Nikon D300 - Image quality
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As you would expect from a camera of this specification, image quality is uniformly excellent and at its best reaches a professional standard, despite the relatively low price point. Color processing is impressive at a range of light levels. The noise profile is a significant improvement on that of the D200, which is perhaps not so surprising given the extended ISO range and better specified sensor. However, the D300 also shows a superior noise profile to the Sony DSLR-A700, which uses the same sensor, suggesting that Nikon have achieved an excellent balance in the combination of the sensor, the improved AF system and the accuracy of the metering.
Perhaps inevitably, the noise increases markedly at higher ISO settings, with grain reaching an almost unacceptable level at 6400. However, up to the recommended top setting of 3200, image quality remains very high.
Images are sharp and crisp, with good exposure, excellent definition in areas of shadow, and good balance across the tonal range. Sharpness is noticeably improved by turning it up a step or two from the default, but when set properly it shows almost-perfect resolution of fine details with no noticeable aliasing artifacts. The dynamic range is exceptional, maintaining a good level of detail in shadow without compromising the highlights even with the white-balance set automatically. Manual adjustment of the white balance improves things slightly, but the automatic mode is so good as to make this hardly worthwhile in most situations.
Conclusion
The features and quality of the D300 are exceptional at this price point. For the price of a prosumer model, Nikon have managed to produce a camera that crosses well over the line into professional territory. It's rewarding to see the company incorporating features such as the auto-focus system that are at home in much more expensive equipment, and while this might not impress higher end purchasers, it does bring serious quality within reach of the serious amateur.
However, these capabilities do come at a certain price: the D300 is not a machine for the uninitiated photographer. Lacking the "standard" modes that often tend to oversimplify lower range equipment, the camera has to be studied and learned to get the best out of it. Nonetheless, for those prepared to put in the work required to master it, and certainly for those who already have the necessary knowledge, it's easy to see the D300 becoming an essential tool for virtually all types of photography, from artistic and landscape shots to action and wildlife, and encompassing virtually all points in between.
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