12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor

The newly developed Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor for the D300 combines 12.3 effective megapixels of resolution with the highest level of photographic and high-speed performance. With a broad light sensitivity range of ISO 200 to ISO 3200, the sensor produces accurate tones and the finest details. For example, it allows photographers to capture the texture of a white dress in the highlighted areas while also faithfully reproducing the details in shadowed areas. And, when the need arises, sensitivity can be further adjusted to Lo 1 for ISO 100 equivalent and Hi 1 for IS0 6400 equivalent settings. Even when shooting at high ISO settings, the sensor delivers clean, natural-looking results, in part thanks to the advanced noise reduction function that operates at ISO 800 and higher settings to minimize chroma noise, color fringing and shadow noise. Its integrated A/D converter enables selection between 12-bit and 14-bit conversions, making it possible to shoot with the high image quality of 14-bit NEF (RAW) format. Furthermore, the optical low-pass filter (OLPF) located in front of the CCD to eliminate color aliasing and moiré incorporates an IR-cut (Infrared) coating that minimizes red color shifts and a UV (Ultra Violet) cut coating that improves image quality at the periphery to help ensure the sharpest images with the highest possible resolution.