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Thom Hogan’s Complete Guide to the Nikon D300
Page 27
Yes, you’re reading that right. In five years Nikon has doubled
the resolution, doubled the tonal ramp values being used in
the ASIC for rendering JPEGs, improved write speeds by 15x,
octupled the resolution of the color LCD and almost doubled
its size, doubled the continuous shooting speed, increased the
number of AF sensors by 10x, and added a host of other
features. That’s a lot of improvement in a short time.
Overall, the D300 very closely resembles the D200 in size
and shape. From a distance, the only thing that easily
distinguishes the two from the outside is the larger color LCD
on the back of the D300. The 10-pin and PC Sync connectors
have a different cap design, which you’ll notice if you look
closer. Look even closer and you’ll find very small changes to
the D200 body; Nikon has tweaked a few parts and curves on
the body, and a still closer inspection shows that they’ve
changed the method by which the optional vertical grip
integrates into the main body. Note that these changes mean
that you’ll need new Arca-style plates
5
if you’re moving up to
the D300 from the D200; neither the Kirk nor the Really Right
Stuff D200 plates can be used on the D300.
Still, the overall look and feel of the D300 is essentially that of
the D200. That’s good, as the D200 was a well proportioned
camera that handled quite well. I’m sure the D300 will pick
up right where the D200 left off in terms of sales, as it has all
the benefits of its predecessor yet pushes the capabilities of
that camera further.
That Nikon introduced the D300 at the same time as the D3
indicates just how confident the company is that it will
perform at high levels. After all, the two cameras have a lot in
common: high frame rates, the new 51-sensor autofocus
system, the new metering system, the larger and more capable
5
Arca-style quick release plates are the preferred method of pros for connecting a
camera to a tripod head because they are indeed quick but they also form a
completely solid joint that doesn’t add to potential vibration or structural issues to the
support system. Most other quick-release systems don’t have the same structural
integrity that the Arca design does.
