Nikon D300 Dreams

So I've decided to make a Santa wish list... although I believe this will be for a far into the future Santa, and even then, with so many other pressing needs (mine and of others) this might not happen. Still, sometimes it is good to let the imagination run wild and here's mine for this morning:

I'm dreaming of a... Nikon D300. Yes, that's it. Pretty simple and straightforward no? Body only of course ($1800). I was able to hold this camera and play with it a bit in a recent Nikon School workshop I attended. It was stunning in how good it felt in hand. Nikon truly has some special mojo going when it comes to camera ergonomics. The D300 feels and handles wonderfully. It is a nicely designed camera, considered an advanced enthusiast's, or even semi-pro camera. Does it take nice pics. Well, that's the thing: the camera doesn't take photos, the photographer does that. Still, the mechanics and electronics of the D300 make it a fantastic recorder of light, in capable hands it will perform marvelously. Here are some basic specs:

12.3 effective Megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
EXPEED image processor
51-point autofocus with 3D subject tracking
3-inch LCD display with 307,000 pixels (920,000 dots) with live view support
Dust reduction system
Picture Control settings (color control in camera)
Magnesium alloy weather sealed body
HDMI video output
5 RAW format modes (including 14-bit uncompressed)
Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
14-bit A/D conversion
Auto-focus tracking by color
Scene Recognition System
Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
Continuous shooting up to 6 fps (w/built-in battery, more with extra battery pack)

Those are only features of course. The camera might sell on features, but it is how we translate those into benefits to the photographer that makes the difference. One thing I like very much is that it does not have those pesky program modes. You know those modes for quick shooting, you set the dial to portrait, landscape, night shooting, action, etc.? Well, I never use those, and they just occupy space in a dial mechanism that could be more efficiently used otherwise. The D300 is nicely streamlined for the serious photographer, and not just because it is missing those program modes. The Live View modes are a nice addition, and the high ISO shooting is great, but it really is all together a great package. Check out the DCR Review. I'm still waiting on a DPReview assessment of the camera (although they have a preview here).

Does this amount to Camera Attachment Disorder (CAD)? To Technology Attachment Disorder (TAD), or New Useless Technology Craving Attachment Syndrome Excitement (NUTCASE). Possibly. Although I can live quite well without it and still take wonderful photos. Nevertheless, it is Ok to enjoy fine things in life, and the D300 is an excellent state of the art photographic machine. Who knows, I might even put together a tip jar here to collect donations! Photographic Nirvana?