We just got our Nikon D300s, and it’s looking good. I’ve taken a few beauty shots for you, and shot some video with the camera as well. First impressions are good, but that’s to be expected as it’s based on the the excellent D300 body. We’ll be comparing the D300s to a D300 in our full review to help you decide if you want to upgrade or not.
The physical camera is different in some subtle ways. There’s a dedicated live view button, a quiet shutter mode, and the door to the memory card hatch has been changed. Nikon also switched the control rocker switch to the style used in the D3 and D5000, and it’s a definite improvement.
Internally, things have been upgraded as well. The camera has a faster CPU, which allows for quicker auto focus. I have noticed that the 16-85mm lens that Nikon sent with the camera does seem faster, however I haven’t had a chance to test it on my D300 yet to get an accurate idea. The D300s does feel snappier then the D300. I’m not sure if that’s something that quantifiable or not, but I’ll let you know when I do the proper review.
For now, I went out and shot some 720p video for you, and I am impressed with that feature. There are a couple of things that I have notice about the video mode though, you will want to either be on a tripod, or have the VR set to “active”, and the auto-focus noise is really noticeable.
For now, here’s a gallery of the camera itself, and a sample video at the top of this post. If there is anything in particular you’d like me to check out or compare to the original D300, put it in the comments. I will be watching and try to answer for you.
Minor question – How’s the weight of the d300s vs the d300?
From a completely unscientific comparison, the bodies both weigh about the same.
Thanks. I know it’s silly, but I work at a photography place where a lot of older people shop for their cameras, and a few more choice customers have problems with their hands that they can’t carry beyond a certain weight, and, sadly, the d300 borders on that weight.
Looks like a SLR, feels like one but… since when photographic cameras include video? That takes it down to the level of point-and-shoot cameras. Photo cameras are for stills… for video bring your thousand millions CCD video recorder and have better results ;)
I am photo fan but there are times in your life when you cannot be satisfied with just a photo. Video makes so much more for your life.
@Cesar – I felt the same way, until I actually started using the thing to shoot video. Now it makes sense, I don’t need to carry two devices with me. And the picture quality from using that good of glass is just amazing.
a correction to what you’re saying. yes, DSLRs are meant for still photos and camcorders are for videos. but right now, d300s included motion recording doesnt mean the standard had been compromised and it allows users to have an additional choice, without bringing out more stuffs, and yet maintaining the quality through its tech. open up dude.
http://www.vimeo.com/6987374
We see perfectly on most plans, a distorted picture
by “waves” … Then the D300 exploitable video? Certainly
yes if you like taking risks! No manual mode (though
more than suggested on the dedicated website and announced in the manual), by
default while saving the exhibition possible, but after
trigger … (another method exists but is twisted …) not …
lock the ISO sensitivity adjustment is auto. But
especially you never know in advance if your image will not
affected by this deformation at a video output light
Artificial uncontrolled (that is the case in an output
eg city).
Friends videographers this unit is to flee, it is better to prefer a
Canon! 5D Mark II or 7D
What ?
Can anyone make any sense of that last comment ?
All I can say is that after a lot of long and care full thought and after testing both the D300s and Canon 50D I plumped for the D300s and I have not been disapointed desipte the additional cost.
Personally I could live without the video, I’ve never used it seriously yet.
Yes, the meaning is the following: Nikon has a huge delay on the video plane compared to Canon. HD cons full HD, no manual, no possibility to choose the ISO or the lock unusable under certain light sources (see manual) … for example.