I just ordered a new Nikon D300 Digital SLR with a 18-200 VR lens. The question might be why did I purchase since I already have a Nikon D70 Digital SLR. This new camera is highly rated and I can use my extensive collection of Nikon lenses that I had bought back in the days of film. My D70 would use those lenses but without any metering. Nikon had a promotion of $300 off if you bought this camera body with the 18-200 VR lens. VR stands for Vibration Reduction, allowing up to two more stops than you could normally shot. Since this is the DX format sensor, 200 mm is equivalent to a 300 mm lens on a 35 mm camera so having VR is important.

The new camera has a lot of improvements and has been highly rated in many of the reviews I have read, including the recent Mac World magazine, where it was given an editor’s pick.  It was also the Popular Photography & Imaging, Camera of the Year 2007

Here are some additional reviews at DP Review:

• Nikon D300 Camera
• Nikon 18-200 VR Lens

I had intended to order it from Costco which had a reduced price in addition to the $300 off but their shipping period was 10-15 business days and I needed it before that. I ended up buying at BuyDig.com where I have purchased other items. The camera is sold out at many online stores but they had 3 left so I went ahead and ordered this morning.

I feel in the Nikon digital SLR line this is their 2nd best camera ever. The only one that beats it is the new D3, a full frame DSLR. But that camera body costs 2.5 times more and is really geared only for professional photographers. This review of the D3 shows how the D300 compares to the D3.

Some of the features of this camera that excite me include:

• 12.3 mega pixels
• CMOS sensor
• Super fast operation
• 1/250 flash sync
• Ability to work with my older Nikon, non auto focus lens with either manual or aperture priority mode
• 3 in. LCD
• More sophisticated auto focus system
• 100% coverage in view finder
• Lower noise, especially at higher ISO settings

Some views of the camera.

Here are the specifications:

Categories: Equipment
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