Need your opinion on Nikon D300?

[achanth]

Considering Nikon D300, although using now another DSLR.

These are the cons for D300:Note that is is NOT my opinion, but the opinion of a reviewer.
"Images are soft at default settings; camera tends to overexpose
Battery grip (and proper battery configuration) required for 8 fps continuous shooting
No exposure preview, live histogram, or self-timer in live view mode
Sluggish contrast detect AF in tripod live view mode
Continuous shooting burst rate drops to 2.5 fps when shooting 14-bit NEFs
Flimsy door over memory card slot
Remote capture software not included (Canon and Sony bundle theirs)
Most expensive midrange D-SLR "
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d300-review/

Two key areas of concern:
a) image quality. I know that Nikon images are sharp, but the D300 image tend to be soft, and colour not "rich" enough.
b)weight (with lens, weighs more than 1 kg.)


D300 also has very good features and performance; I rented this overnight, and found that the viewfinder is excellent, the shoot capability in very low light fantastic, and the LCD viewing is wow!!

For those own this, what is your opinion?
i) is the image quality a problem, with softness, and richness in colour?
ii) lugging the D300 around (especially on vacation?)

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by achanth For those own this, what is your opinion? i) is the image quality a problem, with softness, and richness in colour? ii) lugging the D300 around (especially on vacation?)

Image quality is not a problem at all. The reviewers are probably using crap lenses.

[sohyp]

An unfair review. This is the best DSLR that I see so far. An excellent workhouse that I brought for my europe trip last Dec.

Probably the weight comment came from CANON user

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by sohyp An unfair review. This is the best DSLR that I see so far. An excellent workhouse that I brought for my europe trip last Dec. Probably the weight comment came from CANON user

400d users?

You would find it heavy if you're used to D40/X. But it's light if you have been using D2X. It's more balanced if you're used to D200 without MB-D200.

[nikkie]

tried it and indeed the higher resolution of the sensor does differentiate the poorer lenses much more than prior cameras.
Nothing new here. when D80 was launched, i recall someone who upgraded from D70 said the images were not often as sharp as before.
He was right (6MP to 10.5MP), and it is the same case here (10.5MP to 12.4MP).
The quality of the lenses just have to move up as well.

The colour part: Diff cameras are set a diff default mode.
D300 is not a point and shoot camera and hence colour reproductions are faithful. If you prefer more contrasty colours, just adjust it in camera's menu or else i believe you can also adjust the default curve.

Weight? Pro cameras are made like a tank. It should be and it adds stability.
If you prefer a light weight camera, try the D80. it's lighter and has more punchy colours as well.

But if i were you, buy the latest available camera where money allows (cos technology progresses).
not forgetting 51 AF points, faster AFs, higher fps, etc.

[chngpe01]

Do a search here, there are so many members here who own and use this camera. Instead of looking at a review by someone who do not own that camera and probably has a limited time but with a tight deadline to submit the review. The result ? a load of bulls and sh*t.

You can look at some of the opinion here and it also includes the cons of the D300.

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=351210

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...=348625&page=5

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335667

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328561

[Robbie J]

Images soft? Colour and snap lacking? The D300 has a whole bunch of user selectable settings so one can set it up any one of a dozen ways. It's all up to you. Generally speaking, the better photogs will create better images no matter what cameras they use and the not so good ones... well, you get the picture (no pun intended)

[rvxing]

TS, why don't you also post what the reviewer like about the D300

"What I liked:

* Excellent photo quality (after some setting tweaks)
* Better high ISO performance than the 40D, A700
* Built like a brick (though see issue below)
* Live view on a stunning, ultra-sharp 3-inch LCD display
* Dust reduction system
* Dedicated AF-assist lamp (instead of flash-based like other D-SLRs)
* Very quick 51-point autofocus system
* Excellent continuous shooting mode, especially with battery grip (see below)
* Six different NEF (RAW) types to choose from
* Extensive white balance controls
* User can create Picture Controls with custom sharpness, color, tone curve settings
* D-Lighting can be used while taking pictures (instead of only in playback mode)
* Customizable menus and buttons; almost every camera function can be tweaked
* Support for remote camera control, wired or wireless, with live view option
* Lots of image enhancement features in playback mode (for a D-SLR)
* In-camera help system, great manual
* Best-in-class battery life
* Optional battery grip and wireless transmitter
* Supports UDMA CompactFlash cards
* HDMI video output
* USB 2.0 High Speed support"

[tkp77]

I own a D70 for quite a number of yrs, and was planning to upgrade to another camera. I have the following options of getting a S5pro, 2nd hand D2x & D300... all around the same price range.

I ended my search with a D300, and only after 1wk old, I can proudly tell myself, I did not regret my choice....

1- Images are soft depends greatly on the lens you use, the higher the megapixels, the better quality lens you will need. Eg: If you wear a soft plastic specs, ur visual will be blur compare to a sharp pair glasses. Also, in D300, there is in camera sharpness control, you can tweak that if need to. There is also AF fine tune so that any soft/back focus lens will be near perfect again. (Good right?? no need to spent money to service lens...)

2- If you scare of the weigh, then don't add the batt grip, do you shoot 8fps every now and then?? If so, get the D3, no horse run liao... To me 6fps is more than enough even for weddings and events without the grip it is also lighter and easy for the traveller....

3- The liveview is actually a good bonus, you can use it to preview white balance settings.... and it really helps when shooting from low angle... no need to bend down so low anymore... it takes a little practise to perfect using liveview easily to take a shot...

4- 14bit NEF, theres alot of debate on the sizes and quality of NEF... I dun have any comments on this as I am lazy to proccess RAW, usually I shoot in JPGs. I usually print only 8R photos, and the jpgs are good enough already...

5- flimsy CF card door... I do agree with this one, and it is also not as easy to open as compare to D70... I got big tumb.

6- Remote capture software, if you need it, then go buy... I don't want to pay for something that I dun want... If they throw in the software, then they will have to price it higher than current RRP, thats business, and thats marketing...

7- I dun think its the most expensive mid range DSLR, I remember D200 was around the same price during its initial launch, and it is not even near to D300 features if you compare...

Above are just my personal view... I like my D300, and I will get a D3 if I strike TOTO tonight.... kekeke....

Good luck to everyone...!!!

[Prataz]

After using the D300 for 2 months plus, this are the following I have to comment:

Pros:

Amazing FPS
Good Feel (Semi Pro Body), especially with grip
Great colours (If u adjust them properly)

Cons

Not as sharp (Perhaps mine has focusing problem? Might need to send to NSC to check up)

Heavy with grip

The grip is problematic (Will hang yr camera occasionally. Turning off the grip returns the camera back to normal)

Basically, I love the camera but I'm still sianz abt the grip and focusing issue. I guess it's time to go NSC for checkup

[mohgui]

Originally Posted by achanth For those own this, what is your opinion? i) is the image quality a problem, with softness, and richness in colour? ii) lugging the D300 around (especially on vacation?)

i) i'm happy with the image quality and how the colours turned out. not happy with default settings? tweak them... tweak until you are happy. that's one thing good about the D300... lotsa customization to suit your whims and fancies. softness? maybe a little... could be due to the 3rd-party lens i'm using. may need some fine-tuning.

ii) can't comment yet. haven't lug it around much. frankly speaking, i prefer heavy to light bodies. it provides added stability.

[Umeiko]

I am currently a D300 user and happy with the images captured.

I am curious which lenses are found to be soft when used with D300? I will want to avoid those.

[Jer]

Another D300 owner here who have been thru D70/D200. The only thing I din like about it is that my pocket burnt another hole after the upgrade. kekekeke

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by mohgui i) i'm happy with the image quality and how the colours turned out. not happy with default settings? tweak them... tweak until you are happy. that's one thing good about the D300... lotsa customization to suit your whims and fancies. softness? maybe a little... could be due to the 3rd-party lens i'm using. may need some fine-tuning. ii) can't comment yet. haven't lug it around much. frankly speaking, i prefer heavy to light bodies. it provides added stability.

Don't need to tweak.. Just use the D2X Mode I picture control.

[Xiao_shin]

Originally Posted by tkp77 6- Remote capture software, if you need it, then go buy... I don't want to pay for something that I dun want... If they throw in the software, then they will have to price it higher than current RRP, thats business, and thats marketing... 7- I dun think its the most expensive mid range DSLR, I remember D200 was around the same price during its initial launch, and it is not even near to D300 features if you compare...

Nikon capture is included but not too sure if Nikon is charging us for it.

It is the most expensive mid range DSLR now. How can you compare to D200 when launched? IIRC, D100 was even more exp when launched.. The key word is NOW.

[achanth]

Originally Posted by chngpe01 Do a search here, there are so many members here who own and use this camera. Instead of looking at a review by someone who do not own that camera and probably has a limited time but with a tight deadline to submit the review. The result ? a load of bulls and sh*t.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d300-review/

Thank you everyone, for your comments. Very insightful and helpful. Wow...very difficult to decide...as i am deciding between two brands.

I will certainly read the comments by other forumers here as well.

[mohgui]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Don't need to tweak.. Just use the D2X Mode I picture control.

currently using for portrait shots... but still need a little tweaking here and there to suit my needs.

[mohgui]

Originally Posted by Xiao_shin Nikon capture is included but not too sure if Nikon is charging us for it. It is the most expensive mid range DSLR now. How can you compare to D200 when launched? IIRC, D100 was even more exp when launched.. The key word is NOW.

Nikon Capture NX comes bundled with the purchase of the D300. the serial number is given. so, Nikon already charges you for it.

i thought Canon 5D is more expensive? don't think it is considered a pro-body right?

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by achanth http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d300-review/ Thank you everyone, for your comments. Very insightful and helpful. Wow...very difficult to decide...as i am deciding between two brands. I will certainly read the comments by other forumers here as well.

Changing system is expensive, so you should consider based on what you already have and not just the camera's features alone. For example, if you're using another brand now, it may not make sense for you to jump into D300 just because it's one of the better cameras now unless you have the intention to switch system or to build 2 systems like some people do. Myself, I'm sticking with Nikon for a long time to come. I did consider getting 4/3 as a second system as well but it doesn't make $$ sense so I dropped the idea.

[Xiao_shin]

Originally Posted by mohgui Nikon Capture NX comes bundled with the purchase of the D300. the serial number is given. so, Nikon already charges you for it. i thought Canon 5D is more expensive? don't think it is considered a pro-body right?

Yap. I would prefer that they remove the NX and charge us lesser.

The review is refering to mid-range. 5D is hardly mid range cos it is FF.