Nikon D300S vs Nikon D800E: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Deciding between the Nikon D300S and the Nikon D800E feels a bit like choosing between two titans from different eras of Nikon’s DSLR lineup. Both are “advanced” DSLRs, aimed at enthusiasts and professionals who demand tough build quality and stellar image results - but they occupy very different niches and generations technologically. Having field-tested thousands of Nikon cameras over the years, I’m excited to share a thorough, practical, and candid comparison to help you figure out which model fits your photography style, workflow, and budget.

Whether you’re a working pro, a weekend warrior, or a pixel peeper fascinated by sensor details, we’ll deep-dive into design, sensor tech, autofocus prowess, usability, lens ecosystems, and genre-specific performance. For visual clarity, I’ve incorporated key comparison images throughout to keep things engaging and grounded.

Let’s get into it!

Putting Size and Handling in Perspective

If you spend hours with a camera glued to your face or in your hands, size and ergonomics matter more than you might initially guess. The Nikon D300S and D800E share a broadly similar mid-size DSLR footprint, but subtle differences impact comfort, particularly in prolonged shoots.

The D300S feels chunkier, measuring roughly 147x114x74mm and weighing 938 grams with battery - solid but not overly heavy. It features well-defined grips and clubs for your thumbs, which I found reassuring for fast-paced shooting. The D800E, meanwhile, is slightly taller and deeper (146x123x82mm), though marginally lighter at 900 grams. This heft difference is subtle, but the D800E’s bulkier grip and beefier build shout “pro-level” ergonomics. The extra space accommodates a larger battery and dual card slots with newer SD card specs.

In the field, my hands gravitated to the D800E’s deeper, curvier grip for extended comfort, although anyone upgrading from the D300S won’t be shocked by either’s feel. Both handle well, but the D800E edges out for photographers who prioritize balance, especially paired with heavy lenses.

Design Evolution and Button Layouts

Control placement and layout can make or break your shooting flow - nothing worse than fumbling controls mid-action.

Looking top-down, the D300S sticks with classic Nikon DSLR styling from the era: a modestly sized LCD for quick info, dedicated exposure compensation dial, and a reasonable array of buttons. It’s all straightforward, but dated compared to current standards. The rear features a fixed 3” screen without touch capabilities, and the viewfinder - with 100% coverage - is crisp but small.

Jumping to the D800E, the interface feels more modern and deliberate. The info screen is larger, buttons have more travel and spacing, and the rear 3.2” LCD with 921k dots offers clarity with a wide-viewing angle (though still no touchscreen). The D800E’s subtle dial refinements and extra custom buttons empower pros to customize reach without sacrificing speed, especially in scenarios demanding rapid exposure and focus adjustments.

Both cameras feature optical pentaprism viewfinders with 100% coverage, but the D800E’s 0.7x magnification edge enhances framing precision over the D300S’s 0.63x. Over hours of shooting, the D800E’s refined layout simply feels less cramped and more done-for-the-professional.

The Sensor Battle: APS-C vs Full Frame Resolution and Quality

Sensor tech defines image quality, and Nikon’s D300S and D800E are miles apart in this department.

The D300S sports a 12.3MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6x15.8mm), with a 1.5x crop factor. It is paired with Nikon's original Expeed processor. Designed in 2009, the sensor still holds up well for its vintage, producing images with good color depth (22.5 bits on DxO Mark) and dynamic range (~12.2 stops). Low-light performance is respectable (ISO ceiling around 3200 native, 6400 boosted), but limited for truly dark scenes.

By contrast, the D800E houses a whopping 36.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.9x24mm), no anti-aliasing filter, and Nikon’s Expeed 3 processor. This setup delivers staggering resolution (7360x4912 pixels) for pixel-peepers and large-format printing aficionados. DxO Mark ranks the D800E with a remarkable color depth of 25.6 bits and a dynamic range of 14.3 stops - a meaningful upgrade for landscape and studio work where tonal gradations matter most.

The D800E’s omission of an optical low-pass filter (AA filter) means ultra-sharp images at the risk of moiré artifacts, which Nikon mitigated well with sensor micro-lenses and processing algorithms. For real-world shooting, this translates into lifelike, crisp details unmatched by the D300S. The D800E’s high ISO performance (native max 6400, boosted to 25600) is considerably better, making it more versatile in dim environments.

For photographers invested in image quality, resolution, and tonal richness - think studio portrait, landscape, or still life - the D800E's sensor is a game-changer. However, sports and wildlife shooters who value speed and responsiveness might find the D300S’s crop sensor and faster burst more practical.

Displays and Viewfinder: Real-World Use

Both cameras feature fixed LCDs lacking touch sensitivity, but subtle differences impact usability and on-the-fly review.

The D300S’s 3” fixed Super Density TFT LCD offers 920k dots resolution - decent for its age, with wide viewing angles that ease checking exposure and focus. The D800E improves slightly with a 3.2” TFT LCD boasting 921k dots and a 170° viewing angle, helping minimize glare in bright outdoor environments.

Neither offers a tilt or articulating screen, so compositions from odd angles require live view or optical viewfinder reliance. Fortunately, both DSLRs employ bright optical pentaprisms with 100% frame coverage. The D800E’s slightly larger viewfinder magnification (0.7x vs 0.63x on D300S) enhances critical focus checking, a boon for studio or landscape shoot precision.

For quick image checks, the D800E’s slightly bigger, sharper screen and improved viewfinder magnification are meaningful upgrades but don’t affect low-light, shutter lag, or autofocus performance.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Speed

Autofocus is often the deal-breaker for action shooters, wildlife photographers, and those needing critical focus fast.

The Nikon D300S employs a 51-point AF system with phase detection, including selectable focus modes (single, continuous, and face detection in live view). It lacks animal eye detection and AF tracking. Its AF is solid and fast for 2009 standards but feels relatively basic in 2024 terms.

The Nikon D800E retains the same 51 AF points but introduces 15 cross-type sensors and backwards compatibility with advanced AF modes, including continuous AF tracking and face detection. While it doesn’t have animal eye AF, its newer systems provide better accuracy, especially with center cross points handling low-light precision effortlessly.

Burst mode on the D300S clocks in at 7fps - a respectable number that photographers shooting sports or wildlife will appreciate. The D800E, despite its heavier megapixel load, tops out at 4fps. So for fast action, the D300S might edge out in buffer size and burst speed, helping you nail those fleeting moments.

In testing scenarios, I found the D800E’s AF a little laggier in pace-sensitive environments like sports, but far more precise for studio portrait work and landscapes needing pinpoint focus.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ruggedness for the Field

Both cameras boast robust magnesium alloy bodies with extensive sealing for dust and moisture resistance - though neither is truly waterproof or shockproof.

The D300S was Nikon’s workhorse semi-pro DSLR, and its milling and finish made it popular among photojournalists and outdoor shooters who needed reliable, rugged performance without lugging a giant DSLR.

The D800E refines that durability with slightly bigger dimensions allowing more weather sealing and firmware-level error protections. Both cameras handle temperature ranges reasonably but avoid extreme cold or wet conditions without additional protection.

If you frequently shoot in tough environments - rain, dust, or dusty safari conditions - both cameras have your back, but the D800E's more modern construction offers a slight edge in sealing.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Flourishing Nikon F Mount Support

Both cameras share the venerable Nikon F-mount and are compatible with over 300 lenses Nikon offers, including many classics and specialized optics.

The D300S’s APS-C crop means lenses behave with a 1.5x field-of-view multiplication - helpful for telephoto reach but reducing wide-angle options cheaply. Conversely, the D800E’s full-frame sensor allows you to use lenses at their native focal lengths and reap their full optical quality benefits.

If your lens collection skews wide and full-frame, the D800E is the obvious choice. If telephoto reach or budget primes shine in your bag, the D300S can keep delivering strong results.

Battery Life and Storage Media: Practical Considerations

The D300S uses the EN-EL3e battery, rated for approximately 950 shots per charge; the D800E ups the ante with EN-EL15 batteries rated around 900 shots per charge. In real-world usage, expect close performance from both, with the D800E needing more power to run its complex sensor and processing.

Both cameras offer dual card slots, giving peace of mind for instant backups or storage management during big shoots. The D300S supports Compact Flash Type I and SD/SDHC cards, while the D800E supports Compact Flash, SD/SDHC, and SDXC cards (including UHS-I compatible), a notable storage speed improvement for the latter.

Connectivity and Video Features

Neither camera is wireless powerhouse material by today’s standards, though the D300S was Eye-Fi compatible. Both lack Bluetooth and NFC; the D800E has no wireless at all, prioritizing professional reliability over streaming convenience.

On video capabilities, the D300S offers limited HD video at 1280×720 pixels, 24fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format - not something you’d rely on seriously today. The D800E fares much better with full 1080p HD video at up to 30fps (and slower options for cinematic effect), encoded in MPEG-4/H.264, with a headphone jack for audio monitoring - making it a modest hybrid for photo and video creatives.

Photo Genre Scorecard: Which Cameras Excel Where?

Looking through the lens of different photography styles, here’s where things shake out - backed by my extensive field testing and cross-referenced with objective benchmarks.

Nikon D300S screen back Nikon D800E front Nikon D800E screen back

Portrait Photography

• Nikon D800E: 36MP resolution gives stunning skin tone reproduction, extremely fine facial detail, and creamy bokeh from full-frame depth of field. Excellent eye detection AF and clean image files perfect for retouching.
• Nikon D300S: 12MP crop sensor limits print size and retouch flexibility; bokeh and background separation less pronounced, but AF and face detection still reliable for casual portraiture.

Winner: D800E for professionals and portrait hobbyists alike.

Landscape Photography

• D800E: Industry-leading dynamic range (14.3 stops), high resolution for enormous prints, and better ISO flexibility make it a landscape beast.
• D300S: Reasonable dynamic range for APS-C sensor but less latitude in post-processing; still good for entry-level landscapes and casual shooting.

Winner: D800E by a mile.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• D300S: Faster burst rate at 7fps and responsive AF favor action shooters.
• D800E: Higher resolution but slower burst (4fps), making it less ideal for fast-moving subjects.

Winner: D300S for sports and wildlife speed demands.

Street Photography

• D300S: Smaller form factor and quicker handling aid quick candid shooting, plus crop sensor allows discreet telephoto use.
• D800E: Bulkier and slower burst rates limit street shooting spontaneity.

Winner: D300S for street shooters who value compactness and agility.

Macro Photography

• Both perform well with competent lenses; the D800E’s sensor detail better reveals fine textures.

Night/Astro Photography

• Higher ISO range and dynamic range of the D800E make it preferable under starlit skies.

Video

• D800E’s 1080p full HD video, mic and headphone jacks make it playable in mixed photo-video projects.
• D300S video is rudimentary.

Travel Photography

• The D300S’s lighter size, faster AF, and higher burst rate benefit travelers needing versatility and battery life.

Professional Studio and Workflow Integration

• The D800E’s superior file quality, larger image files, and modern processing facilitate demanding pro workflows.
• Dual card slots on both help reliability on shoots.

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Verdict: Which Nikon DSLR Should You Choose?

Both the Nikon D300S and D800E carry Nikon’s legendary craftsmanship and robustness, but they’re built for different photographer archetypes.

• If you are a wildlife, sports, or street photographer valuing speed, burst rate, reliable autofocus, and versatility at a budget-friendly price, the D300S remains a surprisingly capable choice. Its APS-C sensor and crop factor extend telephoto reach and its ergonomics support fast shooting rhythms.

• If your priority is image quality, dynamic range, print size, and professional studio or landscape work, then the D800E is the clear winner. Its full-frame sensor and supersized resolution transform your images with pixel-level detail and tonal depth, and its video features add versatility for hybrid shooters.

While the D800E costs more upfront, the value lies in superior image fidelity and pro-level ergonomics, making it a future-proof investment for serious photographers.

If budget and portability are paramount, the D300S punches well above its weight for an older model, especially if paired with high-quality lenses.

Getting to Know Your New Camera: A Personal Note

I recall carrying a D300S through thick forests chasing birds, where its quick burst saved me more than once. Later, upgrading to the D800E in a studio setting, I marveled at details in skin tone and fabric patterns impossible to achieve before. Each tool serves well in its lane; your choice hinges on whether you emphasize speed or raw image quality.

Remember, lenses and your photography style often matter just as much as the camera body, so whatever you choose, invest smartly in glass and mastering fundamentals to truly unlock your photographic potential.

Happy shooting!

Image credits:

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