If you're looking for high-end features in your advanced digital camera, Nikon's D300 offers some outstanding options. You'll pay a premium for those high-end features -- a suggested price of around $1,800 for the camera body alone -- but few cameras in this category can match the feature list.

This model's 3.0-inch LCD is among the best we've seen on a digital camera. It's extremely bright and sharp, and it's large enough that you might be able to pick out even minor flaws in your photos, giving you a chance to reshoot. You also can magnify areas of the image during playback, giving you a chance to catch mistakes. The D300's LCD offers a 170-degree viewing angle as well. One note about the LCD: The screen protector included with the D300 negatively affects the quality of the LCD image. If you're going to rely on the LCD to preview a key photo, be sure to temporarily remove the screen protector.

Response times are outstanding with the D300. You can shoot your first photo less than a second after pressing the power button. Shutter lag is not noticeable, and you can shoot six frames per second in continuous-shot mode. The D300's low-light capabilities are outstanding, allowing you to shoot at high ISO sensitivities with very little noise.

We really liked the D300's menu structure. As with all enthusiast-level cameras, learning to use all of the features and functions can be a tricky process that will take some time, but Nikon simplifies the process with some good Help features. On the flip side, though, to gain the most benefit from this camera, you need to be an experienced photographer. (As if you didn't guess this after seeing the 400-plus-page user manual.) There is no fully automatic mode with the D300. Beginners will be wasting their money with an advanced model this powerful.

The Nikon D300 is comfortable to hold and use, with control buttons easily available. You can use the camera's built-in popup flash for quick photos, or you can add an external flash through the hot shoe. The D300 offers a standard F lens mount and includes an automatic sensor dust reduction system, which is handy. Nikon included a 51-point autofocus sensor with the D300 as well that can enhance the camera's ability to track moving subjects.

Even the rechargeable battery pack included with the D300 is powerful; you can expect up to 1,000 shots on a single charge (depending on which features you're using). With the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack, you even can run the D300 from 8 AA disposable batteries in a pinch. You can purchase a wireless transmitter to give the camera WiFi capabilities.

Bottom line: The D300 is one of the best advanced digital camera models you'll find. It offers high-end features at nearly every turn, and it can meet the needs of most experienced photographers. However, it has two related drawbacks. First, the D300 is a very expensive model. Second, beginning photographers can just skip past this model; to take advantage of the D300's powerful features and make the most of your investment, you should be an experienced photographer. If you can live with those drawbacks, the D300 will be an outstanding choice.


Pros: Outstanding image quality, great low-light performance, excellent response times, well-constructed body, large and bright LCD, great battery life
Cons: Extremely expensive option, costly add-ons, complex camera aimed at enthusiasts

Warranty
1 year, limited