Is The Nikon D300s Good For Use In Today's World?  

You are very welcome! I am happy you enjoyed my video and found it to be useful. I really appreciate the feedback! Hope all is well! Kris

I am the same, just purchased one yesterday and haven't a clue what I'm doing.

@robblack7560 If you have any questions I'd be happy to help, let me know.

@@Kris_World Thank you Kris, that is really kind of you. I took 2 days and managed to reset the menus the previous owner had in place. Previously when reviewing my odd photo the rear screen was so dark you couldn't see the image. Clearing the menus cured that. What a job!

@thegrove2000 You are so right! It is the man behind the machine. Someone can buy the most expensive new camera and gear and lenses but that doesn't mean they are going to know what they are doing or that its going to be that great. You can have an old Dslr camera and produce some great shots. Its the creative process, your style that you develop over time, your way of shooting photos and knowing what everything does that counts. Love the vibes. Thank you for the awesome comment! Kris

True. The best 35mm camera I ever owned cost me less that 50 bucks. And I have owned many a camera.

In this world of today where more megapixels means better results… guys, let us remember that D300s used to be the warhorse in its time. All we need to do is some research, not a big one, though. Let’s admire the work of older master of photography with poorer equipment and behold the magic of craftsmanship. Still have my 300s and, despite I’ve got “better” tools, I still love and use it from time to time. Peace ✌🏻

Artists never talk about their paintbrushes, rather their photography , art and ideas behind it. Since putting my comments a year ago, I have the d200 and d300. Believe me it's more fun and enjoyable. The images are amazing. They are both very solid cameras and ergonomically balanced.

@mohammedakram4529 This is so true, I hope by talking about the paintbrush it helps others create what they seek.

@cllnsnmrtn1 Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Thank you for watching my video. Hope all is well. Kris

@GN Channel 18 Hello, Yes this camera has an in body AF motor and will work on any old lens that has the AF system built in.

@TigerMoto-qk3dl You are absolutely right! Thank you for watching!!

@Andrew Lowe Thank you so much! That's great that you were able to get those cameras. I just recently picked up a Nikon D200 myself just to see what the differences are between it and the D300s. I really like both cameras because even if they are the same class of camera they are actually pretty different from each other. The sturdiness of both cameras and the click of the shutter make both cameras fun to use, not to mention the differences between the CCD sensor and the CMOS sensor. They are both great for their own reasons. I have a Fuji X-T1 and know what you mean, It makes taking a photo too easy. I like a good challenge when I am taking my photos. It makes viewing them on the computer screen and editing them more rewarding. Don't get me wrong, having crystal clear shots is what we are going for anyway but its just different. Thank you for watching my video. Hope all is well. Kris

@@Kris_World "It makes viewing them on the computer screen and editing them more rewarding." Yes, I agree. On the other hand, with my Oly em1 iii the images simply sparkle in the viewfinder, then look drabber on the computer screen. Down with mirrorless! (For now.)

How do you like the D200 vs the D300s, simply in terms of shooting experience?

@oniojon Sorry I didn't see this comment. I would say both are different cameras entirely. When I received the D200 in the mail I was expecting it to be just like the Nikon D300s. It does have some similarities but it is not the same camera. The CCD sensor produces a different kind of image. The images almost have a film look to them and surprisingly you can put the ISO up pretty high and even use some formulas for the D200 as well, that makes you see why everyone loves this camera. The D300s has sharp, clean images with a very high Dynamic range that you will defiantly notice. The images have the look of a Nikon D7000 output and takes some amazing images. I love both cameras for many reasons. The D200 is just as snappy as the D300s and has a very large buffer too surprisingly. Both viewfinders are very accurate and the focus is spot on. They are both bigger cameras compared to my D7000 but both feel like a real camera should. The shutter on both cameras both has a crisp sound. The main differences on those cameras are the memory card slots and the back LCD screen. I love the D300s's screen its big and vibrant. The D200 is smaller and old, not as vibrant but you can still see what you took a picture of. The D200 is little heavier then the D300s but to me I don't mind. Both are great cameras for their own reasons. Take care! Kris

@@Kris_World Thank you!

You are so right! The older Nikon cameras are still great cameras and can produce some amazing images. Yes the Nikon mirrored DSLRs do have more noise in low light compared to a mirrorless camera but they do have so many lens options, especially if you pic us some of the old film lenses. The mirrored Nikon DSLRs that I own all have a special place in my heart and I find that all of my cameras have a different feel when I am using them. The color retention from the Cmos sensor gives so much depth and a nice amount of saturation without making it look fake. When you pick one up and use it I think you will be very happy you did. I own a Fuji mirrorless camera and love it for its own purpose, but find myself going back to my mirrored Nikon DSLRs because I want a certain look. What Nikon DSLR were you thinking about getting? I have heard many great things about the Nikon D800 series. I don't own one but love the features that my D300's offers even if it is a crop sensor. The D7000 is another one of my favorites. Its a simple camera but can produce beautiful pics especially with older SLR lenses. Thank you for watching my video. Take care! Kris

@@Kris_World I was looking at having a D700, D3s, D300s and a D800 or D810. My budget is pretty big, but first I am getting some more things for my z6ii. I actually own a DSLR. The d3500 its my favorite camera, because everything I know about photography was learnt on that camera. It was also my first camera and I owe everything to that camera, all the memories. They're just things that Mirrorless cameras can't recreate, like the experience. I know Mirrorless cameras are great and so, but the sound of the shutter and guessing the right shutter speed and everything is just a different experience. My aim is to buy a DSLR in about a year or so, because I am saving for 3 primes. 24 f1.8, 50 f1.8 and 135 sigma. But after that I might get one of the cameras I mentioned above. And a sidetone: you earned a sub.

@longhaulaviation4020 Those are all fantastic choices. The D700 has a long legacy of being a fantastic DSLR. I myself would love to get one someday but it is hard to get one with a low shutter count. The D3s was a top notch camera used for photo journalism and high end work. A very heavy one but such a cool camera. That's awesome that you started out on the d3500. I understand what you mean I owe everything to my Nikon D60. I still have this camera and will never get rid of it, even if it is just a 10 megapixel camera. It taught me so much and because it is so limited it helped me learn ways to be more creative in my photography. Those are indeed great prime lenses. Just don't get the 24mm 2.8d it has major lens flare issues, at least my copy does. Another one I would strongly recommend if you ever want a zoom is the 28-105d macro lens. Its a great all around lens and takes some pretty tac sharp images. Its made from the film days so it doesn't have VR but its macro mode is pretty amazing. Thank you so much for the sub! It means a lot! Its been great chatting with you!

Now that the dSLR age is over, I think I'm going to start collecting them. D300s for under $200 blows my mind! That was a DREAM camera in high school for me

@@oniojon well for me it isn’t yet over, BUT the end is near. I can see the production of DSLRs ending soon, I mean many of them have already been discontinued. It’s sad, but I guess the industry has to move on, but that doesn’t mean that we have to move on, I for example still prefer DSLR over mirrorless (yes I own both).

@Clichefotos Ok so here is what I have noticed from my experience using both of these cameras. During the day they both take fantastic color pictures and yes have the same 12.3 megapixel sensor. One does less then the other because the D300s has more features and is considered a semi-professional camera. But I have used both at night, and from what I have noticed the Nikon D300s has a lot of noise in very low lit situations, even while using a tripod and a low ISO. But you can take the same photo with the D90 and it will come out fantastic with the same settings. I don't know if it is because of the two cameras that I happen to own, but I have actually read that the sensor on the D90 is supposed to be better in certain situations. I am not sure why, I haven't been able to pin point this issue specifically, but I believe it has to do with the way the two cameras process the images especially when they are large files. Thank you for watching my video. Kris

I know the D300 review, at launch said there was a noise problem.

@Audimann Hi Audimann, that's awesome that you got your D300s out to use again. It is a great camera, but sadly doesn't do very well unless, yes you use a fast lens like a 17-55mm f/2.8 or something like that. It is a very underrated camera and can give you some really amazing results. Thank you so much for watching! I hope all is well and enjoy using your D300s. Kris

@@Kris_World Indeed you need a good lens to make it work but that goes for any camera I guess. And with todays software like lightroom and AI tools you can look a 6 megapixel D70 pic like something that came out of a D850. Well almost.

@chefenriqueavargas3326 That's awesome! You will be pleased once you receive it in the mail! It is a great camera. The differences that I can see between the Nikon D300s and the Nikon D5000 is that the D5000 has an articulating screen and it has a slightly higher color depth and slightly higher dynamic range. But on the Nikon D300s the viewfinder magnification is a bit larger, giving it 100 percent coverage vs 95% it also has 51 focus points vs 11, shoots 7fps vs 4fps, and will give you 950 shots per battery charge vs 510 and it has environmental sealing where the d5000 does not. So all in all I would defiantly say you made an excellent choice by picking the D300s. It is upgrade for sure in many ways. Congrats on your purchase of a great Nikon Dslr. I hope you enjoy it when you get it. If you have anymore questions about it let me know. Take care! Kris

@@Kris_World thanks so much for your reply, that's the information that I needed.

@chefenriqueavargas3326 You are very welcome Enrique! I’m so happy I could help! 😊

@dct124 Thank you for providing the settings you mentioned. Those settings can defiantly be a great way to expand one's creative boundaries with this camera. I tried the black and white settings with the Hi-1 ISO and it does look like film. Thank you for watching my video and for being a part of this online community. Hope all is well. I will defiantly try more of your settings. Take care! Kris

@@Kris_World NP. If you have a D200 there's some tricks inside the custom picture profile when you play with it, I'll just say extremes. You can get Marie Claire, Elle magazine publication quality images straight out of camera from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. film days. Nikon knew what they were doing when they built these bodies. Set your camera (D200) to Hi-1, +1 exp. comp. P mode, 3D Color Matrix then go outside and experiment with Hue, Max saturation and Contrast. When you hear photographers talk highly about CCD sensors, you'll figure out why. Controlling P mode with the back dial. It just combines Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority for PERFECT EXPOSURES 100% of the time. I float between +2 & -2. But mostly +1 or 0. The D300 meter isn't as good as the D200, but ADR makes up for it. The custom settings inside the D200 are actual film stock simulations once you figure out the formulas.

@dct124 I went ahead and tried those settings to replicate those results. I even looked up those magazines to see the kind of quality you were talking about. That trick worked beautifully. Thank you for sharing this formula. I did not know that the D200 was capable of doing this. The noise looks like film grain. The problem I have been having with my recently purchased D200 is actually the WB. I am going to buy some white balance cards to calibrate my white balance on my D200 because it has a very yellowish tint even when I turn the WB all the way down too the cooler side. I hope it works. I can always adjust it in post but I would love it to just work while I'm taking photos. I am still getting familiarized with my D200, so all this info you are giving me is very much appreciated. Thank you!

@kovep1 Hello you are absolutely right, I did say that and I was wrong. What I meant to say was that it has a Scene Recognition System. It’s on Nikon’s website under Key Features. www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product-archive/dslr-cameras/d300s.html . Thank you for pointing that out. Hope all is well. Kris

@ F Bekker Yes it does, sorry about that. I was very new to RU-vid, and I am still working on making my videos better everyday. Thank you for watching!

@@Kris_World no problem! Still was very informative 👍🏻👍🏻

@@fbekker1838 Thank you, I really appreciate it! Take care!

@mickboreham8482 Thank you! Thank you for watching!

@rafaelozmarcos That's awesome that you have had those cameras. I have never had a chance to use a Z6 II. I'm sure it takes amazing images. Thank you for watching!

@Pitch Power You are very welcome! Thank you for watching my video. I would say that this camera is very well equipped and has a very nice sensor for portrait photography. Unforntuanly I am not a portrait photographer and don't have a studio to shoot portraits in, I am a landscape and nature photographer. Just make sure you have your subject well lit and are using a low ISO with a fast lens and you should be good. The image quality on this camera is superb. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Take care! Kris

@patprop74 I am sorry you broke that many bones in your foot, I could only image how painful that was. One toe broken in 3 places was enough for me. It healed quickly though so yes not the end of the world, it just is unfortunate that you can't do anything but be a couch potato lol. The D300s still has a great amount of potential and yes even though the new standards are a min of 25 MP in the new cameras, it is still a fantastic camera for even comparing to those. I too use a CF adapter in both my Nikon D200 and D300s and love the fact I don't have to worry about the clunky cards anymore. It just makes life easier when I have to download my card. Thank you for watching my video. Hope all is well and keep taking pictures! Kris

@@Kris_World Thanks, its been about 2 months, I'm back to work full time but still hurts as soon as something touches the top of my foot too heavily even just rubbing the top of my foot hurts a little but ill live, I Had a D200 Freaking loved that camera, i like my D300s more but still.

@patprop74 Every now and then my toe still aches. I don't think it will ever be normal again. Just don't drop anything on your foot. My doctor said if I did, I would have to have surgery because then it would be shattered. Not a happy thought. Just be easy with it. We feel like we are superman until life tells us we are not. lol. It is a great camera. I could never afford it when I was younger but now that its an older camera and so I am I, I can. What is your favorite color profile on your D200? The D300s is defiantly a fantastic predecessor and has so much to offer.

@e r Yes, I agree The d300s is a fantastic camera!

@Neth BT Someday I would love to get a D7100, but still love my D7000 and have never been unhappy with my D300s. Thank you for watching my video. Kris

@@Kris_Worldthe D7100 has superb resolution and color (if you pair it with high quality glass like the SIGMA ART Primes) ...that camera body is extremely picky I tell ya, coming from someone who owns a handful of Nikkor primes and Zooms, even with notoriouslysharp lenses like the 50mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8 and the 17-55 2.8. They come up short as far as resolving the detail goes..Got mine for $300 less than 5K clicks

I have all of the cameras you have listed. I hot to say that I enjoy and am partial to the 300s. I reminds me of my D700

@@nethbt Just stop it. Seriously. The fact that you are calling the 50 1.8 Nikkor ( and the 17-55...is this a joke?) "notoriously" sharp is an indication that you are a gear enthusiast, who knows very little about photography, rather than a photographer. Sell all your crap and buy a Zeiss lens cap. Notoriously sharp lenses: Yashinon Color on the Yashica 35 fixed lens cameras, 100mm Zeiss 3.5 Planar and 120mm Makro Planar for Hasselblad, just about any Hexanon for 35mm, Kodak 203mm 7.7, Schneider Xenar for Kodak Retina, just about any Fujinon, the 60mm 3.5 on the 645 cameras in particular. Very sharp, excellent lenses: Nikkor 50mm 1.8, including the E series, Nikkor 180mm 2.8, Nikkor 18-70mm. You clearly don't know what "notoriously sharp" is. By the way, I generally use film cameras, but have owned and used many Nikon and Fuji dslrs, FX and DX. The D300 was one of my favorites. I simply prefer film these days, and am considering buying a good, used D300.

​@@nethbtBullshit.

@K Hanscombe Thank you for all the extra information and for watching my video. Glad you liked it. Really appreciate the feedback. Take care! Kris

@Jack Edwards Hi, to answer your question I have always known a 12 megapixel sensor to be able to print really nice sized prints. I haven't done so myself due to cost, but I have resampled images in photoshop that have been pretty good size, much larger than 11x14, which is *close* to what you get out of camera. I have pixel peeped when resampling the images and saw that the my images still have really nice resolution and clarity. There are tricks to make sure you effectively use this cameras resolution properly though. Make sure you are shooting with a tac sharp lens, using the proper ISO when shooting the images to reduce noise. Something else really important is know, are limits of your lens so you can keep your shutter speed fast enough to keep your images from becoming blurry during those important moments. A rule of thumb is that the highest focal length of your lens is usually the slowest you can shoot handheld while still having images that are not blurry. So if you have an 80mm 1.8 Lens for example your lowest safest shutter speed to shoot hand held will be the lowest of 1/80 of a second. Now VR helps this so you should be able to shoot two stops lower at least handheld. There are also compression modes in the camera that you can turn on in this particular camera that makes the file size much larger so you have a less compression so you can print larger. Also make sure you are either shooting in the RAW format or tiff.

@@Kris_World Thanks for confirming my opinion. Just because technology advances, it doesn't mean older technology doesn't still do a good job.

@Jack Edwards you're welcome! You are completely right! I completely agree with you. Hope all is well! Kris

@badger Hi Dave, It's ok. Its slowly but surely healing, it just makes it hard to get around. Thank you so much! I appreciate it! Me too. Well as far as the D300s compares to the D90 goes, it actually has the the same image sensor. The camera itself is actually just an upgrade with more of the Pro features from Nikon's Flagship cameras at the time. I'll make another video comparing the two very soon. Everything about the two cameras is actually very interesting. I hope you're doing well buddy. Kris

@@Kris_World Hello mate. Ah, so it's still the D7000 as my upgrade then due to its better low light performance. I may have asked you before about comparing the D7000 and the D90 in low light conditions, so maybe the D300s? My Spanish father in law decided to invite himself over for a few days. Thankfully he's heading back home today so all will be back to normal 🙄😁

@Badger Hey buddy, Sorry it's been a few days, I have unfortunately gotten the wonderful new Omicron Variant BA-5 that is ravishing through our lovely state of California here in the US and it has been such a battle to deal with for me. But writing you back has been on my mind and keeping my channel going so I can achieve my dream of becoming a full time content creator someday. Yes I would defiantly keep the D7000 as your upgrade because of all the new features it has, including the EXPEED 2 16.2MP sensor. The sensor just does that much better in low light. When I feel better I plan on making a video to demonstrate how low light effects the sensors differently. So stay tuned my friend. Oh no, its so much fun when family decides to make plans for themselves to come over when you least expect it. I have had that happen with other family members in the past and totally know what you are talking about. Hopefully things are back to normal now, since this message is now three days later. Sorry about that Dave. If its not one thing its another. First the Toe now lovely Covid. Hope all is well with you today my friend. Please be safe out there. I'm going to go back to bed now to try to get better. Its good to hear from you. 🙂 Kris

@@Kris_World Oh mate. If it's not one thing, it's another. I'm with you there. The best thing you can do is to sit out in the sun to get your Vitamin D3. Drink plenty of water to flush out all toxins. Eat oranges for Vitamin C and a Zinc supplement. These alone will bolster your T-cells of your immune system. Oh and go for a walk. I can't remember if I told you I had Fibromyalgia for 5 years and the doctors and specialists couldn't do anything for me. I was simply told I would have it for life. Oh and by the way, take these anti-depressants for your inflammation. I have absolutely no faith in the medical industry, as that is what they are now. We are no longer patients but customers to big pharma. The doctor is the pill peddling middleman. Anyway, before I put my tin foil hat on, I cured myself through doing my own research. Essentially processed sugar is a killer. Simple as that. There is no sugar in my food at all. I eat veg, salads and meat, and have reduced wheat products (pasta, bread) and potatoes. I'm now as fit as a fiddle and no longer insulin resistant bordering on type 1 diabetes. So I am a bit of a er.... specialist in food nutrition these days hahahaha. Moving on........ ;-) A video on the low light capabilities of the D7000 would be fantastic for me personally. But only when your ready mate and the timing is right. I'm being tempted to get the old 18-200mm 3.5-5.6 lens as well, which would be huge for my photography. You can pick them up for about 200 squiddies these days. I use the term squiddies because I was brought up on the pound sterling, now I use the Euro and you use the dollar. So..... Get well soon mate, don't listen to the scare mongering going on and treat it as the common cold and you'll be fine.