are recorded in a 3:2 format similar to a 35mm film camera. The D300s supports the following image quality options.

Quality Option File Type Description
NEF (RAW)-Lossless compressed: 12-bit  NEF NEF images are compressed using a reversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 20-40% with no effect on image quality at a bit-depth of 12 bits
NEF (RAW)-Lossless compressed: 14-bit NEF images are compressed using a reversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 20-40% with no effect on image quality at a bit-depth of 14 bits producing file roughly 1.3x larger than 12-bit files and increasing the color data recorded
NEF (RAW)-Compressed: 12-bit NEF images are compressed using a non-reversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 40-55% with almost no effect on image quality at a bit-depth of 12 bits
NEF (RAW)-Compressed: 14-bit NEF images are compressed using a non-reversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 40-55% with almost no effect on image quality at a bit-depth of 14 bits producing file roughly 1.3x larger than 12-bit files and increasing the color data recorded
NEF (RAW)-Uncompressed: 12-bit NEF images are not compressed at a bit-depth of 12 bits while recording time increases slightly
NEF (RAW)-Uncompressed: 14-bit NEF images are not compressed at a bit-depth of 14 bits producing file roughly 1.3x larger than 12-bit files and increasing the color data recorded while recording time increases slightly
TIFF (RGB) TIFF (RGB) Records uncompressed TIFF-RGB images at a bit depth of 8 bits per channel (24-bit color). TIFF is supported by a wide variety of imaging applications.
JPEG fine (4,228 x 2,848) JPEG Records JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:4 (fine image quality)
JPEG normal (3,216 x 2,136) Records JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:8 (normal image quality)
JPEG basic (2,144 x 1,424) Records JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:6 (basic image quality)
NEF (RAW) + JPEG fine NEF/JPEG Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG image
NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one normal-quality JPEG image
NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality JPEG image

Note: RAW data from the image sensor is saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF). Once transferred to a computer, NEF (RAW) images can only be viewed using compatible software such as the supplied ViewNX software.

D-Movie HD Video: The Nikon D300s also allows you to record standard definition and high definition video at 24 frames-per-second with monaural audio in Live View mode. Standard definition video is recorded with a 3:2 aspect ratio, while high definition video is recorded with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Video is recorded in Motion-JPEG format.

 
Frame Size Frame Rate File Format Description
1280 x 720 (16:9) 24 fps motion-JPEG record 16:9 aspect ratio movies at a frame rate of 24 fps with each frame at 1280 x 720
640 x 424 (3:2) 24 fps motion-JPEG record 3:2 aspect ratio movies at a frame rate of 24 fps with each frame at 640 x424
320 x 216 (3:2) 24 fps motion-JPEG record 3:2 aspect ratio movies at a frame rate of 24 fps with each frame at 320 x 216

Note: Individual movies files can be up to 2GB in size. The maximum length is 5 minutes for high definition movies, and 20 minutes for standard definition movies.

Two-Stage Shutter-Release Button: The camera has two-stage shutter-release button. The camera focuses when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. To take the photograph, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

Shooting Modes: The shooting mode determines how the camera takes photographs. You can choose from the following shooting modes:

  • Single Frame: Camera takes one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed.
  • Continuous Low Speed: While shutter-release button is held down, the camera records 1-7 frames per second (the frame rate can be chosen from the camera's menu).
  • Continuous High Speed: While the shutter-release button is held down, the camera records up to 7 frames per second.
  • Quiet Shutter Release: The camera does not making any sound when camera focuses.
  • Self-Timer: Use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake; you can set the self-timer to 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds.
  • Mirror Up: Choose this mode to minimize camera shake in telephoto or close-up photography or in other situations in which the slightest camera movement can result in blurred photographs.

Interval Timer Photography: The D300s is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Shooting will begin about 3 seconds after the interval is set or you can set a start time. You can also select the number of shots taken per interval.

High Density 51-Point Autofocus System: The D300s is equipped with Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module, which features up to 51 focus points. The system selects the focus point that best applies to the subject, demonstrating an outstanding level of precision, even when shooting in constantly changing conditions. All 51 focus points, including the array of 15 cross-type sensors located in the center, maximize the potential of lenses with maximum apertures of f/5.6. Working in tandem with the camera's Scene Recognition System and the information it computes from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor, this system exhibits the ability to lock onto your subject, and to predict the subject's movement. The result is more precise autofocus performance.

AF-Area Modes: The D300s offers a choice of three focus areas that together cover a wide area of the frame. The AF-area mode determines how the focus area is selected and what happens if the subject moves out of the selected focus area while the camera is still focusing. You can choose one of the following AF-area modes:

  • Single Area AF: In this mode, you select the focus area manually and the camera focuses on the subject in the selected focus area only.
  • Auto Area AF: In this mode, the camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point.
  • Dynamic Area AF: The D300s offers Dynamic-area AF modes that use information from surrounding focus points to provide precise focus, even if the subject momentarily moves outside the user-selected focus point. Dynamic-area AF allows a choice of three different size areas to match the movement of the subject, using groups of 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. Also available is 51-point Dynamic-area AF with 3D-tracking, which takes full advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject and automatically switch focus points. This is particularly convenient when you want to freely compose shots of sporting events, or any scene in which the subject moves about in random fashion.

Focus Modes: You can choose from the following focus modes:

  • Single-servo Autofocus (AF-S): Camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The focus remains locked while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The picture will only be taken when the in-focus indicator is displayed. Recommended for stationary subjects.
  • Continuous-servo Autofocus (AF-C): Camera focuses continuously while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken whether or not the camera is in focus. Recommended for moving subjects.
  • Manual (MF): Focus must be adjusted manually using the lens focusing ring.

Predictive Focus Tracking: In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway or the AF-ON button is pressed. This allows the camera to track focus while attempting to predict where the subject will be when the shutter is released.

Focus Lock: Focus Lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus area in the final composition.

Electronic Range Finder: The camera's Electronic Range Finder can be used to confirm whether or not your subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points).

AF Assist Illuminator: The built-in AF assist illuminator enables the camera to focus even when the subject is poorly lit. The illuminator has a range of approximately 1'-8" to 9'-10".

Metering: When the camera is set to one of the exposure modes, you can choose one of the following metering modes:

  • 3D Color Matrix II: Camera meters a wide area of the frame using a 1005-segment RGB sensor and sets exposure according to distribution of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural results
  • Center-weighted: Camera meters the entire frame but assigns greatest weight to the area in the center of the frame (8mm circle).
  • Spot: Camera meters circle 3mm in diameter (approximately 2% of frame); the circle is centered on current focus area, making it possible to meter off-center subjects.

Exposure Modes: The Exposure Modes determine how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure. You can choose from the following Exposure Modes.

  • Programmed Auto (P): Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure according to built-in program; recommended for snapshots and other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings.
  • Shutter-Priority Auto (S): User chooses shutter speed while camera sets aperture for best results; use to freeze or blur motion.
  • Aperture-Priority Auto (A): User chooses aperture while camera sets shutter speed for best results; use to blur background for portraits or bring both foreground an background into focus for landscape shots.
  • Manual (M): User controls both shutter speed and aperture for complete control over exposure.

AE/AF Lock: If your subject is off-centered in the frame, it can become difficult to achieve proper exposure and focus. By engaging the AE/AF Lock feature, you can focus and meter on your subject, lock the exposure and focus by pressing the shutter release button halfway, then recompose your shot before taking the picture. You can choose from the following AE/AF Lock settings.

  • AE/AF Lock: Both focus and exposure lock while the AE/AF lock button is pressed.
  • AE Lock Only: Exposure locks while the AE/AF lock button is pressed while the focus is unaffected.
  • AF Lock Only: Focus locks while the AE/AF lock button is pressed while the exposure is unaffected align.
  • AE Lock Hold: Exposure locks when the AE/AF lock button is pressed and remains locked until the button is pressed again.
  • AE Lock Reset: Exposure locks when the AE/AF button is pressed and remains locked until the button is presses a second time, the shutter is released or the exposure meters turn off.

Exposure Compensation: You can alter the exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. You can adjust the exposure from -5.0 to +5.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps.

White Balance: White balance is used to preserve natural colors under different types of lighting. When the camera is set to one of the exposure modes, you can choose one of the following white balance options:

  • Auto: White balance is automatically adjusted to suit the lighting conditions.
  • Incandescent: For use under incandescent lighting.
  • Fluorescent: For use under most fluorescent lighting.
  • Direct Sunlight: For use with subjects under direct sunlight.
  • Flash: For use with built-in Speedlight or optional Nikon Speedlights.
  • Cloudy: Use when taking pictures under overcast skies.
  • Shade: Use under sunny skies when subject is in shade.
  • Color Temperature: Choose color temperature from list of values - 2,500 to 10,000.
  • Preset: A white object is used as reference to set white balance under unusual lighting conditions. You can also copy the white balance setting from an existing photograph on the memory card.

White Balance Fine Tuning: The camera's white balance setting can be fine tuned to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image by adjusting the amber, blue, green and magenta color settings.

Bracketing: The Nikon D300s offers three types of bracketing - exposure bracketing, flash bracketing and white balance bracketing. In exposure bracketing, the camera varies exposure compensation with each shot; while in the case of flash bracketing, the flash level is varied with each shot. Only one photograph is produced each time the shutter is released, meaning that several shots are required to complete the bracketing sequence. Exposure and flash bracketing are recommended in situations in which it is difficult to set exposure and there is not enough time to check results and adjust settings with each shot. In white balance bracketing, the camera creates multiple images each time the shutter is released, each with a different white balance adjustment. Only one shot is required to complete the bracketing sequence. White balance bracketing is recommended when shooting under mixed lighting or experimenting with different while balance settings.

Multiple Exposure: This feature allows you to record a series of two to ten exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor.

ISO Sensitivity: When lighting is poor, the camera will automatically increase sensitivity, permitting faster exposures, and minimizing blur caused by inadvertent camera movement, up to a maximum equivalent of ISO 3200. ISO sensitivity can also be manually set to a value between ISO 200 and ISO 3200 in steps equivalent to 1/3 EV. Settings of from approximately 0.3 to 1 EV below ISO 200 and 0.3 to 1EV above ISO 3200 are also available for special situations.

Long-Time Exposures (Bulb): The shutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is head down. Use for long-time exposure photographs of moving lights, the starts, night scenery, or fireworks.

Preset Picture Controls: The camera offers four preset Nikon Picture Controls. You can choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene.

  • Standard: Standard processing for balanced results; recommended for most situations.
  • Neutral: Minimal processing for natural results; recommended for photographs that will later be extensively processed or retouched.
  • Vivid: Pictures are enhanced for a vivid, photo-print effect; recommended for photos that emphasize primary colors.
  • Monochrome: Takes monochrome photographs.

Picture Control Settings: The D300s features the following custom Picture Control settings.

  • Quick Adjust: Allows you to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected Picture Control Preset from -2 to +2.
  • Sharpening: Controls the sharpness of outlines from 0 to 9; you can also select Auto which adjust the sharpness automatically according to the scene.
  • Contrast: Adjust contrast automatically according to the type of scene or chose from values between -3 to +3 to increase or decrease the contrast of your subject.
  • Brightness: Reduce or enhanced brightness level from -1 to +1; this does not affect exposure.
  • Saturation: Automatically adjust saturation according to the type of scene or choose from values between -3 to +3 to lower or increase your subject's saturation.
  • Hue: Adjust your subject's hue from -3 to +3 to change the level of Hue.
  • Filter Effects: Simulated the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs from yellow, orange, red, green or off.
  • Toning: Choose the tint used in monochrome photographs from B&W, Sepia, Cyanotype, Red, Yellow, Green, BlueGreen, Blue, PurpleBlue, or RedPurple.

Active D-Lighting: Setting Active D-Lighting before shooting produces results that are automatically corrected to faithfully reproduce the contrast of the scene as the photographer viewed it. Rather than correcting the entire image, localized tone control technology adjusts highlights, shadow areas, and midtones to achieve natural looking contrast across the entire image. This function is particularly helpful with high contrast scenes, such as shooting a brightly lit outdoor scene from inside a relatively dark room, or shooting at the beach on a sunny day. Active D-Lighting offers three application strength levels - High, Normal and Low.

Built-In Speedlight: Nikon's innovative i-TTL flash control built-in speedlight evaluates flash exposure with precision to achieve better automatic flash balance. The built-in Speedlight creates beautiful exposures in darkened conditions as well as adds sparkle for fill flash in outdoor situations for enhanced twilight shots or an added impact to daylight images.

Flash Modes: The Nikon D300s supports the following flash modes.

  • Front-Curtain Sync: This mode is recommended for most situations. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto modes, shutter speed will automatically be set to values between 1/250 and 1/60 seconds.
  • Red-Eye Reduction: The AF-assist lamp lights before the flash fires to reduce the red-eye effect.
  • Red-Eye Reduction With Slow Sync: Combines red-eye reduction with slow sync for use with portraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery.
  • Slow Sync: Flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds to capture both subject and background at night or under dim light.
  • Rear-Curtain Sync: The flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating effect of stream of light following moving subjects.

Flash Compensation: Flash compensation is used to alter flash output from -3 EV to +1EV in increments of 1/3EV to change the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reflections.

FV Lock: This feature is used to lock the flash output, allowing photographs to be recompose without changing the flash level and ensuring that the flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. The Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity and aperture.

Noise Reduction: This option controls whether photographs taken at high sensitivities or shutter speeds slower than 8 seconds are processed to reduce noise before being recorded to the memory card.

Histogram: The D300s features the ability to view an RGB histogram on the LCD monitor screen. A histogram is a graph showing the distribution of tones in the image.

Optional Lens Compatibility: The D300s is compatible with the following Nikon lenses - DX AF NIKKOR (all functions possible), D-/G-type AF NIKKOR excluding IX Nikkor lenses (all functions possible excluding PC Micro-NIKKOR), AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type excluding lenses for F3AF (all functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible), AI-P NIKKOR (all functions except Autofocus/3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible), Non-CPU AI NIKKOR (can be used in exposure modes A and M/electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is 5.6 or faster/Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides)

Optional Flash Compatibility: The D300s is equipped with an accessory shoe that allows you to use the optional Nikon CLS-compatible flash units: SB-400, 600, 800, SBR-200, and SU-800. The camera is also compatible with the following non-TTL auto and manual Nikon flash units: SB-80DX, 50DX, 30, 29, 29S, 28DX, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, and 22S.

GPS Compatible (optional): With the optional GPS Unit GP-1 (sold separately) attached to the D300S, time and geographic location information, received via satellite, is automatically recorded to each image's Exif data. This makes it easy to display the location of an image on Google Maps using ViewNX.

Play, Edit, and Print Functions

Multi-Language Display Menu: The camera features 16 menu display languages to choose from including English, Spanish and French.

Image Review: When this setting is enabled, the camera displays the image on the LCD monitor after the picture is taken.

Auto Image Rotation: Images are automatically oriented to fit the camera's LCD screen. This function can be turned off.

Single-Image Playback: During single-image playback, you can view all the pictures stored on the memory card one at a time.

Playback Zoom: During single-image and thumbnail playback, you can zoom in on the selected image. You can zoom in up to 27x for large images, up to 20x for medium images, and up to 13x for small images. Once the image is enlarged, you can move it around on the LCD monitor using the multi selector.

Thumbnail Playback: This feature allows you to view up to 72 images at once on the LCD monitor so that you can search for an image quickly.

Slideshow Playback: Select a slide show of the pictures in a current playback folder.

Movie Playback: Movies can be played back on the camera's LCD monitor. The camera offers playback functions such as Play, Stop, Pause, Fast Forward and Rewind.

Retouch Menu: The Retouched Menu allows you to create trimmed, resized or retouched copies of the photographs you have taken on the memory card. The Retouch Menu gives you the following editing options:

  • D-Lighting: Brightens dark or back-lit subjects or produces effects similar to a flash.
  • Red-Eye Correction: Corrects "red-eye" caused by the flash.
  • Trim: Creates cropped copies of existing images.
  • Monochrome: Copies photographs in black/white, sepia or cyanotype color tones.
  • Filter Effects: Creates copies with color filter effects; you can choose from Sky Light, Warm filter, or Color Balance.
  • Color Balance: Creates a copy of your recorded image with modified color balance.
  • Image Overlay: Combines two RAW images into a single image.
  • Side-by-Side Comparison: Compare retouched copies to the original photographs.
  • NEF (RAW) Processing: Create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs.
  • Resize: Create small copes of selected photographs.
  • Movie Edit: You can trim unwanted footage to create edited copies of movies.

PictBridge Printing Capability: Using the supplied USB cable, you can connect this camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer. PictBridge is a standard that allows you to connect a PictBridge compliant camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer and make prints, regardless of brand.

DPOF: The DPOF feature enables you to create a digital "print order" for PictBridge-compatible printers and other devices that support DPOF.

Exif Print (Exif 2.21): The D300s conforms to "Exif Print", a worldwide standard. Vital camera settings (such as exposure mode, white balance, exposure time) and scene data are recorded to the image file when it is captured. Printers compatible with "Exif Print" are able to use this information to produce high quality photographs, exactly the way they were intended at the time of capture. This intelligent communication process also allows the printer to correct for poor lighting or mistakes, resulting in photos that can be even better than the originals.

Wireless Camera Operation (optional): If the optional WT-4 Wireless Transmitter (sold separately) is attached to the camera, photographs can be transferred or printed over wireless or Ethernet networks and the camera can also be controlled from a network computer running Camera Control Pro 2 software (available separately).

Connections

USB Connection: The Nikon D300s utilizes a mini-USB high-speed 2.0 connection and come supplied with a USB cable to connect to your PC.

AV Output: The camera features a 3.5mm minijack audio/video output plug and a mini-HDMI output connector to playback still images and video on your TV or monitor using the supplied composite AV video cable or optional mini-HDMI cable (sold separately). The camera's LCD monitor turns off automatically when an HDMI device is connected. You can set the camera to the following HDMI formats to match your television's resolution - 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i or Auto. You can also select between NTSC or PAL video playback.

Microphone: The Nikon D300s features a 3.5mm external stereo Microphone input for adding stereo sound to your video recordings.

Battery Information

Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery: The included EN-EL3e Lithium Ion battery can last up to approximately 950 shots.

Quick Charger: The D300s comes supplied with an AC quick charger that allows you to recharge the supplied EN-EL3e Lithium Ion battery pack (1500 mAh). The EN-EL3e will charge fully in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes using the supplied AC quick charger.

Optional AC Adapter: Use of the optional EH-5a AC adapter or optional EH-5 AC adapter is recommended for extended playback.

Computer Requirements

Software Suite CD-ROM:  The supplied Software Suite CD-ROM contains Nikon Transfer, ViewNX and related software. Nikon Transfer is used to copy (transfer) pictures from the camera to the computer and to perform such other transfer-related functions as making backups and embedding information in pictures as they are transferred. ViewNX is used to view pictures after transfer; among the other tasks it can perform are grouping pictures, restoring and  making simple adjustments to NEF (RAW) images and converting the file format.

System Requirements: The supplied software will work with Windows and Macintosh. You computer will need to meet the following system requirements.

Windows: Macintosh
CPU: Intel Celeron, Pentium 4, or Intel Core series with clock speed equivalent to 1GHz or better CPU: Power PC G4, Power PC G5, Intel Core series, or Intel Xeon (with Universal Binary)
OS: Pre-Installed versions of Windows Vista (32-bit) SP1 or Windows XP Home Edition/Professional SP3 OS: MAC OS X version 10.3.9, 10.4.11, or 10.5.6
RAM: Windows Vista = 1 GB or more, Other versions of Windows = 512 MB or more (1 GB or more recommended) RAM: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more recommended)
Hard-Disk Space: A minimum of 1 GB free hard disk space required when Software Suite applications are running
Video Resolution: 1,024 x 768 (XGA) or greater with 24-bit color (True Color/millions of colors) or more

Image Comment: The camera allows you to input up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text to a recorded image and is then stored in the Exif header. The comment can be viewed in Capture NX (software available separately) or the supplied PictureProject software.

Image Authentication: You can embed image authentication information in new photographs as they are taken, allowing alterations to be detected using Nikon's optional Image Authentication software (sold separately). Image authentication information cannot be embedded in existing photographs.

Estimated Image Capacity

Estimated Image Capacity of an Optional 4GB CompactFlash Memory Card:

Image Quality Image Size File Size (MB) Number of Images Buffer Capacity
NEF (RAW)-Lossless compressed: 12-bit --- 12.1 197 18
NEF (RAW)-Lossless compressed: 14-bit --- 14.9 151 30
NEF (RAW)-Compressed: 12-bit --- 10.5 270 20
NEF (RAW)-Compressed: 14-bit --- 13.0 223 45
NEF (RAW)-Uncompressed: 12-bit --- 19.5  197 17
NEF (RAW)-Uncompressed: 14-bit --- 25.4 151 19
TIFF (RGB) Large 36.6 105 16
Medium 20.6 187 19
Small 9.3 416 27
JPEG fine Large 6.0 552 44
Medium 3.3 976 100
Small 1.5 2100 100
JPEG normal Large 3.0 1000 100
Medium 1.7 1800 100
Small 0.8 4100 100
JPEG basic Large 1.5 2100 100
Medium 0.9 3600 100
Small 0.4 7800 100

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