Nikon D3 vs Nikon D300

Its time to look closer at the Nikon D3 and Nikon D300, former being a Pro DSLR while the other is a Advanced DSLR and both are sold by Nikon. The resolution of the D3 (12MP) and the D300 (12MP) is fairly close but the D3 (Full frame) and D300 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

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The D3 was revealed 2 months later than the D300 so they are both of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Nikon D3 being a Large SLR camera and the Nikon D300 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the D3 scores versus the D300 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D3 & Nikon D300. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon D3 Gallery & Nikon D300 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon D3 features outer measurements of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") having a weight of 1300 grams (2.87 lbs) while the Nikon D300 has proportions of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 925 grams (2.04 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon D3 and Nikon D300 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the D3 compared to the D300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D3 and D300 is 50 and 55 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing specs. The graphic underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the D3 and D300.

All in all, both cameras come with the identical megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The D3 contains the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF simpler.