Nikon D300s officially announced -- 720p/24 movie mode with autofocus and mic input
By Nilay Patel 
posted Jul 30th 2009 12:01AM
posted Jul 30th 2009 12:01AM
Update: Digital Photography Review has a brief hands-on with the camera, clarifying that the contrast-detection autofocus isn't the quickest, and like we learned with the Olympus E-P1 you'll need to use an external mic when shooting to avoid the ever-present "shhhk" sound. Also of note is continuous shooting, which has been given a boost to seven frames per second -- eight if you have the battery grip -- compared to D300 and that it has the same memory card door as the D700.
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NIKON D300s revitalizes the standard and measure of agile, pro-level DX-Format d-slr design and performance
MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon announced the D300s digital SLR, combining professional-level performance with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies, including a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 51-point autofocus system; the addition of HD video capture; and faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting, the Nikon D300s balances form factor, performance, versatility and reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals.
The D300s retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed D300, while enhancing speed, versatility, and agility of the DX-format for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts, wedding shooters and photojournalists. The D300s can record HD video clips and high fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input, offering users a D-SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one CompactFlash™ (CF) and one Secure Digital™ (SD) card separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode and Active D-Lighting bracketing help users to capture stunning images like never before.
"Today's photographer demands excellence and value from high-performance digital SLRs – and the Nikon D300s delivers," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. "It's no secret that more photographers need to gather multimedia content. In addition to proven technologies, such as the 51-point autofocus (AF) system and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, we are more than confident that the D300s' HD movie mode, along with a host of additional performance enhancements, will broaden the appeal of the camera to those seeking exceptional still image quality and video versatility."
The Benchmark of Speed, Performance and Reliability
Whether on the front lines of spot news or behind the scenes at a spring wedding, users of the D300s can record HD video clips at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps rate. In addition, the D300s also records high fidelity audio-either with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo microphone input. Photographers can trim video length on the fly and apply Picture Controls to video, modifying the tone and color. Additionally, users can autofocus while recording video, using contrast detect AF, and do so while composing on the D300s' bright three-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen.
Nikon's applauded AF system, with 51 high density focus points, performs even faster and more accurately on the new D300s. The Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module uses 15 cross type sensors to provide unparalleled focus performance across the frame. The D300s offers multiple focus modes, including single-point AF mode, and a dynamic-area AF mode, where users can select from nine, 21 or 51 AF points with 3D tracking. Additionally, the added Face Detection System lets users instantly zoom in on a human face in playback mode on the high-resolution LCD monitor to check critical focus.
The Nikon exclusive and newly-accelerated Scene Recognition System (SRS) further refines Nikon's AF performance and light metering. In conjunction with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II system, the SRS uses precise color and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to propel AF, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to unprecedented accuracy.
The renowned 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor in the D300s delivers extraordinary image quality and low noise throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range from 200 to 3200 (Lo-1 at 100 and 6400 at Hi-1). The D300s captures image data using 14 bit A/D conversion, processed through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal performance, resulting in images with sharp details and smooth tonal gradations.
The D300s also incorporates Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing. EXPEED image processing uses an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption. When using the included EN-EL3e Li-Ion rechargeable battery, photographers can achieve as many as 950 shots under normal shooting conditions. The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting comfort and supports three types of batteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon's Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and the EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. It combines added stability with extended shooting of up to 2,950 shots*1 per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to
8 fps*2.
The reinforced magnesium alloy body is lightweight, ruggedly constructed and comprehensively sealed and gasketed against the elements at key points, and the shutter has been proven to a demanding 150,000 cycles. Additionally, the D300s employs the Integrated Dust Reduction System countermeasures that combat the accumulation of image-degrading particles on the optical low-pass filter.
World Class Versatility
With the D300s, Nikon introduces the ability to bracket Active D-Lighting (ADL). By localizing tone control, ADL restores shadow and highlight detail typically lost in high contrast situations, such as backlit subjects or while outdoors with strong sunlight. ADL bracketing provides users with the ability to bracket up to five frames of ADL strength to help ensure perfect contrast throughout the frame, putting an end to the guesswork behind the shot with a bride's intricate white dress and a groom's tuxedo in the same frame, for example.
Additionally, the D300s features two memory card slots-one CF and one SD, used simultaneously in a variety of configurations to match users' preferences. Among the many options available, stills and video can record to separate cards or slots can be assigned for JPEG and RAW recording. The D300s offers "overflow" or "backup" modes, and when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity. Users can also copy and paste files between cards.
Also added to the D300s is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting "Q" on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive.
To further expand versatility, users have the ability to fine tune their images using Nikon's Picture Controls to adjust sharpening, brightness, contrast and color hue. The D300s offers users four presets including Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome; while Landscape and Portrait settings can be downloaded from the Nikon website. While the D300s offers a versatile built-in flash with wider coverage for a 16mm lens, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and is capable of controlling up to two groups of remote units as a master / commander for Advanced Wireless Lighting.
System Expandability
In addition to compatibility with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses and a broad array of system accessories, the D300s will also perform well with the recently announced
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8G ED VR II and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lenses.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D300s camera body will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $1799.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
5dmkii already features external mic though, as does the Lumix. And 500d and 5dmkii have contrast detect AF, and Lumix one has something better. Pretty much a case of too little too late.
The Lumix GH1 has contrast detect autofocus as well. It's pretty much the only way to do it without the SLR mechanism. The GH1 however has a video optimized lens.
recession antidote?
Meh, Nikon rocks. Out-of-the-gate US$1800 for this power.
Imagine the street price in 4 mos.
Can't wait to see the posted videos.
Is Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 really that much worse? Its $1500 for body+lens and it shoots 1080p/24, 720p/30
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcgh1/
@Shinigami
It depends on what is important to you. If video recording is important then the Panasonic is probably better but if you are looking to take stills then I suspect that it is no contest in favour of the Nikon. Mind you, the Panasonic is grossly overpriced for its capabilities at the moment so I'd expect to see it drop to a level where it competes more with the likes of the D5000/D90 than the D300s.
fap fap fap fap fap, this is gonna be going on all night. fap fap fap fap
Indeed.
*fap fap fap fap fap*
A CIRCLE JERK!? ON ENGADGET!?!?!!?
in reality very few video producers shoot 720 24p, most shoot 1080i or 25p or 30p (for easy PAL/NTSC DVD conversion) & only use 720p for 50/60fps
Sure 24p is trendy but out of the 100+ professional video producers I know and work with, maybe 2 or 3 might have ever shoot 24p
Until Nikon offer 1080 24p and 25p in camera I'm not interested in actually spending money on DSLR Video
Having said that, the only 1080p spec BR supports is 24p...
In reality, video producers won't use a DSLR for video production, they'll use a dedicated video camera.
@Jarques
I'll direct you to a whole lot of people who shoot professionally and/or casually with the 5DmkII.
If it weren't taken seriously as a professional tool, then why would Canon go through the trouble of issuing a firmware update for manual controls specifically addressing pro filmmakers needs, and why would all these other third-party manufacturers go through the trouble of creating all sorts of accessories specifically to outfit the 5DmkII for professional applications? Professional software manufacturers are also accomodating to the demands of the files produced for the 5DmkII. The biggest development underway at the moment is the possible use of professonal anamorphic lenses. You don't go out of your way to develop anamorphic lenses unless a serious cinematically inclined community demands such a tool thus representing the market demand, and right now it's looking more and more like the 5DmkII more than meets the prerequisites for being such a professional tool. I won't deny that there are still some people using dedicated video cameras, but a whole lot of them are thinking twice after seeing the images produced by the 5DmkII.
@Porkchop Flavored Cupcake: I don't doubt that some professionals use the mkii, all I'm pointing out is that if you want full1080p at 60fps+ you're better off spending money on a video camera that's made to do what it is supposed to do and not wait for Nikon or Canon or any other DSLR makers to bring it out.
My main point, don't complain about the bad options for video on DSLR's.
(previous response is in the wrong place >< )
fellas, there is no denying the 5D is being used by alot of indy & film producers, but as a % of video producers as a whole it is not widely used, especially outside the US where 30p is next to useless...
The term video producers encompasses a wide range of markets, many which have no need for these abilities, or even HD (take for example corporate induction videos etc, they just want bog standard SD...)
And here I thought 1080i = 720p...
"And here I thought 1080i = 720p..."
Very different, temporal vs spatial resolution (with 50i/60i vs 25/30p)
720 50/60p has temporal resolution as well, being much closer to 1080i but no Nikon offers 720 50/60p
OMG... I may have just been swapped over from the Canon camp to the Nikon camp
Well, from a purely photographic standpoint, sure the D300/s is outstanding in overall performance.
So for photography alone, sure the Nikon might make some people reconsider brand loyalty.
However, if you're also shooting video, the 5DmkII is above and beyond any of the other video enabled DSLR cameras on the market.
If Nikon can directly alleviate the rolling shutter issues, they could still keep it at 720p/24p and get a lot of converts.
But as long as they still have the worst rolling shutter artifacts accompanied by less than stellar video specs, they won't really have anybody switching camps.
It's a damn shame too, considering they have all the momentum to do it and make a killing, but because of Sony's influence over their CMOS fabs, they're stuck.
/this is coming from somebody who shoots Canon but greatly appreciates Nikon, and owns both systems.
It basically has the same sensor, and the crappy wobbly video from the D90!! yeah im jumping the wagon.... HELL NO!!
nikon had a major lead on the D300... i think this was their worst move in years... Canon is just a step behind, probably till they release a new camera this year.
Wow, nice one Nikon. You almost had me thinking that you'd done a serious update here.
Add in consumer level SD slot, so the masses can use their inferior cards. Check
Add gimicky video support, which aside from the inclusion of AF, is likely to be pretty much the same as what is found in the D90. Jello anyone? Check
Bump the non-gripped frame rate up to 7FPS, a speed it was always capable of before, yet still didn't bump it up all the way to 8FPS so you can sell grips. Check
Leave the rest of the camera the same. Check.
Hello iKurt.
He is the "idiot"
He is the best anti-commercial for Canon.
He actually is starting to make me laugh.. at first kurts uncle was a wedding photographer, now he is a wedding and sports photographer... I wonder what area kurts uncle moves into next! Quite looking forward to the next installment of his ramblings and flamings of 7 year old kurt and his uncle.
Not you, obviously...You clearly haven't ever seriously considered a camera in this category. If you did, you would know the 5D MkII is about $3,000, and really doesn't compete with this camera.
For competition, look to the Nikon D700.
reply fail... :(
LESS FILLING!
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TASTES BETTER!
Ugh, reply fail.
hells yes, can't wait to see the new D700 also. more excited for price drops though
@Porkchop Flavored Cupcake: I don't doubt that some professionals use the mkii, all I'm pointing out is that if you want full1080p at 60fps+ you're better off spending money on a video camera that's made to do what it is supposed to do and not wait for Nikon or Canon or any other DSLR makers to bring it out.
My main point, don't complain about the bad options for video on DSLR's.
720p/24 movie! WOOOOOW!!!
wait ! my Canon D500 already has 720p! and 30 fps!
yep, it also has 1080/20
and it's less than $1000
then i'll stick to my nice Canon for now ;p
Great job comparing a $750 entry-level camera body to an $1800 semi-pro camera body.
I'm sure the results are similar.
@ The "i" >> "Who would buy this crap? The Canon EOS 5D Mark II which I have does full-HD videos and a full frame sensor, which should beat this Nikon in high ISO performance."
Probably the people who bought the original D300 when it first came out... only this time it has video.
Also... isn't the Mark II full frame and about $3000 ?
Reply system is broken... you got lucky this time The "i"
To add to your point: The Pentax K7 also has in-body image stabilization, allowing your old inexpensive lenses to perform as well as the high priced lenses that nikon/canon keep releasing every time there is an improvement in SR . You can shoot in camera HDR, and can shift the sensor when on a tripod.
In addition, you won't have to get into a pissing fight with your fellow fanboy Canon/Nikon counterpart as to who overpaid the most for gear. For example, read above and below this post.
The new Pentax K7 can do 720p at 30fps video with autofocus and mic input, is significantly smaller and lighter, has weather and dust sealing, a 14.1 megapixel sensor and costs $500 less than the D300s. I'd say if you're looking to get into DSLR video the K7 looks like the new cam to beat.
i'm a nikon man but you are totally correct. that K7 looks great and shines where it counts; image quality, rugged body, and price point.
anyone else sensing another megapixel-type race brewing?
only this time, it's something even less useful than a thousand megapixels; it's full HD video on a DLSR!
i guess it'd be nice for like, one or two uses, then i'd never use it again.
I tend to agree, it reminds me of the hype over liveview a couple of years back.
@bebop
True, but while I don't see the point of video recording I can at least attest that Live View is genuinely useful from a photographic perspective. The ability to zoom right in on the on-screen image so that you can check your focusing is great. I initially scoffed at something so "consumer" on DSLRs but it is excellent for still-life pictures and even for composing pictures with the camera at a low-level and you don't want to have to lie on the floor.
Hiding behind a new name doesn't hide your idiocy iKurt. Who is this famed uncle of yours by the way? And seriously, just how old are you?
Dammit, that above post was supposed to be in reply iKurt now going under the alias The "i" for idiot.
I thought this was actually going to be something worthwhile. Eh I'm still getting a GH1, best DSLR for folks who want to shoot nice pictures and awesome video.
Nikon made the best semi-pro DX DSLR even better. Being in the Canon camp, I just hope Canon will get it right this time and compete against Nikon with the upcoming Canon 60D. The 50D was underwhelming and even if the 5D Mark II is a great camera, it's still way more expensive than both of these cameras and you'll still have to get 1-2 lenses to match the FF sensor to replace your EF-S / DX lenses (ultra-wide, standard zooms).
Who would buy this? People who don't want to spend another thousand dollars.
They way everyone is yapping, you'd think they use dSLRs primarily for video, with photography as the bonus feature. Sheesh.
Yeah. Video is a DLSR is great when you are shooting photos, and want to grab a quick clip of video. If you're out shooting somewhere and you come across a beautiful waterfall... and you can grab a couple seconds of video with audio.
But, you can shoot excellent quality video with a DSLR because of the lens... sharp, short depth of field, etc... much cheaper than a camcorder with interchangeable lens. So, it goes either way.
I think it comes down to this:
Are you a photographer who needs a semi-pro camera such as the D300s, and might wanna grab some videoclips?
Or are you a filmmaker, who for around $2000, can capture excellent video with real lenses with a camera that costs less than $5000?
There is no perfect camera, but this camera has redeeming qualities for many different types of users.
I could not agree more. HD video recording is a nice additional feature but it is not something that I consider when buying a camera to take pictures. I've had my D90 now for a few months and I've used its video feature once and that was only to see how it worked. Still image quality, ease of use, build quality and price are my primary considerations. While I can see that some people really value the video recording features, for me it is nothing more than a gimmick.
you just basically did a copy paste from the leica post there.
god damn comment system
@The "i"
I think you have this article confused with a Mac vs. PC debate. This is photography where everyone gets on with everyone else no matter which model of camera you choose to buy. Nice try.
Why the f*ck are people comparing this $1799.95 D300s to a $2999.00 5D MKII ??????
Ofcourse the 5DMK2 is better, but have you tried comparing the price of the two ?
f'kcng dumbasses.
What's on the base of the camera? There's a door for the battery, then something else next to it with an obvious 'slide to open' cartoon. Then on the rhs there's what looks like a cover than can be unscrewed to open? slots for internal gps and wireless would be nice...
It's probably the cover for the connectors to the vertical grip.
So I guess that there is no entry dslr that doesn't have video -_- cept the d40(but that's not really new) So for people that want a photo-cam will have to go with d40,d700,d3 or older models
or get a newer better camera and not use the video feature? The video feature doesn't raise the price or anything.
I already have a D700, I'm just saying that people that want a camera dedicated to taking pictures have to sacrifice for a cam with video
Maybe it doesn't have 5D Mark II fans worried because this isn't the competitor to that camera, you fanboy idiot Engadget!
I wish people would realize that video on a DSLR is not like video on a point and shoot camera. DSLR's shoot better looking video than a lot of high end stand alone video cameras. Sure there are some kinks to work out, but as of now it's pretty good.
I can't stand to look at the video from the D90/D5000... the wavey CMOS video is absolutely horrid. The resolution is nice but the sensor is not made to collect this type of footage.
I would, without hesitation, by a D5000 today if the HD video was worth watching. It's horrible.. absolutely awful.
Very competitive offering based on features and price. The 24P is highly desirable, but it takes quite a bit more work to get right than 30P. Based on listed features and price, it's now even Even Steven between Canon and Nikon. I now await the duel.
I don't have a DSLR yet but I am going buy one soon, Now I don't know which one I should get the Canon EOS 5D Mark II or Nikon D300s? And one I get ill be stuck with that brand for ever. Can you guys help a guy out that has fat pickle fingers on which one I should get?
Already up for preorder:
http://bountii.com/product-4176-nikon-d300s-12mp-digital-slr.html
Most likely those who don't have $2600 to spend on a body alone.
I'd prefer to reserve judgement about this until we have at least seen some actual footage.
On paper the GH1 is very interesting.
But the compression renders the footage unusable.
C.
What are you talking about. The GH1 shoots great video.
It basically has the same sensor, and the crappy wobbly video from the D90!! yeah im jumping the wagon.... HELL NO!!
nikon had a major lead on the D300... i think this was their worst move in years... Canon is just a step behind, probably till they release a new camera this year.
If you are going to pay that much for a camera, why wouldn't you save for a Canon 5D Mark II?
I don't see the point of adding video features to a semi-pro DSLR. I'd rather see some real and serious improvements on Nikons DSLRs!