Calling help from all D300 users

[geraldkhoo]

I've been a happy D300 user since Jan 08. There were teething problem initially, but all is good now I don't know how others use their camera, but I'm still only using 1 AF point, and it is the center one... :bsmilie:

 

[chanjyj]

When in doubt, just use the centre one. ;p

Set LCD brightness to -2.

I find -1 more accurate actually. But damn, the colour accuracy.. I have 2 D300 bodies with screens that appear slightly different in rendering!

I miss my D40 and D80 accuracy.. but not the size.

 

[lsisaxon]

I find -1 more accurate actually. But damn, the colour accuracy.. I have 2 D300 bodies with screens that appear slightly different in rendering!

I miss my D40 and D80 accuracy.. but not the size.

Maybe different supplier for the LCD display.. ;p

 

[achanth]

i) Had D300 + 18-200mm lens. Then everything went wrong. The D300 went bonkers and dead.=ugly. There was a short circuit between the lens and the camera.
ii) Nikon replaced a NEW D300 body. 18-200mm lens found to be okay. =good. However, the warranty was not extended!! [not my fault, but this is how Nikon warranty is like] = BAD

iii) New D300. a) used with 50 mm f/1.8 lens. No problem. Sharp, and fast.
b) 18-200mm lens. Also no problem. Fast enough, but slower than 50mm
c) 1)something wrong with AF points? the 51-point: okay. Playback with AF
points shown. This only okay after I did re-set
2) The 9-11 point set: only one AF point showed up. Not sure if this is like
at default. Play back: AF point shown.
3) one-point AF set: Good and sharp focus. Play back AF point shows up.
4)View finder= class 1, superb. Very wide view.
5)Clarity of LCD monitor=class 1, superb. Sharp. Somewhat limited by info at bottom of screen. New D50 LCD monitor better since no info at bottom of screen (handled this at launch)
6)White balance: artificial light- needs some adjustment. Natural light- good.
7)Menu=you really have to READ a lot.
8)Color=not as natural as Olympus, less richer than Canon. More bland. Hence you need to experiment and adjust.

Been testing the new D300 for 7 weeks now. Every thing is fine, except for iii)c 2): still not sure if this is the natural state or error.

Advice? You are better off renting a D300 bocy and lens from one of the hirers in Singapore, test it to your heart's content BEFORE you buy this.
Once bought, you are stuck, unless you like the size of the camera (to me, it is heavy, especially with the 18-200 lens).

Overall, I find this camera better (note not the BEST yet) than the other cameras I have or tested; price is higher. But a very good camera once you have mastered the art of handling this. I hope this feedback helps.

 

[lsisaxon]

8)Color=not as natural as Olympus, less richer than Canon. More blend. Hence you need to experiment and adjust.

Load in the D2XModeI picture control and see if you like the colour.
Windows - http://nikonasia-en.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nikonasia_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=5707
Mac - http://nikonasia-en.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nikonasia_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=5708

 

[achanth]

Load in the D2XModeI picture control and see if you like the colour.
Windows - http://nikonasia-en.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nikonasia_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=5707
Mac - http://nikonasia-en.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nikonasia_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=5708

Thanks,Isisaxon, I will try this. I am sure the colors can be better after this.

 

[lsisaxon]

Thanks,Isisaxon, I will try this. I am sure the colors can be better after this.

Yeah.. let us know after that. So far, many people like the D2XModeI picture control.

 

[Jeff]

well, do allow some insider view from a humble user. been through with d300 for more than 23k frames and i must concede the performance to price ratio is a god sent. w proper training and use, it is capable of generating 100% tack images. that said, on certain occassions, the af will stop functioning in the middle of a shoot. the lens will think af focus achieved and permit shutter to release as per customised settings. thus far it hit 3 times, localised to early firmware release. under poor lighting depending on setting, af focus will fail miserably.

in comparison to the 1d series, the overall performance is stellar, though the central sensor accuracy from canon is still quite unrivaled (minus mk3), especially in sports (daytime/nite).

well i found that rather than asking the 101 whys n hows, i learn sooner when i experiment with different settings under different conditions to understand how my toy function properly. of course i would wan to bring it out for kai kai and work it through systematically.

 

[chanjyj]

well, do allow some insider view from a humble user. been through with d300 for more than 23k frames and i must concede the performance to price ratio is a god sent. w proper training and use, it is capable of generating 100% tack images. that said, on certain occassions, the af will stop functioning in the middle of a shoot. the lens will think af focus achieved and permit shutter to release as per customised settings. thus far it hit 3 times, localised to early firmware release. under poor lighting depending on setting, af focus will fail miserably.

in comparison to the 1d series, the overall performance is stellar, though the central sensor accuracy from canon is still quite unrivaled (minus mk3), especially in sports (daytime/nite).

well i found that rather than asking the 101 whys n hows, i learn sooner when i experiment with different settings under different conditions to understand how my toy function properly. of course i would wan to bring it out for kai kai and work it through systematically.

If you shoot with it everyday, or rather, am forced to shoot with it everyday you will learn it al within 2 weeks - or lose all your customers.

During my first shoot with the D300 I was so worried I almost brought my D40+D2x combo along too. But then I was lazy so adopted the "sink or swim" approach.

 

[JacePhoto]

Anyway, I need help in understanding how to use the 51 point focus. Is anyone interested in coming out for a D300 user group gathering? If so, note yr name here. I am looking at maybe 28th Sept (sun afternoon) about 4 pm at Coffee Bean at Boat Quay.

1) Jacephoto
2) ....
3) ....

 

[chanjyj]

Anyway, I need help in understanding how to use the 51 point focus. Is anyone interested in coming out for a D300 user group gathering? If so, note yr name here. I am looking at maybe 28th Sept (sun afternoon) about 4 pm at Coffee Bean at Boat Quay.

1) Jacephoto
2) ....
3) ....

Well, to be frank, the D300 51pt autofocus 3D tracking is not very useful, unlike the D3. I'm referring to fast moving objects like planes. It can track - but not fast enough. Try it at home with your hand and a wide angle lens - you will see what I mean.

As for 51pt autofocus,it sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Don't count on it for critical shots. I always track the subject with my centre focus point whether it is in 9, 21 or 51pt autofocus because I cannot see if the focus point has shifted (unlike 51pt autofocus 3D). And many times it did not shift. And when it shifts, it is not always accurate too.

 

[JacePhoto]

Well, to be frank, the D300 51pt autofocus 3D tracking is not very useful, unlike the D3. I'm referring to fast moving objects like planes. It can track - but not fast enough. Try it at home with your hand and a wide angle lens - you will see what I mean.

As for 51pt autofocus,it sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Don't count on it for critical shots. I always track the subject with my centre focus point whether it is in 9, 21 or 51pt autofocus because I cannot see if the focus point has shifted (unlike 51pt autofocus 3D). And many times it did not shift. And when it shifts, it is not always accurate too.

Yah, same goes for me.

That is why i am wondering if it is my technique and maybe others who has posted earlier of their success in using the 3D focus and help in sharing their techniques.

 

[NickSampras]

Anyway, I need help in understanding how to use the 51 point focus. Is anyone interested in coming out for a D300 user group gathering? If so, note yr name here. I am looking at maybe 28th Sept (sun afternoon) about 4 pm at Coffee Bean at Boat Quay.

1) Jacephoto
2) ....
3) ....

Saw this thread too late.. -.- dun think i am able to get to Boat Quay in 30mins time.. Currently @ Jurong West area..