This photo was shot during a performance recently at a local college using the Nikon D300, 17~55mm f/2.8G at 30mm, focus mode AF-C, Aperture Priorty, 0EV, Matrix Metering mode and ISO 2500. Shot tripod mounted, with electric release. Noise reducation was on the HIGHISO - on (High)

The initial RAW file processing was through Nikon's View NX and then into Adobe LightRoom 1.4 for control of stage light hot spots. Some minor sharpening was done in LightRoom along with adjustments to exposure, recovery, fill light and with very minor contrast adjustments. Very minor noise reduction. The final print was run through PhotoShop CS3 for a final tweak and them sized into a 12X18 with type set below the photo of the event and performance and date.

The noise reduction of the D300 at this high ISO was very nice and very usable. A similar concert photo was shot with the D2X last year, on the same stage under the same(or close) conditions and the results were not nearly as acceptable as with the D300. The sharpness and detail of the D300 were sharp, even though the D300 sharpening was not operational.

Overall I'm very pleased with the noise reduction capability of the D300, which is why I bought it. It makes a great companion to my D2x and you don't have to break the bank.