Nikon D300 - Appearance continued
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The back panel has been rearranged slightly to make room for the enlarged 3" monitor, which is positioned directly below the satisfyingly large and bright viewfinder. To the left of the monitor, which is exceptionally bright and clear, are the menu, protect/info, zoom and OK buttons. These behave as you would expect, although it's worth mentioning that Nikon have chosen to simplify image playback by providing dedicated zoom in and out buttons, eliminating the need for the manual dexterity required to operate these functions on older models.
The multi-selector switch and AF area mode selector are positioned on the right of the screen, with the playback, delete/format and autofocus controls at the top on either side of the viewfinder. All of the buttons are large and positive, allowing for the kind of straightforward, definite operation welcomed by photographers rather than gadget lovers.
The camera's left side provides the location for the connectivity slots, protected by a rubber cover, with the single Compact Flash slot behind a spring-loaded door on the right. A second card slot would have been appreciated, but the camera already has so many features that Nikon presumably had to keep something in reserve for their more expensive models. The D300 can use Type I and II CF cards, supports the FAT32 file system for large cards, and can also use UDMA cards.
The layout feels natural and logical; everything is more or less where you would expect to find it, and even a newcomer to DSLR photography will find themselves up and running quickly thanks to Nikon's attention to detail in this department. The grip is especially worthy of mention, offering a secure and positive hold on the camera which places your hand naturally in the correct position to operate the shooting controls. The metal construction makes the camera solid and reassuring to hold, while the soft rubber finish provides for a steady and secure grip.
And as a final touch, almost every door, seam and seal is protected by a rubber gasket, making the D300 the nearest thing you'll find to a weatherproof DSLR. Note that the camera is weatherproof, not waterproof. It should keep out the worst of the rain and dust in normal use, but underwater use is definitely not recommended.
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