jghouse's Full Review: Nikon D300 Digital Camera with 18-200mm lens
Purchased a D300 with 18-200 VR lens based on the highly acclaimed reviews (including Popular Photography's 2007 Camera of the Year award status) and was disappointed at the mediocre image quality (Clarity, Sharpness, Saturation). I am a experienced DSLR user and spent many hours reading the manual and customizing the many controls in order to optimize picture quality, to no avail. I considered the following possibilities:
1. The Nikon 18-200VR lens is not as good as it is claimed.
2. I received a defective unit. If so,I am disappointed that Nikon would release a defective unit to the market. With their reputation, I would expect each unit sold (especially for the price) to be thoroughly checked prior to shipping from the factory.
3.The camera is working within normal parameters. This means that the images would require significant post processing to optimize color, sharpness and clarity settings.
I realize Nikon has a great heritage and is used by professionals across the world. Unfortunately, the D300 which I imagined as the Lexus of brands did not meet my expectations. Based on this, I will be returning the D300.
Ran some side by side tests with a Pentax K20D (w/50-135*DA. In my tests, the K20D clearly produced sharper, clearer and more vibrant images out of the box when compared the the D300. Therefore, advantage K20D ($600 price advantage)
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 2200 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Solid Enough for a Professional
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