Nikon D300S DSLR Camera Body {12.3MP}

Nikon D300S: the APS-C pro DSLR that set the benchmark.

The D300S built its reputation on the MultiCAM3500DX autofocus system, which gives you 51 AF points, 15 of them cross-type, with 3D tracking that uses color data from a 1005-pixel AE sensor to follow subjects across the frame. At 7 fps continuous shooting, it keeps pace with fast-moving subjects, and a shutter rated to 150,000 cycles backs up that pace with real durability. The 100% coverage optical pentaprism viewfinder at 0.94x magnification puts you in direct contact with the scene in a way that no approximation can replicate.

Dual card slots, one CompactFlash and one SD/SDHC, let you shoot backup or overflow depending on your workflow, which matters on jobs where redundancy is non-negotiable. The body is fully weather-sealed, the shutter runs from 30 seconds to 1/8000 sec, and CIPA-rated battery life sits at 950 shots on a single EN-EL3e charge. ISO runs natively from 200 to 3200 and extends to 6400 when you need it. The 3-inch, 920,000-dot LCD remains one of the clearest fixed screens Nikon put on a DX body from this era.

For a proven F-mount platform with this level of AF hardware, the D300S has earned its place as a reference point for what a mid-size DX DSLR can do.

Who It's For

Sports and wildlife photographers working in unpredictable light will lean on the 51-point AF system and 7 fps burst to track erratic subjects with real confidence. Photojournalists shooting in rain or dust get a weather-sealed body and dual card slots for in-camera redundancy on deadline assignments. Studio and location portrait photographers benefit from the 100% viewfinder coverage and AF fine-tuning for up to 20 individual lenses, which keeps critical focus precise across a full kit. Anyone already shooting the Nikon F mount has immediate access to decades of glass without adapters, making the D300S a capable second body alongside any F-mount system.

Key Features

• 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors and 3D color tracking
• 7 fps continuous shooting with 150,000-cycle shutter durability
• 100% optical pentaprism viewfinder at 0.94x magnification
• Dual CompactFlash and SD/SDHC card slots with backup or overflow modes
• 12.3MP APS-C sensor with 200-3200 native ISO, extendable to 6400
• 1280x720 HD video at 24 fps in Motion JPEG
• 920,000-dot LCD screen with live view and in-camera editing
• Fully weather-sealed body with 950-shot CIPA battery life

FAQ

What autofocus system does the D300S use?

The MultiCAM3500DX with 51 AF points, 15 of them cross-type sensors, plus 3D tracking that reads color data from a 1005-pixel AE sensor to follow subjects across the frame.

How fast can the D300S shoot continuously?

7 fps with the standard EN-EL3e battery, or 8 fps when paired with the MB-D10 grip and an alternate battery like the EN-EL4a.

Can I use both CompactFlash and SD cards at the same time?

Yes. The dual card slots let you run backup mode to mirror files on both cards, or overflow mode to automatically switch to the second card when the first fills up.

What's the viewfinder like on the D300S?

100% optical pentaprism coverage at 0.94x magnification. Direct, unmediated view of the scene with no lag or blackout delay.

Does the D300S have weather sealing?

Yes, the body is fully weather-sealed. The shutter is rated for 150,000 cycles, which backs up the durability claim for professional use.

What video does the D300S record?

1280x720 at 24 fps in Motion JPEG format, with stereo microphone input. No autofocus during recording-manual focus only.

How long does a battery last on the D300S?

CIPA rating is 950 shots per EN-EL3e charge under standard test conditions. Real-world mileage depends on how much you use the LCD and live view.