Nikon Introduces The New D300 Professional Digital SLR Camera MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced its most advanced DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300. 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, combined with 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 auto focus 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 found in the D3 that
promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure
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.
“ Nikon’s D200 digital SLR camera has been a runaway success for us
because it embodies everything that performance-conscious photographers
demand. With the D300, we’ve raised the bar with remarkable new
features, greater resolution and speed, and even higher image quality,”
said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems
Products, at Nikon Inc. “The D300 delivers an unmatched combination of
quality, performance and value that’s hard for discerning photographers
to resist.”
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 auto focus,
auto exposure 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 auto focus 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-cycle. 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.
Price and Availability
The D300 will be available from Nikon Authorized Dealers beginning in
November 2007 for an estimated selling price of $1,799.95**. With the
introduction of the D300, Nikon’s current lineup of digital SLR cameras
now includes the new D3, D2XS, D300, D200, D80, D40x and D40.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in
digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is
globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and
performance for its award-winning consumer and professional
photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging
System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics,
Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital
cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon
software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the
heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making
it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon
Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting
aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic
organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more
information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links
all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo
learning and sharing communities.
*NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card
** Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
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