Nikon D300S is the 3rd 12 megapixel image sensor capable of HD video recording. The mid-tier D90 and the entry-level D5000 offer amateur and enthusiast photographers a still camera that can capture video, but the D300S is Nikon's first pro-level body that doubles as a video camera.

The D300S shares similar ISO values ranges from 100 to 6400 and the ability to use "Active D-Lighting" (Nikon's proprietary feature that boosts shadow details and helps prevent overexposed highlights so you don't have to spend as much time editing your photos after you take them).

The improved EXPEED image processor (inherited from the D90) allows you to capture video at 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and 24 frames per second (theatrical film speed).

The continuous shooting speed received a nice boost to 7 frames per second when using the standard EN-EL3e battery compared to 6 fps with the original D300.

For a full 8 fps use connect the optional MB-D10 battery grip.

The design of the D300S looks virtually identical to the D300.   D300S will be largely familiar to current D300 and D200 shooters, and Nikon D90 shooters will quickly feel at home with the camera as well.

The D300S is intended to replace the D300 on the semi-pro and professional end of Nikon's DX-format SLR offerings. That said, the D300S only offers some fairly modest performance improvements over the D300.

The Shutter lag of Nikon D300S is similar to Canon EOS 5D Mark II which is 0.02 seconds with pre-focus.

D300S's AF Acquisition with no pre-focus is better than Canon EOS 5D Mark II which is 0.18 seconds, but Olympus E-30 has 0.14 seconds.   Nikon D300S's AF Acquisition with no pre-focus is around 0.15 seconds.

Continuous Shooting with the Nikon D300S is pretty good, it is around 6.9 fps framerate are based on the camera's fastest full-resolution JPEG continuous shooting mode.

Specification

• Effective pixels : 12.3 million
• Image sensor :
  • CMOS sensor
  • 23.6 x 15.8 mm
  • total pixels: 13.1 million
  • Nikon DX format
• Image size (pixels) : 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
• Sensitivity :
  • ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; can also be set to approx.
  • 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200 or to approx.
  • 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) above ISO 3200
• Storage media :
  • Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant)
  • SD memory cards
  • SDHC compliant
• Monitor :
  • 3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA)
  • low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle
  • approx. 100% frame coverage and brightness adjustment
• Exposure metering :
  • 3D color matrix metering II, center-weighted and spot metering
• Exposure modes :
  • Programmed Auto with flexible program (P)
  • Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
  • Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
  • Manual (M)
• Interface : Hi-Speed USB
• Power : Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
• Slowest Shutter Speed : 30 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
• Fastest Shutter Speed : 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
• White Balance Bracketing : Yes, 2 to 9 exposures, in increments of 1, 2 or 3
• Live View Shooting : Handheld mode, Tripod mode
• Picture Angle : 1.5
• Viewfinder : -2.0 to +1.0 m-1
• Viewfinder Frame Coverage : Approx. 100%
• Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment : (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
• Viewfinder Eyepoint : 19.5
• Reflex Mirror : Quick-return type
• Depth-of-field Control : Yes
• Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points : 51
• Single-point AF Mode : Yes
• Lens Mount : Nikon F bayonet mount
• Dynamic AF Mode : Yes
• Auto-area AF Mode : Yes
• FP High Speed Sync : Up to 1/8000
• Exposure Lock : Yes
• Exposure Bracketing : Yes
• Self-timer : 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds duration
• Mirror Lock Up : Yes
• Flash Sync Speed :
  • Up to 1/250
  • Flash synchronization at up to 1/320 s (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN)

• File Format :
  • Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW) Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60%-80%
  • JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size Priority and Optimal Quality
  • TIFF (RGB)
• Picture Control :
  • Standard
  • Neutral
  • Vivid
  • Monochrome
  • Nine User-customizable Settings
• Dust-Off Reference Photo : Yes
• Nikon Creative Lighting System Compatibility :
  • Yes
  • Built-in Commander Mode 2 Groups : A/B 4
  • Channels : 1-4 TTL, Non-TTL Auto and Manual mode
• Battery Life (shots per charge) :
  • 1,000 shots (CIPA)
  • 3,000 shots (Nikon Standard)
• Flash Sync Modes :
  • Front-curtain sync (normal)
  • Slow sync
  • Rear-curtain sync
  • Red-eye reduction
  • Red-eye reduction with slow sync

If ever you opt for a cropped-frame monster such as the Nikon D300S, You can save more or less $ 500.00 US dollars or more compared to the Nikon D700, Canon 5D Mark II or Sony Alpha A900.

Nikon D300S retails around $ 1,790.00 US dollars online and in most retail outlets in your location.