Nikon D300
Announced August 23, 2007
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon D300 is a robust, feature-rich DSLR that offers professional-grade handling and a highly responsive autofocus system. While it remains a capable workhorse for serious enthusiasts, its significant weight and complex menu structure may prove overwhelming for casual photographers.
Weighted from 19 reviewer scores
Pros
- Advanced 51-point autofocus system with rapid tracking
- Sharp, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor
- Excellent color reproduction and high ISO performance
- Efficient battery life and fast continuous shooting
- Highly durable magnesium alloy body with environmental sealing
Cons
- Heavy and bulky physical design
- Inconsistent auto white balance under artificial lighting
- Reduced performance when using 14-bit RAW or noise reduction
- Complex menu system and steep learning curve
- Lack of in-body image stabilization
- Launch price $1,799.95 (USD)
- Sensor 12.3MP CMOS
- Burst 6 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 19 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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There’s simply no better semi-professional digital SLR on the market.
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It won't just serve you, it will teach you.
- Cameralabs 90%
There’s no denying the Nikon D300 is a highly capable DSLR which will delight enthusiasts and satisfy the demands of pros looking for a backup or ‘budget’ body.
- WIRED 9/10
Big, heavy and laden with features, Nikon's 12.3-megapixel D300 is also the best digi-SLR for under three grand we've seen yet. All told, it comes as close to the highest-end Nikons or Canons on the market for thousands less.
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Despite the D300 being a replacement for the semi-pro D200, Nikon's professional users can rest assured that the camera is also a worthy replacement for the D2 range of DX format professional models and will carry the format well into the future.
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[T]he Nikons D300 has got to be pretty much near the top of any wants list.
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The Nikon D300 is a superb camera, and one of the best currently available. It is a very expensive camera, but it offers a huge range of features and options, and is built to last.
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Nikon has really done proud with the D300. Finally here is a camera that surpasses the capabilities of the Nikon F6 film camera, and at a price that, while not cheap, is comparable to a pro film camera and relatively affordable.
- CNET 8.5/10
At 825 grams, the Nikon D300 is more than heavy, but if you’re a keen photographer and have an eye for detail, the D300 will prove itself with great image quality shot after shot. However, first time photographers and social-snappers might find this dSLR slightly overwhelming.
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The Nikon D300 will be primarily useful for professional photographers, who will be able to utilize all the useful features hidden behind the camera's extensive menus. The D300 is especially good for reportage photography.
- Photo Review 9/10
The D300 is a worthy addition to Nikon’s DSLR line-up and would make an excellent choice for serious enthusiasts with a suite of Nikkor lenses.
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Quite simply a stunning new Nikon that has performance and handling panache as standard that should have you reaching for your wallet.
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The bottom line is that, while no camera is perfect, the Nikon D300 is a solid performer with nothing that lets it down.
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The Nikon D300 is the world's best amateur camera.
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I'm putting this camera up for sale; probably if you're watching this it's already been sold, but if any of you are thinking about getting a secondhand camera, I can't recommend the Nikon D300 enough.
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To me, the D300 doesn’t feel like an upgrade; it feels like a whole new camera from the ground up.
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The Nikon D300 is more than I expected from a camera, a highly respectable D200 update with an accessible and fair price.
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So yeah, the Nikon D300, old camera, say 2007, the same year as the iPhone, but I think it's a great camera and I think that if you're on a tight budget, a really tight budget, you can't go wrong with a secondhand D300.
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The D300 employs Scene Recognition technology that combines data from the Matrix metering and AF systems for superior exposures, White Balance and tracking focus. Image quality is certainly competitive in all respects.
