Nikon D300 vs Nikon D5000

Below, we are matching up the Nikon D300 vs Nikon D5000, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and they are both built by Nikon. The resolution of the D300 (12MP) and the D5000 (12MP) is fairly similar and they possess the exact same sensor sizing (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The D300 was launched 15 months prior to the D5000 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Nikon D300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Nikon D5000 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the D300 matches up versus the D5000 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D300 and Nikon D5000. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon D300 Gallery and Nikon D5000 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon D300 features exterior dimensions of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") along with a weight of 925 grams (2.04 lbs) and the Nikon D5000 has sizing of 127mm x 104mm x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 590 grams (1.30 lbs).

Compare the Nikon D300 vs Nikon D5000 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the D300 vs the D5000.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D300 and D5000 is 55 and 65 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing technical specs. The graphic here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the D300 and D5000.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the identical resolution so you should expect similar quality of files though you need to factor the release date of the products into consideration. The older D300 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.