Nikon D300 gets the in-depth treatment

We already got hands-on with Nikon's newest baby, the D300, but the folks at Digital Photography Review have gone to the next OCD level with it, busting out 12 pages of pics and impressions from their time with a pre-production model. Nothing too earth-shattering, but lots of potentially useful info for those about to make the $1800 decision.

[optV @ Sep 13th 2007 5:02AM]

Not a huge improvement from my D200, but the D3 looks like a hell of an upgrade. Someday...

[Joseph @ Sep 13th 2007 5:06PM]

Are you kidding? You might want to re-read it.

[Francisco Gimenez @ Sep 13th 2007 5:24AM]

In general Nikon SLR have received decent reviews. I hope this one does as well. Below is a compilation of the recent Nikon SLR Digital Cameras with over 200 expert reviews very well organized:

http://www.smartratings.com/search/nikon%20slr/date/desc/1

[Fox McCloud @ Sep 13th 2007 5:33AM]

damn the picture for it looks so good, was it taken with the same camera!?

[McSwindle @ Sep 13th 2007 5:54AM]

Too 'spensive for me

[awflasher @ Sep 13th 2007 5:59AM]

The picture is okay, ha. Fox McCloud, good question :)

[Alexis @ Sep 13th 2007 6:24AM]

This "preview" only covers the menu. Completely useless if you want to take pictures with it.

[invincible @ Sep 13th 2007 6:43AM]

The art of taking photos hasn't changed much since SLRs were first developed - advancements in DSLR technology are all just about convenience these days.

If you only want to take pictures, you don't need to be looking at reviews. Buy whatever suits your budget and you'll probably be happy (if you're not taking photos for a living). It's sort of like gaming keyboards/mice - you can spend all you want but it won't make you a better gamer/photographer.

[modenadude @ Sep 13th 2007 9:17AM]

I disagree with this comment entirely, well not entirely. Your first statement is correct. New cameras have not changed art - But equipment is just as important as the photographer. Any normal visitor of DPReview will know that due to its in depth reviews; they show the vast differences of cameras - over the past decade - not only in price but in performance as well. Even a hobbyist should do research to find out how he or she can get the most out of a camera, or anything else. The right equipment = better photographs. Being good at it makes it that much better.

[modenadude @ Sep 13th 2007 9:19AM]

I disagree with this comment entirely, well not entirely. Your first statement is correct. New cameras have not changed art - But equipment is just as important as the photographer. Any normal visitor of DPReview will know that due to its in depth reviews; they show the vast differences of cameras - over the past decade - not only in price but in performance as well. Even a hobbyist should do research to find out how he or she can get the most out of a camera, or anything else. The right equipment = better photographs. Being good at it makes it that much better.

[modenadude @ Sep 13th 2007 9:20AM]

Sorry for so many comments, clicked it twice ;)

Woops, here's a third :)

[invincible @ Sep 13th 2007 9:48AM]

And a lot of photographers hate dpreview for that specific reason - people there spend too much time glossing over technical details and photos of test charts which have no application in the real world.

As I said, equipment just makes your life easier. DSLRs are so good across the board these days that you can't really go wrong if you buy anything from the current or previous generation. Well, maybe the D40 might be an exception if saving money is your thing, since Nikon decided to remove the focus motor from the body to save a few dollars and therefore break lens compatibility, which is meant to be Nikon's strongest point.

The good thing is that technology advances so fast that everyone wins anyway. All my gear has been purchased second hand and I'd have saved at least a thousand dollars that way which is sort of important for a uni student. You inevitably end up spending more on lenses anyway, and they are such a better investment, since they can last for decades without even becoming obsolete. But then, people still spend too much time on technical trivialities which are never noticeable unless you deliberately try to bring out these flaws.

[billy bob thorton @ Sep 13th 2007 10:45AM]

That gaming analogy is perfect. So many people, including some that posted here seemed to think that equipment matters. I especially like those idiots that go out and buy a whole Leica outfit with the matching hat and think that they will be amazing photographers.

As far as Dpreview goes they do some very useful testing regarding noise at high ISO levels which is very relevant to any type of photography at any level. That said for those that disagree, I have shot professional assignments with a D50 and won awards as well. None of my clients know which image was taken with a D2X or the D50. I know because there is a little more work involved in post with the lower end camera. (invincible) is right a better camera wont make you a better photographer.

[mike @ Sep 13th 2007 12:30PM]

How incredibly wrong. Clearly convenience features are part of the equation, but sensors with lower noise, higher dynamic range, and greater resolution, better metering, faster/more accurate autofocus, and higher frame rates are all important benefits.

None of this, however, means that a D200 isn't still capable of taking great pictures.

[Za @ Sep 13th 2007 3:53PM]

With all due respect, your statements are flawed. Before digital, the camera body was a) a film holder and b) a box your lens could screw onto. With digital, the body IS the film. End of story. Your argument is a broad and unfounded generalization that rings true in some respects but cannot be considered doctrine.

[revaaron @ Sep 13th 2007 6:51AM]

I will be getting the D3. I have no use for a DX body now that there is an FX body!

[melvz @ Sep 13th 2007 7:04AM]

nice... i hope engadget gives me one of this

[cedric @ Sep 13th 2007 7:13AM]

but only available on 15 december in USA (according to Amazon)...For us in Europe can even mean only next year

[Dan @ Sep 13th 2007 9:11AM]

Hope DPreview gets a review up for this cam, as well as the Canon 40D and Sony A700. Looking forward to seeing reviews from them on these models.

[HineyWipe @ Sep 13th 2007 9:50AM]

No FF, no likely. Shall the D400 be the next "ideal" Nikon?

[Za @ Sep 13th 2007 4:02PM]

If by FF, you mean full-frame, you should be looking at the D3, not the D300. That one is FF.

[Chuggler @ Sep 13th 2007 9:56AM]

I already made the decision, Ritz Camera has my preorder. Yummy!

[basroil @ Sep 13th 2007 9:56AM]

this is actually fairly old news, almost a week old now. the "in depth preview" does not have samples or actual tests, so it doesn't help you compare it to any other cameras. check out the in depth review of the 5d to see what a real in depth review looks like.

[Chuggler @ Sep 13th 2007 10:21AM]

Yes, because a JPEG on a web page is an excellent way to compare image quality between DSLRs. In the real world, anyone familiar with a D200 can decide if this camera suits their needs. Your Canon fanboyism just torpedoed your credibility, anyway.

[basroil @ Sep 13th 2007 10:28AM]

i still don't see how canon vs nikon has anything to do with "preview vs review". fanaticism on your side there, i base cameras on actual performance (as for d200, only one i knew with one was horrible, and d2x is used by someone who has no pride as a photographer, though i've seen some great shots with a d50)

[Za @ Sep 13th 2007 3:58PM]

Chuggler, please don't post if you don't understand what is going on; it's unseemly. The poster you ripped on wanted to illustrate the differences between a PREview and a REview on the website, not between Canon and Nikon.

[NitroNeo @ Sep 13th 2007 10:39AM]

Please let this be your #100 Giveaway!!!

[billy bob thorton @ Sep 13th 2007 10:48AM]

Phil (dpreview) is not allowed to post images taken with the preproduction bodies. Once Nikon has finalized everything he is usually one of the first to have a body in hand for review.

[rigo @ Sep 13th 2007 1:48PM]

is there any way you guys could send it my way when you finish, im a student photographer in college, im dying for that camera, i just like can't afford it, could i maybe like pay half, or something, anything, PLEASE!!!!!!!

[Joseph @ Sep 13th 2007 5:15PM]

I call Shenanigans on the people claiming to buy a D3 in this thread.