Nikon D300s

A stunning semi-pro camera with huge benefits

It’s very rare that a DSLR will simply leap out and present all the benefits and improvements it has to offer on first impression. Shy of a few more gimmicky extras, such as a flip-out LCD, the majority need to be actually used prior to recognising how it improves on it’s predecessor. In the case of the D300s the advantages over the superb D300 don’t batter you around the head with a mallet, instead waiting to be coaxed out in the field.

Needless to say you have to be the right kind of photographer to see the benefits of the D300s, which is probably why it isn’t a D400. The increase in burst mode is the major talking point as it jumps right into sports territory, coming within a hair’s breadth of double figures at 8fps. This allows for some stunning images in theory, but won’t be the kind of extra to appeal to the landscape or portrait photographer. Elsewhere the D300s is relatively similar, save for the 720p high-def movie mode. With the age and various cost issues that have arisen recently the monetary difference clocks in at a hefty £400, making those differences all the more costly.

The D300s does stand up well on its own merits regardless, even from the first time of handling. Having a magnesium body does help to add some extra bulk, giving the camera that immediate feeling of quality and robustness. The dull black coating on the body gives the D300s that classic appearance of a DLSR beyond the trappings of a beginner model, offering very little in the way of controls reminiscent of the likes of the D3000. Instead the D300s is more of a sibling to the D700, giving the semi-pro immediate access to all but the most superfluous of controls. The rubberized grip allows for all weather handling, as do the various seals around the body, and the strong, weighty frame means the D300s is certainly all-action.

For the most part the controls seem to be built to a similar intention to the rest of the camera, being both large and definite enough to use for cold and wet fingers to easily access the necessary features. The only real let-downs are the d-pad and metering switch, as both seem to be intended for far smaller fingers than a normal adult male. The selection button at the centre, for example, needs the corner of a fingernail to be used and the metering switch a fingertip to shift, in spite of having plenty of resistance when used. Elsewhere the controls can't be faulted though, with the mode dial being replaced by a mode button which, when used in conjunction with the selection dial, works impressive quickly. Likewise the large quality, white balance and ISO controls are incredibly useful to those aware of the abbreviations, and those surrounding the LCD screen are similarly as well thought-out. The LCD which dominates the rear of the camera has an impressively high level of detail when using both the Live View and image review features, which is a huge help when framing up or using the HD movie mode. Menus are kept impressively brief and to-the-point, allowing for very fast access, although it was slightly perplexing that there wasn't an immediate shortcut to change memory card types on a dedicated button.

Having a relatively sedate 12MP means the images produced aren’t to the colossal file sizes of the likes of the EOS 50D, but as recent products have proven megapixels have little impact on the final image quality anymore. The low light performance isn’t quite to the level of the D300s peers, showing up plenty of noise at the ISO 1600 mark, although the metering can’t be faulted. Instead the camera seemed to rely on an ISO range not quite wide enough to cope with poor lighting conditions, often under-exposing within the Program mode to the point of frustration. As a number of modern cameras see to be able to shoot in almost pitch black and still produce a passable end product it was somewhat of a disappointment that the D300s didn’t manage to achieve a similar footing. On a bright, sunny day while take a wide landscape shot the D300s didn’t put a foot wrong though, showing little in the way of over-exposure and no flare at all. The focus speed on the supplied 16-85mm AF-S lens suddenly picked up a notch or two as well, becoming more lively and versatile than when indoors. Although the overall tones tended to be a touch muted in some situations, flesh tones didn’t suffer overtly and the paler subjects received a much need boost of saturation. This extra hue does appear across a couple of images that don’t involve a human subject, although the subtlety is such that it’s barely noticeable. In reality fast motion is where the D300s truly finds it’s feet, showing off the benefits of a 51 point AF system. Where anything involving action photography normally involves dropping the amount of AF points to the centre spot only, the speed and accuracy of the auto system rarely made it necessary. Of course for those who prefer not to take chances the centre spot can be selected with the flick of a switch, with the metering similarly capable of being altered to suit.

In spite of being an absolutely stunning DSLR in most instances, the primary argument against the D300s will be one of price. For the extra £400 on the body only price the extras are a slightly faster burst mode, the ability to shoot HD movies and an SD slot to sit alongside the standard CF slot. For the majority of photographers the latter two will mean little or nothing, as a helpful extra to be used if ever needed, but likely remain untouched. The burst mode being slightly faster does play to the D300s strengths as more of a sports/action DSLR, but the price is still such that those after a mid range model will most likely plump for the cheaper D300. Granted prices will drop accordingly, and the extra £’s isn’t all Nikon’s fault thanks to recent economical issues, but it seems that the majority of amateurs with a bit of savvy in terms of price will go for the lower spec camera.

To judge the D300s on it’s own merits there are positives and negatives. The only real annoyance was the low light performance which was below what was to be expected, but otherwise the metering and sharpness were exemplary. The robust nature of the camera and fantastic build quality means there’s no qualms about taking it out and about, but unfortunately the D300s misses out on being essential to only be recommended.              

Final Verdict The real problem with the D300s, as it is a very impressive camera, is that the extra features really don’t justify the extra cash over the D300. OVERALL

As a keen photographer for more than ten years, Matt is combining the two great loves of his life in taking photos and playing with new gadgets.