Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100
55 Imaging
50 Features
59 Overall
53


68 Imaging
53 Features
59 Overall
55
Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Push to 6400)
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 925g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
- Released March 2008
- Old Model is Nikon D200
- Later Model is Nikon D300S
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Boost to 12800)
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 505g - 124 x 96 x 75mm
- Revealed December 2010
- Superseded the Nikon D3000
- Renewed by Nikon D3200

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 Overview
Here is a extensive overview of the Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are sold by Nikon. The resolution of the D300 (12MP) and the D3100 (14MP) is very similar and they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

The D300 was announced 3 years earlier than the D3100 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Nikon D300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Nikon D3100 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the D300 grades versus the D3100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D300 and Nikon D3100. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D300 Gallery and Nikon D3100 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D300 over the Nikon D3100
D300 | D3100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper display (+692k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon D3100 over the Nikon D300
D3100 | D300 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | December 2010 | ![]() | March 2008 | Fresher by 33 months |
Common features in the Nikon D300 and Nikon D3100
D300 | D3100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither features Touch friendly display |
Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 Physical Comparison
If you're aiming to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon D300 enjoys outside measurements of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 925 grams (2.04 lbs) and the Nikon D3100 has sizing of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the D300 vs the D3100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D300 and D3100 is 55 and 68 respectively.

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the D300 and D3100.
Clearly, both of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You should expect to see the Nikon D3100 to deliver greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images much more aggressively. The older D300 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3100 Specifications
Nikon D300 | Nikon D3100 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Nikon |
Model | Nikon D300 | Nikon D3100 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Released | 2008-03-12 | 2010-12-21 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed | Expeed 2 |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.1 x 15.4mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 355.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Maximum resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4608 x 3072 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Maximum boosted ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Minimum boosted ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 51 | 11 |
Cross focus points | - | 1 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Nikon F |
Amount of lenses | 309 | 309 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.6 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of screen | 922k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Screen technology | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.53x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | 6.0 frames/s | 3.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/250 secs | 1/200 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | - | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | None | 1920x1080 |
Video format | - | MPEG-4 |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 925 grams (2.04 lb) | 505 grams (1.11 lb) |
Dimensions | 147 x 114 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") | 124 x 96 x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 67 | 67 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.1 | 22.5 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.0 | 11.3 |
DXO Low light score | 679 | 919 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1000 pictures | 550 pictures |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL3e | EN-EL14 |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Launch cost | $1,100 | $565 |