Nikon D300s rides the clouds

Mark Watson regales under the rather improbable job description of “Extreme Sports Photographer and Nikon Australia Ambassador,” but this video certainly shows him living up to the title.

To publicise the HD video and stills capabilities of the Nikon D300s, Mark hopped on to a handglider and flew into Australia’s Morning Glory cloud – a phenomenon that sees a wave-like cloud rolling over the Aussie countryside.

A D300s camera fitted with a 10.5mm fisheye lens was mounted to the front of Watson’s hang glider and set on shutter priority, with a custom hardwired trigger and release mechanism letting him switch between video and stills shooting.

The results are certainly impressive but should come as no surprise to anyone who’s used the D300s – it is a mighty fine camera.

Nikon D300s specs:
12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS image sensor
Built-in self-cleaning sensor unit
6fps continuous shooting (8fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack with lithium-ion battery EN-EL4a or 8 AA batteries)
ISO 200-3200: extendable up to ISO 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent)
EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation
Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the cameras metering and AF sensors for precise exposures
Multi-CAM3500DX 51-point AF system
Quick response with approx 0.13 second power-up and 45 millisecond shutter release time lag
920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170- degree viewing angle
Live View with Autofocus lets you compose images using the LCD monitor
Durable, magnesium alloy body
Water and dust resistant

If this has inspired you to undertake a similar project using a D300s, you can grab the camera for around £1,100 on Amazon (body only). Brits will probably have to make do with a London pea-souper instead of the dramatic Aussie clouds though.