Nikon D300 Hands-on Preview

Nikon D300 Hands-on Preview
Phil Askey, September 2007

Preview based on a pre-production Nikon D300

Just under two years since the D200 Nikon reveals the D300, the range of changes is so significant that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call it a 'compact D3' (less the full-frame sensor of course). From the top there's a new CMOS sensor with twelve megapixels, a new auto-focus sensor with 51-points (15 of which are cross-type sensitive), there's focus tracking by color, scene recognition, Picture Control presets, six frames per second continuous shooting (or eight frames per second with a battery pack), Compact Flash UDMA support, Live View (with contrast detect AF) and the mighty impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (oh and HDMI video output). It's an impressive list, the D200 was a fair step up from the D100, the D300 can be seen as just as big a step, certainly more than enough to make the competition sweat.

Model line history

Model	Announced	Effective pixels	Auto focus	Continuous highest (JPEG)	LCD monitor
D100	Feb 2002	6.0 mp	5 point	3.0 fps, 6 frames	1.8", 120K pixels
D200	Nov 2005	10.2 mp	11 point	5.0 fps, 37 frames	2.5" 230K pixels
D300	Aug 2007	12.3 mp	51 point	6.0/8.0 fps, 100 frames	3.0" 922K pixels + Live View

Nikon D300 Key Features

• 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
• Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
• ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
• 14-bit A/D conversion
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
• Shutter life 150,000 exposures
• New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
• Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
• Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
• Compact Flash UDMA support
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
• Buttons sealed against moisture

12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor	Viewfinder pentaprism
Main board with EXPEED processor	EXPEED processor
51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF sensor module	51 AF point locations in frame (approx.)
1005-pixel metering sensor	Shutter

Nikon D300 vs. D200 feature and specification differences

	Nikon D300	Nikon D200
Sensor	• 12.3 million effective pixel CMOS • DX format	• 10.2 million effective pixel CCD • DX format
A/D converter	14-bit	12-bit
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED	Unspecified
Image sizes	• 4288 x 2848 • 3216 x 2136 • 2144 x 1424	• 3872 x 2592 • 2896 x 1944 • 1936 x 1296
RAW files	NEF / Compressed NEF 14-bit	NEF 12-bit
TIFF files	Yes	No
Dust reduction	Self-cleaning sensor unit	No
Auto focus	• 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX • 15 cross-type sensors • Contrast detect in Live View mode	• 11-point Multi-CAM 1000
Focus tracking by color	Yes	No
AF area mode	• Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF	• Single Area AF • Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on • Group Dynamic AF • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF
Sensitivity	• Default: ISO 200 - 3200 • Boost: ISO 100 - 6400 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps	• Default: ISO 100 - 1600 • Boost: Up to ISO 3200 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Continuous shooting	• With built-in battery: up to 6 fps • With AC adapter or MB-D10 pack and batteries other than EN-EL3e: up to 8 fps	5 fps
Image Parameters	• Picture Control (4 presets) • Sharpening • Contrast • Brightness • Saturation • Hue	• Presets (6 presets) • Sharpening • Tone • Color mode • Saturation • Hue
Active D-Lighting	Yes (also adjusts exposure)	No
Viewfinder	100% frame coverage	95% frame coverage
LCD monitor	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels	• 2.5 " TFT LCD • 230,000 pixels
LCD Live View	• Handheld mode (phase detect AF) • Tripod mode (contrast detect AF)	No
Compact Flash	Type I / II (UDMA support)	Type I / II
Vertical grip	MB-D10	MB-D200
Video output	HDMI (HD)	Composite (SD)
Menu languages	14	13
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)	147 x 113 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in)
Weight (no batt)	825 g (1.82 lb)	830 g (1.8 lb)

Nikon D300 specifications

Price (body only)	• US: $ 1799 • UK: £ 1299 • EU: € 1980
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor *	• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor • DX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) • 13.1 million total pixels • 12.3 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor *	Nikon EXPEED
A/D conversion *	14 bit
Image sizes *	• 4288 x 2848 [L; 12.2 MP] • 3216 x 2136 [M; 6.9 MP] • 2144 x 1424 [S; 3.1 MP]
File formats	• NEF (12-bit or 14-bit *, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) • NEF + JPEG • TIFF * • JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
NEF compression	• Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80% * • Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60%
Lens mount	• Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts • 1.5x field of view crop
Usable lenses	• DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible • D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR) • AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible • AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible • Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data
Dust reduction *	• Self-cleaning sensor unit ('Clean image sensor') * • Image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)
Auto Focus	• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) * • Multi-CAM 3500DX * • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode
Lens Servo	• Single Servo AF [S] • Continuous Servo AF [C] • Manual focus [M] • Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's status in [S] or [C] AF
Focus Point *	• Single point from 51 or 11 focus points • Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point anywhere within frame
AF Area Mode *	• Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF
Focus Lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
AF assist	Yes, lamp
Exposure modes	• Program Auto [P] with flexible program • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M]
Metering	TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor • 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used) • Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering range	• 3D Color Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV • At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens
Meter coupling	CPU and AI
Exposure lock	Locked using AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure bracketing	• 2 to 9 frames • 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps *
Exposure compen.	• +/-5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Sensitivity *	• Default: ISO 200 - 3200 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps • Boost: 100 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Shutter	• Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter • 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec (up to 1/320 sec with reduced GN *) • Bulb
DOF Preview	• Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button • Activates modelling flash
White balance	• Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (seven) with fine tuning * • Manual presets (four) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)
Picture Control *	• Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome
Image parameters *	• Sharpening: Auto, 7 levels • Contrast: Auto, 5 levels, Custom tone curve • Brightness: 3 levels • Saturation: Auto, 5 levels • Hue: 5 levels
Color space	• sRGB (Standard and Vivid modes) • Adobe RGB (Neutral mode)
Viewfinder	• Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism • Built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1m-1) • Eyepoint: 19.5 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Frame coverage 100% * • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.94x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens
Focusing screen	• B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II • Superimposed focus brackets • On-demand grid lines
LCD monitor *	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle • Brightness adjustment
LCD Liveview *	• Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors) • Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
Shooting modes	• Single frame • Continuous Low [CL] • Continuous High [CH] • Liveview [LV] • Self-Timer (programmable) • Mirror-up mode
Continuous shooting *	• With built-in battery: up to 6 fps • With AC adapter or MB-D10 pack and batteries other than EN-EL3e: up to 8 fps • 12-bit RAW at full speed, 14-bit RAW only 2.5 fps
Continuous buffer	• JPEG Large/Normal: 100 shots (at 6 fps) • RAW: no data yet
Self-timer	• 2 to 20 sec custom
Flash control	• TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. • Built-in Speedlight, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash • AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens • Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S • Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode	• Front-curtain Sync (normal) • Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Slow Sync • Rear-curtain Sync
Built-in Speedlight	• Manual pop-up with button release • Guide number (ISO 200, m) approx 17 (manual 18) • Guide number (ISO 100, m) approx 12 (manual 13)
Flash Accessory Shoe	ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided
Flash Sync Terminal	ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided
Flash compensation	• -3 to +1 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps *
Creative Lighting System	With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock
Orientation sensor	Tags images with camera orientation
Playback mode	• Full frame • Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) • One-touch zoom • Slideshow • RGB histogram • Shooting data • Highlight point • Auto image rotation
Languages *	• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) • Dutch • English • Finnish • French • German • Italian • Japanese • Korean • Polish • Portuguese • Russian • Spanish • Swedish
Custom functions	48 custom functions
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector • HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type A connector) * • Remote control 10-pin terminal • PC Sync flash terminal
10-pin terminal	• GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) • Remote control: via 10-pin terminal
Communications	FTP and PTP/IP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (IEEE 802.11 b/g)
Storage	• Compact Flash Type I or II • UDMA *, Microdrive and FAT32 supported • 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header
Power	• Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh) • Included battery charger MH-18a • Optional AC adapter EH-5a • Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip *
Vertical grip *	• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip • One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries
Battery monitoring	The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following information about the EN-EL3e battery: • Remaining charge (%) • No. of shots taken since last charge • Battery life (5 stages)
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)
Weight (no batt)	825 g (1.8 lb)
Weight (with batt)	903 g (2.0 lb)
Box contents	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Strap AN-D300, LCD monitor cover BM-8, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-23, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories	Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2

Body & Design

The D300 design is very similar to the D200, that's no bad thing, it's virtually the same size (very slightly taller), at the front there are new covers over the remote and PC sync terminals, at the rear a larger AF-ON button and a subtle re-arrange of the buttons down the left of the now larger LCD monitor. Build quality is just as good as the D200 (if not slightly better) and certainly in line with its 'bigger brother' the D3. The body is constructed from magnesium alloy, soft rubber is used on the grips both front and back as well as environmental seals on compartment doors. Just like the rest of the family the D300 features oversized buttons on the rear of the camera which are easier to use when wearing gloves.

There are numerous rubber gasket seals around body seams, controls and compartment doors. Nikon don't claim the camera to be waterproof but it's certainly more 'weather proof' than the average digital SLR. Remember that the camera is only as weather proof as its weakest link, this includes the lens mount and only a few of the more recent Nikkor lenses have rubber seals around the mount ring.

Side by side

Below you can see the D300 beside the recently announced ten megapixel Canon EOS 40D. Despite a $500 price difference (in Canon's favor) these two models are clear rivals and will be compared and contrasted by buyers and reviewers alike. The D300 weighs in at 903 g including its battery, the EOS 40D about 80 g lighter (the same weight as the D300's rechargeable battery).

In your hand

You really have to pick up the D300 to appreciate how nicely it fits into your hand, the ergonomics are great and the soft rubber used on the grip ensures holding the camera steady is an easy task. The control layout is also very sensible and easy to learn, even if you've never used a Nikon DSLR before clear labeling and logical positioning mean you'll be shooting and discovering the D300's features very quickly (and if you are coming from the D200 you'll be right at home because very little has changed).

LCD Monitor

One of the big changes to the D300 is the new high resolution screen. It has four times the number of dots than the 230,000 unit used on the D2X and other such cameras. For clarity, the words pixels and dots are interchanged almost randomly in specification sheets but strictly speaking we should talk of dots (these being red, green or blue sub-pixels) when referring to the figures quoted by manufacturers. The D300's LCD has 921,600 dots, 1920 columns by 480 rows, the dots are a third thinner than they are high and so each group of three dots (sub-pixels) make up one full color pixel.

This high resolution screen really has to be seen to be appreciated, it's beautifully detailed and extremely smooth in appearance because the tiny gaps between dots are too small to be seen with the eye. This extra detail is obvious in Liveview and playback modes where you really can see much 'more' of the image in one glance. Another difference comes when you magnify in playback as you find you don't need to magnify the image as much before you can clearly see sharpness, focus accuracy and even noise.

One other difference between the D300/D3's screen and that used previously is the layout of the dots (sub-pixels), this new screen has the same layout as your computer LCD, a simple RGB layout with all rows the same ('stripe array'). The other layout used on small LCD screens is the 'delta array' which uses an RGB pattern on one row then a BRG pattern on the row below, offset by half a pixel.

Stripe array layout LCD	Delta array layout LCD

Below you can see a real-life, same-size example of the difference in resolution between this new 921,600 dot screen and a more typical 230,400 dot screen (in this case on the Canon EOS 40D). Both cameras were set in play mode with the same image (note that the D300 doesn't use the whole screen in play unless you magnify), a shot was taken of each camera from the same distance (hence the screens were captured at the same magnification).

Crop from the D300's LCD (1920 x 480 dots; 640 x 480 pixels)	Crop from the EOS 40D's LCD (960 x 240 dots; 320 x 240 pixels)

Top Control Panel

The D300 has one control panel on the top, this large display dominates the entire right top side of the camera and provides a full range of information covering photographic and digital settings. The panel has a green back light which can be illuminated by flicking the power switch to the lamp position, it's spring loaded and returns to 'ON', the back light stays on for the 'auto meter-off' time (CSM c2). You can also choose to have the backlights come on with any button press (CSM d8). Note that even when the camera is 'Off' this panel displays the number of frames remaining on the card or -E- if no card is inserted (an indication that the camera is never really powered off but instead in a sleep mode).

A breakdown of information displayed on the LCD panel can be found on the diagrams below.

*1	• Shutter-speed • Exposure compensation value • Flash compensation value • ISO sensitivity • White balance fine-tuning • White balance preset number • Number of shots in bracketing sequence • Number of intervals • Focal length (non-CPU lens)	*2	• Aperture (f-number) • Aperture (number of stops) • Bracketing increment • Number of shots per interval • Maximum aperture (non-CPU lens) • PC connection indicator
*3	• Number of frames remaining • Number of shots remaining before buffer fills • PC mode indicator • Preset white balance recording indicator	*4	• Electronic analog exposure display • Exposure compensation • Bracketing progress indicator • PC mode indicator

Diagram reproduced with permission from the Nikon D300 user manual.

Viewfinder

The D300's viewfinder view seems slightly larger than the D200 and the specs do note a frame coverage of 100% compared to the D200's 95%. To the right top corner of the removable eyepiece rubber is a diopter adjustment wheel. Unlike the D3 the D300 does not feature an internal viewfinder curtain.

The D300 features a new 51 point auto focus sensor, the center fifteen (3x5 grid) being cross point sensors even with F5.6 aperture lenses. There are two AF point selection modes (CSM a8), you can opt to be able to select from all 51 points or 11 points in the same layout as the D200.

51 point AF selection mode	11 point AF selection mode

The image below isn't designed to be representative of a typical view through the viewfinder but instead shows the position of all possible information including all 51 AF points, battery status overlay and optional grid lines. Nikon has made it clear that they are not using etching to indicate the AF points but that all information is displayed using liquid crystal, hence when an AF point is not active there is no detrimental effect on the focusing screen.

1	Focus indicator	10	Electronic analog exposure display / compen.
2	Metering mode	11	Flash compensation indicator
3	Auto exposure lock	12	Exposure compensation indicator
4	Flash value (FV) Lock	13	ISO / Auto ISO indicator
5	Flash sync indicator	14	ISO sensitivity
6	Shutter speed	15	Exposures remaining / buffer / exp. value
7	Aperture stop indicator	16	Thousands indicator
8	Aperture (f-number / number of stops)	17	Flash-ready indicator
9	Exposure mode

Diagram reproduced with permission from the Nikon D300 user manual.

Battery and Charger

	The D300 uses the same EN-EL3e battery we first saw on the D200. It has a quoted capacity of 1500 mAh at 7.4V (11.1 Wh) and charges on the supplied MH-18a quick charger. Note that the D300 is also compatible with the larger EN-EL4a battery when the MB-D10 battery grip is attached (see below).

Battery information available on the camera:

• Top control panel has a five segment battery life indicator
• Camera Menu: Set Up -> Battery Info provides:
  • Battery meter (as a percentage)
  • Picture meter (estimated frames on current power)
  • Charging Life (a scale from 0 to 4 indicating if the battery has come to the end of its useful life)

Battery Compartment

The battery compartment is located in the base of the hand grip. The compartment door is opened by pulling on a small lever, inside the battery holds itself part of the way in without dropping and without the use of a catch.

Battery pack / Vertical grip (optional)

The D300 has a new battery pack / vertical grip, the MB-D10. This new grip no longer requires the removal of the internal battery or battery door instead connecting to a pair of terminals on the base of the camera (normally protected by rubber covers, removed for this shot). This allows the internal battery to be used in conjunction with the batteries in the MB-D10. This MB-D10 is more ergonomic than previous grips and integrates much better with the body, it also supports a wider range of batteries; the EN-EL3e, the large EN-EL4a used in the D3 as well as AA batteries.

Compact Flash Compartment

The D300's Compact Flash compartment is set in the side of the camera as part of the hand grip. To open the door you turn a small dial on the rear of the camera below the AF area mode selector. The door opens automatically on a spring loaded hinge and when closed fits flush into the body contour. The door itself has a rubber gasket around its edge to form a water resistant seal. The D300 can take Compact Flash Type I or II and supports FAT32 (for cards over 2 GB) as well as the new high speed UDMA cards.

Connections

The D300's connections are in two places, either at the front top (remote and flash PC sync) or the left side of the body (from the rear). The remote (which also allows for serial GPS) and flash PC sync terminals are now protected by a rubber cover which is itself attached to the strap eyelet. On the side are the largest group of connectors, from top to bottom; Video out (composite), HDMI (digital video out HD/SD), DC-IN and USB 2.0. The biggest story here must be HDMI output, from the camera menu you can select five different output options; Auto, 480p, 576p, 720p or 1080i. For an example and video clip of HDMI output see this page of this article.

Camera Base / Tripod Mount

	The bottom of the D300 is a simple enough affair with the metal tripod mount located in line with the center of the lens and the imaging focal plane. I'm also a big fan of the large rubber foot which covers two thirds of the base. You can also see the connectors for the optional MB-D10 grip (see previous page). These would normally have rubber covers over them.

Pop-Up Flash

The D300's pop-up flash is released manually by pressing a small button on the left side just below the flash. The long arm raises the flash unit a respectable distance above the top of the lens (useful for lens hoods and reducing red-eye). Just below the release button is another button which changes flash mode and flash exposure compensation control button. Hold the button and turn the main command dial (rear) to change flash mode, sub-command dial to change flash exposure compensation (-3.0 to +1.0 EV).

Flash Hot-shoe

	The D300 has a standard (ISO 518) accessory shoe which is compatible with third party flash systems for flash sync and more advanced i-TTL with the SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400. Non-TTL Auto available with the 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s.

Lens Mount / Sensor

Below on the left you can see the D300's lens mount with the mirror down, on the right with mirror up and shutter open (exposing the sensor). Lenses are inserted twisted clockwise and lock in place with an anticlockwise turn. This is a standard Nikon F lens mount and can use almost the complete range of Nikkor F lenses (although some features are only available with newer type G or type D lenses). As noted in our introduction the D300 also supports the aperture ring found on old AI lenses.

Self-cleaning sensor unit

We knew Nikon couldn't wait too long before implementing some kind of automatic sensor cleaning system, and so the D300 becomes the first Nikon with such a feature. It works in the same manner as other implementations, piezoelectric elements vibrate a cover filter which should in theory remove any light dust particles attached to it.

Sensor unit with LPF and cleaning unit in place	Sensor cleaning unit diagram

Supplied In the Box

Box contents may vary by region:

• Nikon D300 digital SLR body & body cap
• BM-8 protective LCD cover
• Shoulder strap
• Eyepiece Cap DK-5
• Rubber Eyecup DK-23
• EN-EL3e Lithium-Ion battery
• MH-18a Quick Charger & AC power cable
• USB cable
• A/V cable
• Software CD-ROM
• Manuals
  

Top of camera controls (right)

On the top of the camera on the right side you will find the power switch, shutter release button, exposure mode and exposure compensation buttons. At the front and rear edges of this side of the camera, in line with the shutter release button are the two command dials (with a soft rubber coating). On the rear of the camera surrounding the AE-L/AF-L button is the metering mode selector, to the right of this the now slightly more emphasized AF-ON button. Note that CSM f7 allows you define the exact function of the command dials including their rotation, which sets aperture / shutter speed and whether they can be used in menus and playback mode. The function of controls described below are for a camera with default settings.

Buttons combined with a dial turn are held while the dial is turned, however you can choose to simply have to press the button once and release, this is achieved via CSM f8 (like a Canon).

Power dial

OFF	Power Off Powers the camera off immediately, if there are images still buffered to be written the camera will remain on until the write has completed. When off the camera continues to display the remaining frames / frame count and CF status on the top LCD panel.
ON	Power On Switches the camera on, this is as fast as we can time it, as good as instant. There is simply no perceptible delay between turning the the dial and the first shot (you can even hold the shutter release and turn the power dial to test this).
	Illuminate backlight Flick the power switch to this position to illuminate the control panels backlight's (top and rear). The backlight stays on for the 'auto meter-off' time (CSM c3).

Buttons (combined with dial turn)

MODE	Exposure mode (detail below)  • Programmed Auto (flexible)  • Shutter-Priority Auto  • Aperture-Priority Auto  • Manual	No function
	Exposure compensation  • +/- 5 EV  • 0.3, 0.5 or 1 EV steps (CSM b2)	No function

Buttons (single press)

AF-ON	AF-ON The AF-ON button is an alternative to half-pressing the shutter release, it triggers the camera's auto focus system. You can if you wish have the camera set to that AF is not triggered by a shutter release half-press (CSM a5) and only by the AF-ON button (useful for fast action photography where continuous AF tracking is required).
AE-L AF-L	AE / AF Lock Pressing this button locks the current exposure and focus, in its default mode both AE and AF remain locked as long as you hold the button. CSM f6 allows you to change the function of this button with a range of AE / AF hold / lock options as well as other camera functions (such as metering, bracketing etc.)

Metering Mode

	3D Color matrix metering II / Color Matrix II / Color Matrix 3D Color matrix metering uses a 1005 pixel CCD to calculate the best exposure for the frame. 3D color matrix metering is only available with G type or D type lenses where the range information is used in conjunction with metered light. Color matrix II metering is used with other CPU lenses. Color matrix metering is used when focal length and aperture are entered manually using the 'Non-CPU lens data' menu item.
	Center-weighted metering The camera uses the entire frame for light measurement but assigns a greater weight to an area in the center of the frame (by default an 8 mm circle indicated on the viewfinder focus screen). The size of the circle used to define the "center" of the frame can be set by CSM b5.
	Spot metering The camera measures light only in a circle 3 mm in diameter. This is tied to the currently selected AF area point unless dynamic AF or a non-CPU lens is used when it defaults to the center of the frame.

Exposure Modes

P	Programmed Auto (flexible) In this mode the camera automatically selects aperture and shutter speed based on the current metered exposure value, exposure compensation and selected ISO sensitivity. Flexible program allows you to select one of a range of identical exposures (using different combinations of aperture and shutter speed) by turning the main command dial. Example:  • 1/125 sec, F9 (turn left one click)  • 1/160 sec, F8.0 (turn left one click)  • 1/200 sec, F7.1 (metered)  • 1/250 sec, F6.3 (turn right one click)  • 1/320 sec, F5.6 (turn right one click)
S	Shutter-Priority Auto In this mode you select the shutter speed and the camera will calculate the correct aperture depending on metered exposure, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity. Turn the main command dial to select shutter speed in the range of 30 to 1/8000 sec (in 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV exposure steps depending on CSM b3).
A	Aperture-Priority Auto In this mode you select the aperture and the camera will calculate the correct shutter speed depending on metered exposure, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity. Turn the sub command dial to select aperture (in 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV exposure steps depending on CSM b3). The exact range of apertures will depend on the lens used.
M	Manual Exposure In this mode you define the exact exposure by selecting the aperture and the shutter speed manually. As above use the main command dial (rear) for shutter speed, sub command dial (front) for aperture. The meter on the viewfinder status bar and top LCD will immediately reflect the exposure level compared to the calculated ideal exposure, if outside of the range of the indicator bar (+/- 2 EV on the viewfinder LCD and +/- 3 EV on the top control panel) an arrow ('<' or '>') will appear at the end.

Top of camera controls (left)

The top left side of the camera has the mode dial which allows you to select the camera's drive mode, single, two continuous speeds, live view, self-timer or mirror up. This dial is locked from accidental change and can only be turned by holding the lock release pin to the top left of the dial. On the top of this dial are three buttons for quality, white balance and ISO sensitivity.

Mode Dial

S	Single frame shooting One frame is taken with one depression of the shutter release button. You can of course still 'pump' shots as quickly as you can re-press the shutter release. The D300's shutter release button is the soft-press type which easily facilitates quick re-press.
CL	Continuous low speed shooting Camera shoots continuously while the shutter release is depressed. In this mode the actual shooting rate can be set between 1 and 4 frames per second (through CSM d4), the default is 3 frames per second. Images are buffered as they are taken and written out to the Compact Flash card in the background. Current buffer space is indicated on the viewfinder LCD status bar as a number prefixed with a lower case 'r' (eg. r25).
CH	Continuous high speed shooting Camera shoots continuously while the shutter release is depressed. In this mode the camera shoots at its maximum speed of 6 frames per second. Images are buffered as they are taken and written out to the Compact Flash card in the background. Current buffer space is indicated on the viewfinder LCD status bar as a number prefixed with a lower case 'r' (eg. r25).
LV	Liveview Puts the camera in live view shooting mode. In this mode you activate through-the-lens live view on the LCD monitor by first pressing the shutter release button (it's a bit counterintuitive) the mirror will raise (blanking the viewfinder) and the LCD will activate.To focus either use manual focus (press the magnify buttons to provide a larger magnified view) or press the AF-ON button to use contrast detect AF (slow but maintains live view) or phase detect AF (quicker but requires the mirror to drop first). The camera does not return to live view after a shutter release, you have to press the shutter release button once more.
	Self-timer Camera takes a shot after a predefined delay. This can be set to 2, 5, 10, or 20 seconds via CSM c3.
M-UP	Mirror Up Press the shutter release once to raise the mirror, again to take the shot. As I commented in my D2X and D200 reviews it would have been nice to have this combined with a self-timer so you don't need to touch the camera (or use a remote) to trigger the actual shutter release. (CSM d9; exposure delay mode; offers something similar but the delay is not long enough).

Buttons (combined with a command dial)

QUAL	Image quality  • RAW  • TIFF  • Fine JPEG  • Normal JPEG  • Basic JPEG  • RAW + Fine JPEG  • RAW + Normal JPEG  • RAW + Basic JPEG	Image size (all except RAW quality)  • Large (4288 x 2848)  • Medium (3216 x 2136)  • Small (2144 x 1424)
WB	White balance mode  • Auto  • Incandescent  • Fluorescent  • Direct sunlight  • Flash  • Cloudy  • Shade  • Color temperature (Kelvin)  • White balance preset	White balance adjustment  - Fine tune -3 to +3  - Fine tune -3 to +3  - Fine tune -3 to +3  - Fine tune -3 to +3  - Fine tune -3 to +3  - Fine tune -3 to +3  - Fine tune -3 to +3  - Temperature 2500 K to 10000 K  - Preset 0 to 4
ISO	Select sensitivity (ISO equiv.)  • L 1.0 (100 equiv.)  • L 0.7 (125 equiv.)  • L 0.3 (160 equiv.)  • 200  • 250  • 320  • 400  • 500  • 640  • 800  • 1000  • 1250  • 1600  • 2000  • 2500  • 3200  • H 0.3 (4000 equiv.)  • H 0.7 (5000 equiv.)  • H 1.0 (6400 equiv.) (You can choose 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV steps for ISO selection via CSM b2)	No function

Rear of camera controls

The rear of the D300 looks almost the same as the D200 expect for the larger LCD monitor and subtly re-organized and more logical button layout; gone is the bracket button now replaced with the play button, the menu button now up a the top of the column of buttons followed by protect, zoom-out, zoom-in and the OK button (called Enter on the D200).

Buttons (single press)

	Playback Enters or leaves playback mode, display mode used depends on the last used (left / right press of the multi selector) or thumbnail display mode. As with all shooting priority cameras the D300 immediately removes the playback display if you half-press the shutter release button although interestingly you can trigger AF (press AF-ON) without clearing the screen).
	Delete *p In playback or record review, pressing this button displays a 'Delete?' confirmation dialog, press again to confirm deletion. Nikon's now de-facto 'double press delete' feature is very easy to use and understand and much faster than other delete implementations (why can't all cameras be this simple?).
	Format (Delete + Mode) Hold the Delete and Mode (top right of camera) buttons simultaneously for approximately two seconds for a shortcut to format the Compact Flash card, the camera first blinks 'For' on the top display and you must release the buttons and press once more to confirm the card format.
MENU	Menu Display or cancel the camera menu, as with playback mode the menu is automatically cancelled if you half-press the shutter release button.
	Protect / Info / Menu Help *p In playback mode press to toggle the 'read only' flag on the displayed / selected image. This button can be used in both playback and record review modes. In shooting mode press this button to toggle the shooting information display on the LCD monitor. In menu mode (with a menu option selected) you can press and hold this button to display a page of help about the currently highlighted function, this is especially useful for the custom functions.
	Thumbnail / zoom out *p In playback mode with a single image displayed pressing this button switches to a four image thumbnail index, press again to switch to a nine image thumbnail index. In playback magnify mode steps back a single zoom level.
	Zoom in *p / Live view magnify In playback mode with a single image displayed enters magnify mode and steps in a zoom level, there are eight zoom steps. In live view mode magnifies the live view image (move around the live image, very useful for checking focus accuracy, there are six live view magnification levels, use the multi selector to move around.
OK	OK / Retouching menu *p The OK button is used to confirm menu selections and dialog options. In Playback mode displays a pop-up version of the retouching menu.
	Multi selector With no image displayed on the screen the multi selector is used to choose AF area, note that this function can be locked by turning the lock lever which surrounds the multi selector (this doesn't affect function in playback or menu mode). The multi selector is also used to change playback display modes (left / right), browse images in playback (up / down) and navigate menus / select dialog options. Various options are available for customizing this control: CSM f1, CSM f2 and CSM f3.

*p - In record review or playback mode

Auto Focus Area Mode selector

Note that the exact function of the AF area mode also depends on the focus mode (AF-S or AF-C), a full summary of all combinations of focus mode and AF area mode can be found at the bottom of this page.

	Auto-area AF The camera uses all focus areas and automatically selects the correct focus points. From the D300 user manual: "If type G or D lens is used, camera can distinguish human subjects from background for improved subject detection."
	Dynamic-area AF Allows you to manually select one of the fifty-one focus points, however the camera will use information from multiple focus areas to determine focus. Useful for focusing on specific subjects which may move out of the focus area briefly. CSM a3 allows you to choose between 9 points, 21 points, 51 points or 51 points with 3D tracking.
	Single-area AF Allows you to manually select one of the fifty-one focus areas, the camera will only use this area for auto focus.

Front of camera controls

On the left side of the camera front are two buttons, both of these buttons can be customized to perform a range of functions via CSM f4 and f5. By default the top button is is depth of field preview, press and hold this button to stop the lens down to the selected aperture, the button button performs flash value lock. On the right side of the camera front is the focus mode dial and above this the flash mode / compensation button.

Buttons (combined with a command dial)

	Flash sync mode  • Front-curtain sync (normal)  • Slow sync  • Rear-curtain sync  • Red-eye reduction  • Red-eye reduction with slow sync	Flash exposure compensation  • -3.0 EV to +1.0 EV  • 0.3, 0.5 or 1 EV steps (CSM b2)

Focus Mode selector

S	Single servo AF (AF-S) Camera focus when shutter release button is half pressed and locks when the in-focus indicator (a solid dot) appears on the viewfinder status LCD. If the subject is moving when the shutter release button is half pressed the camera will focus track until a lock can be obtained. In this mode the default is for focus priority, this means that a shot can only be taken with a good focus lock, you can also choose release priority via CSM a2.
C	Continuous servo AF (AF-C) The camera will focus continuously while the shutter release button is half pressed, if the subject moves the camera will adjust focus to compensate. In this mode the default is for release priority, this means that a shot will be taken whether or not the camera has a good focus lock, you can also choose focus priority via CSM a1.
M	Manual Focus Focusing is achieved manually by turning the lens manual focus ring. Focus indicator on the viewfinder status LCD will still indicate whether or not the selected manual focus is the same as the calculated auto focus. This mode is always release priority.

Displays

We've already described the technical side of D300's new VGA resolution monitor, its super-fine pixel pitch means extremely detailed images in playback and live view, it delivers fine gradations and a smooth display with no visible gaps between pixels. This may sound like a marketing tag line but viewing images on the D300's high resolution screen is far more photo-realistic and easier on the eye, a notable advantage is that in playback you don't need to zoom into images as much to be sure of sharpness / focus accuracy as the extra resolution reveals this at lower magnification.

Shooting information

Press the info button in shooting mode (except live view) to show a full screen 'shooting information' display, we first saw a screen like this implemented in the D40 and there are certainly circumstances where having this level of information on one single screen can be very useful. The D300's shooting information screen automatically (or optionally manually) switches from light background to dark background in low light situations. My only gripe with this feature was that the information display disappears as soon as you half-press the shutter release button and does not return, you have to press info again, it would have been nice to have a 'persistent shooting information' custom function.

Light screen background	Dark screen background (low light)

Record Review

You can choose for the D300 to display a review of the image taken immediately after shutter release. The type of display used will be the same as the last mode used in playback (histogram, thumbnail index, details etc.). Note that record review has all of the functionality of playback mode, this means its easy to delete, magnify, protect etc. The image will remain on the screen for the 'Monitor off delay' CSM c4 or until you half-press the shutter release.

Playback

Press the Playback button to enter playback mode, press the multi selector up or down to change display mode, up to six different pages of display detail are available. You can change the amount of information available in the basic and detailed photo display modes including optional blinking highlights and focus point display as well as the three pages of shooting information in detail mode. Note that you can switch the up/down and left/right functions of the multi selector via CSM f3 and that you can choose to also use the command dials to browse / change page via CSM f7.

Basic photo display: file number, folder, filename, date & time, quality, size	Basic photo display with optional Highlights and Focus point enabled
Detailed photo display: image thumbnail, histogram, exposure information and other data as per default display	Detailed photo display optional RGB histogram page
Detailed photo display data 1: metering mode, shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, ISO, exposure compensation, focal length, lens used, AF mode, VR mode, flash mode and flash compensation	Detailed photo display data 2: white balance & fine tuning, color space, picture control and image parameter adjustments
Detailed photo display data 3: noise reduction, active d-lighting, retouching, comment

Playback Zoom

Unlike the D200 the D300 now has dedicated zoom-in and zoom-out buttons, with an image displayed simply press zoom-in to begin magnifying. While magnified use the multi selector to move around the image, the navigation box and loupe at the bottom right of the image (as can be seen below) disappears after a couple of seconds. There are eight magnification levels, on the D300's high resolution screen the last two go beyond 1:1 and provide an enlarged pixelated view.

Playback thumbnail views

The D300 has two levels of thumbnail view, now easier thanks to the dedicated zoom-out button, just press to switch to the initial 2x2 (4 image) view and press again for the 3x3 (9 image view). Use the multi selector to move around the index. Note that if you have the 'Rotate Tall' option enabled images taken in the portrait orientation are displayed vertically (we had this option turned off in the captures below).

One click right for a 2 x 2 thumbnail view	Two clicks right for a 3 x 3 thumbnail view

Other Playback displays

After pressing the delete button just press once more to confirm the deletion	An example of a protected image

Live view

Nikon's live view implementation on the D300 is one of the most usable and comprehensive to date, the high resolution screen and addition of contrast detect auto focus, in addition to the now typical mirror down / mirror up passive auto focus system, mean that are more situations where live view becomes useful.

Live view (auto focus) mode

As noted the D300 supports two AF methods which Nikon call Tripod and Hand-held modes, both require you to use the AF-ON button to achieve auto focus. In Tripod mode auto-focus is achieved using the main image sensor in a "contrast detect" manner (the same as a compact camera), this tends to be slower than normal passive AF but does maintain the live view. In Tripod mode you can move the AF point anywhere within the frame using the multi-selector. In Hand-held mode the live view blanks out when you press AF-ON, the mirror drops and the camera focuses using the normal "passive" auto-focus sensor. Live view only returns when you release the AF-ON button, I personally found this a bit annoying, it should return as soon as the camera achieves AF lock.

Live view in Tripod mode	Live view in Hand-held mode

Live view display modes

Press the info button to remove any overlaid information, you can also optionally enable grid lines which are in the same position as the grid lines shown on the viewfinder focusing screen.

Default live view display	Live view without information
Live view with grid lines and information	Live view with grid lines but without information

Live view magnification

Just as in playback mode you can magnify live view by pressing the zoom-in button (or back out again with zoom-out). While magnified you can use the multi-selector to move around the live image. The D300 appears to be able to go all the way to 1:1 magnification (one pixel on the sensor for one pixel on the LCD) which makes it easy to achieve absolutely perfect focus.

Live view focus, magnify and exposure video clip

The following video clip shows live view in use to manually focus roughly, magnify to focus more accurately, zoom out, take an exposure and finally magnify the image in record review. (We wanted to provide a video clip of contrast detect AF but on our pre-production unit color reproduction suffered during AF so we chose to focus manually). Just click on the play button below to start the video.

HDMI output / High Definition display

Announced just a few days before the Sony DSLR-A700 the Nikon D3 and D300 were officially the first digital cameras with HDMI digital high definition video output. From the setup menu you can select between Auto, 480p, 576p, 720p or 1080i output, in this section we are only going to examine the 720p and 1080i options. HDMI output works in any mode which would otherwise use the LCD monitor; shooting information, menus, live view and playback. It has to be said that using live view over HDMI to a HD LCD or Plasma screen really is an amazing experience and could be extremely useful in studio photography situations. Below we have provided captures of HDMI output in both 720p (1280 x 720) and 1080i (1920 x 1080) resolutions just to give you a sense of the amount of detail visible. My only disappointment would be that there didn't seem to be a way to display the image without any shooting information (except when magnifying), this means that the default display (top image below) is only using 74% of screen width (theoretically, given aspect ratio differences this could be 84% without the status lines at the bottom).

Normal playback via HDMI (720p; 137 KB or 1080i; 241 KB)
Zoomed playback via HDMI (720p; 108 KB or 1080i; 207 KB)

High definition video clips

Below are two short high definition video clips captured via HDMI from the D300 (720p; 1280 x 720). The first taken in live view, manually focusing and using live view magnification to fine tune the focus point, the second a quick run-through in playback mode. Note that these videos, while compressed, are still large.

Live view over HDMI video clip (720p; Apple Quicktime; 9,979 KB)
Playback over HDMI video clip (720p; Apple Quicktime; 2,500 KB)

Menus

	The D300's menus are similar to the D200 but as they are designed for the larger (and higher resolution) LCD they feature a slightly smaller font size which allows each menu page to show eight options over the D200's seven. Navigation remains the same, the multi-way controller and Enter button. You can also configure the command dials to provide menu navigation.

Shooting / CSM menu banks

When working in the Shooting or CSM menus you are in actual fact changing the settings of a 'menu bank'. There are four banks for each of the Shooting and Custom function menus; A to D, each bank can be given a more meaningful label and the currently selected bank letter is indicated on the top control panel for quick reference. This is very useful for quickly switching between a type of shot or situation.

Help pages

The D300 has the same help feature we first saw on the D2X, a setting with available help is indicated by a circular question mark icon (?) at the bottom left of the screen. Press and hold the protect button to display a context sensitive help page.

Playback Menu

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
Delete	• Selected  • All	- Thumbnail selection
Playback folder	• ND300  • All  • Current
Hide image	• Select / set  • Deselect all?	- Thumbnail selection
Display mode	• Basic photo info Highlights Focus point  • Detailed photo info RGB Histogram Data	Allows you to toggle different items of information shown in either basic or detailed photo display modes.
Image review	• Off  • On
After delete	• Show next  • Show previous  • Continue as before
Rotate tall	• Off  • On	When enabled portrait shots appear vertically orientated.
Slide show	• Start  • Frame interval 2 sec 3 sec 5 sec 10 sec
Print set (DPOF)	• Select / set  • Cancel Order	- Thumbnail selection

Shooting Menu

A green superscript one (¹) indicates the default setting.

Option	Values / Actions	Notes / Sub options
Shooting menu bank	• A ¹  • B  • C  • D  • Rename Text entry	Four banks of settings can be memorized and quickly switched, each bank can be labeled (see above).
Reset shooting menu	• Yes  • No
Active folder	• New folder number  • Select folder	- Create new folder.
File naming	• File naming Text entry	Change name prefix (default DSC).
Image quality	• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG Normal  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG Basic  • NEF (RAW)  • TIFF (RGB)  • JPEG Fine  • JPEG Normal ¹  • JPEG Basic	Select image quality.
Image size	• Large ¹  • Medium  • Small	- 4288 x 2848 / 12.2 M - 3216 x 2136 / 6.9 M - 2144 x 1424 / 3.1 M
JPEG compression	• Size priority ¹  • Optimal quality
NEF (RAW) recording	• Type Lossless compressed ¹ Compressed Uncompressed  • NEF (RAW) bit depth 12-bit ¹ 14-bit	Set the type of compression used in the NEF file as well as the bit-depth recorded. Note that 14-bit NEF files are about 1.3 times larger than 12-bit NEF and that continuous shooting rate drops to 2.5 fps.
White balance	• Auto ¹  • Incandescent  • Fluorescent  • Direct Sunlight  • Flash  • Cloudy  • Shade  • Choose color temp.  • Preset manual	- A-B, G-M grid to fine tune WB - " - " - " - " - " - " - 2500 K - 10000 K - Select / program preset WB
Set Picture Control	• Standard Quick adjust (-2 to +2) Sharpening (A, 0 to 9) Contrast (A, -3 to +3) Brightness (-1 to +1) Saturation (A, -3 to +3) Hue (-3 to +3)  • Neutral Quick adjust (-2 to +2) Sharpening (A, 0 to 9) Contrast (A, -3 to +3) Brightness (-1 to +1) Saturation (A, -3 to +3) Hue (-3 to +3)  • Vivid Quick adjust (-2 to +2) Sharpening (A, 0 to 9) Contrast (A, -3 to +3) Brightness (-1 to +1) Saturation (A, -3 to +3) Hue (-3 to +3)  • Monochrome Sharpening (A, 0 to 9) Contrast (A, -3 to +3) Brightness (-1 to +1) Filter (Off, Y, O, R, G) Toning (10 options)  • [custom]	- Default (3, 0, 0, 0, 0) - Default (2, 0, 0, 0, 0) - Default (4, 0, 0, 0, 0) - Default (3, 0, 0, 0, 0)
Manage Picture Control	• Save/edit  • Rename  • Delete  • Load/save	- Create custom Picture Control sets - Load / save from card
Color Space	• sRGB ¹  • Adobe RGB
Active D-Lighting	• Enhanced  • Normal  • Moderate  • Off ¹
Long exp. NR	• On  • Off ¹	Enables dark frame subtraction NR for exposures of 1/2 sec or longer.
High ISO NR	• High  • Normal  • Low  • Off ¹
ISO sensitivity settings	• ISO LO 1 LO 0.7 LO 0.3 200 ¹ 250 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 HI 0.3 HI 0.7 HI 1.0  • ISO sensitivity auto control On / Off ¹ Maximum sensitivity 400 800 1600 3200 HI 1 ¹ Minimum shutter speed 1/250 - 1 sec	Available sensitivities depend on ISO step custom setting (CSM b2).
Live view	• Live view mode Hand-held Tripod  • Release mode Single frame Continuous low-speed Continuous high-speed	- Phase detect AF - Contrast detect AF
Multiple exposure	• Done  • Number of shots 2 - 10  • Auto gain On Off	Create a new image from between two and ten exposures.
Interval timer shooting	• Start Now Start time  • Interval [hh:mm:ss]  • Select Intvl*Shots [000] x [0] = 0001  • Start Off On	Time lapse / interval shooting.
Non-CPU Lens Data	• Focal length N/A 6 - 45 mm 50 - 180 mm 200 - 4000 mm  • Maximum aperture N/A F1.2 - F22

Menus (contd.)

The cameras custom settings are split into six alphabetical color coded categories, this makes it easier to remember a specific option and quicker to enter the custom settings menu at the correct position. You can still scroll through all custom settings options as one big menu if you wish. Note that on this menu an asterisk (*) next to a custom setting means that it has been changed to something other than the camera default. A green superscript one (¹) indicates the default setting.

Custom Settings Menu (a: Autofocus)

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
a1 AF-C priority selection	• Release ¹  • Release + focus  • Focus	Defines if camera must have focus lock before shutter release.
a2 AF-S priority selection	• Focus ¹  • Release	Defines if focus lock is required before shutter release.
a3 Dynamic AF area	• 9 points ¹  • 21 points  • 51 points  • 51 points (3D-tracking)
a4 Focus tracking with lock-on	• Long  • Normal ¹  • Short  • Off	Controls how focusing is affected by subject distance changing and how quickly the system should react.
a5 AF activation	• Shutter / AF-ON ¹  • AF-ON Only
a6 AF point illumination	• Auto ¹  • Off  • On
a7 Focus point wrap-around	• Wrap  • No wrap ¹
a8 AF point selection	• 51 points ¹  • 11 points
a9 Built-in AF-assist illuminator	• On ¹  • Off	Controls the built-in AF assist illuminator.
a10 AF-ON for MB-D10	• AF-ON ¹  • AE/AF-L lock  • AE lock (reset on rel.)  • AE lock (hold)  • AF lock only  • Same as FUNC button	Customize the function of the AF-ON button on the MB-D10 vertical-grip / battery pack.

Custom Settings Menu (b: Metering / exposure)

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
b1 ISO sensitivity step value	• 1/3 step ¹  • 1/2 step  • 1 step	Set the steps used for selection of ISO sensitivity.
b2 EV steps for exposure ctl.	• 1/3 step ¹  • 1/2 step  • 1 step
b3 Exp comp/fine tune	• 1/3 step ¹  • 1/2 step  • 1 step
b4 Easy exposure compens.	• On (Auto reset)  • On  • Off ¹	Enables 'Easy Exposure Compensation' which can be accessed by turning a dial.
b5 Center weight area	• 6 mm  • 8 mm ¹  • 10 mm  • 13 mm  • Average
b6 Fine tune exposure	• Yes Matrix metering Center-weighted Spot metering  • No ¹	Allows you to fine tune metered exposure values in the range of -1.0 EV to +1.0 EV in 1/6 EV steps.

Custom Settings Menu (c: Timers / AE Lock)

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
c1 Shutter-release butt. AE-L	• On  • Off ¹	Define lock AE during shutter release half-press.
c2 Auto meter-off delay	• 4 s  • 6 s ¹  • 8 s  • 16 s  • 30 s  • 1 min  • 5 min  • 10 min  • 30 min  • No Limit
c3 Self-timer delay	• 2 s  • 5 s  • 10 s ¹  • 20 s
c4 Monitor off delay	• 10 s  • 20 s ¹  • 1 m  • 5 m  • 10 m

Custom Settings Menu (d: Shooting / display)

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
d1 Beep	• High ¹  • Low  • Off
d2 Viewfinder grid display	• Off ¹  • On	Enables a 'thirds' grid overlay on the focusing screen.
d3 Viewfinder warning display	• On ¹  • Off
d4 CL mode shooting speed	• 7 fps  • 6 fps  • 5 fps  • 4 fps  • 3 fps ¹  • 2 fps  • 1 fps
d5 Max. continuous release	• 1 - 100	Maximum shots in a burst.
d6 File Number Sequence	• On ¹  • Off  • Reset
d7 Shooting info display	• Auto  • Manual	Defines if shooting info display should automatically change color in dark
d8 LCD illumination	• Off ¹  • On	When on any button will light the control panel.
d9 Exposure delay mode	• Off ¹  • On	Shutter release is delayed 1.0 sec to avoid vibration.
d10 MB-D10 battery type	• LR6 (AA, Alkaline) ¹  • HR6 (AA, Ni-MH)  • FR6 (AA, Lithium)  • ZR6 (AA, Ni-Mn)	Tell the camera what type of batteries are being used in the optional vertical grip.
d11 Battery order	• Use MB-D10 batt first  • Use camera batt first

Custom Settings Menu (e: Bracketing / flash)

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
e1 Flash sync speed	• 1/320 (Auto FP)  • 1/250 (Auto FP)  • 1/250 ¹  • 1/200  • 1/160  • 1/125  • 1/100  • 1/80  • 1/60
e2 Flash shutter speed	• 1/60 s ¹  • 1/30 s  • 1/15 s  • 1/8 s  • 1/4 s  • 1/2 s  • 1 s  • 2 s  • 4 s  • 8 s  • 15 s  • 30 s	Slowest flash shutter speed.
e3 Flash cntrl for built-in flash	• TTL ¹  • Manual  • Repeating Flash  • Commander Mode	Set the mode for the built-in flash.
e4 Modeling flash	• On ¹  • Off	DOF preview button.
e5 Auto bracketing set	• AE & Flash ¹  • AE only  • Flash only  • WB bracketing
e6 Auto bracketing (Mode M)	• Flash / Speed ¹  • Flash / Speed / Apt.  • Flash / Aperture  • Flash Only
e7 Bracketing order	• Meter > Under > Over ¹  • Under > Meter > Over
e8 Auto BKT Selection	• Manual Value Select ¹  • Preset Value Select

Custom Settings Menu (f: Controls)

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
f1 Multi selector center button	• Shooting mode Select cent. focus pt ¹ Highlight act. focus pt Not Used  • Playback mode Thumbnail On/Off ¹ Histogram On/Off Zoom On/Off Choose folder	Multi selector center button function.
f2 Multi selector	• Reset meter-off delay  • Do nothing ¹
f3 Photo info / playback	• Info <>, PB ^v  • Info ^v, PB <> ¹	Multi selector role in single image playback.
f4 Assign FUNC button	• FUNC button press Preview FV Lock ¹ AE/AF lock AE lock only AE lock (reset on rel.) AE lock (hold) AF lock only Flash off Bracketing burst Matrix metering Center-weighted mtr. Spot metering None  • FUNC button + dials 1 step spd / aperture Choose non-CPU lens Auto bracketing Dynamic AF area None ¹	Define the function of the FUNC button (front of the camera below the DOF preview button), both a single press and a hold with dial turn.
f5 Assign preview button	• Preview button press Preview ¹ FV Lock AE/AF lock AE lock only AE lock (reset on rel.) AE lock (hold) AF lock only Flash off Bracketing burst Matrix metering Center-weighted mtr. Spot metering None  • Preview button + dials 1 step spd / aperture Choose non-CPU lens Auto bracketing Dynamic AF area None ¹	Define the function of the preview button (front of the camera above the FUNC button), both a single press and a hold with dial turn.
f6 Assign AE-L/AF-L button	• Preview button press Preview ¹ FV Lock AE/AF lock AE lock only AE lock (reset on rel.) AE lock (hold) AF lock only Flash off Bracketing burst Matrix metering Center-weighted mtr. Spot metering None  • Preview button + dials Choose non-CPU lens Auto bracketing Dynamic AF area None ¹
f7 Customize command dials	• Reverse rotation Yes No ¹  • Change main / sub On Off ¹  • Aperture setting Sub-command dial ¹ Aperture ring  • Menus and Playback On Off ¹
f8 Release button to use dial	• Yes  • No ¹
f9 No memory card?	• Release locked ¹  • Enable release
f10 Reverse indicators	• + ---- 0 ---- - ¹  • - ---- 0 ---- +

Menus (contd.)

Setup Menu

Option	Values / Actions	Notes
Format memory card	• Yes  • No
LCD brightness	• -3 to +3
Clean image sensor	• Clean now  • Clean at startup / shut. Clean at startup Clean at shutdown Clean at start & shut Cleaning off
Lock mirror up for cleaning	• Start
Video Mode	• NTSC  • PAL
HDMI	• Auto  • 480p  • 576p  • 720p  • 1080i
World Time	• Time zone Select  • Date and time Date set Time set  • Date format yy/mm/dd mm/dd/yy dd/mm/yy  • Daylight saving time Off On
Language	• German  • English  • Spanish  • Finnish  • French  • Italian  • Dutch  • Polish  • Portuguese  • Russian  • Swedish  • Chinese Traditional  • Chinese Simplified  • Japanese  • Korean
Image comment	• Done  • Input comment Text entry  • Attach comment	When enabled the comment is written into the header of each image.
Auto image rotation	• On  • Off
USB	• Mass Storage  • MTP / PTP
Dust off ref photo	• Start  • Clean sensor then start	Used to capture a 'dust reference image' for the 'Dust Off' feature of Nikon Capture. (RAW only).
Battery Info	• Battery meter  • Picture meter  • Charging life	Information display only.
Wireless transmitter
Image authentication	• On  • Off
Save/load settings	• Save settings  • Load settings
GPS	• Auto meter off  • Position
Non-CPU lens data	• Done  • Lens number (1 - 9)  • Focal length (6 - 4000)  • Max aperture (F1.2 - F22)
AF fine tune	• AF fine tune (On/Off) Off On  • Saved value (+/- 20)  • Default (+/- 20)  • List saved values
Firmware Version	• Version No. A x.00 B x.00	Information display only.