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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Nikon D300s ANNOUNCED BY NIKON!!
Jack Megaw, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Jordan Murph, Photographer, Assistant
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Tony Donaldson, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 12:46 AM on 07.30.09 |
| ->> Interested to see the prices. If the 70-200 is finally as sharp as my 80-200 AF-S, I might upgrade. And the video/audio features on the D300s are certainly compelling. |
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Daniel Celvi, Photographer
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Schaumburg | IL | United States | Posted: 12:52 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> Surprise! Video. Or not. Whatever
Now check out Leica with their newest (finalized) release: the S2
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09073001leicassystemprice.asp
I think I'd sell my car to get that. You know, if I thought my car would actually fetch me enough money (it wouldn't). I just depressed myself a bit realizing my car isn't worth as much as that camera... |
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Josh Peckler, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Vernon Hills | IL | | Posted: 12:53 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> Anybody know how much a kidney goes for on the black market these days?
I need $2399.95 to get the new 70-200 lens. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 1:18 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> AF in video mode.
External stereo audio inputs.
A "quiet mode" for stills.
Wow! |
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Travis Haughton, Photographer
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Crystal Lake | IL | USA | Posted: 1:33 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> Wow is right.
Nikon is about a D700s/D3s and 35 1.4 away from being able to say checkmate.
What's Canon supposed to do now? Build in a 3G card? |
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 1:40 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> So what is new with it besides video? Is ISO performance better? Video mode is useless unless you have a tripod.
Maybe I am missing something here |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 1:47 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> Guess you are.
Lots to be very excited about. Especially on what the future may hold. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:05 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> Looking over the release form Nikon, in addition to the HD video capabilities (with stereo audio inputs, manual and auto controlled):
- Faster continuous shooting - 7fps, up from 6fps
- Better autofocus - Nikon release states improved AF performance
- "Quiet Shutter" mode
- Dual card slots - CF and SD
- Dedicated LiveView button - now easier to activate LV mode
- Virtual Horizon overlay feature |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:11 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> I have a couple of the D300 bodies and love them. I use this camera for just about everything. The size/weight, quality of files, the way the camera feels in my hands.
I also have a couple of D3 bodies and use them interchangeably with the D300 bodies ...whether I've shooting news, sports or portraits.
Add the video capabilities...
Like I said: Wow! I cannot wait to use one and see if all of this excitement is worth it.
'Nuff Said! |
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Matt Kartozian, Photographer
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 2:30 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> From the specs I read this does not excite me.
I have no need or want for video.
I use a grip and already get 8fps
The quiet shutter is interesting, might be cool for golf.
SD card slot does not do much for me. I have ham hands and the smaller cards are easier for me to lose.
Same ISO, same AF sensor, same DX sensor, pretty much just a D300 with video. |
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Rod Leland, Photographer, Assistant
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Lethbridge | AB | Canada | Posted: 2:50 AM on 07.30.09 |
| ->> Unless I'm mistaken, the 70-200 VRII has LOST the AF-Hold buttons at the front of the lens. I know not everyone makes use of them but they continue to be a large part of how I shoot. I've been scouring all the releases and photos, I can't seem to find any evidence to confirm they're gone but all the photos leave me to believe so. Is this as big a deal for anyone else? Does the new, third A/M mode make up for it? I think it's a large oversight. |
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 8:06 AM on 07.30.09 |
->> The video thing just does not do it for me. I shot that camera last year and did like it, but the image quality was nothing to gush over especially at high iso.
I was hoping that on the next release the high iso noise would get better and maybe it did.
The better af sounds good as well.
Anyways I just thought it would be a bigger update and IMHO it just didn't do it for me, sorry. |
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Garrett Hubbard, Photographer
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Washington | D.C. | USA | Posted: 12:15 PM on 07.30.09 |
->> Nice work Nikon! However, based on the specs I’m skeptical of how it will stack up to the video of the 5dmkii for a few reasons. Before you read on, know that most of my work at USA TODAY is video journalism. For better or worse, I spend about 80% of my time with video & the remainder on stills for most of my assignments. I currently use a Sony XDCAM EX1 & Canon 5DmkII for my video + stills.
What I like:
A. AF in video. Helpful because of the shallow DOF (depth of field) achievable with this sensor size. Helpful, but not huge since I shoot video in Manual focus 99.9% of the time. Maybe others use AF more than me?
B. “Audio sensitivity can be adjusted” I don’t know if this means full manual or a just a few different gain levels and then the camera automatically sets gain from there. If this was fully manual that would be huge! Auto gain is my biggest complaint with the 5Dmkii
What I don’t like:
A. 1,280 x 720 res. Absolutely high enough for web, but Much lower than full HD 1920x1080. Therefore making it difficult to cut in with our normal HD video. Less of an issue if your whole sequence is 1280x720 source material.
B. 24fps max. This is a much lower frame rate than the 30 we get from the canon and the same 30P setting we use on our Sony XDCAM EX1. For reference the Sony A1u shoots 60 interlaced frames/second. Although Hollywood movies are 24P, so the eye is quite used to this frame rate. Making the nikon footage even more difficult to incorporate into projects with XDCAM footage or 5D footage.
C. DX chip. 1.5 crop factor chip won’t give us the same beautiful DOF control we have with the 5D. It will however still be more DOF control than we have with ANY of our dedicated video cameras.
D. 5-minute clip limit in 1280x720 HD format. Won’t be a problem for most things, but makes the camera less versatile for interviews, press conf, etc.
my two cents.
-g
oh, and will the new 70-200 II really cost $500 more than the previous version!?!?! c'mon now. |
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Grant Blankenship, Photographer
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Macon | GA | USA | Posted: 12:26 PM on 07.30.09 |
->> I have to imagine the D700 version of this is in the wings as well. I think that would stack up quite well against the 5dMkII.
This is the sort of tool that is going to be the norm in the media skills marketplace. No doubt in my mind. Put me in the "stoked" column. |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 12:27 PM on 07.30.09 |
| ->> So is the one thing that is holding Nikon back from competing in the video dslr area the fact that they are using Sony's chips? Have to see how the reviews are of the video, I don't know, maybe there is something else. Just seems like it might be the issue, because of course Sony wouldn't want to give Nikon a chip that might directly compete with Sony on the video aspect. Not really sure what the answer would be other than for Nikon to find someone else to produce their chips for them. That would be too bad b/c the chip in the D700 is really awesome as far as stills go. |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 12:47 PM on 07.30.09 |
->> I placed my NPS Priority Order today for the 70-200!!
Can't wait till the November Release!! |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 12:49 PM on 07.30.09 |
->> Its a step in the right direction having AF with the video, but I hope it works better than the "tripod mode" contrast AF when doing stills, which I've always found to be next to useless its so slow, taking 20-30 seconds to focus at times.
Panasonic really got contrast based AF right with the G1 and GH1 so its really possible to make a system that works almost as well as a phasebased DSLR style AF system. That system isn't stellar for quick sports action by any means, but in normal day to day shooting it works very quick and smooth.
The stereo audio inputs are also a really nice step forward.
Hopefully Nikon can continue to move forward with its video implementation and if/when they have a 24.5 meg D700x using a D3x sensor they can impliment the following
flip out and articulation 3" 920k LCD screen
contrast based AF system for video that rivals GH1
1080x1280 HD resolution with several supported framerates
If I'm dreaming a bundled 24-200mm zoom designed with a silent apeture and AF motor for shooting video using the build in mics would be nice as well. |
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Hal Smith, Photographer
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Sedalia | MO | USA | Posted: 1:17 PM on 07.30.09 |
| ->> For the price of the Leica S2 it better have cup holders. |
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Shane Psaltis, Photographer
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Aquebogue | NY | USA | Posted: 1:44 PM on 07.30.09 |
->> Does anyone have or know where to get more in depth info on the Video? Can you use the Video to shoot sports games? Is the AF fast enough in Video mode to keep up with fast moving sports like soccer and Lax. I know Garrett said that there is a 5 minute clip limit, but if you start and stop does that matter?
Any answers greatly appreciated. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 3:07 PM on 07.30.09 |
->> Shane, its a new camera so theres not much info on it yet, but Id suggest you read a bit about the 5D mkII and Nikon D5000/D90 video abilities and issues as I belive the D300s is going to be largely the same, although it does have AF ability.
If you've tried the contrast based AF on the Live View with tripod mode, its next to useless for any moving subject, its painfully slow. My guess is its going to be the same.
If your looking for a nice hybrid cam I'd suggest checking out the Panasonic GH1, which has some really nice video ability with flip out LCD and also a pretty functional AF ability.
Its not going to track fast action either, but in typical shooting, especially for an inexperienced videographer, the ability to AF is really useful. |
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Jim Metzendorf, Photographer, Assistant
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Columbus | OH | United States | Posted: 3:29 PM on 07.30.09 |
| ->> I'm excited about the updates to this camera. I think the D300 has been largely overlooked and unappreciated by many people due to the phenomenal high ISO performance and full frame sensor in the D3/D700. I've been using the D300 for about 8 months now. In my opinion, it is a fantastic value for the money. The overall performance is very, very good. It will be fun to add video capabilities to the arsenal of tools at my disposal. |
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David Manning, Photographer
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Athens | GA | | Posted: 3:35 PM on 07.30.09 |
->> I'm really excited about the video capabilities mixed with the low light capabilities.
I have some of the same questions/dislikes about the specs as Garrett but i mainly shoot in 24/fps and its mainly for the web although full 1080p would have been nice. |
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Brandon McKenney, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Portland | ME | United States | Posted: 7:52 PM on 07.30.09 |
| ->> I wonder if they worked out the jello effect that plagues the D90/D5000. All the sample videos from Nikon so far are basically static shots so you can't really tell, which worries me that they haven't remedied it much. Granted the video AF and mic input are huge improvements, but if they can't fix the jello issue, I can't really see myself forking out for a new body until they do. |
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Doug Holleman, Photographer
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Temple | TX | USA | Posted: 1:27 AM on 07.31.09 |
->> Hopefully, at least the allegedly improved AF can be offered to D300 users as a firmware upgrade.
I can wait on video capability when they get up to full 1080 HD, 30P and a flip-out LCD screen. Otherwise, I'll stick to my HV30 for shooting video. |
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Andrew Sullivan, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Kissimmee | FL | USA | Posted: 9:57 AM on 07.31.09 |
->> Anybody see mention of the still photo audio annotation feature? I see a speaker on the back, but no mic. This is the reason I'm saving pennies for a D3 instead of a D700...
Andrew Sullivan
www.picandrew.com |
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Shane Psaltis, Photographer
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Aquebogue | NY | USA | Posted: 10:21 AM on 07.31.09 |
->> In everybodies opinion if you had to choose between the D300 or the D300s which would you choose, I already have the D3 and the D700 so noise is not an issue it is the reach that I need for outdoor events.
Any suggestions or comments.
Shane |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 12:07 PM on 07.31.09 |
| ->> It wasn't that long ago we were having a discussion on the D300 and that Nikon surely wouldn't release a new or updated body so quickly. I said it then and I'll say it for those who missed it: Nikon, like Canon and everyone else, is in the business of selling cameras. And they can't sell them unless they release new ones. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 4:02 PM on 07.31.09 |
->> Jeff, I think they pretty much had to update the D300 because on a lot of product comparison sheets it was getting out spec'd by Nikon's very own lower end offerings like the D90, D5000 etc.
Thats not to simply suggest it wasn't as good of camera, but when their cheaper D5000 and D90 options both can claim they do HD video, and also marginally better IQ due to an updated sensor design, it sort of hurts the D300's position as their flagship DX body. You don't want someone who was in the market to buy the D300 to opt for the cheaper D90 because video swayed them.
From a marketing standpoint I think it has to offer video. Honestly I think most any new camera introduced is going to have to offer video. Doesn't mean everyone wants or needs video, but you can't set yourself up to lose a potential sale because the competition has it and your product doesn't.
Basically its always a game of follow the leader. For example now that Nikon has AF in video mode, even though its probably a very slow and nearly useless contrast detection system based upon the "tripod mode" in Live View, its still AF, and I can't imagine Canon would want to introduce any future offerings that don't have the same or better spec. In the consumers eye, its simply an issue that "this one has auto focus, the other doesn't, I'll buy the one with AF" and I'm sure theres no shortage of camera store and big box retail employees who will certainly really play up that feature to sell the D300 over similar offerings now. |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 7:56 PM on 07.31.09 |
| ->> I am going to be honest and say that looks cool, my 2nd comment would be that you give that guy any camera and he can produce amazing shots! lol |
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Ron Erdrich, Photographer
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 8:27 PM on 07.31.09 |
->> It looks cool, but to be honest I'd rather have the FX sensor. Shooting with the D3 and the D2x together this year has just made me wish for another FX camera despite the "benefits" of the DX crop. I understand there is an update to the D700 in the wings, maybe in October, and so I'll be more interested in that than the D300s. But really, anything that will allow me to shed the additional weight and hassle of that video camera will be welcome.
-Ron- |
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Tom Theobald, Photographer
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La Mesa | CA | USA | Posted: 4:39 PM on 08.02.09 |
->> Ron, I feel same. Once you go full-frame (for me anyhow) ya just don't want to shoot anything else. YMMV
I go to Japan in early Sept for a world championships and hoping NPS Japan will have a service desk again. If so, will inquire about new prototypes/updated bodies (esp. D700x) and try to report back here. Will ask Canon same, if they come as well (I run both brands, tho plan is to bring only my favorite Canon glass).
OT, bit of history... At 1999 worlds in Osaka, NPS had a desk and whew! Was permitted to use a prototype D1 body. From that day onward, my F5 film body was (mostly) idle the rest of the event and sold shortly afterward. -T |
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Michael Clark, Photographer
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Santa Fe | NM | USA | Posted: 8:20 PM on 08.02.09 |
| ->> Robert - Thanks for that last link to the Ami Vitale and Robert Bosch site - that changes my mind about this camera. I would have preferred a camera with 1080p but that looks pretty sweet. It helps that the footage Robert shot is pretty spectacular as well. Hopefully Nikon's next camera will be a D700x or something with 24 MP and 1080p video and a full-frame sensor. In the mean time i might have to upgrade my backup D300. Cheers... |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 10:20 PM on 08.02.09 |
->> Question, while the Robert Bosch video is certainly very amazing work, is it something that couldn't of also been done with the D90 or D5000 ???
Are we impressed by D300s producing amazing work or are we seeing a photographer with great talent and vision, with some breathtaking locations produce amazing work that would of been just as stellar with a D90 if thats what he would of been armed with instead ?
In otherwords, is the D300s a "game changer" for video in a manner than the 5D mkII, D90, D5000 aren't ? |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 10:27 PM on 08.02.09 |
->> I'm sorry to say that Video on a DSLR is not what I'm looking for. If I needed to shoot video, I would rent a Video camera, or better yet, hire a Pro, I suck at video!! I'm a still shooter and can't get my head around video, I have done it in the past, in the days of 3/4" tape and lugging a deck on your shoulders, but it's not for me!!
Y |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 12:18 AM on 08.03.09 |
->> Yamil, while I agree with you that video is very difficult to get used to, I think to a degree its not so much if we want or don't want video, but rather if future clients and editors are going to expect video as a service we provide.
I think its going to become a standard feature on most every DSLR here on out, and with systems like the Red Scarlet, true convergance is going to be the name of the game soon.
As it stands right now, those shooters, such as Robert Bosch, who can deliver some really stellar video presentations as well, certainly have a real edge over just a still shooter. Its something that can set them apart, an extra tool in their bag of tricks.
In years to come though, I have to wonder if a still only photographer, of which I certainly count myself, is going to become increasily less marketable ?
If theres other shooters who not only will deliver stills but also video to a client, how can we still set ourselves apart and be a good value for that editor or art director in a lot of fields of photography ?
In this changing economy and with downsizing everywhere we look, it seems like the people who really are going to find themselves most able to survive are those who can really offer the most to their clients. If you can have someone do two rolls for the price of one, or someone who can only shoot stills, who would you pick to hire or keep on staff ? |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 1:49 AM on 08.03.09 |
->> Jeff,
In half of what I do, I agree!! You are right, but I also do Catalog work, a lot of it!! This will be still, at least for the foreseeable future!! It might go electronic instead of print, but it will be still!!
I guess Video is something I might have to get used to!! Or at least practice a little more.
Y |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 10:49 AM on 08.03.09 |
| ->> It would be a nice change of pace if Nikon (and Canon) would hand over these new cameras to people who work out in the real world everyday. I'm not really interested in seeing what a piece of gear can do at some exotic location with beautiful models, for example. I rarely ever view that sort of work. How will it work for me in rural southern Indiana and can I justify the cost? |
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Brandon McKenney, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Portland | ME | United States | Posted: 3:14 PM on 08.03.09 |
| ->> Amen, Jeff Mills and Jeff Stanton. I'd love to have seen Nikon put the D300S in the hands of a few US newspaper shooters. Since most of us don't normally get to shoot in locations like those shown in the Bosch and Vitale videos, they don't really tell us much about everyday use. You could've shot those with a Flip HD and it'd still be great to watch I'd bet. |
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Danny Gawlowski, Photographer
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Bellingham | WA | USA | Posted: 4:09 PM on 08.03.09 |
->> Jeff:
I think the game changer here is that the D90 didn't have external audio inputs. The D300s does. Good audio makes good video. |
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Brandon McKenney, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Portland | ME | United States | Posted: 4:42 PM on 08.03.09 |
| ->> Good audio helps to make good video. But if you can't nail down the rolling shutter issue, then you're still limited in how good that video is going to be in certain instances. |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 3:34 PM on 09.17.09 |
->> Robert,
have you used the D300s yet?
What are your thoughts?
I just got one and although I haven't used it for a job yet, it seems to be great right out of the box.
Still thinking about converting a camera to IR and it just may be the D5000. Jeff M-will post some images and video if I go that route |
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Patrick Meredith, Photographer, Assistant
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Austin | TX | USA | Posted: 4:11 PM on 09.17.09 |
->> Debra,
Are you using a D300 as well? I'm curious to see if the high ISO have been improved at all. I'm sure I could search for it, but you know how info on the net is...Still waiting on that D700x though... |
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Richard Heathcote, Photographer
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London | . | UK | Posted: 4:41 PM on 09.17.09 |
->> I've been shooting with a D300s and 200-400 at a Golf event this week. Main reason for using the D300s over a D3 was the quiet shutter and the 1.5x means 300-600, which when shooting golf is money !
anyway... impressions...
Q drive - nearly as quiet as the Canon silent mode, basically the same function (holding up the mirror until you release the shutter button) definatley quiet enough though for golf if you know what your doing.
AF - seems to be good, golf isn't really a rigourious test of Autofocus, so I won't pass judgement.
Video - played with it a bit, IMO it will be more than good enough for web based products, but the lack of 1920 x 1080 HD option is a major faux par, especially when the 5d mk2 has been suceeding in this department for a while now (I know alot of videographers who have purposly brought 5d mk2 and Canon lenses for video only and 1920x1080 is a must for them) It baffles me that Nikon still haven't launched a camera with 1920x1080 HD and at a guess will probably be another year before they do (think average 3year cycle of pro bodies)
I'm a bit dissapointed with the higher ISO performance, there is far too much noise around at 800iso, and even 400iso isn't that clean, but if it had the D3 iso perfomance and HD video who would purchase a top end flagship pro body.
Overall for the price it's a great camera, and would make an excellent 3rd body, especially if you have good light and want to use the DX 1.5x without shoving on an extender. If only 800iso was more usable.... |
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