Features & Performance (...continued)

Release Modes

The D300s has several different release modes, including single frame, continuous low speed, continuous high speed, quiet shutter release, self-timer and mirror up. It also features customizable interval timing. I found this feature useful for time lapse photography, candid shots with the camera unattended, photographing children playing, or as an alternative to taking portraits without having to re-initiate the self-timer release mode. The continuous high speed shooting mode was excellent, with 7fps achievable normally, 7.6fps on AC power, and 8fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack. This is also higher than many of Nikon's competitors. The shooting speed is reduced to 2.5 fps however, if 14bit RAW mode is selected. Users will have to determine if the trade-off of speed vs. bit depth is worth it. Compared to my D70s, which is limited to approximately 3fps, it is a huge upgrade for shooting fast moving subjects. The D300s also has an interesting multiple exposure mode, which some users may have a use for, rather than relying on post-processing software. I'm disappointed that the D300s does not offer the older style connection for my remote shutter release, although the new 10 pin remote terminal has significantly more functionality and can be used with several remote cords, extension or connecting cords, infrared control, or GPS units.

Dual Memory Card Slots

The camera also includes dual memory cards slots, allowing for simultaneous use of a CompactFlash and an SD card. This feature allows the second card to be used for overflow once the primary card is full, back-up recording of images to both cards, and saving of RAW and JPEG images to separate cards. The back-up functionality is extremely useful for those who cannot afford to lose images due to a memory card failure, and I utilized this mode exclusively.

Live View

The D300s' Live View is a welcome feature, allowing the user to compose shots using the LCD monitor rather than the viewfinder, using one of two modes. The handheld mode focuses normally using phase-detection autofocus. The tripod mode uses contrast-detect autofocus (using the image sensor rather than the focusing sensor), which unfortunately takes longer to focus. A virtual horizon is also available during Live View, to ensure the camera is level, if desired. I found it odd though that in Live View, the rear LCD monitor does not show the exposure meter, and the top control panel must be viewed instead. A live histogram on the LCD monitor would also be a welcome addition. The Live View feature is quite useful, allowing for zooming of static subjects to confirm specific points are in focus, or taking handheld shots that otherwise would not be possible.

Movie Recording

The last major feature the D300s introduces is the 720p HD movie recording. The camera can capture movies in AVI format at 24 frames per second and at 3 resolutions: 1,280x720, 640x424, or 320x216 pixels. For budding filmmakers using a variety of NIKKOR lenses, this feature could be very useful, as the results can be quite stunning. There are several issues, however, that limit its usefulness. Recording movies in the handheld mode does not allow for autofocusing, and manual focusing of the lens is required. Recording movies in tripod mode requires pressing the AF-ON button to use the contrast-detect autofocus each time focus is required. The maximum file size at 720p resolution is also limited to 2GB, or 5 minutes of recording. With memory cards continuing to increase in size, it is disappointing to be limited in file size and have to break a recording up into small clips. An external microphone can be connected to the camera for audio recording; this will likely be required for anyone planning to seriously film with the D300s, as the sounds of manually zooming or focusing a lens, vibration reduction, or using the contrast-detect autofocus are recorded by the integrated microphone. I believe that due to these limitations, the movie recording feature will be attractive only to a very small population of D300s users, specifically those with a lot of patience and creative vision. The average user who hopes to replace a standalone HD camcorder for shooting videos of family, friends or events will be disappointed. I would rather carry my Sony camcorder for full 1080p HD recording and the D300s for still images.

Figure 11: D300s Video Handheld Mode.

Figure 12: D300s Video Tripod Mode.

Conclusion

The Nikon D300s is a fantastic update of the already excellent D300 digital SLR body. It offers great ergonomics, outstanding low-light performance, high continuous shooting speeds, very deep customization, and reasonably useful movie recording functionality. It is a recommended upgrade for existing Nikon users, or as a new body for photographers looking for a powerful and versatile camera.

Matthew Shanks is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional, based in Calgary, Alberta. His interests include photography, home theater, and gaming. He is happily married and recently welcomed his baby daughter to the family.

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