Introduction to the Nikon D300 Reviews

• New To The D300, Get Started With This Video

  
  By AITNL3MRTP2L2 on 2008-04-12
  The sky is blue; we all know that, RIGHT? Ask a blind person what "blue" is and, if having been blind all their lives, would not know the concept of color and therefore would not know to ask, "what color the sky is." When I picked up the D300 in late November '07, all I had was the users manual. It covered many features, but by no means covered some of the great features that I was "blind" to. At the time, no videos were out; the camera was just too new. The most advanced camera I have used to this point is the D80 and the F5. Picking up the D300 and getting started is pretty easy if you have shot with a D70, D80, D200 or the like. However, there were many features of the D300 that I did not have a concept of or expected. The D300 camera has many features that this video will present that you did not even know to ask. The video will not teach you how to take better photos with the D300, but will introduce many of the features of your tool that you should find very useful.
  
  

• So glad I purchased this.

  
  By A39II5OGAPRVSJ on 2008-04-05
  I am a new DSLR user, so getting to know my D300 was a dual task of learning the camera and basic photography. What I liked most about this DVD is that it promotes a personal plan, or ritual, for shooting. The narrator talks quite fast, but as the other poster said you can always go back and replay the DVD, which I have done many times. As I rewatched the DVD I realized that the information is not padded, but is tightly packed clean essential information. It even recommends several assignments to do to practice what is taught. I have discovered that if I really know all the ins and outs of my camera this knowledge triggers possibilities when I am in a shooting situation. Since I am a beginner to DSLR, I had everything to learn.
  
  

• Worth it; in time and money...

  
  By A1V2S5XZPRHGTJ on 2008-03-30
  This video is well done in content and presentation. The pace is correct, the subject matter presented for mid to advanced amateurs, with appropriate explanations and examples. You'll watch it all the way through and then return to revisit specific topics as you become more comfortable with camera controls and applicable situations.
  
  

• A Very Good Introduction to the D300

  
  By A21PXM0U3ABD07 on 2008-05-02
  This video is well worth the money and your time if you recently bought a Nikon D300. The host covers the features and operation of the camera in a clear and organized manner. The title is accurate - this is an introduction to a very feature rich camera. I thought that all of the most useful features were covered and that each was well illustrated and explained.
  
  The only complaint I have is the inclusion of some of the basics of good photography. There is information on the 1/3 rule of composition, depth of field, and other basics that I would think are well known by anyone buying such a sophisticated camera and are a waste of time here.
  
  Other than that annoyance, I highly recommend this video. It is much better than reading the owner's manual!
  
  

• Great VIDEO for beginners and intermediate users

  
  By A2TLP9T26H653 on 2008-05-06
  A joy to watch, WELL-PREPARED PRESENTATION. I have "ordered D300 made easy" 2 DVDs as well but this single DVD beat it hands down. Great speaker, that's very important. GET THIS VIDEO!
  
  
• Blue Crane Does It Again
  By A1B84KUH61A3DV on 2008-05-18
  Although I have been using the D300 since it was released, and had "fairly well" sorted out all the menus, buttons, etc. there were many questions. Nikon produces a large and very detailed manual, but in reality, their manuals are difficult to use - at least for me. Fortunately, I had been using a D80 and much of the experience was transferrable to the D300. The DVD is far more than an instructional video for the D300 as it has considerable information on photography in general. Regardless of your photographic experience, don't skip over these chapters - yes, you will learn from this information. Once into the body of the D300 information, the chapters are well organized and easily understood. The DVD stresses learning to use the camera in a way that many of the settings will become useable without taking your eye from the viewfinder. Do the exercises as they will make using the camera much more efficient and in the end will free you to do what it is you want to do -- make images! The D300 is a powerful and incredibly flexible camera which will more than serve the needs of any photographer. The DVD will allow you to appreciate the instrument you are holding in your hands as you and it manages every aspect of the image you want to make. If there is a shortcoming in the DVD it's the amount of time spent in the more advanced functions. However, as they mention, this area will become a separate version to be released later this year. For my use, that can't come too soon. A final comment - The DVD shouldn't be seen as a "view it once and you'll have it all." It is a very user friendly presentation and will become a tremendous resource allowing you to use and appreciate the power and flexibility of the D300. You spent a lot of money on the camera, now spend a very few more dollars and learn what you have. In the end, you'll be amazed at the image control you have and your pictures will prove the point.
  
  
• Want video training on photography? Blue Crane Digital is the way to go!
  By AD57SNAW66S7D on 2008-05-27
  There aren't that many DVD's out there on the D300 (or other Nikon models) and I've tried 4 of them.
  2 were pretty worthless, one was a mere ok, but this one is really excellent.
  
  The DVD explains how your D300's functions work and how to use a consistent "workflow" for setting up your camera before the shoot, at the location and before and during the shot in a shooting session.
  It touches the most important menu settings and gives you a good explanation of them, along with a recommendation. (The menu system will be covered in full in volume 2 of this DVD)
  The other DVD's covered the menu's in full, but it was no more than summing up a list of them.
  Furthermore it gives you a quick but usefull course on photography topics such as exposure, metering, focus, DOF, white balance, flash and composition.
  The pace of the DVD is fast, which means there is a lot of information packed into it.
  But we have a rewind button ...
  
  I also have seen the two "Through the Eyes of a Pro" DVD's by Blue Crane Digital which are of the same high quality. Good tips on photography illustrated by real world examples.
  
  To sum it up, if you want video training for your Nikon or Canon, check out Blue Crane Digital's website and see what video's they have for your camera model and photography in general. These are the only DVD's you will need. And watch future releases! ;)
  
  
  Oh, and the DVD is not Region 1 coded btw. It's region free, and will play on any DVD-Player.
  
  
• Amateur Must Have
  By ANG5HVRPU9UG9 on 2008-06-23
  Professional presentation. Technical how to and tips are very useful. I've attended classes so I can become more comfortable with my Nikon D300 but end up forgetting what I've learned from the class and what I took away was minimal. I purchased the Nikon D300 DVD for review and found that it's worth every penny. The chapter format that is easy to follow. The instructor is clear, concise and very professional. I love that I can view the information at my own pace and schedule. I can stop and review the DVD as needed. It's a great reference tool for any novice to intermediate user of the Nikon D300. A great value compared to what I paid for my classes. I can't wait for the advance DVD coming out mid-year.
  
  
• Great dvd!
  By A3I5J9H06POC1H on 2008-07-09
  The dvd is great....I like being able to watch the dvd and then stop it for a while to practice. I found it very informative and useful. It is great for people who are not professional photographers and want to learn more about photography and the D300.
  
  
• for beginning photographers only
  By AF3FVC19P6YSB on 2008-08-07
  While the video was done fairly professionally and had a few useful tips, it really is strictly for beginners. I found myself saying, "duh" about thirty times while watching. The presenter of the material sounded like a representative of the government, choosing words carefully, and adding disclaimers like, "but make sure to read your user manual to be sure." I also noticed there were a couple times when the video would gloss over a topic by using circular definitions. He sound like a foamy the squirrel Indian tech support guy, "What is your operating system? The system you are operating?"
  
  A book like Understanding Exposure by Peterson would do you much better.
  
  If you are a rank beginner, then buy this.
  If you are an amateur photographer, then move on.
  
  
  

• David Busch's Nikon D300 Guide to Digital SLR Photography
• Nikon D300 inBrief Laminated Reference Card
• Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200, D300, D700 and D80 Digital SLR Cameras
• Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide
• Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)