Nikon has introduced their most advanced DX-format digital SLR camera to date, the D300. 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 to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility. The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust.

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 auto focus 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.

This new model 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 (which it shares with the D3) 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 auto focus, auto exposure 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 also features Nikon's new Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus 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.

There's a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D300's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing system, with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed, to ensure accurate focus.

D300 Major Features:

• 12.3-Megapixel effective DX format CMOS image sensor
• New EXPEED Image Processing System
• Continuous capture @ 6fps up to 37 JPEG/22 NEF
• Accepts Nikon F-mount lenses (with 1.5x FOV multiplier)
• Compressed RAW, JPEG and TIFF file formats
• Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority and Manual exposure modes
• Scene Recognition System recognizes colors and light patterns to determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed
• Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II prevents highlight blowouts and loss of detail in shadow areas
• 1,005-segment (pixel) metering sensor also helps improve the accuracy of AF, AE and Auto White Balance functions
• Active D-Lighting mode helps produce broader tone reproduction in both low and high contrast areas
• Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds, flash sync up to 1/250
• 51 area AF with 15 cross-type sensors, dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo modes
• 3.0-inch color LCD with 170-degree viewing angle and 920,000 pixels
• Two "Live View" modes (tripod or handheld)
• Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
• ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps with additional settings up to 1 EV (100 - 6400)
• Noise Reduction for long exposures, High ISO Noise Reduction for ISO 400 and above
• i-TTL with the SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights for Nikon's Creative Lighting System compatibility
• CompactFlash Type I or II storage (UDMA Compliant), Micro drive compatible
• Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
• USB 2.0 hi-speed data and control interface
• HDMI High Definition output (choose 480p - 1080i output)
• High-capacity Li-ion battery for up to 1000 shots per charge (3000 using Nikon standards)
• Support for the new Wireless Transmitter WT-4

The D300 is bundled with the 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. It is available now with an MSRP of $1,799.95.

The Nikon D300 is available now.

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