Nikon D300

Opinion: I bought this camera in Feb 2008, just prior to the DPreview review ! It's taken hundreds of thousands of shots since then and I don't think there's been a day when I have not put her to (good) use.

The Nikon D300 was a massive move from Pentax film cameras and a couple of Fuji Finepix digital 'bridge' cameras for me. Not only in terms of my creative commitment to my photography but also the financial commitment to this 'Hobby' - It's wasn't a cheap camera at the time and I had to contend with my other obsessions - Jimi Hendrix and playing guitar in my own band!

I had noted my hero photographer, Larry Burrows, was holding a Nikon on several photos, when I was younger, and I always lusted after owning one after seeing those images. I read a review that compared the D300 with the Canon 40D - also a great camera. The review said that the two were similar, although the D300 had more bells and whistles, but that one of them would feel better in the hand(?) So after trying them both the winner for me was the D300.

What I love about this camera : It's quick to start, it's very quick all round FULL STOP ! - 12.3 mp APS-C sensor giving x1.5 crop factor, 6 fps, gorgeous 3" 900k pixel LCD screen, clear 100% viewfinder, solid build, full magnesium alloy body, intuitive layout, limpet-like grip from the rubber, weather sealing, and a wonderful 51 point AF system. Firmware updates included three D2X modes and D90 landscape and portrait modes. It delivers beautifully detailed photographs.

What I don't like : seems a bit noisy occasionally - especially on blues, Live View is a complete waste for me personally. The shutter is really loud compared to many DSLRs and no option to make it quieter ! Low light performance is lacking compared to DSLRs now available.

What could have been better or included : The poor design of the Multi selector switch, one button press ISO selection, better noise control, artificial horizon, more firmware support.

I still love my battered Nikon D300, I'd like to use it as a second camera complementing a D800 or its replacement (D400 or whatever it might be, especially if it's FX) I still love its speed and liveliness, consistency in delivering great focussed action shots, the absolutely incredible 51 point AF system, and its build and quality feel. It's a fabulous camera, and I'd love to give her 5/5 - but that's my heart ruling my head. So it's a 4/5.........reluctantly !!

Professional reviews :

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond300/

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product-Archive/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25432/D300.html

My Flickr stream :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37159729@N04/

Opinion: After three and half years, this camera feels like it has become a part of me. I've dragged it around world and to the top of Mount Rainier and it has never failed me. This wonderfully built marvel of industrial design is my personal benchmark for excellent camera design.

Opinion: -the best APS-C camera in 2007-2010
-lightning-fast and accurate auto-focus
-excellent s/n ratio
-superb rock-solid build
-awesome ergonomics

Opinion: Got mine in 2007 and its still a work of art, very responsive and has alot of user settings so you can make any adjustments depending on shooting conditions. Has full support for legacy lenses and a good lcd that lets you see if the picture taken is good or not right away. weather sealed, fast and feels just like a real camera should, not too big not too small. Loves good lenses to get the most out of it, dynamic range is good and high iso is pretty good also. will keep it until it dies in my hand, its that good :)

/Chris

Opinion: Fantastic camera and still up there with the newer models on the market.

Opinion: The best mid-range camera as of today.

Opinion: Simply the best APS-C for the moment (by far) !

Opinion: I'd tested this and shot with this every now and then. Recently bought one used and I'm still bowled over by:

Fast and accurate AF
Excellent build
IQ which is a quantum leap from the D80
high ISO performance which is again worlds better

Its a bit heavy and probably not suited for casual shooting. But I guess the weight is due to the excellent build and all the features loaded in! Will do with this until technology improves and can be accomodated in a lighter package!

Opinion: Only to pirinchov. BTW, I own the D300s, which is great.