I've been having trouble lately with my D300 repeatedly turning off, and flashing the "dead battery" sign in the bottom corner (when there is a freshly charged battery in the camera).... so I have to switch the camera off, then back on, then it's okay for maybe 5-10 more minutes... and it does it again.
This has been happening for about a couple of weeks now, and it's to the point where I obviously have to get it checked out. I've never had to send any equipment in anywhere, so if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.. (as well as cost estimates for what I may be charged).
I don't know if this makes a difference, but this specific camera I bought new from a local camera shop not wolf or ritz, by the way), so should I bring it in to them, or send it to Nikon? And has anyone else had any issues like this before?

Thanks a bunch:)

I would suggest taking it back to the store and if they can't help you contact Nikon online follow the steps on the site. Ensure you have proof of warranty (the little card that came with the camera). Insure it and box it up and ship it to Nikon.

If it is still under warrenty, my local camera shop always ships it in for me to be repaired. If not, I think they will ship it for me, but I have to pay the shipping. I would bring it back to the camera shop.

Don't send it back yet, usually this happens with the 70-200VR, the stainless steel camera mount may be dirty or have some oil on it. The mount acts like a ground regarding feeding power to the lens from the camera. Clean the ring mount on the camera and the small metal balls on the camera lens. If this solves the problem your set.

I've never had that problem but similar to what Steve suggested, I have read that some people simply re-seat their lens (take it off and put it back on) and that fixes the problem.

it's the 17-55 2.8 vr on this particular body (which I never take off) but I'll try doing what you suggested and see what happens. Thanks everyone!

Are you using after-market batteries? I had issues with them (but not everyone does). Very similar symptoms.

The Fuji S5 has / had similar issues. I have not experienced it in a long, long time. With the Fuji it was the contacts with the battery grip separating just slightly enough with the contacts on the body, to turn it into an expensive paperweight.

If you have the battery grip make sure it is tight, all the time. Like I said, I have not had an issue in a long time.

But, heck, you have several things to check now.

I was just going to say the same thing!

nope not that. I use Nikon brand batteries!:)

I had a similar problem, i would fully charge my batteries and would shoot 20-50 frames and it would die. I contacted nikon, they told me to reset the camera by holding down the two buttons with green dots next to them. The first time that i did this it did not work but i did it two more times and it was like new(not too sure why it didnt work the first time).

If you want you can contact nikons tech support by their website and they are very helpful.

I had the same problem & found the solution to be cleaning the contacts on the camera mount and my lenses. Even with new equipment there can be oxidation. I found an article on DP Review (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1039&message=26374611) that described the problem and solution.
I bought the product and cleaning applicators & gave it a try. I haven't had a problem since. Also cleaned all the contact points between the grip and camera for good measure. Only takes a very small amount and just a matter of minutes. The web site for the DeOxit is http://store.caig.com/.

Hope this helps. Good Luck.

Tom

I heard nikon has a firmwear update to help with this also. www.nikonusa.com