Nikon D300 === http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26106716 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Who went from D80 to D300? Is it 'better'? Posted by AlbieSky [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 9:24:46 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2007 (GMT) To those who 'upgraded' to the D300: are you finding your pictures to be 'better' with the D300? I know the D300 has more functionality, but will I see a noticeable difference in image quality. The two aspects of the D300 that may make me buy the new camera are the fine tuning of focusing of my lens and the seemingly 'better' WB/color saturation. --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Who went from D80 to D300? Is it 'better'? Posted by Rob Bye [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 9:42:20 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2007 (GMT) I've only been a D80 user for a few months, so I don't have too much sentiment invested into that camera. My D300 is superb, and yet so is my D80. On the first job where I used both cameras, it was easy to switch from one to the other. I do wish the control layout was a bit more similar, but the general idea is the same. Image quality is very similar. I took the D80 only as a back-up, but ended up using it for a quarter of all the images taken. The D300 is better in the sense that it offers more choices, and more flat-out performance, but the D80 is still a viable camera. The two together make a nice combination. Rob Bye http://www.RobByePhoto.com --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Who went from D80 to D300? Is it 'better'? Posted by Don Deignan [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 10:34:42 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2007 (GMT) The D-80 was OK but needed more post production. Plus, I was never so excited by my pictures like I am with the D-300. I am using the custom setup for the D-2x which you can download from Nikon. The auto focus is much better too. I am glad I passed on the d-200. Now I have the 300 and the 80. Don Deignan --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Is it worth the upgrade... For me Yes.....!!! Posted by sox OZ [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 10:42:19 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2007 (GMT) Hi Albie.... I had the D50, D80 & D80 all at the the same time and the biggest difference I had notice is the higher level of camera you went to, it took more adjustments to get the shot from it, but once you mastered it they did perform... The D50 was the easiest to get a photo out of, but once you get the hang of the D300 and what the different setting allow you to do, what you get is great images... The D300 has a lot of extra nice features over the D80, but then the D80 had more features over the D50... Will it give you better photos in "Normal" light & conditions... not really.. In odd light, it probably will... This is why I kept my D80 as it is an excellent camera that gives superb photos, but I'm the type that loves playing and I liked the extra features, so I got the D300, and I'm glad I did... ;o)) Is it worth the upgrade, for me...Yes, for you, well thats something you will have to evaluate are the extra feature worth it to you... ==== http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26060946 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: OK Val - some questions..... Posted by valeriecook [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 12:15:47 PM, Monday, December 17, 2007 (GMT) Hi Lil - in camera sharpening was on - but then in NX I turned it off and use unsharp mask. I usually stick with 5.6 or 6.3 if I can on my 18-200 as it seems to be the sweet spot for my copy. I will go check out your sepia images (-: ~Val === http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26076418 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Correction. Posted by Howard S Passman [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 2:42:59 PM, Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (GMT) Actually, Transfer that comes with View NX will sync your camera to the PC time. Howard === http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26062195 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: D300 focussing (or lack of) Posted by Jersh [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 2:42:17 PM, Monday, December 17, 2007 (GMT) Have you tried using the dedicated switches on the camera body to change AF modes? The toggle switch on the front of the camera is for going between Manual, Single, and Continuous modes. The toggle switch on the rear of the camera, to the right of the LCD is for switching between AF Auto, AF-dynamic, and AF-single area. If the toggle switches are set to one setting and you're changing the setting through the menus that may cause the problem your describing. But honestly I'm not sure. ==== Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject D300/D3: 'FINE' is not the best JPEG quality - must also set 'optimal quality' Posted by Jerry Jongerius [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 6:03:34 PM, Thursday, December 06, 2007 (GMT) I just received my D300 kit yesterday (with the 18-200 VR lens) and my first impression overall is WOW! For casual shooting, I usually use JPEG set to the largest photo size and highest JPEG quality. For the D300/D3, this means a 4288x2848 size (L out of L/M/S options) and the 'FINE' JPEG quality (out of fine/norm/basic options). However, I found that on the D300/D3, there is also an "image quality menu" that also affects JPEG quality. Click the menu button, shooting menu, 'JPEG compression' menu item and you then have an option of selecting "Size priority" or "Optimal quality". Clicking the camera info button on each options reveals: ---------- Size priority: All images are compressed to around the same file size Optimal quality: Priority is given to image quality. File sizes may differ. ---------- From p.58 of the US manual, RE "The JPEG Compression Menu", it states: ---------- Size Priority (default): Images are compress to produce relatively uniform file size. Quality varies with scene recorded. Optimal Quality: Optimal Image Quality. File size varies with scene recorded ---------- --> Notice that the D300/D3 'out of the box' "JPEG Compression" default it NOT optimal quality, but rather size priority. Using an informal shooting scene resulting in the following test results: o fine/size priority - 4,863,904 byte JPG o fine/optimal quality - 5,605,570 byte JPG Clearly the larger JPEG file size will have some affect on quality. This means that anyone who wants the highest quality JPEG from their D300/D3 must not only select the 'FINE' JPEG option -- but also set 'optimal quality' from the "JPEG Compression" shooting menu! Lesson: Beware of any D300/D3 reviews using JPEG's (especially the highest quality (FINE) JPEG's) that do not also disclose the "JPEG Compression" setting that was used (size priority vs optimal quality). If the review does not talk about the "JPEG Compression" setting, it is more than likely that 'size priority' was inadvertently used and not 'optimal quality'. --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25785384 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject setting for JPEGs... Posted by Denise McNickle [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 4:47:37 PM, Tuesday, November 27, 2007 (GMT) Make sure to set the image quality to Fine and the JPEG compression to Optimal Quality for the best JPEGs. Those settings are different from the default settings. ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26022745 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject capture nx in nikon D300 Posted by dani carmona [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 10:35:38 AM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) Hello everybody, I purchased my nikon D300 in Calumet and it is anounced that nikon capture comes with the camera. However, in the CD suite there are other progrmas like Nikon View but no Nikon Capture. Does anyone know what's happened? Is there a keygen inside the CD or something? Thank you ---- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26022793 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: capture nx in nikon D300 Posted by Nikcan [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 10:45:56 AM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) Hi There, you should have a product key in the box and you download the program from htpp://nikonimglib.com/ncnx hope this helps -- Best Regards Mike. pbase supporter.http://www.pbase.com/ekim --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26022819 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: capture nx in nikon D300 Posted by Nikcan [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 10:48:00 AM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) The key is on a piece of paper Marked Capture NX -- Best Regards Mike. pbase supporter.http://www.pbase.com/ekim --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26023807 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject And... Posted by miancu [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 1:24:35 PM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) ...you have to carefully peel the black stripe at bottom to reveal the serial. miancu --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Free Capture Nx with D300 Posted by Herb [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 7:11:35 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2007 (GMT) There is a sheet of paper with a scratch off on it hiding the key cose that allows you to register Capture NX after downloading from the Nikon site. Mark Woodland wrote: > Got a CD with my new D300 that has Nikon software suite on it. Seems > to only have NIkon Transfer and ViewNX on it. Nothing in the > documentation on the CD or in the manual that I can find about > Capture NX? It is supposed to be included right? > > Mark W. Herb --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Free Capture Nx with D300 Posted by jafo818 [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 8:50:35 PM, Thursday, December 20, 2007 (GMT) To be more precise, the key is revealed by (carefully) peeling off a strip of paper over the key. Do it slowly versus ripping it off, as you might actually peel off the ink that reveals the key. You can also see the key if you hold the paper up to a strong light. ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25996728 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: D300 pet peeves -- how to put Auto ISO in "My Menu" Posted by Jerry Jongerius [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 3:43:09 PM, Wednesday, December 12, 2007 (GMT) snorri wrote: > - Why can't I put the Auto ISO configuration into "My Menu"? Yes, I > can turn Auto ISO on and off, but it won't allow me to select the > maximum ISO value there. There's probably a reason, but it seems a > bit random. When you navigate over the menu item, press the "OK". Do *not* use the multi-selector. When you press OK, you are selecting a specific item to add. If you use the multi-selector, you are going into the sub-menu items. Work now? --- No, sorry. It explicitly tells me: "You can't put that here". (Well, not in those words, I'll have to look it up at home.) It just isn't possible. I know how "My Menu" works, I have several items in it already. snorri --- To avoid any confusion, you want "ISO sensitivity settings" added to "My Menu", correct? --- No, I'm talking about the "Maximum Sensitivity" value for in "Auto ISO Sensititvity Control" in the "Shooting Menu". snorri --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26022306 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Your auto ISO peeve: Solved Posted by Russell Garner [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 8:55:39 AM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) snorri wrote: > Here's my list (yes, it's short): > > - Why can't I put the Auto ISO configuration into "My Menu"? Yes, I > can turn Auto ISO on and off, but it won't allow me to select the > maximum ISO value there. There's probably a reason, but it seems a > bit random. You can. When you're adding the item, find the *top level* shooting menu/auto iso item. DON'T CLICK RIGHT. DON'T PRESS THE CENTRE BUTTON (it's very easy to do either, and the menus encourage you to miss this crucial next step). PRESS OK. Now you have a small auto-ISO hierarchy in My Menu, including on/off, max ISO and min shutter speed. Enjoy! -- Russell Garner D.200/D.70/5.700 user http://www.pbase.com/rgarner --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Your auto ISO peeve: Solved Posted by Murray Bowles [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 9:07:08 AM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) Are you saying you can add JUST the auto-ISO sub-hierarchy? I CAN add the whole "ISO sensitivity settings" to MyMenu, but trying to add just the auto-ISO sub-hierarchy gets me just "auto-ISO on/off" ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26030804 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject The D300 has some points going for it. Posted by monte12345 [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 11:37:46 PM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) However, I do not think that there will be any difference in image quality below ISO 800. If your happy with the D200 and don't think your really need what has been added with the D300, keep what you have and get some more lenses. Pluses for the D300. First is that mine has shown absolutely perfect focus with every lens that I have tried so far. Which are the Sigma 12-24mm DG, the 18-70 DX, the 70-300 VR, and the 85mm f1.8 AF-D. Add to that the fact that I can re-calibrate the focus for a specifc lens that may present a problem, and it's a worthwile improvement. Second is the 51 pioint AF and all it's options. However, this system is now so complex that any user had better plan on doing a lot of experimenting so they can figure out the best option set for each shooting situation. I suspect that there will be some combinations of settings which lead to terrible results simply because it is just so complex. So, a word of warning, don't throw in a complex array of settings and hope for the best. Learn to use these options properly or you will get bit. Third are the Live View modes. For those who need these modes they will prove to be essential at times. Fourth is the monitor. That thing is freaking HUGE and being able to check focus with a 200% pixel peep will make it possible to instantly re-shoot when you miss on an image. BTW, that peep won't just show missed focus, it will also reveal any defects in technique, such as camera shake. Frankly that monitor alone is worth the upgrade. Fifth, shooting menu banks and My Menu. Thise will allow a user to pre-set the camera for different sets of behavior and quickly switch between shooting sets. Sixth would be the high ISO performance. However, just be aware that the noise reduction, when set to low, will degrade the fine detail enough that it has the effect of making the D300 a 6mp camera. I would suggest that anyone shooting at ISO 1600 or 3200 consider setting the camera to 6mp because if you shoot at this resolution and then uprez the images to 12.4mp you'll get identical images. Why waste the card space if you don't gain anything from it? As for the minus, I really wish that Nikon would pick just one Tone Curve and apply it to every camera in their lineup. Frankly, I just don't see the need for a D40 to create an image with a different appearance than the D2x or D300. I already expect that I wll have to tweak a Tone Curve for the D300 just so it matches what I can produce with my other cameras. Which means that I have about a month of testing and comparison to do before I'll be totally satisfied with te JPG's from the D300. Out of the box the JPG's are certainly useable but they are a bit too right biased to my eyes. Until then, I'll just shoot RAW when the pics are critical. Now for the non issues. First is the difference in resolution, it's so small that it just doesn't matter. Second is the viewfinder coverage, the difference between 95% and 100% is insignificant because nobody composes images that tightly. If you don't buy the high speed package, the difference in frame rate is also a non issue. Frankly, if you can't do it in 5 fps, 6 fps won't do it either. --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject I upgraded from the D200... Posted by Qwntm [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 12:17:44 AM, Saturday, December 15, 2007 (GMT) And couldn't disagree more. The D300 is a solid upgrade and WELL worth the money. The D3 isn't even on the table for consideration. An FX sensor in a D300 body is ultimately what I want, and it's only a matter of time. Key points: Fine detail in 16x24 inch prints that the D200 just didn't do. It was good, but not this good. The ability to actually use iso 800-1600 for serious shotting. The D200 NEVER came off iso 100, unless I was taking snapshots. The LCD makes the excellent D200 LCD seem clunky incomparison. 100% viewfinder. AF is a HUGE improvement. So, no testing required, the money was well spent and the D3 doesn't interest me at all. But thanks for your first post and your opinion, everyone has a right... :) -- Edward http://www.wildlightgallery.net ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25979045 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Very nice! Posted by Photobug [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 8:32:11 AM, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 (GMT) This review answered a few questions I have. What I've seen from my D300 so far completely matched these test results. And yes I also highly recommend "low" setting for NR. RadoHx wrote: > Sorry if this has been posted already: > > http://kammagamma.com/... .../nikon-d300-how-much-of-an-improvement.php --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25982621 Re: I did a controlled test between the 40D and the d300 ... Posted by anotherMike [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 4:21:28 PM, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 (GMT) There's definitely a diminishing returns thing working here for sure, so what you're buying is the ergonomics and some features. There's no doubt a 40D is a capable body too, for a bit less $, and if you have Canon glass or don't need the D300 features, it's a better choice for you obviously. The Image Quality at this level is pretty fine - and quite bluntly, most photographers technical and post processing skills aren't yet good enough to fully extract everything from the cameras they owned previously to these newer models. As an aside, I compared my D80, D300, and D2X. The cheap, "last years model" lowly D80 produced images that were quite honestly every bit in the same ballpark as the 2 more expensive cameras. Sure - the D2X is slightly better, the D300 a bit better (with less difference than the D2X/D80 compare), but honestly, I would have no problems with the image quality of the D80 (and I made 16x20 prints on my Epson 3800 to see) if that's all I could use. This previous bunch of 10mp bodies do amazingly well - we now will spend more for minor incremental improvements in IQ and features. I still think one is better off with a D80 and pro glass than a D300 and amateur glass, for example. -m #### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25917496 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Switch to D300 from D80: Over my head? Posted by KDR [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 5:59:19 PM, Thursday, December 06, 2007 (GMT) I have been using a D80 for over a year now. This was my first DSLR and I have grown a lot in my understanding of photography and the camera. I now have the SB800 flash, along with the DX 17-55 and 18-200 lenses. I am very comfortable with all of the shooting modes P, A, S and M, and swith the metering, ISO and WB quite a bit. I actually shoot mostly in M now and do not use the scene modes. Beyond the above, I haven't done much other tweaking with the camera. I have pondered setting a custom white balance for my common locations, but haven't gotten around to it. I have seen threads about some setting and features of the D300 that I am not familiar with. My question is whether this camera is going to be over my head, or if some of these features can be left alone as I get comfortable with the new body while still producing good results? --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject I went from a D80 to a D300 Posted by AllOtherNamesTaken [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 6:45:39 PM, Thursday, December 06, 2007 (GMT) I had my D80 for a year, and now have my D300. It is no problem, you will get used to it in no time at all. Menus are all laid out the same and most buttons are in the same place (the ones they have in common). Buy the D300, you won't regret it! Mark --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Switch to D300 from D80: Over my head? Posted by Mario Giannini [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 7:01:44 PM, Thursday, December 06, 2007 (GMT) Woin't be over your head unless all you ever did with the D80 is use the 'Auto' mode. Even if so, you will now just use 'P' mode and have to know when to use a flash. I made the same jump, and now wonder how I could have liked the D80 so much. -- Everything I write is a personal opinion. Even when I quote facts, they are the facts I personally choose to accept. http://www.pbase.com/mariog ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25760192 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject D300 gives new lease on life to 80-400VR Posted by Janet Zinn [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 11:41:28 PM, Sunday, November 25, 2007 (GMT) I was out yesterday with the D300 and 80-400VR. As some may know, even though I have the 200-400VR I still love to shoot with the 80-400VR for portability and maneuverability with small birds (and actually I love this lens, so my title is a bit misleading.) Well it was like having a new lens...almost NO hunting (even in the shade); much quicker acquisition with busy backgrounds; and of course the "luxury" of shooting at higher ISO (didn't go any higher than 800 but with the D200 that would have been iffy and a lot of work in post.) So if you haven't been happy with your 80-400VR, don't sell it, just buy a D300 :smile: Also as others have noted the D300 is giving me pretty exact on-exposures and I'm loving the colors out of it---closer to the D100 palette which I always preferred to the D200's. A few snapshots...all handheld. --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25763687 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: D300 gives new lease on life to 80-400VR Posted by Janet Zinn [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 4:15:57 AM, Monday, November 26, 2007 (GMT) BLuver wrote: > Fantastic set, all of these are nice! How does that lens handle when > zoomed all the way out? I use it at 400mm pretty much 98% of the time...its best not to shoot it wide open for maximum sharpness, but its nice and sharp at 7.1... As noted, it handles much much better with the D300 but I did get excellent results with the d200 (and D100 before that)...just took some work. Janet --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26016600 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject It's my most used lens Posted by OleThorsen [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 11:32:14 PM, Thursday, December 13, 2007 (GMT) LilKnytt wrote: Lil it's my most used lens. I've always been very satisfied with my sample of the VR80-400 lens. Optically my sample is tack sharp at all focal lengths, yes also at 400mm wide open, but after I got my D200, I have to close it down 1/3 stop from wide open at 400mm. The contrast, bokeh and colours are terrific and really good. I use it as my walkaround lens, and with the VR it's easy to handhold at 400mm at 1/160s. I also use it a lot for some types of landscapes. The only downside is the slower AF, but with a little practice it's easy to catch BIF and other animal action, at least in normal daylight. I use the focus limiter switch and practice some pre-focusing, so the focus is in the right end of the scale, and that helps a lot, actually it's very fast changing focus from e.g. 5m to 30m. It takes the Kenko 1.4x teleconverter, but the image quality takes a hit, and the AF slows down, but it's still possible to use AF even though the effective aperture gets f8, but it requires good light. All samples below are handheld. The last samples I show below does include the Kenko 1.4x teleconverter. Wheatear following me and wagging its tail at the stones, while I was walking at the stone beach down under The white cliffs of Moen --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25914038 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: D300 gives new lease on life to 80-400VR Posted by allan teo [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 1:17:06 PM, Thursday, December 06, 2007 (GMT) After reading this thread, I went to a computer show with my 80-400 VR and tested the D300. YEs the D300 will give the 80-400 A new lease of life!! The difference as compared with the D2Xs is that the Af on the D300 is very good. On the D2xs the 80-400 will be hunting too often trying to get focus. So Because of this I got a D300. Now the game is to put a KENKO 1.4TC DG on the 80-400. Then you can Crank the ISO to 800 and keep the aperature at F9 for great TC performance. If you use the 80-400, AVOID pointing it against a bright background,you will probably notice some Purple Fringng. Just remember to Turn OFF VR when using a TRIPOD. My 200-400 is WAY to heavy for handheld shots. The 80-400 is a good performer. Another Super combination is a 70-200 F2.8 with a Nikon 1.7TC Cranked up to ISO 800 with aperature set at F7-F8.. The D300 with its High ISO capability brings in the ability to use Teleconverters with smaller aperatures. Allan ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26014813 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Consensus on D300 & overexposure? Posted by ZZivotic [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 8:42:44 PM, Thursday, December 13, 2007 (GMT) I also used D100, D70, D200 and for a few first days with D300 I found that there is something quite different in D300 images - they seemed brighter and sometimes on edge of what I would consider overexposure. After some test it was obvious that default picture control style has very pronounced curve that is pushing midtones and highlights up. I created custom picture control (based on NATURAL) but instead of brightness and contrast control I selected custom curve and left it completely straight. Now images from my D300 have almost identical look I was used with D200 and none looks overexposed. My conclusion now is that D300 actually meters better then D200 but default custom curve is not suitable for some scenes and lightning situations. So, my custom NEUTRAL setting is now my base setting and I switch to other presets if I need quick adjustment - otherwise I process my images as I used to with previous Nikon cameras. Best, zz Photobug wrote: > Have we reached any consensus? Is it real or not? If so operator > error or camera issue? > > Have been extremely happy with D300 for the last 2 weeks. But just > yesterday found my D300 with 85/1.8 AFD overexposed about 0.5 to 1 > stop on low contrast scene outdoor. Metering was matrix and both AF-S > and AF-C were used. This lens at times overexpose 0.3~0.5EV on D70. > But what I got yesterday was worse. And strange that I didn't have > this issue with same settings and same lens indoor with flash or > incandescent. > > So far haven't found any setting mistake such as Active D-Lighting, > brightness, exposure comp, etc. Will take time to investigate deeper. > But I'd like to hear others' experience and maybe check out something > I missed. BTW I've used 300D, D100, D70, and D200 in the last 4 years > and think I know quite well what I'm doing. --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26015485 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject agree w/ ZZ Posted by Keith Aitken [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 9:39:50 PM, Thursday, December 13, 2007 (GMT) I think that Nikon made a conscious decision ( what other kind is there :-) ? to better cater to a higher ISO need and tilted the camera defaults to be more open to light. Once you adjust to the fact that you must choose your own settings and play with them for a bit, you are OK. I have found that the *faster* the lens, the more the D300 shows an *overexposure*, compared with slower glass. I have also used up to -1.7 EV to get a perfect shot, or otherwise have underexposed in the viewfinder by 4 or 5 bars for a similar good image . . . The "overexposure" is not a fault, just that the D300 is designed that way, before you start messing with settings . . . Keith ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26019326 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject How to create Custom Curves ... Posted by David Chin [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 2:45:36 AM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) Hi Photobug - use ViewNX to do it. This is not an extensive tutorial, but should give you a head start: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25954544 The Picture Control method is SO MUCH BETTER than the old way - we can now have access to unlimited custom curves (99 per memory card) :-) Photobug wrote: > BTW, how did you set up and use a custom curve? I used to do it with > D70 but haven't done so for a looong time. > -- Regards, David Chin --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26023367 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Consensus on D300 & overexposure? Posted by ricko5 [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 12:24:13 PM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) Regarding shooting blank walls (user error on my part) (in matrix) In AF-C and manual focus modes I was getting histogram peaking dead centre - correct. When use single servo AF-S it was overexposing. Further testing (and a lot of help on this forum) reavealed the error on my part was that, to get a focus lock on a blank white wall I was focusing on something else and re-composing so that the wall fills the frame. Turns out that (by design) when focusing and re-framing most Nikon DSLRs use some sort of an average meter reading between the scene when focused and the final framed image. And that is without the "half press locks exposue aswell as focus" option. Some excellent and very helpful replies in this thread. --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26030690 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: ZZikvotic: How do you find Posted by ZZivotic [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 10:50:10 PM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) gollywop wrote: > or get to the "custom curve" item? > > many thanks, gollywop You start Picture Control Utility (you can start it from ViewNx by selecting Camera Settings tab on the left and then, at the bottom there is Quick Adjustment area and button Launch Utility). You will get window like this where you can cancel built in curve and Contrast and Brightness setings and use custom curve instead. You can save this as your new Picture Control and use it in camera and in VNX/CNX. Image control: Zoom out | Zoom 100% | Zoom in | Expand / Contract | New window Best, zz --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26017356 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Consensus on D300 & overexposure? Posted by ARClark [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 12:01:28 AM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) Funny question. How are you EVER going to get ANY kind of concensus on this forum?! LOL But to your question, no overexposure tendancies in my copy at all. Does it blow highlights from time to time? Sure, but only when the scene exceeds it's dynamic range, and I'm already losing shadow detail as well. My sense is that there are a lot of new users out there that have no concept of dynamic range, and think that if there's a blown highlight, it's overexposing. Now if there are no deep shadows and everything is too bright, then there's potentially a problem. But blown highlights, in and of themselves, do not indicate an overexposure problem. Alan ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25929165 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Hey guys I want you to try something. Posted by samjstern [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 3:03:12 PM, Friday, December 07, 2007 (GMT) I have 2 D300 bodies and my buddy , also a wedding photog, has one. I have been testing and experimenting for a few weeks to get a perfect or close to perfect JPEG setting for wedding work, with flash I feel I am very close and want to share. This setting works on all 3 of our cameras. Ok , here it goes.: Now this setting is for wedding work or portrait work of people with flash. These have given us very close to natural colors with good flash tones. Remember the old VPS film. Ok. 1. Set your LCD brightness to -1 ,( find it in Setup Menu. ) 0 is too bright and not close to what we actually see. 2. Set your white balance to A. (automatic) No surprizes yet. 3. In Shooting menu go to set picture control and make these settings: Go to neutral, yes neutral not standard. 1. Sharpening to 8 2. Contrast to +1 ( 1 click to right of 0) 3. Brightness to 0 4. Saturation to 0 5. Hue to -1 ( 1 click to the left of 0) I know you were expecting me to use standard. I read the manual also, Page 150. But darn if these don't give me great skin tones and natural colors. Not too red or exagerated like we use for scenics. Don't forget to click OK after you make the adjustments and before you exist the menu. Try it and let me know what you think. The out of camera JPEGs look perfect to me. The LCD screen set to -1 looks just like my monitor. -- Sam http://www.samjsternphotography.com --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25930385 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Broodrooster, yes Posted by samjstern [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 4:38:51 PM, Friday, December 07, 2007 (GMT) I have had 3 D200 boides , sold 2 and now I have 1 In Optimize images I do this: Go to Custom: Select sharpening +2 Tone Comp 0 Color Mode I saturation at 0 Hue set to -3 Don't forget to hit done and click OK to set it. I use color space sRGB I use white balance of "flash" and then tweek by " +1" or " +2" to fine tune it. I have had very good skin tones with these settings -- Sam http://www.samjsternphotography.com --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25949049 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Sam - you are a genius! Posted by vicfei [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 2:29:08 AM, Sunday, December 09, 2007 (GMT) Sam - Since taking delivery of my D300 after Thanksgiving, I have been going crazy trying to dial in the right picture controls - your solution for facial tones works like a charm ( I use your settings except I keep Hue at 0) with or without flash - it seems as though colors are exaggerated on the D300 - neutral is standard, standard (sharpness 6, contrast +1, brightness 0, saturation +1, hue 0) is vivid (good for landscapes and buildings), and vivid is beyond psychedelic - knowing all this, the camera is finally starting to sing (AWB is great and matrix seems to fly without compensation)- Thanks again! Vic --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25929784 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: Hey guys I want you to try something. Posted by VadimOm [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 3:52:50 PM, Friday, December 07, 2007 (GMT) Sam, This looks very close to what I've discovered myself. Not a wedding photographer here, however, first week of my D300 use turned out to be mostly with a flash. Bumping sharpness to +6 or even +7 was the first thing I did and then I noticed that I repeatedly increase contrast to +1 in post processing. Hue to -1 works in half the cases for me. Thanks for sharing! --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=25930774 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject about neutral Posted by M Lammerse [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 5:04:48 PM, Friday, December 07, 2007 (GMT) I feel the D300 is standard much too much saturated for realistic skin tones, especially when people have a bit reddish skin it jumps out too much. Neutral is in my opinion a very good standard. Michel -- ~ Light is eveything ~ http://www.fotopropaganda.com http://www.pbase.com/photopropaganda ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26026000 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject I switched! Posted by David Banner [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 4:30:20 PM, Friday, December 14, 2007 (GMT) I'm not pro but until now I was 100% RAW. now I'm 95% JPEG medium size normal quality. That's enough for me. I'm tired of the megapixel race. When I know I have a good shot that will be special, I switch to RAW (or RAW+JPEG). Also you can adjust white balance with JPEGs so for me this is no longer an advantage of RAW. Exposure is an advantage for RAW but I find the D300 exposes very well. I have a lot less exposure problems. So that advantage is almost out. Another thing I love about JPEG is I use the picture style for B&W and that saves me time in PP plus I can never decide which ones to do in B&W. I like making the decision at the moment instead of later (days later sometimes). ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26052675 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: d300 live view, what am I doing wrong Posted by lmpmd [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 7:23:13 PM, Sunday, December 16, 2007 (GMT) carlsgems wrote: > I tried this on the d300 and read the manual to see how this works. I > can not get a good shot. How does this work. The mirror goes up and > when I go to auto focus, the mirror slaps again. The only way to get > a shot off is to hold the sutter button down a couple of cycles while > tries to refocus. HELP I dont think its like P&S. I think you push shutter button all the way down. Then you have live view. Then you push down again and lose live view - and camera focuses while live view is gone. Then after camera focuses itself (in AF-S focus prioty the camera wont take a pic unless it focused) then you take the shot. So losing the live view while camera is focusing is awkward and not like a P&S. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. So you have to push on shutter 3 times if I'm correct, to a get a picture. Larry --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: d300 live view, what am I doing wrong Posted by carlsgems [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 8:01:49 PM, Sunday, December 16, 2007 (GMT) That is what is happening with me. It makes it hard to get a good focused shot in live view. Oh well I did not get the d300 for that option any way, but was just wondering. The old habits from the P&S days. Thanks --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject AF-ON button in Tripod mode Posted by Emeka U [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 10:25:37 PM, Sunday, December 16, 2007 (GMT) there is a focus button (af-on) at the back of the camera. When you're in tripod mode of view mode, you can use this button to focus the image for you while you look at it...Then press the shutter button all the way down to take the shot. personally, i think the implimentation of live view on the D300 is pretty bad. I do think the tripod mode is good and useable, but the hand held mode is just plain bad. I don't think I will ever use it in normal shooting conditions as it doesn't seem efficient at all. Again, the tripod mode will be quite useable for macro work. --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: d300 live view, what am I doing wrong Posted by Scott O [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 11:52:02 PM, Sunday, December 16, 2007 (GMT) You need to focus using the AF-On button. The shutter release is only a shutter release in this mode. Scott Oberle --- Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: d300 live view, what am I doing wrong Posted by lmpmd [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 11:55:04 PM, Sunday, December 16, 2007 (GMT) Yes, but while the focusing is occuring you get no view, that to me makes live view awkward to use, and a bit slow to use. No? Larry ### http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26070195 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: D300 Question - How is Auto Mode? Are there Posted by NickMJr [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 1:46:55 AM, Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (GMT) DJDysfunction wrote: > I may look into that, though the D300 is so tempting. > > thanks! > > Ben Ben, if you have the money, dont be affraid of the D300. There is a mode as others mentioned called P for Programed Auto which will take care of your aperture and shutter speed at the same time. There is really nothing special in my mind with the Green Auto modes. All the do is change settings incamera such as Color modes, Sharpness and AF mode for example. With help some reading you can setup some Custom menu banks like "Portiat, Action, Night and Auto" that do the same thing the Green modes do. From DPREVIEW Image control: Zoom out | Zoom 100% | Zoom in | Expand / Contract | New window "Shooting / CSM menu banks When working in the Shooting or CSM menus you are in actual fact changing the settings of a 'menu bank'. There are four banks for each of the Shooting and Custom function menus; A to D, each bank can be given a more meaningful label and the currently selected bank letter is indicated on the top control panel for quick reference. This is very useful for quickly switching between a type of shot or situation." http://nickmjr.smugmug.com/ Nick M --- http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26070391 Nikon D300/D200/D100 Subject Re: D300 Question - How is Auto Mode? Are there "scene settings?" Posted by Al [CLICK FOR PROFILE] Date/Time 2:01:54 AM, Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (GMT) No pretty picture modes, but if you just put in on matrix meter, aperature priority at f5.6 or so, auto white balance, nine point autofocus, low noise reductioin, auto ISO and high quality JPEG with medium sharpening the camera becomes the best damn point and shoot available. It will handle ANYTHING, all you do is turn it on. IF you want a flash, just push a button, camera will figure out everything else. Buy it, it's amazing. ### ###