30-07-2009: Nikon Launch the D300s and D3000 cameras. Specs here.
Today, Nikon launched their long awaited D3000 entry level and D300s semi professional cameras.
As expected, the D300S is a D300 capable of HD 720p movies with contrast detect AF, although there are some other interesting improvements, such as dual CF/SD card slots, connection for an external stereo microphone, the virtual horizon first seen on the D3 and Active D-Lighting (ADL) bracketing, among others.
The D3000, on the other hand, is in essence a stripped down D5000; it lacks both the articulated screen and movie mode, but has interesting innovations in the form of an improved advanced help system and an new “Easy Operation Guide” which helps users to make the best of this camera.
There are already a number of kit options available (depending on territory) like - for example - with the 18-55 and 55-200 "plastic duo" with or without VR, which – to me – make for an ideal (and economical) starter's kit.
After the break I resume the specs of both cameras, as taken from their respective US product brochures.
Nikon D300s spec summary:
Sensor: 12.3 Mp. CMOS, DX format. Integrated dust reduction system with sensor shake and Image Dust-off reference (requires Capture NX2).
File formats: 12 or 14-bits NEF (Nikon RAW) compressed, lossless compressed, uncompressed. NEF + JPG, uncompressed TIFF, JPG (L, M, S) fine, normal & basic.
Auto focus: Multicam 3500DX TTL with phase detection, AF fine tuning, and 51/11 focus points. AF-S, AF-C & MF.
AF Area options: single, 9, 21 and 51 point group dynamic, 51 point group dynamic with 3D predictive auto-focus tracking, 51 point auto (closest subject).
Storage: Dual Card (configurable). CF type I, UDMA compliant & SD, SDHC compliant.
Viewfinder coverage: 100%!!
Shutter speed: from 1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb, X250. Frame rate: 7 fps. (8 with optional MB-D10 multi-battery pack)
Picture Control with 4 standard and 9 customizable presets.
Metering: 1.005 px. 3D Color Matrix II with scene recognition, variable center weighted, spot. P/P* (program, vari-program), S (shutter priority), A (aperture priority) and M (manual) +/- 5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 increments.
Exposure bracketing: up to 9 frames in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments.
Sensitivity: 100-3200 ISO in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps, LO-1 (ISO 100) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400).
Monitor: 3” 920k TFT with brightness adjustment.
In-camera active D-Lighting (5 options and off) with 2-5 frames bracketing.
Built-in iTLL pop-up flash. GN: 39/12 (ft./m @ ISO 100), compensation –1 to + 3 EV., and 2-9 frames bracketing. CLS compatible, 2-group wireless commander mode.
Live View: TTL Phase detect (51/11 sensors) or contrast detect AF (tripod mode).
Movie mode: HD 720p, 1.280x720/24 fps. (5 min. max.), 640x480/24 fps. (20 min. max.), 320x240/24 fps. AVI motion JPG, mono or stereo sound (with external mike) and contrast detect AF (tripod mode).
In-camera retouch options: D-Lighting, Red-eye Correction, Trim, Monochrome, Filter Effects, Small Picture, Image Overlay, Side by side comparison, Resize, Edit Movie.
Battery: EN-EL3e
Weight 840 g., without battery.
Input/Output: USB, audio/video, HDMI-C, stereo in, 10 pin remote (for GPS, remote controls etc.).
Interesting accessory: MB-D10 battery pack with vertical shooting controls (control dials and AE-L/AF-L button)
Price: $ 1.799 ESP
Nikon D300S: DxOMark Sensor Score: 69.8, DxOMark Low-Light ISO Score: 787. More information.
Click here for the product brochure and here for the camera's home page.
Sensor: 10.2 Mp. CCD, DX format. Integrated dust reduction system with Air-Flow-Control and Image Dust off reference (requires Capture NX2).
File formats: NEF (Nikon RAW), NEF + JPG, JPG (L, M, S) fine, normal & basic.
Auto focus: Multicam 1000, AF-S, AF-C, AF-A, MF; 11 point auto focus system.
AF Area options: single, dynamic, auto area with closest subject priority, 11 point dynamic 3D.
Scene recognition system for precise exposure and auto focus
Storage: SD, SDHC compliant
Shutter speed: from 1/4000 to 30 sec. plus bulb.
Metering: 420 px. 3D Color matrix II, center weighted and spot. 7 Scene modes, P/P* (program, vari-program), S (shutter priority), A (aperture priority) and M (manual) +/- 5 EV.
Sensitivity: 100-1600 ISO in 1/3 or 1/2 steps, Hi-1 (ISO 3200).
Monitor: 3” 230k dot TFT
Built-in iTLL pop-up flash. GN: 39/12 (ft./m @ ISO 100), compensation -1 to + 3 EV. CLS compatible, no commander mode.
Picture Control with 6 customizable presets.
New Easy Operation Guide, which shows what to do and when, advanced help function.
Expanded in-camera retouching: D-Lighting, Red-eye Correction, Trim, Monochrome, Filter Effects, Small Picture, Image Overlay, NEF (RAW) Processing, Stop Motion Movie, Quick Retouch, Cross Screen Filter, Color Intensifier, Miniature Effect, Color outline.
Battery: EN-EL9a
Weight: 485 g. without battery.
Output: USB, audio/video. Note: no HDMI.
Interesting accessory: ML-L3 IR remote control (good & cheap!).
Price: $ 599 ESP
Nikon D3000: DxOMark Sensor Score: 62.4, DxOMark Low-Light ISO Score: 563. More information.
Click here for the product brochure and here for the camera's home page.
If you want to compare the different Nikon models currently available click here (PDF, 290 Kb. Note: does not include the D300).
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