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<td><a href="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/nikon-p3000.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-673" title="Nikon P300" src="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/nikon-p3000.jpg" alt="nikon-p300-bridge-camera" width="300" height="234" /></a></td>
<td>A pocket camera and video recorder in one, NIKON COOLPIX P300 offers full HD video recording, giving it a clear advantage above its' competitors. With the optical vibration system, fast shutter speed, and wide aperture the Nikon P300 will also get the job done for action and low-light shots.

However due to it's smaller sensor, it lacks control with depth of field (or creating that Bokeh effect) when compared to other similar cameras. The operation of the Nikon P300’s control dials is also not as simple as Canon S95 or Olympus ZX-1, is it worth the trade-off??</td>
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Let's get to the gist of it in the tabs below.

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[tabhead id="1"]  Overview  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="2"]  Cheers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="3"]  Jeers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="4"]  Who is it for?  [/tabhead] [tabhead_last id="5"]  The Verdict  [/tabhead_last]  [tab id="1"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Released in March 2011</li>
	<li>12-megapixel CMOS image sensor</li>
	<li>Super fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 at wide angle</li>
	<li>4.2x Zoom-NIKKOR optical zoom lens</li>
	<li>3.0-inch LCD with an anti-reflection coating</li>
	<li>1080p HD video recording with built-in stereo microphone</li>
	<li>Will retail for US $329.95</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="2"] [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Pocket-sized</li>
	<li>Fast continuous shooting rate for better action photos</li>
	<li>Feels good in the hands, nice size</li>
	<li>Excellent low-light performance</li>
	<li>Full HD (1080p) video recording</li>
	<li>Quick start-up speed</li>
	<li>Optical Vibration Reduction system for blur-free shots</li>
</ul>
[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="3"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Less control over depth of field</li>
	<li>Slow at telephoto end</li>
	<li>Maximum lens only at 100mm</li>
	<li>Lacking quick menu</li>
</ul>
[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="4"]
 Proud beginner

<strong>√ Casual photographer</strong>

<strong>√  Point &amp; shoot photo fan</strong>

<strong>√  DSLR photo fan</strong>

 Advanced photographer

NIKON COOLPIX P300 is suitable for serious photography enthusiasts looking for a functional handy camera and video recorder that is great for photos on-the-move.[/tab] [tab id="5"]NIKON COOLPIX P300 may have smaller sensor and a lesser simple control dials than its competitors, particularly Canon S95. But with its full HD video recording feature, fast shutter speed, and wide aperture, it's the better choice.
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<strong>Build Quality &amp; Design: </strong><strong>A retro pocket camera with a nice grip.</strong>

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NIKON COOLPIX P300 has a great retro appearance with its' black metal compact box and lens. A truly pocket-sized camera, <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons90/page19.asp">DPReview</a> loves Nikon P300’s compact and metal body. Comparing it to the Canon S95, DPReview says “although it is slightly more square than the S95, the P300 looks great, and feels nice to use. It is just the right size to fit inside a shirt pocket.”

When it comes to grip, the Nikon P300 has a better grip than Canon S95. It has a thin rubber strip on its front and a thumb grip on the rear making it great for single-handed use.

Similar to Nikon’s mid-range and top-end DSLRs, the P300 has a bright 3-inch LCD screen which should perform well in daylight.

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<strong>Controls &amp; Ergonomics: Can be operated easily.</strong>

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NIKON COOLPIX P300 has good ergonomics and well laid out buttons.

There are two manual controls — one on top and one on the rear. The top control, which is behind and at the right side of the shutter release, handles the shooting parameter and the shutter speed in M and S modes, plus the program shift in P. The rear dial allows instant access to four useful functions: flash mode, exposure compensation, AF mode, and drive mode. At the center is the ‘OK’ button for confirming menu selections.

Both dials allow you to scroll easily through menu options and images when in playback mode. The two dials are adjusted with just enough friction, reducing the risk of inadvertent shifting to other modes.

<strong>Shooting Performance: Responsive and quick</strong>

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In terms of on-screen interface response time, NIKON COOLPIX P300 is very quick. We expect that this camera will not disappoint in terms of actual speed.

What we can be certain of is that the Nikon P300 will impress most photographers looking to shoot fast, sharp, action shots. This camera can shoot an impressive 8 frames per second in burst shooting mode. At this speed, you can capture seven (7) consecutive shots in just a single click. Speedy!

Nikon P300’s lens is optically stabilized and can cover 24-100mm range. At wide angle, the P300 is notably fast but not as good at the long end with f/1.8-4.9 aperture. One glitch observed with the camera pre-production sample is that the f-number adjusts by the same amount relative to the lens’ maximum when it shouldn't. For instance, when your aperture is set at f/1.8 and you zoom in, aperture changes to f7.1 when it is should be wide open at f4.9.

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<strong>Image Quality: Smaller sensor than the competition, but still produces excellent photos. </strong>

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Sensor size is directly dependent upon image quality. So a larger sensor produces sharper details and better exposed photos. Nikon P300’s sensor (1/2.3in) is 35% smaller than Canon S95 and Panasonic Lumix LX5. However, even with the smaller sensor the Nikon P300 still performs very well especially in low-light conditions. It has a highly sensitive 12.2 megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS image sensor and a maximum aperture at f/1.8. It also uses Nikon’s latest camera processor, EXPEED C2, which helps the camera yield photos with better colors and less noise.

Furthermore, the Nikon P300 has an Optical Vibration Reduction system which helps to reduce the ever-problematic "camera shake".

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<strong>Special Features: Full HD video mode and digital enhancement options.</strong>

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One advantage of NIKON COOLPIX P300 over its high-end peers is its' full HD (1080p) video recording feature, which allows optical zoom during recording. Its most notable competitor – Canon S95 – only offers 720p.

To make video recording more convenient, a separate video record button is made available on the rear of Nikon P300. This is a great feature as it means while shooting you don’t have to switch modes between camera and video. Nikon P300 also has a built-in stereo microphone, but does not have port for external mic.

This camera also has a number of simple yet useful features such as cross screen, fisheye effect, and other in-camera filters that can be used to make shooting a lot more fun and exciting.

Additionally, it has an easy Panorama mode, which stitches panoramic images together in-camera. With this feature, all you have to do is hold the shutter button as you turn from one end of the panoramic scene to the other, and wait for a moment as the camera stitches together the final image.

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<strong>The Beginners' Lens Ratings </strong>

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This table will help you evaluate the usefulness of a camera according to various photographic situations. These ratings are based on our photographers’ experience, taking into consideration both the features and reviewed performances of the camera:
•	1 flash is a poor performance;
•	5 flashes heralds a stellar performance.

The notes column features observations from advanced photographers. Feel free to agree/disagree in the comments below.
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Photo Type</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Camera Rating</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Notes</strong></td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Action / Children</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Nikon P300 is a great camera for action photography, given its' 8 fps continuous shooting rate. It can accommodate up to 7 shots in one click.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Landscape / Architecture</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3  flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Sharp photos can be achieved at 24mm. It would have been better if Nikon equipped the camera with a wider lens.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Low light</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Maximum aperture of f/1.8, and the CMOS sensor will help you shoot nice photos in low light.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Portrait</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Its sensor might be smaller than its rivals but nice portrait shots with blurred backgrounds are still easily achieved.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Rough conditions</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">The camera’s metal body construction will do well in rougher than normal shooting conditions.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Safari-like</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">2.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Nikon P300 also has optical vibration reduction system for blur-free shots. However its longest end is at 100mm limiting the distance you can shoot subjects at a distance.</td>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CATEGORY		:	Compact</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TOTAL RATING	:	20.5 / 30</strong></p>
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<strong>The Verdict (Extended version)</strong>

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NIKON COOLPIX P300 may have smaller sensor and more complicated controls than its competitors, particularly the Canon S95. But with its full HD video recording feature, fast shutter speed, and wide aperture, it could still be the better choice.

&nbsp;

For a pocket-sized camera, the Nikon P300 will likely exceed your expectations with its reliable optical vibration reduction system, wide aperture, rugged retro appearance. So if these are the factors you are looking at when choosing a compact camera, the P300 then deserves your consideration.

<a href="http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/38413/nikon-coolpix-p300-vs-canon-powershot-s95">Pocket-lint.com</a> actually thinks it’s the better choice among its competition: “Objectively speaking, the Nikon Coolpix P300 appears to be the better camera. The superior lens, display and video shooting capabilities are three very key areas and all places where this latest high end compact excels.”

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<strong>Review Digest</strong>

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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>CAMERA REVIEW WEBSITE</strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>WHAT THEY HAVE TO  SAY</strong></td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons90/page19.asp">DPReview.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“We're certain that, purely because of its styling, a lot of consumers will regard it as a cut-price alternative to cameras like the Canon Powershot S95 and Panasonic Lumix LX5. It certainly offers comparable build quality and manual control but its sensor is 35% smaller and that's arguably the most important determinant of image quality, so we'd expect its performance to be more in line with regular compacts.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://reviews.photographyreview.com/nikon-coolpix-p300-f1-8-manual-pocket-camera">PhotographyReview.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“The P300 is most definitely a pocket camera. It’s a pocket camera with an f/1.8 lens (24-100mm f/1.8-4.9), full manual exposure control and 1080p HD video.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/hands-on-nikon-coolpix-p300-review-927323">TechRadar.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“For a photographer who's after for a point-and-shoot with a little more oomph, the Nikon P300 is definitely worth a look.”</td>
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