The newly developed Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor for the D300 combines 12.3 effective megapixels of resolution with the highest level of photographic and high-speed performance. With a broad light sensitivity range of ISO 200 to ISO 3200, the sensor produces accurate tones and the finest details. For example, it allows you to capture the texture of a white dress in the highlighted areas while also faithfully reproducing the details in shadowed areas. And, when the need arises, sensitivity can be further adjusted to Lo 1 for ISO 100 equivalent and Hi 1 for ISO 6400 equivalent settings. Even when shooting at high ISO settings, the sensor delivers clean, natural-looking results, in part thanks to the advanced noise reduction function that operates at ISO 800 and higher settings to minimize chroma noise, color fringing, and shadow noise. Its integrated A/D converter enables selection between 12-bit and 14-bit conversions, making it possible to shoot with the high image quality of 13-bit NEF (RAW) format. Furthermore, the optical low-pass filter (OLPF) located in front of the CCD to eliminate color aliasing incorporates an IR-cut (Infrared) coating that minimizes red color shifts and a UV (Ultra Violet) cut coating that improves image quality at the periphery to help ensure the sharpest images with the highest possible resolution.
EXPEED digital image processing
Nikon's comprehensive new EXPEED digital image processing concept marks the culmination of years dedicated to advancing photographic and digital imaging technologies. The processing system developed for the D300 applies optimized technologies based on the EXPEED concept, with custom-tuned algorithms delivering processing power that greatly improves system performance while extending the achievable levels of image quality and tone reproduction. The best-ever image quality in a DX-format SLR digital camera also benefits from lateral chromatic aberration reduction, which effectively controls color bleeding around the image periphery, high-precision color reproduction, smooth tones and advanced noise reduction. Also engineered to maximize speed, EXPEED contributes to improved system performance, including quicker response, faster memory card access, and faster data transfer. Because all internal processing is handled in full 16-bit color, precision can be maintaned for tone compression, color processing across all processing modules. That means colors and skin tones remain precise and richly alive.
Self-cleaning Sensor Unit
New for the D300 is Nikon's ultrasonic Self-cleaning Sensor Unit, which employs four different resonance frequencies to vibrate the optical low-pass filter and shake dust away from the sensor. Image sensor cleaning can be set to operate automatically when the camera is turned off or on, or can be operated from the camera's menu. Here's how it works in a few easy steps: (1) Internal mechanisms generate as little dust as possible in operation. The shutter unit and all moving parts are designed to minimize dust generation, and are operated adequately before mounting within the camera so that they do not disperse dust following camera assembly. The mechanisms are then operated again after assembly to further ensure that they do not generate dust. (2) Dust doesn't easily adhere to internal surfaces. Anti-static finishing is used around the image sensor and optical low-pass filter (OLPF), while surrounding areas are specially treated such that dirt particles adhere to them easily. In addition, the space between the OLPF and image sensor is sealed to prevent dust particles from entering the assembly. (3) Dust doesn't easily disappear in images. Enough distance is left between the OLPF and image sensor that dust is less likely to affect the final image. (4) Dust reduction in software. The effects of dust can be reduced for images shot in NEF (RAW) format by using the Dust Off feature in Capture NX, Nikon's optional photofinishing software.
Scene Recognition System
The D300 is equipped with Nikon's exclusive new Scene Recognition System, which recognizes the lighting and color conditions of the subject to realize a new level of precise control. Nikon has improved its acclaimed 1,005-segment RGB sensor for the new system, advancing its functionality by adding a new diffraction grid. This combines with advanced new information processing technologies that recognize the conditions of the subject and framed scene prior to shooting, producing useful information that is applied not only to auto exposure, but also to auto white balance control and autofucus. The system uses subject tracking information calculated by recognizing the color and brightness of a subject within a user-selected focus point and tracking the subject's lateral movement within the frame, along with focus information from the autofocus sensor to realize fast, precise AF control that quickly catches changes in the subject's position. For example, 3D-tracking mode takes advantage of all 51 AF points, automatically switching between focus points as it tracks and maintains focus on a moving subject. When using Automatic-area AF mode, subject identification uses light and color information from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor to accurately determine the area occupied by human subjects within the framed image. It identifies the sky, background, foreground and the color of the subject's face as it determines the position of the subject. Even if the colors of the background, foreground and subject are similar, the system uses distance information from G or D type lenses to more precisely focus on the subject's position.
High-density 51-point autofocus system
The D300 is equipped with Nikon's newly developed Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module, which features the world's largest number of focus points. The system selects the focus point that best applies to the subject, demonstrating an outstanding level of precision, even when shooting in constantly changing conditions. All 51 focus points, including the array of 15 cross-type sensors located in the center, maximize the potential of lenses with maximum apertures of f/5.6. Working in tandem with the new Scene Recognition System, this system exhibits superior ability to lock onto your subject, and to predict the subject's movement. The result is more precise autofocus performance. The system also lets you switch from 51 focus points to an 11 focus point mode. The D300 offers Dynamic-area AF modes that use information from surrounding focus points to provide precise focus, even if the subject momentarily moves outside the user-selected focus point. Dynamic-area AF allows you to use groups of 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. Also available is 51-point Dynamic-area AF with 3D-tracking, which takes full advantage of all 51 AF points to accurately track the subject and automatically switch focus points. This is particularly convenient when you want to freely compose shots of sporting events, or any scene in which the subject moves about in random fashion. 9-point mode is particularly useful when specific composition is your priority or your subject moves in predictable fashion that is relatively easy to catch within the focus points, and 21-point mode is the better choice when your subject moves about randomly. Single-point AF mode is convenient when you want to focus on the subject's eye or some other reference point when shooting still subjects. And it can be set to give human subjects, or subjects closer to the camera priority when automatically selecting which individual focus point to use. When using G or D type lenses, you can also use Automatic area AF mode, which increases focus precision by automatically distinguishing the subject from the background and foreground as it selects the appropriate focus points.
