In addition to dramatically expanding the performance of digital cameras, the D3 and D300 both place great emphasis on the basic user friendliness required by the photographers who work with them, including continuous use of existing systems, longer battery life and a more comfortable shooting experience. The D3 utilizes the same EN-EL4a battery as the D2 Series cameras. Even though it processes considerably more image data than the D2 Series cameras, the D3 has extended the battery life by approximately 20-30%. When in single-frame shooting mode, about 4,300 frames can be taken (based on CIPA standards, with about 4,700 frames possible in continuous shooting mode under in-house testing conditions). The key to this extended battery life is centralized processing. Autofocus and autoexposure are concentrated in a single microprocessor and image processing also uses a single ultra-high-performance processing engine to reduce unnecessary power consumption. The camera comes with excellent power-conserving capabilities not only when pushing the shutter button halfway, which consumes the most power, but also when waiting in standby mode.
These power-saving features can be found in the D300 too. It employs the same EN-EL3e battery used in the D200, and can take approximately 1,000 frames on a single charge (based on CIPA standards, with about 3,000 frames possible under in-house testing conditions). With the MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack, it can take approximately 3,000 frames (based on CIPA standards, with about 8,900 frames possible under in-house testing conditions). In continuous shooting as well, it increases the D300 body-only speed from 6 fps to 8 fps.* In addition to EN-EL3e batteries, the MB-D10 battery pack is able to take EN-EL4a and AA-size batteries, providing exceptional practical benefits to SLR camera systems. The D300 uses a low-voltage drive motor to increase the number of photos it is able to take, so many more frames than before can be taken, even when using AA-size batteries in low-temperature environments. The camera also uses an internal capacitor to supplement battery power when extra power is required, which contributes to a higher number of frames that can captured. When using the MB-D10 power pack, the D300 uses hardware to constantly monitor battery voltage so that if voltage from the Multi-Power Battery Pack drops, it automatically and instantaneously switches to the D300 battery power. This prevents problems from arising due to accidental removal of batteries, or during low-battery-power situations. Even during continuous shooting, the camera doesn’t stop operating. And when new batteries are inserted, it checks their charge level and confirms that they aren’t defective batteries which could overheat or ignite, and then switches back.
Both the EN-EL4a and EN-EL3e come with a built-in IC chip that monitors and communicates power consumption. Battery power is displayed in six levels on the top LCD panel and, for a more accurate display, as a percentage on the rear LCD monitor.
* Continuous high-speed photography of 8 fps is achievable under the following conditions:
(1) When using the required MB-D10 with EN-EL4 or EN-EL4a batteries (sold separately) and the BL3 battery chamber cover (sold separately).
(2) When using the MB-D10 with AA-size batteries (continuous shooting speed reduces as battery level decreases).
(3) When using the EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter.
