Clicky

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2

Portability
55
Imaging
51
Features
59
Overall
54
Nikon D300 front
 
Olympus PEN E-PL2 front
Portability
85
Imaging
48
Features
47
Overall
47

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 Key Specs

Nikon D300
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 200 - 3200 (Increase to 6400)
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 925g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
  • Released March 2008
  • Older Model is Nikon D200
  • Newer Model is Nikon D300S
Olympus E-PL2
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 362g - 114 x 72 x 42mm
  • Released February 2011
  • Replaced the Olympus E-PL1s
  • Refreshed by Olympus E-PL3
Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 Overview

Here, we will be comparing the Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the D300 (12MP) and the E-PL2 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the D300 (APS-C) and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor size.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The D300 was unveiled 3 years prior to the E-PL2 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Nikon D300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the D300 scores versus the E-PL2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Nikon D300 over the Olympus E-PL2

 D300 E-PL2 
Screen resolution922k460kClearer screen (+462k dot)

Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL2 over the Nikon D300

 E-PL2 D300 
ReleasedFebruary 2011March 2008Newer by 35 months

Common features in the Nikon D300 and Olympus E-PL2

 D300 E-PL2 
Focus manually Very precise focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen size3"3"Same screen size
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch screen Neither includes Touch screen

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 Physical Comparison

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D300 features physical measurements of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") and a weight of 925 grams (2.04 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL2 has dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the D300 and the E-PL2.

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the D300 and E-PL2 is 55 and 85 respectively.

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 top view buttons comparison

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through specifications. The picture underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the D300 and E-PL2.

Plainly, both of those cameras feature the identical MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The D300 comes with the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field easier. The more aged D300 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 sensor size comparison

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon D300
Portrait photography with Olympus E-PL2
60
focusing manually
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
60
manual focus
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
has face detection focus
delivers RAW formats
sensor resolution not great (12MP)
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Street Comparison

Street photography with Nikon D300
Street photography with Olympus E-PL2
56
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
environment proof
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
73
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
delivers RAW formats
screen does not articulate
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Sports Comparison

Nikon D300 Sports photography highlights
Olympus E-PL2 Sports photography highlights
56
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
good sensor size (APS-C)
environment proof
better than average battery life (1,000 per charge)
has phase detect AF
very slow continuous shooting (6.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
45
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
has tracking autofocus
painfully slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames per second)
sensor resolution not great (12MP)
low battery life (280 CIPA)
lack of phase detect auto focus
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Nikon D300
Travel photography with Olympus E-PL2
56
better than average battery life (1,000 shots)
environment proof
flash built-in
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
display isn't selfie friendly
51
flash built-in
does not have Time Lapse function
low battery life (280 CIPA)
sensor resolution not great (12 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Landscape Comparison

Nikon D300 Landscape photography factors
Olympus E-PL2 Landscape photography factors
64
focusing manually
interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount)
good sized screen (3 inches)
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
environment proof
better than average battery life (1,000 shots)
does not have image stabilization
low megapixels (12MP)
61
manual focus
swap lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
delivers RAW formats
sensor resolution not great (12MP)
low battery life (280 shots)
does not have Time Lapse function
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D300 Vlogging information
Olympus E-PL2 Vlogging information
9
lack of video recording
29
image stabilization (Sensor based)
has face detection focus
screen is not selfie friendly
low res video (1280 x 720 pxls)
does not have external mic support
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Nikon D300 vs Olympus E-PL2 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D300 and Olympus E-PL2
 Nikon D300Olympus PEN E-PL2
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Olympus
Model type Nikon D300 Olympus PEN E-PL2
Category Advanced DSLR Entry-Level Mirrorless
Released 2008-03-12 2011-02-11
Physical type Mid-size SLR Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed Truepic V
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C Four Thirds
Sensor dimensions 23.6 x 15.8mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor area 372.9mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 4:3
Highest Possible resolution 4288 x 2848 4032 x 3024
Maximum native ISO 3200 6400
Maximum enhanced ISO 6400 -
Minimum native ISO 200 100
RAW format
Minimum enhanced ISO 100 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points 51 11
Lens
Lens support Nikon F Micro Four Thirds
Amount of lenses 309 107
Crop factor 1.5 2.1
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3" 3"
Resolution of screen 922 thousand dots 460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Screen technology Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle HyperCrystal LCD AR(Anti-Reflective) coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Electronic (optional)
Viewfinder coverage 100% -
Viewfinder magnification 0.63x -
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30s 60s
Fastest shutter speed 1/8000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter rate 6.0 frames per sec 3.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 12.00 m (at ISO 100) 10.00 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels)
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/250s 1/160s
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions - 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution None 1280x720
Video format - Motion JPEG
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 925g (2.04 lbs) 362g (0.80 lbs)
Physical dimensions 147 x 114 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") 114 x 72 x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 67 55
DXO Color Depth rating 22.1 21.4
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.0 10.2
DXO Low light rating 679 573
Other
Battery life 1000 photos 280 photos
Battery style Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL3e BLS-5
Self timer Yes (2 to 20 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage Compact Flash (Type I or II) SD/SDHC
Card slots 1 1
Pricing at release $1,100 $0