The D300 is a little gem situated comfortably, both in features and price, between Nikon’s serious amateur DSLRs, the D80 and D90, and the purely professional D3. Being the third release in the D-hundred series, it is a major upgrade over the D200 and the best without question.

Much of the D300’s superior image producing ability comes from adapting technology from the D3 beginning with something new for Nikon: a CMOS sensor. In all previous cameras, Nikon used the venerable CCD, but beginning with the D3, they switched to the more power efficient, less noise producing CMOS sensor. And since less initial noise means less noise reduction required, this results in cleaner, sharper, more finely detailed pictures.

Complementing the new sensor is the EXPEED Image Processing Engine, also, adapted from the D3. This lightning fast computer enables the D300 to be to “ready” almost instantly when turned on, and to maintain frames rates up to 8 images per second with the accessory battery grip (6 without) even in RAW. Plus, it provides a host of useful “in camera” image processing features.

Then there is the high resolution three inch TFT LCD. The same one as on the D3. With 922,000 dots of resolution, it is vastly superior to the conventional 230,000 dot LCDs on most other cameras, and must be seen to be appreciated. Plus, it is more easily viewable in bright daylight which makes it a breeze when using Live View outside.

So, at last, Nikon has succeeded in producing an entry-level professional camera that won’t break the bank with all the necessary features (and some unnecessary ones–when are there not?) to make photography a rewarding experience.