The Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera builds upon the success of the D300 by adding 720p HD Video Recording. With a 51-point autofocus system, 100% viewfinder accuracy, 7 frames per second continuous shooting, and low light sensitivity (expandable to ISO 6400), the D300s boasts a professional-grade feature set in a compact, highly durable, metal body. The 12.3 megapixel image sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED processor ensures ample resolution for discerning shooters with vivid, life-like color and stunning detail.

Advanced Live View Technology allows users to compose photos and video with the camera’s bright, 920,000 dot LCD. HD Video is captured in true broadcast-quality 1280 x 720 at a smooth, cinematic 24 frames per second. An integrated mono microphone allows you to capture spontaneous audio with video, and a 3.5mm stereo input offers higher quality options for professional applications.

Rugged and reliable, the D300s now adds dual slots for both CompactFlash and SD/SDHC memory cards. Either card can be used for primary storage; the secondary card can be configured for overflow, mirror capture, or video recording. RAW and JPEG files can even be saved to separate cards for convenience. Images can also be copied between cards for easy sharing. With a host of new features and next-generation photo and video technologies, the Nikon D300s offers extremely high levels of performance and functionality to photo enthusiasts and professionals alike.

12.3 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
Delivers stunning high resolution, low-noise images with striking detail and tonal gradation.

Nikon EXPEED Image Processing
Drives breathtakingly rich image fidelity, low noise and fast image processing.

HD Video Recording
Capture cinematic 24fps, 720p HD movie clips, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility – featuring stereo mic input and AF operation.

Continuous Shooting up to 7 fps
High speed shooting and fast response – essential to versatile performance in a wide variety of shooting disciplines.

3″ LCD
Every 920,000 dot monitor is factory-calibrated to assure accurate color for critical still image review and Live View or D-Movie shooting.

One-button Live View
Handheld and Tripod Live View modes, activated with one button, for challenging studio and remote shooting conditions.

Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200
Additional expanded ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) extend versatility to match shooting requirements.

Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus
Features 4 Dynamic AF modes including 3D Focus Tracking for precise autofocus and razor sharp images.

1,005 Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Nikon’s unique RGB metering evaluates color information to determine exposures with remarkable accuracy.

Scene Recognition System
Referencing an onboard image database and teamed with RGB metering, SRS enables even more sophisticated determination of exposures and auto white balance, along with faster, more accurate autofocus.

Dual Memory Card Slots (CF and SD/SDHC)
Assign card functions from a variety of storage options, optimizing available memory and file handling.

Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System
Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality.

Picture Control
Select from 4 preset image capture preferences (Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome, plus 9 user customizable settings) controlling Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, and Hue.

Active D-Lighting
Optimizes shadow and highlight detail in real time. Selectable values and 5-frame ADL bracketing offer complete control.

In-camera Image Editing
Exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Edit Movie, D-lighting, Image Overlay, Monochrome, NEF (RAW) processing and more.

Rugged and Durable
The strength and precision of magnesium-alloy construction with advanced dust and moisture countermeasures is teamed with a shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles for real-world reliability.

100% Viewfinder Accuracy
Offers a perfect representation of everything in the frame.

Virtual Horizon Graphic Level Indicator
Demonstrates an active graphics-based representation of the horizon through the viewfinder or using Live View.

Excellent Battery Performance
Up to 950 shots per EN-EL3e battery charge or as many as 2,950 shots with the optional MB-D10 Battery Grip and optional EN-EL4a battery.

Read more at Nikon USA

Video Review (Provided by B&H photo)

Reviews

A comparison : Canon 7D vs Nikon D300s – Duel of two powerhouse

Both cameras are an excellent cameras for sports photography or wildlife. These cameras are quite heavy and bulky so it might not a great camera for travel.

Canon 7D has some clear advantages over Nikon D300s in some areas such as higher image resolution, faster continuous shooting without having to mount a battery grip, and better movie recording with full control of exposure.

While Nikon D300s has half to one stop cleaner image in high ISO setting, better body design and some features you might appreciate such as double cards slot and quick release mode.

Nikon D300s Full Review at pcmag.com

If you already own Nikon lenses and are looking to step up to a faster camera, the Nikon D300s is an easy decision. If you’re looking for more versatile HD-video options, however, and you’re not already locked in with Nikon lenses, the same-price Canon EOS 7D is a better buy, with higher-resolution images and more HD capture options.

Nikon D300S review by DPReview.com

A relatively minor upgrade to one of the defining cameras of the semi-pro sector adds a useful HD video mode and a wealth of minor improvements that improve the already excellent handling. Although the D300S has stronger competition than its predecessor, it still manages to impress – as do the images it produces.

The D300S is not the standout product that its predecessor was and unless you find your clients are clamoring for video footage, we can’t see much need for existing owners to upgrade. But that shouldn’t take away from an absolutely excellent product – a gently polished and refined update of a product that we considered a benchmark when it was released. The EOS 7D may prevent anyone with a foot in the Canon camp from contemplating defection but unless you desperately need that camera’s higher resolution, it’s hard to overlook the appeal of the Nikon.

Nikon D300S review by KenRockwell.com

If I shot DX, this is Nikon’s best camera ever, along with the much lighter and less expensive D90.

The reason to get a D300s over a D90 is tougher build, and a zillion AF sensors that make selecting AF zones a thing of the past.

If I shot sports, the D3 is a huge step up to professional-level autofocus. I’d skip the D300s.

I wouldn’t sell a D300 to get a D300s, but if considering one or the other, I would not buy an old D300. The addition of the dedicated INFO button is a huge practical advantage of the D300s over the D300.

Personally, I prefer full-frame, and would just step right up to the full-frame D700 (only $2,450 as of October 2009) instead of the D300s ($1,800 new as of October 2009).

The reason to go FX is that the viewfinders are huge by comparison. DX camera finders are like peepholes, while FX finders are like life itself.

I wouldn’t buy a D300s. If need a camera more serious than the D90, I’d go directly to the D700 instead of the D300s for not much more money, and if I couldn’t swing a D700, I’d get the D90 instead and save my money. For sports and action, again the D3 is the step you want to make, not the D300s.

The D300s’ technical image quality is indistinguishable from any of the D5000 through the D3 in good light, and at high ISOs, indistinguishable from any of the D5000 through the D90.

The reason to choose one camera over another today is size, weight, features and price, not pixels.