V1.02
Thom Hogan’s Complete Guide to the Nikon D300
Page 769
you may need the PB-6D bellows spacer for some situations.
Note that all of these devices are AI compatible, which means
that you need to set aperture and focal length information in
the Shooting Menu to get metering. If you use an MB-D10,
you may need to increase the extension between body and
bellows to clear the front grip of the MB-D10.
Q:
Can the D300’s software be upgraded?
A: Yes
.
As I write this, there has been one minor update.
Q:
Can the D300’s sensor be upgraded later?
A: Not likely. Such a change would require a pretty drastic
disassembly, removal and realignment procedure, and the
supplemental electronics might need to be replaced, too. The
likelihood of that being done at a reasonable cost is low, so
it’s more likely that a replacement camera model would
appear instead. Nikon has been on about two year cycles
with their pro cameras (D1 appeared in 1999, D1h/x in 2001,
D2h in 2003, D2x in 2005) and a slightly longer cycle with
their consumer models. Any D300 replacement wouldn’t
appear until 2010 based upon current Nikon cycles.
Q:
Is there a software development kit (SDK) available to deal
with communication to and from the camera and the NEF file
format?
A: Yes. You can apply to Nikon for access to some key header
files and other information, including DLLs that operate as
“black boxes” between your software and the camera or NEF
images. Some developers find it easy to get, others difficult
(and it varies between Europe, the US, and Asia). You’ll also
need to sign a license agreement to get the SDK. Nikon also
produces a “mini-SDK” that allows access to the encrypted
white balance for NEF files.
