Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II
55 Imaging
51 Features
59 Overall
54


60 Imaging
57 Features
82 Overall
67
Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Bump to 6400)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 925g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
- Announced March 2008
- Old Model is Nikon D200
- New Model is Nikon D300S
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Revealed June 2013
- Old Model is Pentax K-5

Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II Overview
Below, we are comparing the Nikon D300 versus Pentax K-5 II, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the D300 (12MP) and K-5 II (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor measurements (APS-C).

The D300 was introduced 6 years before the K-5 II which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go through a full comparison, below is a quick view of how the D300 grades versus the K-5 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D300 and Pentax K-5 II. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon D300 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D300 over the Pentax K-5 II
D300 | K-5 II | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 921k | Clearer display (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 II over the Nikon D300
K-5 II | D300 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | June 2013 | ![]() | March 2008 | More modern by 63 months |
Common features in the Nikon D300 and Pentax K-5 II
D300 | K-5 II | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display measurements |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Lack of Touch friendly display |
Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D300 enjoys external dimensions of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 925 grams (2.04 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 II has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).
See the Nikon D300 versus Pentax K-5 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the D300 compared to the K-5 II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the D300 and K-5 II is 55 and 60 respectively.

Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specs. The picture here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the D300 and K-5 II.
As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different resolution. You should expect to see the Pentax K-5 II to offer more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images much more aggressively. The more aged D300 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.

Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-5 II Specifications
Nikon D300 | Pentax K-5 II | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon D300 | Pentax K-5 II |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2008-03-12 | 2013-06-04 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed | Prime II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 16MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Peak resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4928 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 6400 | 51200 |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Minimum enhanced ISO | 100 | 80 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 51 | 11 |
Cross focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 309 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 922 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display tech | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.61x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 6.0 frames per sec | 7.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/250s | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | - | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | None | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | - | Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 925 gr (2.04 lb) | 760 gr (1.68 lb) |
Dimensions | 147 x 114 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 67 | 82 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.1 | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.0 | 14.1 |
DXO Low light score | 679 | 1235 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1000 shots | 980 shots |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL3e | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $1,100 | $830 |