Nikon D300s review

Full review at www.cameralabs.... . A 12minute HD tour around the Nikon D300s, the company's latest semi-pro DSLR, featuring Live View, HD video and fast continuous shooting. For my full review with comparisons, sample images and video, results and current pricing, please click the link at the start of this text or visit cameralabs . com. If you have any questions regarding this review, feel free to post on the Cameralabs forum!

[@cameralabs]

You can find a full test report at cameralabs . com!

[@valenghi1]

Thanks! i decided to get a second hand D2x with the 16-85 dx vr lens you recommended, really happy with it! altogether cost about £1,400. ANYBODY LOOKING FOR CAMERAS TO BUY, I RECOMMEND LOOKING AT SECOND HAND STUFF FROM A LICENSED RETAILER FIRST!!!! you can get suchhhh a good bargain!! thanks Gordon!!

[@Randolph_]

@Mexico911 yup, we do have manufacturing plants here bro, as well as canon and the others. but of course, the main is still in japan.

[@tuckerjeffrey]

I will be glad to support you as soon as Nikon comes out or releases some new DSLR's with HD Video, until then I am waiting. I am afraid of Canon autofocus and low light performance. I think Nikon may have a slight edge, and I think a refresh is upcoming shortly. I may be wrong, do you have a hunch on new items by Nikon? Thanks again, UR Reviews are THE BEST !!!!!

[@cameralabs]

@volcomvenom Thanks! Please do also check out my reviews at cameralabs . com, as there's much more information there! PS - if you'd like to support me, please shop for anything at the partner stores page at cameralabs . com!

[@notwalkingalone]

Hooray for nikon!

[@cameralabs]

@zeyshaan The lens here is the Nikkor 16-85mm - please see my review of it at cameralabs . com for full details - and also for MUCH more information in my D300s review. These videos just scratch the surface!

[@chenology]

D300s for photography hands down.. but unfortunately I do video as well so I opted for the 7D.. damn you canon!

[@TelisRafa]

@stavrophotography ...you can use any kind of microphone...i use it with a sennheiser mic and it works just great

[@paintbasstard]

You have to hear it in person. It actually sounds much quieter.

[@TheStig000]

A lot of it comes down to preference. I just don't like how Canon feels over all so I went with Nikon. It made a good first impression on me perhaps.

[@chowmonkey2002]

Just uploaded. Not in HD yet.. Takes a bit longer for KZbin to have that processed.

[@jackzhangxiao]

thanks for sharing

[@HelloNewYorkCity]

the d300 and other nikons that don't have a mode dial, you hold the mode button, and use the main command dial. there is only p,s,a,m but program is auto (almost)

[@monkeyboy85]

great review, when did youtube get rid of the 10 minute video restriction?

[@surajbanerjee6850]

12 year old video shows how he hasn't changed in so long. Definitely top 3 of camera review channels of all time. Why I prefer him over most others? He's to the point and does not waste our time.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@Randolph_]

@ithree6mafia well, nikon is a japanese company, so the nearest pronunciation that fits it must be "nick-on". but very well, given the nature of the western tongue, saying "nye-con" is acceptable.

[@Randolph_]

wow! this is a fighter jet with machine gun! 7fps, combined with the virtual horizon thing? whoa!

[@Delokrat]

Great review. Are you planning to make a review of the Nikon D3000?

[@DrJuanCarlosCastellanos]

yes, it has a built in AF motor

[@TylerGibsonFishing]

depends on what you plan on doing with your camera.

[@82ngt]

The SD card remembered the last picture number taked with my ex camera,a D80,and started from that number on my new camera?

[@derka83]

@jpq08 Its a huuge upgrade! :) I got a D80 myself, and thinking of buying this one. Much better improvement on the fps aswell with alot more.

[@tony77tony77]

shoot a picture in jpeg. download opanda.Iexif 2.3.....open the picture in that program and it will tell you the picture number count. Thats how you tell how many times that your camera has been shot.

[@warkittens84]

Toomuchbutthair go with nikon because you can use old lenses from the 60's on present day bodies , and you can say the same about canon . I know I would think about that since good lenses are expensive .

[@cameralabs]

See my reviews at cameralabs . com - I go into all of this in detail. Also, check the best buys section for the models I recommend right now.

[@Calnickel]

I did. I bought a 35mm EOS 1v and was very disappointed. My Minolta XG-1 from 1978 was actually better. I wound up giving the EOS away. I would love to have a D300s or even a D90 but had to cheap out a bit and just bought a D5000. More money and less res than an t1i but far better image quality.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Don't forget you can support me by shopping (for anything!) at the partner stores page at cameralabs . com! Cheers!

[@CaptainVideoBlaster]

Good stuff.

[@orion9k]

To be honest, the Q (quiet) funktion seems louder then the regular funktion for the shutter

[@sexualburgerking]

Sir, I love your videos. They're probably the best camera reviews on KZbin. I especially appreciate that you don't include any obnoxious music or intros. I'm saving to buy a D300S right now, so this video was highly interesting, thanks!

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

Did you get it yet? How is it? 🤣😂💀

[@martinaee]

Well I'll comment on my comment.... There are several features you don't get on the D90 like Dual recording card slots, quiet mode, and a couple of other things, but in my opinion the price difference doesn't make up for it.... Unless you're absolutely loaded. get the D90

[@khayiekaze15]

good day sir.. i'm just curious and i really don't know on how to take a picture that is black and white, and with only one color focused.. just like a girl in a black and white image, while her dress is color yellow.. please help.. because some of them to this by just editing the picture, but some says it can be done in taking picture... please help.. tnx...

[@DjViOd]

@jandearabier I don't think that's a big problem if you're albe to edit and stuff and i think it's because of the card formatting.

[@akirapills767]

Sarcasm doesn't translate too well on the internet but realistically, yeah a D90 would be a much better choice

[@krayzieillaskan]

Going on a trip to Taiwan. And you will be going downtown to Taipei and want to take pictures of buildings around town... like Taipei 101. What would be a good lens to use? Or if I go to Shilin Night Market or any other Night Market... what would be a good lens to use?

[@qudiq]

hi there Gordan....i'm still new in taking photo could you tell me what are the best model for me?????and also a good price that i can affort

[@gmtrvdr]

my dad has a tamron 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that he uses for his Nikon F4. Would I be able to use it with this body? Thanks so much!

[@TofuFGC]

I'm planning to buy this camera body, but im not sure what lens to get. I already have a 35mm and an 18-105mm lens, should i get a 16-85mm or a 10-24 wide angle lens?

[@cameralabs]

@Dr23rippa Hopefully in the next few weeks - but it'll only be at cameralabs . com...

[@axla]

@findingmiddlegrey so... which one have you chose? im into nikon but y would like to know your choice! greetings

[@7b0ne]

hi gordon, thnx for the review, question, what would you suggest me? I'm planing to buy a d300s, but an acquaintance said, a d90 is better and cheaper. so what should i buy, also i'm thinking to buy the d700, so either a DX or FX., thnx for the reply.

[@cameralabs]

They have the same image quality, movie mode and screen, so it depends if you want the extra speed, better viewfinder, tougher build etc of the D300s. See my reviews at cameralabs . com...

[@jt9498]

Great video, Gordon. I have the D300s and just love it! However, I noticed on your camera, you have a Quiet mode. Mine does not. Was this an option I don't know about? Perhaps this option was only available in the UK? I would appreciate an explanation if possible. :)

[@cameralabs]

Glad you found this video! I haven't used the D300s since I made this video, so it's a few years back now! All models should be the same around the World though... maybe give Nikon a call?

[@TheChubbyKid]

How many focus points does this have. Does it have an internal focus motor?

[@AriaAryana]

which is the best, nikon d300s or canon eos 7d? i'm very confused. thanks.

[@cameralabs]

@NorfolkWestern34 all the cameras i test are on loan from the companies, so the d200 was returned years ago. theres also no point in reviewing an old model, sorry!

[@Lumixster]

can u do review on tamron 18-270 mm lens plz? i just saw it and looks pretty good but want to know what u think....ty

[@cameralabs]

No problem! I have a guide to buying Nikon lenses at cameralabs . com - just go to the lenses section and go to the Nikkor lenses and the article will guide you through the best lenses for each style of photograph!

[@cameralabs]

@Daddygoodfun Good question and one I've answered in detail in my review at cameralabs . com - check the drive section towards the bottom of the features page.

[@tuckerjeffrey]

Gordon You have the absolute best Camera reviews on the web. I just wanted to comment on your Great Videos. Thanks for all you do.

[@Sertao2013]

No built in shake reduction is killing canon and nikon . Pentax cameras with built in shake reduction and high iso with no noise are the way to go for less money and more features .It turns any lens you put on at a stabilized lens .

[@cikeika5288]

Is there anyone still using D300s?

[@BZoli7]

I just bought mine second-hand 2 months ago and have been very pleased with it. Greetings from Hungary!

[@TheStig000]

Actually I'm saying that Nikon has higher quality lenses for the money you pay. Compare the entry level lenses to each other and Nikon is much better. The only lenses worth buying for a Canon are the L range and those are expensive.

[@cameralabs]

I like the sound of that - how do I do it?

[@tysh77]

@plus16hrs I've found that the other way round most of the Canon owners I know use Macs

[@jamesuk2872]

hi Gordon, i really like the review. kindly help me. i'm just an amateur photographer. i want to upgrade my D40x. now i'm confused though, i'm choosing between D90 and D300s. i only use my cam as a hobby and for travelling. suggestion pls.thanks a million.

[@JereHakala]

He has a preview of it in his site :E.

[@TheJokerific]

Hi Gordon..im a bit confused whether to get nikon d300s or nikon d7000..for your opinion which one is better and which one should i get.tq

[@MrCoolAttitude]

Which compact flash card do you suggest me to buy for my D300s?

[@janadal86]

What's the location of all your pictures and movies? It's gorgeous!

[@scholesville]

Any video comparison of D3000 or D5000 with Canon 500D?

[@cameralabs]

@extrahumane great to hear you say Neekon! I havrnt' tested the Tamron 11-18mm, but I think there's some Nikon owners with it on the cameralabs forum - check it out!

[@1nik1]

Top notch review! My D300s should arrive in a couple of days, this has made me so much more excited now.

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

Did it arrive yet? How is it?

[@1nik1]

@@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse Still waiting for it to arrive. Will get back to you in 12 years.

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

@@1nik1 Royal mail strikes or are hermes/yodel delivering it?

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

@@1nik1 has the tracking updated? I mean 12yrs is quite a delay…

[@82ngt]

hello!how can i know the real number of shots made with an D300S?I recently buy a D300S and i put a new CF card,and an old SD card.When i started to take pictures,the number of pictures started from 4125,something like that.Primary card is SD,secondary CF.Help me!Thank you,i love your videos!Because of you i own a D300S now,i`m verry happy!

[@ferrgo]

what would you prefer nikon d5000, d90 or d300s?

[@valenghi1]

D300s or D700?? obviously the D700 is better, but is it worth almost £1000 extra?? please give me some advice!! I really don't want to get a Canon!!! so in other words, what is the best camera for around £1500???

[@paintbasstard]

If you want to pay $2000 for a "auto" mode, go to Canon. If you're asking that question you shouldn't even be looking at semi-pro/pro cameras. Nikon wants to help you become a better photographer, that's why there is no auto mode. Canon just wants... well i don't know what the hell they are trying to do. They just want you to waste your money.

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

Thanks for the review, just picked one up! I paid £149 for a 25k shutter one. Absolute bargain for what you’re getting! I had a D200 in 2009 which I used on a European tour of Elton John. Those pictures still license today so if the D200 pics are still good enough in 2022 the the D300s is more than capable of producing print publishable work! Anyone who disagrees or thinks you need the latest greatest mirrorless has been duped and is clearly still learning… I personally hate evf on all mirrorless, give me an optical viewfinder every day. My main Cam is a D800 which I sold a Panasonic S1 to purchase… I have no regrets. Yes the S1 is way more capable at video, but not photography. Im a photographer…

[@cameralabs]

There's definitely pros and cons to OVFs and EVFs, but a lot is down to personal preference. For me it's EVF all the way, and those on the latest models like the Sony Alpha 1 or A7R V look amazing to me. Glad you found a good deal on a D300s - I remember enjoying that one a lot!

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

@@cameralabs Wow, that genuinely surprises me. What is it about evf that you prefer?

[@cameralabs]

@@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse I can use it for playback as well as composing, for video as well as stills, and apply all of the shooting aids I can have on the screen, like any type of grid, histogram, zebras, level gauge, focus magnification, peaking, and beyond that, preview in real time white balance, colour profiles, monochrome etc. Plus good ones are bigger than an OVF too.

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

@@cameralabs all good fair points half of which I never even gave a thought to when I had the S1, just simply didnt like looking thru what appeared to be a tv screen, cos I guess was. Also seems no matter how good and I believe the S1 evf was quite highly rated even if the AF wasn’t, there was always occasions of slight lag, not always but more than I liked…

[@Lilyfernm]

Is it better then a Cannon 7D? For Filming wise?

[@cameralabs]

See the verdict page of my 7D review at cameralabs . com... the T2i is in a lower class, so while the image quality may be similar to the 7D, the build, speed and handling are completely different to the 7D and D300s.

[@robblack7560]

I purchased my D300S two days ago, just figured out how to turn it on! - Yes, a novice in action.

[@cameralabs]

Hope my video helps!

[@robblack7560]

@@cameralabs Yes and thank you so much. The D300s has only 2,888 actuations, the Handbook is fine but watching someone who knows what they are doing is gold dust. Very much appreciated.

[@TJAXXUSVI]

Excellent presentation, No matter how you pronounce it the bottom line is it takes good pictures, and has outstanding reatures.

[@rollakid]

Superb review as always, always as accurate as a review can be. But you forgot to show how AF during video will do to the recorded video, it's clicking all the time when I AF in video mode...

[@NRP1991]

awesome awesome awesome!

[@colynbarrett8127]

Many thanks Gordon. I shall take Your Kind Advice.

[@cameralabs]

Nikon has manufacturing plants in many places, including Japan and Thailand. it doesn't make a scrap of difference to the end result.

[@cameralabs]

Depends wherre you shop - I have current pricing on my review at cameralabs . com.

[@gracenrich]

Thank you Gordon. Your information is always helpful.

[@paintbasstard]

aww D: Come back to Nikon! We miss you :(

[@cameralabs]

@7mt7 The D300s was a great camera but it's really getting on now, so unless you find a great price on one I'd consider the D7000 from Nikon, or the 7D from Canon. Actually none of them at that end of the market are brand new. There will hopefully be new semi-pro bodies this year if you can wait...

[@hugosaavedra5273]

En mi caso necesito que se me hable en castellano. o poder tener la posibilidad de traducirlo.

[@Mongoosh]

Yep but the d700s rumours is making it even harder

[@vcshelley]

watch my video of portraits from khmer shot on canon 7d and 50 d and nikon d300 s lightroom , and canon 17- 40 , 50mm 1.4, 100 macro , 70 - 300 canon ..

[@paintbasstard]

Except canon is trying to woo you with 18 mega-pixels. I mean really! A D40 can make huge prints at 6 mega-pixels!!

[@nazhif1]

actually, its a little bit more quiet the usual. I've tried it before

[@largestartist]

Thanks for the review, I really enjoyed it. You pretty much answered all of my questions regarding this model.

[@cameralabs]

I can't unless Sigma (and Tamron) send me products to review. PS - check out the lenses section at cameralabs . com for recommended Nikkor models...

[@cng90]

is the d300 better then the d80?

[@DrJuanCarlosCastellanos]

where ??

[@mahamza86]

Cool, the reviews are coming in real fast, Well done. And need i say it, Brilliant review as always Gordon. Waiting for the results of Canon 7D. and I wanna to ask when the review of the sony a550 would be completed?

[@TheStig000]

Quality not quantity.

[@martinaee]

Just get a D90... practically same camera, but lighter and a lot less expensive.

[@KhaniSpearman4life]

whats the price for it?

[@RprtBak]

The more subscribers you have will let you upload longer videos. If you have like 5, you're still in the 10 min. restriction. If you have a few hundred you can go to like 15, 20 minutes. Etc. etc. At least, that's my understanding.

[@cameralabs]

@findingmiddlegrey Have you read my 7D review at cameralabs . com yet? I compare both cameras in great detail... that should help you...

[@3curb]

I will upgrade my D90 for this in the near future. I always visit your website and read your review before buying anything, just like what I did with my D90. Keep it Up! Autofocus and External Mic for the Movie Mode had me at hello hehe

[@pixel325]

excellent review and it made me very interested in buying a D300s. thanks.

[@mpc16pads]

NIKON RULES!

[@colynbarrett8127]

Very good video! Can you Use Nikon NIKKOR AIS Lenses on this Camera. Would appreciate your opinion. Or, if anyone can help. I would appreciate if you could Kindly let me know.Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn R.S.V.P

[@cameralabs]

I filmed this ten years ago, so can't pull that fact out of my head, sorry! Nikon's compatibility charts are also different for many models, but always included in the suer guide manuals. So just download the one you need from the Nikon website and you'll be sorted.