Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Price: $2,268.98
Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3-effective-megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon's newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance and agility.

Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45-millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution. (NORMAL-LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV 1GB CompactFlash card.)

The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features that will significantly improve the accuracy, control, and performance photographers can get from their equipment. Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection.

The D300 incorporates Nikon's new Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21, or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus-point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system
Includes Nikon 18-200 Zoom Lens / Auto and Manual Focus and Exposure Modes / CompactFlash Memory Card Slot / Video HDMI and USB outputs TTL full-aperture exposure metering Integrated Dust Reduction System with self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles Two LiveView shooting modes, Hand-held or Tripod is perfect when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles Picture Control settings give photographers dramatically advanced color control with 4 preset options - Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings Rugged magnesium-alloy construction and durable shutter mechanism Edit Delete Function - - Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete Sensitivity - ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV HDMI 1.3 - Composite A/V - USB connectivity ports Text Input - Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text Lens Mount - Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Built-in Speedlight - Manual pop-up with button release Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - Approx. 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in. (147 x 114 x 74 mm); Weight - Approx. 1.82 lbs. (825 g) without battery Supplied Accessories* - EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D100 Video Cable, AN-D300 Strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, Body cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-23 Rubber Eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM

• 12.3-megapixel captures enough detail for poster-size photo-quality prints
• Kit includes 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor zoom lens
• 3.0-inch LiveView LCD display; new 51-point AF system
• In burst mode, shoots up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution
• Self-cleaning sensor unit; magnesium alloy construction with rubber gaskets and seals