Canon EOS 60D vs Nikon D300S: In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the ideal DSLR among esteemed advanced models like the Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D300S can be daunting, given their reputable legacy and robust feature sets. Both cameras marked significant milestones for their makers and remain relevant for specific use cases, despite their 2009-2010 release timeline. Drawing from over 15 years of rigorous hands-on evaluations and side-by-side testing of hundreds of DSLRs - executed in diverse photographic disciplines - this article provides a comprehensive, meticulously detailed comparison emphasizing real-world usability, technical performance, and value proposition.

Introduction: A Legacy in Advanced DSLR Design

The Canon 60D, launched in late 2010 as a successor to the popular 50D, targeted enthusiastic amateurs and semi-pros seeking enhanced video capabilities, improved articulation, and refined ergonomics. Conversely, Nikon’s D300S, introduced a year earlier, aimed squarely at photographers demanding durability with its weather-sealed construction, superior autofocus coverage, and striking continuous shooting advantages.

While both cameras fall under the “advanced DSLR” category, their design philosophies diverge: Canon prioritizing user-friendly controls and portable multimedia usability, Nikon emphasizing ruggedness and robust shooting performance. This foundational divergence naturally influences their performance across photography genres and workflows, which we will unfold in the sections below.

Body Design, Ergonomics, and Handling: Comfort and Control

Both the Canon 60D and Nikon D300S are “mid-size” DSLRs equipped with pentaprism optical viewfinders, yet their physical dimensions and handling characteristics distinguish them significantly.

The Canon 60D measures 145 x 106 x 79 mm and weighs approximately 755 grams with battery, making it noticeably lighter and more compact than the Nikon D300S, which measures 147 x 114 x 74 mm and weighs 938 grams. This 180-gram difference is palpable in extended handheld sessions, particularly in travel and street photography where portability is crucial.

The Canon 60D’s fully articulated 3-inch ClearView TFT LCD with a high pixel count (1040k dots) offers versatile framing, live view flexibility, and convenient creative angles - ideal for video and macro applications alike. The Nikon D300S, in comparison, sports a fixed 3-inch screen with slightly lower resolution (920k dots), which is less adaptable but still bright and color-accurate.

Ergonomically, the Nikon D300S features a more substantial grip and button layout tailored for professional workflows - complete with dedicated ISO buttons, dual command dials, and a top LCD panel providing immediate access to key settings. The Canon 60D, while user-friendly, favors a simpler control schema, accommodating enthusiasts transitioning from entry-level cameras.

Both cameras are weather-sealed to resist dust and moisture - a feature increasingly expected but uncommon in enthusiast DSLRs from their era - although neither is fully waterproof or shockproof.

In sum, the Canon 60D offers superior portability and a flexible LCD, while the Nikon D300S excels in ruggedness and professional-style handling.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Resolution vs. Dynamic Range

The heart of any camera’s imaging prowess lies in its sensor - Canon and Nikon take markedly distinct approaches here with apparent trade-offs.

• Canon 60D: Equipped with an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (22.3 x 14.9 mm) with a 1.6x crop factor, the 60D produces images at 5184 x 3456 resolution. Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor supports an ISO range of 100–6400 (expandable to 12800). The sensor includes an anti-aliasing filter to combat moiré patterns but slightly impacts rendering of ultra-fine detail.

• Nikon D300S: Uses a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.6 x 15.8 mm with a 1.5x crop factor, providing 4288 x 2848 pixel images processed by Nikon’s Expeed engine with a more conservative ISO range (200–3200 native, extendable to 6400). The larger sensor area grants improved light-gathering efficiency resulting in excellent dynamic range and color depth performance.

In real-world testing, the Canon 60D’s higher resolution lends itself better to cropping and large prints but reveals slight softness due to the anti-aliasing filter. Nikon’s D300S images have lower pixel counts but exhibit a smoother tonal gradient and superior dynamic range - from shadow recovery to highlight retention - which significantly benefits landscape, studio, and challenging lighting conditions.

DxOMark benchmarks reflect this:

• Canon 60D’s color depth: 22.2 bits, dynamic range: 11.5 EV, low-light ISO: 813.

• Nikon D300S scores slightly higher with color depth: 22.5 bits, dynamic range: 12.2 EV, low-light ISO: 787.

While nuance, these differences impact specific shooting scenarios: the D300S excels in high-contrast landscapes and moderate low-light situations; the 60D’s pixel advantage suits detailed portraiture and multimedia work.

Autofocus System: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) remains a crucial differentiator between these models, especially in disciplines demanding precision and responsive tracking.

The Canon 60D utilizes a somewhat dated nine-point AF system, all cross-type points, providing basic but effective subject acquisition under standard conditions. Canon integrates face detection in live view, enhancing usability for casual portraiture and group shots. However, the system lacks advanced tracking technologies or animal eye detection, limiting performance in highly dynamic wildlife or sports shooting.

The Nikon D300S features a significantly more sophisticated 51-point AF array, with variable selectivity allowing granular focusing choices - even though the number of cross-type points is undocumented, the wider coverage optimizes subject tracking reliability. Predictive AF algorithms facilitate faster continuous autofocus during bursts, delivering an edge during action photography.

Both cameras employ phase detection AF in viewfinder mode and contrast detection in live view, with Nikon’s live view AF being comparatively slower but usable.

In practical terms, the D300S autofocus outshines the 60D in wildlife, sports, and macro photography due to coverage breadth, speed, and the 7fps burst rate (vs. Canon’s 5fps). The 60D remains competent for portraits, landscapes, and casual use but is less suited for demanding continuous AF scenarios.

Shooting Speeds and Buffer Performance

Speed and buffer capacity are often decisive for photojournalists and sports photographers needing to capture fast action.

• The Nikon D300S offers 7 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, with an extensive buffer that accommodates over 50 RAW frames - sustained shooting without interruption and no compromise on resolution.

• The Canon 60D maxes out at 5 fps, with a more limited buffer filling quickly during RAW bursts, curtailing prolonged shoot sequences.

Though 2 fps may seem incremental, the difference can be critical when capturing fleeting moments: the Nikon’s 7 fps and expansive buffer provide a competitive advantage for wildlife and sports professionals requiring rapid frame capture fidelity.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording and Audio Support

Video recording capabilities are increasingly vital for hybrid photo-video creatives. Here, the Canon 60D was revolutionary upon release, while Nikon lagged somewhat.

• Canon 60D supports Full HD 1080p video at 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps with H.264 compression and offers 720p at up to 60 fps, making it suitable for slow-motion effects.

• The Nikon D300S delivers 720p HD video at 24 fps using Motion JPEG format - a less efficient codec producing larger files and lower dynamic range in footage.

Both have a built-in microphone port (3.5 mm), however, neither supports headphone monitoring - a notable omission for professional videographers. The 60D’s articulated LCD greatly facilitates video framing in unconventional positions and enhances its usability over the fixed-screen D300S.

Practically, the Canon 60D dominates for video shooters, offering flexible frame rates and superior codec efficiency, with more streamlined manual exposure controls during recording.

Viewfinders and LCD Screens: Composition and Feedback

The optical viewfinder quality directly influences composition, especially in fast-paced shooting.

The Nikon D300S presents 100% viewfinder coverage, providing a complete edge-to-edge framing experience with 0.63x magnification. This accuracy removes guesswork in final composition - a major plus for professional work.

The Canon 60D offers 96% coverage at 0.6x magnification, which means slight framing adjustments are often needed post-capture, though this is acceptable for many enthusiasts.

Regarding rear displays:

• The Canon 60D’s 3” fully articulated ClearView TFT screen with 1040k resolution offers excellent brightness, flexibility, and color accuracy - ideal for video shooting, live view focusing, and reviewing images on the go.

• The Nikon D300S uses a fixed 3” Super Density TFT with a slightly lower resolution (920k) and wide viewing angles, favoring durability but limiting compositional versatility.

Thus, the D300S prioritizes precision framing through the optical viewfinder, while the 60D balances this with more modern LCD adaptability.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Neither camera suffers from lack of native lenses thanks to Canon’s EF/EF-S and Nikon’s F-mount longevity.

The Canon EF/EF-S mount boasts 326 compatible lenses, including third-party and ultra-high-performance optics across all focal ranges. The prevalence of EF-S lenses better fits the 60D’s APS-C sensor and provides affordable, lightweight options for travel and macro photography.

The Nikon F mount has 309 lenses available, constructed over decades. Nikon’s robust selection includes many professional-grade primes and zooms, widely regarded for their optical quality - especially telephotos suited for wildlife and sports shooters taking advantage of the D300S’s faster shooting and autofocus system.

Lens compatibility extends into macro and specialty lenses, with Canon having a slight edge in autofocus-enabled adapters and third-party innovation, whereas Nikon’s native lenses tend to have superior build quality.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Critical for travel and professional work are battery longevity and dual-card capacity.

• The Canon 60D’s LP-E6 battery delivers approximately 1100 shots per charge, outperforming many contemporaries and increasing shooting autonomy in remote locations.

• The Nikon D300S uses the older EN-EL3e battery, rated at roughly 950 shots per charge, solid yet less than the Canon’s runtime.

In storage, Nikon’s dual slots supporting Compact Flash Type I and SD cards provide workflow flexibility and immediate backup - a boon in professional settings.

The Canon 60D has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot, acceptable for enthusiasts but less fail-safe.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras support Eye-Fi card compatibility, enabling wireless image transfer - a significant convenience for on-location workflows.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC. Both include USB 2.0 and mini HDMI outputs for tethering and external monitor use. The D300S offers optional GPS via accessories, beneficial for travel photographers tracking image metadata, whereas the 60D lacks GPS.

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Shines Where?

We evaluated these cameras in beloved photography fields, considering their unique demands:

• Portrait Photography: Canon 60D’s higher resolution sensor combined with naturally pleasing skin tone rendering due to Canon’s color science makes it ideal for portraits, while its articulated screen aids composition.

• Landscape Photography: Nikon D300S excels with superior dynamic range, rugged design, and weather sealing, supporting prolonged outdoor exposure and shadow detail recovery.

• Wildlife Photography: The D300S’s 7fps shooting speed, extensive AF points, and solid telephoto lens availability dominate this arena.

• Sports Photography: Again, Nikon’s faster frame rates and autofocus system deliver more reliable subject tracking, critical for peak action.

• Street Photography: Canon 60D’s lighter weight and smaller form provide portability, paired with quieter operation, but the Nikon’s more rugged design can withstand rougher environments.

• Macro Photography: Articulated Canon screen aids focusing at difficult angles; however, the Nikon’s rapid AF and accurate metering benefit precision macro work.

• Night/Astro Photography: Nikon’s superior dynamic range and cleaner shadows edge out the Canon, although the latter’s higher ISO ceiling offers flexibility.

• Video: Canon’s 1080p HD, efficient compression, and microphoning capabilities far surpass Nikon’s limited 720p MJPEG offering.

• Travel Photography: The Canon’s portability and battery life are highly favorable, though Nikon’s dual card slot and GPS option are compelling for serious travelers tracking extensive shoots.

• Professional Workflows: Nikon’s dual card backup, robust build, and superior AF system favor professional demands; Canon’s RAW files integrate seamlessly into popular editing suites but lack some pro-centric features.

Image Quality Samples: Real-World Results Speak

Viewing side-by-side images captured under identical conditions further elucidates the technical differences.

Canon 60D screen back Nikon D300S screen back

Canon photography delivers crisp, highly detailed images with true-to-life color rendition, especially evident in portraits where skin tones have smooth gradation and pleasant warmth. The slight anti-aliasing softness helps avoid harsh digital edges.

Nikon samples exhibit superior noise control, better shadow detail, and overall richer dynamic range, which is especially noticeable in landscape scenes showing nuanced cloud structure and foliage detail. Images retain clarity with aggressive highlight preservation.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

To synthesize our technical and field testing insights, here is an aggregated scoring summary:

The Canon 60D, priced around $899, presents an appealing balance between cost, video prowess, and image resolution, aligning well with hobbyists and hybrid creators. The Nikon D300S, with an original retail near $1630, offers greater durability, autofocus performance, and professional features but demands a higher investment.

Recommendations Tailored to Your Photography Needs

Choose the Canon EOS 60D if you are:

• A multimedia enthusiast integrating quality Full HD video with still photography.
• Seeking a lighter, compact DSLR with an articulated LCD for versatility in macro and video recording.
• Focused on portrait, travel, or street photography where portability and ease of use matter.
• Budget conscious but requiring solid image resolution and decent low-light performance.

Choose the Nikon D300S if you are:

• A professional or serious enthusiast specializing in wildlife, sports, or landscape photography.
• Requiring an advanced autofocus system with broad focus coverage and faster continuous shooting.
• Prioritizing rugged build quality and environmental sealing for demanding outdoor shoots.
• Utilizing dual card slots for workflow backups and valuing optional GPS data integration.

Final Thoughts: Expert Perspective

Having personally tested both cameras extensively - ranging from wildlife hideouts to studio lighting setups, high-action sports arenas, low-light astrophotography, and travel excursions - the Canon 60D and Nikon D300S represent two divergent responses to advanced DSLR needs in their era. The 60D’s user-friendly design, video capabilities, and articulated screen reflect Canon’s rise of hybrid camera models, while the Nikon D300S serves as a bastion of rugged, high-performance DSLR craftsmanship revered for action photography.

For the modern buyer examining these older yet formidable models in used or secondary markets, the decision hinges on prioritizing video vs. rugged autofocus performance, portability vs. build robustness, and budget constraints. Either choice remains a capable tool in the hands of dedicated photographers when paired with suitable glass and workflow practices.

About the Author

With over 15 years rigorously testing and reviewing thousands of cameras, lenses, and accessories across all photography genres and industry benchmarks, I combine empirical data with practical insights to empower photography enthusiasts and professionals to choose gear that truly matches their creative vision and technical requirements.

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