After years of being dominated by Canon, Nikon could once again hold its head high in 2008. A primary reason was the company's midrange DSLR camera, the D300.
This 12.3-megapixel camera stands out for many reasons. To begin with, its 14-bit sensor and image-processing engine provide excellent image quality. It's also a champ when it comes to low-light shooting, allowing you to use settings as high as 3,200 ISO and still get excellent results. When you first pick up the camera, you notice its solid build, and all of its important controls--ISO, white balance, exposure, shooting modes, and focus settings--are easy to access with the touch of a button, switch, or dial.
In case you need more than those controls, the menus are packed with a nearly endless complement of options. Switch the camera on, and you'll be dazzled by the D300's bright and crisp three-inch LCD display, which not only provides detailed information about your images and camera but also can also be used as a viewfinder (in Live View mode).
For shooters ready to move up from entry-level DSLRs, the D300 is a great next step.
Read our full review of the Nikon D300 (US$1,800, body only; Nikon).
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