First Look: the Nikon D300s

This is the Nikon D300s with its MB-D10 battery grip attached.
This is the Nikon D300s with its MB-D10 battery grip attached.
Fit and finish on the D300s are very good, and all the buttons and controls are well-made.
Fit and finish on the D300s are very good, and all the buttons and controls are well-made.

My newspaper recently handed me a new Nikon D300s. I’ve been asking for a new camera for some time, and the corporation was able to get the D300s at a deep discount since it has been discontinued.

Despite being “older” technology (which in the tech world means “not the very latest”), I am finding out early on that this camera is very capable, and able to make the images I need.

Just two days after I got my hands on the D300s, I shot an all-star basketball game at ISO 6400, and was not disappointed with the result.
Just two days after I got my hands on the D300s, I shot an all-star basketball game at ISO 6400, and was not disappointed with the result.
  • It is well-built and has all the features I need

    Take your pick:  the battery holder for the MB-D10 grip (top) with the EN-EL3 battery, or the battery chamber cover mounted on one of my EN-EL4 batteries (bottom). The EN-EL4 battery lasts longer and runs the camera at 8 frames per second, but the smaller battery in the holder weighs half as much.
    Take your pick: the battery holder for the MB-D10 grip (top) with the EN-EL3 battery, or the battery chamber cover mounted on one of my EN-EL4 batteries (bottom). The EN-EL4 battery lasts longer and runs the camera at 8 frames per second, but the smaller battery in the holder weighs half as much.
  • Its sensor is about one full exposure value cleaner than my other work cameras; I was able to shoot some basketball at ISO 6400 and it was very usable
  • It controls are similar to my D200
  • The viewfinder and monitor are big and bright
  • I got the MB-D10 vertical grip; unlike grips for cameras like the D100 and D200, it only holds one battery, but with a BL-3 battery chamber cover, I can use the big, powerful battery from my D2Hs, which allow the D300s to run at 8 frames per second

So far the camera seems to have no vices at all, and I look forward to more reviews as I get more experience with it.

All the controls on the D300s are where I expect them to be. I had this camera out of the box and shooting in about five minutes.
All the controls on the D300s are where I expect them to be. I had this camera out of the box and shooting in about five minutes.

 

4 Comments

  1. Yes, we all get it, George. Photography isn’t about imagery and self-expression. It’s about ownership, commerce, wealth. It’s a pissing contest.

    Only tools and brand fanboys think that way. The rest of us make pictures with what we have and don’t complain.

    I’ll make you a deal, George. Go to my publisher and tell her I need a $6000 Nikon D4, and until she buys me one, shut your mouth.

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