robert_kenney3

<p>Nikon's sometimes display wonky behavior. Couple of things that can contribute to issues like these are generic batteries, an unseated lens where the contacts do not make a firm connection, a button that is sticky or partially depressed, etc. Chasing down the exact cause can be frustrating. If your firmware somehow becomes slightly corrupted, it may help to reload or re-install it.</p>

<p>My guess (and that is all anyone can offer) is that the D7000 / D300s replacement will be combined into one model. The mid/upper grade DX models heading ultimately to a dead-end street. Clues to the DX demise include the lack of DX lenses being released, the loss of market share for entry-level DX SLR's to Mirrorless models, the march to affordability of FX sensors, and the demand in the pro market for a DX camera mostly being limited to the need for cropped reach, weatherproofing, or higher speed shooting. Attributes that can be adapted to a FF sensor body and lenses. A more likely replacement for the D300s would be the existing body with the D600 sensor, much as they did to the D7000 to create the D600. I would expect to see DX become a obsolete format in just a few years. </p>

<p>Didn't notice Active D-Lighting mentioned, which may also play a role in your exposure issues especially when shooting RAW. Many people have achieved more consistent results with Active D-Lighting turned off. You could try it both ways and see if it makes a difference. </p>

<p>I have found turning off Active-D Lighting results in better images when shooting RAW. After much trial and error I realized that D-Lighting was sometimes a ham-fisted approach to controlling exposure. I also never quite understood why Nikon made the D-Lighting a "pre-RAW" adjustment instead of "post-RAW".<br>

Interesting discussion on Active-D lighting at this link. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon_d300_users/discuss/72157603874974496/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon_d300_users/discuss/72157603874974496/</a><br>

and a recently posted example from a talented photographer of blow highlight recovery in RAW here: (mildly sexy image if NSFW is an issue) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/houser/4464206732/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/houser/4464206732/</a></p>