Nikon D300
Manufacturer: Nikon Type: camera Sensor: DX (APS-C) Resolution: 12.3MP Year introduced: 2007 Key feature: Pro-level DX body that many considered the most significant advance in underwater digital photography since the Nikon D100
Overview
The Nikon D300, announced alongside the full-frame D3 in August 2007, was widely regarded as one of the most important cameras for underwater photography of its era. Berkley White of Backscatter, after testing it on sailfish at Isla Mujeres, called it “the most significant advance in underwater digital photography since the Nikon D100,” noting that “it produces images on par and arguably better than results I’ve ever achieved with 35mm film” ([1]).
As the successor to the Nikon D200, the D300 brought the image quality of the professional D2X into a compact, relatively affordable body. Key improvements for underwater use included a large 3-inch LCD for reviewing images underwater, dramatically improved autofocus, better high-ISO performance, 14-bit RAW capability, longer battery life, and a self-cleaning sensor. Martin Edge, reviewing the Subal ND30 housing, emphasized that the D300’s improved AF lock-on was a “substantial improvement” especially with the Nikon 105mm VR macro lens ([2]).
The D300 became the de facto standard DX camera for serious underwater photographers. Its longevity was remarkable — when the D7100 was reviewed by Alex Mustard in late 2013, he noted that “the Nikon D300 was introduced over six years ago and people still tell me that they are waiting for its direct replacement” ([3]). Nikon never produced a true successor; the D300s was a minor update, and the enthusiast D7000/D7100 line eventually filled the gap.
Housing Availability
- Sea & Sea (MDX-D300) — Announced alongside housings for the Canon 40D and Nikon D3 in August 2007 ([4]). Berkley White used this housing for his sailfish test ([5]).
- Nexus — James Wiseman posted photos showing the D300 fitting inside the existing Nexus D200 housing in September 2007 ([6]).
- Aquatica — Announced their D300 housing in April 2008 ([7]).
- Subal (ND30) — Reviewed in detail by Martin Edge, who was among the first to receive one in late March 2008. He noted it was “very similar to the ND20” for the D200 but praised the improved controls and 3-inch LCD window ([8]).
- Sealux (CD300) — Reviewed by Colin Gans, who praised its mineral glass LCD window, 150-degree rotating viewfinder, and comprehensive control access including Live View. Rated to 90 meters depth ([9]).
Reviews & Discussion
- [10] — Landmark field test calling the D300 the most significant advance since the D100. Emphasized the importance of correct exposure to manage noise at higher ISOs.
- [11] — Martin Edge’s comprehensive review covering camera performance and housing ergonomics from a 10-day workshop in Cebu, Philippines. Found D300 autofocus “substantially improved” over D200 and highlight handling superior to all previous Nikon DSLRs.
- [12] — Colin Gans’s detailed review from Niue Island; praised “the best that Sealux has to offer” with excellent ergonomics and precision glass optics.
- [13] — Early test shots and commentary on high ISO performance, live view, corner sharpness, and vignetting.
Timeline
- 2007-08: Nikon announces D300 alongside full-frame D3 and new lenses ([14])
- 2007-08: Sea & Sea announces MDX-D300, MDX-D3, and Canon 40D housings ([15])
- 2007-09: James Wiseman tests D300 fit in Nexus D200 housing ([16])
- 2007-10: Alex Mustard publishes test shots from both D3 and D300 ([17])
- 2008-01: Berkley White tests D300 in Sea & Sea housing on sailfish at Isla Mujeres ([18])
- 2008-04: Aquatica announces D300 housing ([19])
- 2008-04: Martin Edge reviews Subal ND30 housing after Cebu workshop ([20])
- 2008-05: Colin Gans reviews Sealux CD300 housing after diving at Niue Island ([21])
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2008: Berkley White Tests Nikon D300 Sea Sea On Sailfish ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 11, 2008: Subal Nd30 Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Dslr Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 18, 2013: Field Review Nikon D7100 And Subal Nd7100 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 29, 2007: Sea Seas Underwater Housings For Canon 40d And Nikon D300 D3 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2008: Berkley White Tests Nikon D300 Sea Sea On Sailfish ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 4, 2007: Nikon D300 In Nexus D200 Housing Photos ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 1, 2008: Aquatica Announces Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Dslr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 11, 2008: Subal Nd30 Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Dslr Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2008: Sealux Cd300 Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Review ↩
- Berkley White tests Nikon D300 / Sea & Sea on sailfish (article) ↩
- Subal ND30 housing for Nikon D300 review (article) ↩
- Sealux CD300 housing for Nikon D300 review (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard tests out Nikon’s D3 and D300 SLRs (article) ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 23, 2007: Nikon Announces D300 Full Frame D3 And More ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 29, 2007: Sea Seas Underwater Housings For Canon 40d And Nikon D300 D3 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 4, 2007: Nikon D300 In Nexus D200 Housing Photos ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 22, 2007: Alex Mustard Tests Out Nikons D3 And D300 Slrs ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2008: Berkley White Tests Nikon D300 Sea Sea On Sailfish ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 1, 2008: Aquatica Announces Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Dslr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 11, 2008: Subal Nd30 Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Dslr Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2008: Sealux Cd300 Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Review ↩
- Nikon announces D300, full-frame D3, and more (article) ↩
- Sea & Sea’s underwater housings for Canon 40D and Nikon D300, D3 (article) ↩
- Nikon D300 in Nexus D200 Housing - Photos (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard tests out Nikon’s D3 and D300 SLRs (article) ↩
- Berkley White tests Nikon D300 / Sea & Sea on sailfish (article) ↩
- Aquatica announces underwater housing for Nikon D300 dSLR (article) ↩
- Subal ND30 underwater housing for Nikon D300 dSLR review (article) ↩
- Sealux CD300 underwater housing for Nikon D300 review (article) ↩