Here's Ken Rockwell's take on the D300. Its much more positive than his initial "review" which was written before he used the D300.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Let's keep it civil. He wasn't "dishing dirt" merely reporting some of the stuff he's seen. Any time a new camera comes out a certain amount of hysteria accompanies it.
The D300 reviews and some objective testing should be forthcoming soon.
There are some forums on other sites where there is a lot of bashing and thrashing and misinformation. A lot of what is posted on those sites is gossip and conjecture. Please don't drag any of that discussion here.
If there are "serious" issues about the Nikon D300, I have yet to see evidence of it.
It is unfortunate about what happened to Paul (in this thread), but I'll bet that Nikon makes it right.
Meanwhile, Harry and Giphsub are enjoying their new cameras, and I have some envy for them and these new tools.
Congratulations to Harry and Giphsub (and Paul when it gets settled), and lets see some more wonderful images to show the world what these cameras can do.
Is the D300 a full sensor camera??
Will it accept the following lenses:
Nikon
18-200VR
18-55
55-200
55 f1.8
Sigma
80-400 OS
The D300 is not full frame, the D3 is full frame.
It will accept all of the lenses you listed.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Not much time today, but here's a quick 200 iso shot using on board flash, handheld, comparing my in camera fine JPG to a NEF file edited in Photoshop CSIII ACR 4.3.
It's not a cat picture, but Harry might have your guts for that
Hey, what is the difference between the different focus modes? I don't really know what they are all good at/for. I currently have my D300 set AF-C priority selection:release, AF-S priority selection: focus, and Dynamic AF area: 51. But it is hunting a bit at times with my 18-200, and sometime won't take a pic, presumably because it can't find focus. Any suggestions for what settings to use? I never had this issue with my D70 and that lens.
Actually it is, OK - my cats are bigger, but this small one may be called cat too
About D300 - maybe TODAY ???
For that event I keep one CF card, one lens and one cat close to entrance door
I don't have no stinkin cats, the dog is my daughter's, and was about all I had time to devote attention to given that I had an issue at first. This camera was not autofocusing at all, two chats with Nikon, and dealer, still that way. Finally, I switched it to manual mode and took a snap. then I switched it back to AF, and it's been focusing ever since and on 3 different lenses. go figure.
I don't have no stinkin cats, the dog is my daughter's, and was about all I had time to devote attention to given that I had an issue at first. This camera was not autofocusing at all, two chats with Nikon, and dealer, still that way. Finally, I switched it to manual mode and took a snap. then I switched it back to AF, and it's been focusing ever since and on 3 different lenses. go figure.
That AF issue is of some concern. I've seen other reports of having to switch to MF in order to get the AF working.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Mine came in on Monday and I was able to go pick it up yesterday. The store's (Ritz) D300 haven't even come in yet and I was the only customer to order one. Now I need to sell the D80, I took pictures of it last night and will be posting it shortly.
The D300 is a good bit heavier, nice and big! Fits well in the hand. The buttons and menus are a good bit different from the D50 and D80 so it'll take me a while to figure out where everything is and what some of them do. Example....Live view say what? I'll be reading my manual at work today.
I took a couple test shots of my dusty living room...but I'll refrain from posting them so Harry doesn't look upon me with disdain. However, I took the three cameras all with the 70-200 2.8 and took the same shots in JPEG. Auto on the D50 and D80 and manually set to the same setting on the D300 and then also shutter priorty 1/250 @ ISO 1600 with on board flash. With normal noise reduction I was quite happy with the 1600 on the D300. High noise reduction = softness and I'll probably steer clear, but I'll try a few REAL tests later.
Also, I got an english and spanish manual. Ken Rockwell says it's only in english?
I took a couple test shots of my dusty living room...but I'll refrain from posting them so Harry doesn't look upon me with disdain. However, I took the three cameras all with the 70-200 2.8 and took the same shots in JPEG. Auto on the D50 and D80 and manually set to the same setting on the D300 and then also shutter priorty 1/250 @ ISO 1600 with on board flash. With normal noise reduction I was quite happy with the 1600 on the D300. High noise reduction = softness and I'll probably steer clear, but I'll try a few REAL tests later.
Also, I got an english and spanish manual. Ken Rockwell says it's only in english?
The manual comes in both languages.
I would never look upon you with disdain. Now pictures of a dusty living room are another story of course. :ivar
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
List of Harry's dislikes are longer and longer
Cats, stinky daughter's dogs, dusty living rooms, ...
And my D300 is still somewhere in dirty, stinky, dusty brown truck
Viera's only allowed birds must wait much longer
I am shocked that you failed to include squirrels in the list of my dislikes.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Thanks folks, I think? I got to admit, I'm a bit concerned too. I almost wish I'd boxed it back up to send back before changing to manual and getting it working. I will always wonder if it's going to go "back" the other way.
What do you think guys, Harry, any reports of this problem resurfacing once the person got it started focusing properly? Or if it's working now, am I ok?
Thanks folks, I think? I got to admit, I'm a bit concerned too. I almost wish I'd boxed it back up to send back before changing to manual and getting it working. I will always wonder if it's going to go "back" the other way.
What do you think guys, Harry, any reports of this problem resurfacing once the person got it started focusing properly? Or if it's working now, am I ok?
Unlike the folks reporting metering problems (folks who don't understand matrix metering IMHO) their problems seemed real.
However the thread died pretty quick and I haven't seen any other such reports on the other boards I frequent so I don't think its a major problem. Most of the folks with the problem did not have it reoccur. At this point I don't think its anything to worry about. if it should reoccur I would contact Nikon and get a replacement.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
First thoughts after monitor review -
comparing sets:
D300 with 70-300VR
and my second (about 4 years ago)
10D with 100-300L -
quality is about THE SAME
BTW - D300 come with AF totally dead - great competition effort Nikon
Good golly, your D300 takes shots that have the same IQ as a 4 year old camera and the AF doesn't work. Heck I would return that piece of crap.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
It was very good 10D and 100-300L still is perfect.
Not for me anymore.
AF is working now, I hope.
I used these non Nikon authorized method -
manual, manual, shot, AF, AF, check
It's working at the moment, at least.
Let's see it in real work.
D300, D70s, 10.5/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 24-85/2.8-4, 50/1.4, 70-200VR, 70-300VR, 60/2.8, SB800, SB80DX, SD8A, MB-D10 ...
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Taken by mistake, I was shooting black CAT indoor so switched to 3200ISO
and later forgot to switch back to 200/400ISO so I took several pics outdoor in full sun !
It's actually not bad at all.
1. full frame, downsized, somewhat post-processed,
ISO3200, 1/1600s, f20, full afternoon sun, 70-300VR at 300mm [450mm] handheld
2. 100% crop, not touched anyway
ISO3200, 1/1600s, f20, full afternoon sun, 70-300VR at 300mm [450mm] handheld
I think it's good start for D300.
Z
D300, D70s, 10.5/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 24-85/2.8-4, 50/1.4, 70-200VR, 70-300VR, 60/2.8, SB800, SB80DX, SD8A, MB-D10 ...
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Hopes dashed...
Up here in the Great White North, we are just getting our D300s now.
I wanted to wait until they were actually in before buying (mostly due to negotiations with my husband).
So when I looked today and saw "Now In Stock" I was so happy.
But after a quick phone call I found out that they are not in stock, there were only enough for some of the waiting list. :bluduh
I was promised a call when the do get more in (likely next week).
OOOOHHH I CAN"T WAIT!!!! :
Hey Z28, if you want pro results, maybe try pro glass. Seriously, the 70-300 is consumer grade all the way. Capable of fair results, but not the best like a 70-200VR or a 200VR, or a 300 2.8, or a 200-400VR, etc...
As to the AF issue, yes, there is an out of the box issue for some cameras. Unfortunate, but true. This stuff happens in the real world, that don't make it a bad camera.
Aren't Canon owners still working for AF resolution on one of their high end cameras?
Hey Z28, if you want pro results, maybe try pro glass. Seriously, the 70-300 is consumer grade all the way. Capable of fair results, but not the best like a 70-200VR or a 200VR, or a 300 2.8, or a 200-400VR, etc...
As to the AF issue, yes, there is an out of the box issue for some cameras. Unfortunate, but true. This stuff happens in the real world, that don't make it a bad camera.
Aren't Canon owners still working for AF resolution on one of their high end cameras?
Dear Lex - Nikon don't have pro glass
D300, D70s, 10.5/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 24-85/2.8-4, 50/1.4, 70-200VR, 70-300VR, 60/2.8, SB800, SB80DX, SD8A, MB-D10 ...
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
... Because with one of the best Nikon lenses you "will" see an easily observable improvement in quality, and because we care.
The Nikon D300 is a very nice camera and it deserves some equally nice lenses, especially if you want to compare it to other cameras which do have great glass in the front.
Comments
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
If there are "serious" issues about the Nikon D300, I have yet to see evidence of it.
It is unfortunate about what happened to Paul (in this thread), but I'll bet that Nikon makes it right.
Meanwhile, Harry and Giphsub are enjoying their new cameras, and I have some envy for them and these new tools.
Congratulations to Harry and Giphsub (and Paul when it gets settled), and lets see some more wonderful images to show the world what these cameras can do.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Is the D300 a full sensor camera??
Will it accept the following lenses:
Nikon
18-200VR
18-55
55-200
55 f1.8
Sigma
80-400 OS
Nikon D80, D300, D700 all gripped, Nikkor 50 f1.8 Nikkor 18-200 VR Nikkor 70-200 VR f2.8 Nikkor 28-300 VR, Sigma 50-150 f2.8 Sigma 80-400 OS Sigma 150-500 OS Nikon SB600
The D300 is not full frame, the D3 is full frame.
It will accept all of the lenses you listed.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
That changes my Christmas list...my wife will be thrilled (NOT)
Nikon D80, D300, D700 all gripped, Nikkor 50 f1.8 Nikkor 18-200 VR Nikkor 70-200 VR f2.8 Nikkor 28-300 VR, Sigma 50-150 f2.8 Sigma 80-400 OS Sigma 150-500 OS Nikon SB600
http://fotogafer.smugmug.com/gallery/3900575#226289032
Not much time today, but here's a quick 200 iso shot using on board flash, handheld, comparing my in camera fine JPG to a NEF file edited in Photoshop CSIII ACR 4.3.
Hey, what is the difference between the different focus modes? I don't really know what they are all good at/for. I currently have my D300 set AF-C priority selection:release, AF-S priority selection: focus, and Dynamic AF area: 51. But it is hunting a bit at times with my 18-200, and sometime won't take a pic, presumably because it can't find focus. Any suggestions for what settings to use? I never had this issue with my D70 and that lens.
http://www.michaelhelbigphotography.com
http://www.thewildpig.blogspot.com
Actually it is, OK - my cats are bigger, but this small one may be called cat too
About D300 - maybe TODAY ???
For that event I keep one CF card, one lens and one cat close to entrance door
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
I don't have no stinkin cats, the dog is my daughter's, and was about all I had time to devote attention to given that I had an issue at first. This camera was not autofocusing at all, two chats with Nikon, and dealer, still that way. Finally, I switched it to manual mode and took a snap. then I switched it back to AF, and it's been focusing ever since and on 3 different lenses. go figure.
That AF issue is of some concern. I've seen other reports of having to switch to MF in order to get the AF working.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
The D300 is a good bit heavier, nice and big! Fits well in the hand. The buttons and menus are a good bit different from the D50 and D80 so it'll take me a while to figure out where everything is and what some of them do. Example....Live view say what? I'll be reading my manual at work today.
I took a couple test shots of my dusty living room...but I'll refrain from posting them so Harry doesn't look upon me with disdain. However, I took the three cameras all with the 70-200 2.8 and took the same shots in JPEG. Auto on the D50 and D80 and manually set to the same setting on the D300 and then also shutter priorty 1/250 @ ISO 1600 with on board flash. With normal noise reduction I was quite happy with the 1600 on the D300. High noise reduction = softness and I'll probably steer clear, but I'll try a few REAL tests later.
Also, I got an english and spanish manual. Ken Rockwell says it's only in english?
SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com
http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
The manual comes in both languages.
I would never look upon you with disdain. Now pictures of a dusty living room are another story of course. :ivar
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Glad you got it working Lex
http://www.michaelhelbigphotography.com
http://www.thewildpig.blogspot.com
List of Harry's dislikes are longer and longer
Cats, stinky daughter's dogs, dusty living rooms, ...
And my D300 is still somewhere in dirty, stinky, dusty brown truck
Viera's only allowed birds must wait much longer
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
I am shocked that you failed to include squirrels in the list of my dislikes.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Thanks folks, I think? I got to admit, I'm a bit concerned too. I almost wish I'd boxed it back up to send back before changing to manual and getting it working. I will always wonder if it's going to go "back" the other way.
What do you think guys, Harry, any reports of this problem resurfacing once the person got it started focusing properly? Or if it's working now, am I ok?
Hmmm....
This is the one thread I've seen on the problem.
Unlike the folks reporting metering problems (folks who don't understand matrix metering IMHO) their problems seemed real.
However the thread died pretty quick and I haven't seen any other such reports on the other boards I frequent so I don't think its a major problem. Most of the folks with the problem did not have it reoccur. At this point I don't think its anything to worry about. if it should reoccur I would contact Nikon and get a replacement.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
First thoughts after monitor review -
comparing sets:
D300 with 70-300VR
and my second (about 4 years ago)
10D with 100-300L -
quality is about THE SAME
BTW - D300 come with AF totally dead - great competition effort Nikon
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Good golly, your D300 takes shots that have the same IQ as a 4 year old camera and the AF doesn't work. Heck I would return that piece of crap.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Not for me anymore.
AF is working now, I hope.
I used these non Nikon authorized method -
manual, manual, shot, AF, AF, check
It's working at the moment, at least.
Let's see it in real work.
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Taken by mistake, I was shooting black CAT indoor so switched to 3200ISO
and later forgot to switch back to 200/400ISO so I took several pics outdoor in full sun !
It's actually not bad at all.
1. full frame, downsized, somewhat post-processed,
ISO3200, 1/1600s, f20, full afternoon sun, 70-300VR at 300mm [450mm] handheld
2. 100% crop, not touched anyway
ISO3200, 1/1600s, f20, full afternoon sun, 70-300VR at 300mm [450mm] handheld
I think it's good start for D300.
Z
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Up here in the Great White North, we are just getting our D300s now.
I wanted to wait until they were actually in before buying (mostly due to negotiations with my husband).
So when I looked today and saw "Now In Stock" I was so happy.
But after a quick phone call I found out that they are not in stock, there were only enough for some of the waiting list. :bluduh
I was promised a call when the do get more in (likely next week).
OOOOHHH I CAN"T WAIT!!!!
http://monicarooney.smugmug.com/
...
As to the AF issue, yes, there is an out of the box issue for some cameras. Unfortunate, but true. This stuff happens in the real world, that don't make it a bad camera.
Aren't Canon owners still working for AF resolution on one of their high end cameras?
www.tednghiem.com
Dear Lex - Nikon don't have pro glass
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Nikon has a lot of professional lenses. Try one of the faster primes or most of the AF-S Nikkors. Splendid fisheyes and macros too.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
... Because with one of the best Nikon lenses you "will" see an easily observable improvement in quality, and because we care.
The Nikon D300 is a very nice camera and it deserves some equally nice lenses, especially if you want to compare it to other cameras which do have great glass in the front.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums