Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1
55 Imaging
51 Features
59 Overall
54


65 Imaging
41 Features
38 Overall
39
Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Raise to 6400)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 925g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
- Revealed March 2008
- Succeeded the Nikon D200
- Later Model is Nikon D300S
(Full Review)
- 7MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 606g - 146 x 87 x 77mm
- Revealed April 2007

Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1 Overview
Here, we are contrasting the Nikon D300 versus Panasonic L1, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the D300 (12MP) and L1 (7MP) and the D300 (APS-C) and L1 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor dimensions.

The D300 was unveiled 12 months later than the L1 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the D300 scores against the L1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The full galleries are provided at Nikon D300 Gallery & Panasonic L1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D300 over the Panasonic L1
D300 | L1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | March 2008 | ![]() | April 2007 | Fresher by 12 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 207k | Crisper display (+715k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic L1 over the Nikon D300
L1 | D300 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D300 and Panasonic L1
D300 | L1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither provides Touch friendly display |
Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1 Physical Comparison
If you're intending to carry your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D300 provides outer measurements of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 925 grams (2.04 lbs) and the Panasonic L1 has dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).
Check the Nikon D300 versus Panasonic L1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the D300 and the L1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D300 and L1 is 55 and 65 respectively.

Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the D300 and L1.
As you can plainly see, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The D300 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Nikon D300 will offer extra detail having an extra 5MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The newer D300 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D300 vs Panasonic L1 Specifications
Nikon D300 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon D300 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Revealed | 2008-03-12 | 2007-04-11 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 7MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 3136 x 2352 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Highest boosted ISO | 6400 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Minimum boosted ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 51 | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
Amount of lenses | 309 | 45 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 2.5 inch |
Resolution of display | 922k dots | 207k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.46x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 60s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 6.0 frames per sec | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 13.00 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, Red-Eye Auto, On, Red-Eye On, Red-Eye Slow Sync, Off, Slow Sync (1&2) |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/250s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Highest video resolution | None | None |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
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 proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 925g (2.04 lb) | 606g (1.34 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 147 x 114 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") | 146 x 87 x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 67 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.1 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.0 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 679 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1000 shots | - |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | EN-EL3e | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD/MMC card |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail price | $1,100 | $1,500 |