Nikon's semi-professional DX flagship that defined enthusiast DSLR photography.
The Nikon D300 was announced in August 2007 as Nikon's professional DX-format DSLR, sharing the 12.3MP DX CMOS sensor and 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module with the full-frame D3 flagship. This brought Nikon's professional AF system to the DX format for the first time, establishing a DX professional tier that had previously been absent. Dust and weather sealing is built throughout the magnesium alloy chassis. The D300 is a stills-only body — no video recording is included.
The 12.3MP DX CMOS sensor pairs with the EXPEED processor. The 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF system provides 15 cross-type points for subject tracking. Burst shooting runs at 6fps with the body alone; 8fps is achievable with the MB-D10 battery grip and EN-EL4a battery. ISO 200-3200 native, expandable to ISO 100 (Lo 1) and ISO 6400-12800 (Hi 1-2). No video recording. Dust and weather sealing is built throughout. Battery life approximately 900 shots using the EN-EL3e, body weight approximately 840g with battery and card, single CompactFlash card slot.
The D300's 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF — the same system as the D3 — was the defining professional-tier feature at launch: it provided subject tracking speed and accuracy that the D200's 11-point system could not match. The 6fps burst rate, expandable to 8fps with the MB-D10, made the D300 competitive with professional sports bodies of the era in DX format. The absence of video reflects the 2007 launch date; the D300S (2009) added 720p video.
On the used market the D300 is very affordable as a professional-grade DX AF platform. Condition checks: shutter count via EXIF — rated 150,000 actuations — single CF slot contacts, weather sealing at body and port covers, and EN-EL3e battery health. The EN-EL3e is specific to the D200/D300/D700 generation and distinct from the EN-EL15 used in later bodies. Compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses that include an AF drive motor (screwdrive) or AF-S/AF-P internal motor.