Nikon D300S vs Sony A850
55 Imaging
52 Features
65 Overall
57
54 Imaging
68 Features
60 Overall
64
Nikon D300S vs Sony A850 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Expand to 6400)
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 938g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
- Announced November 2009
- Earlier Model is Nikon D300
- Successor is Nikon D600
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Raise to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 895g - 156 x 117 x 82mm
- Announced April 2010
Nikon D300S vs Sony A850 Overview
In this write-up, we are comparing the Nikon D300S and Sony A850, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the D300S (12MP) and A850 (25MP) and the D300S (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor size.
Cutting-edge AI developed by Apple deciphers subtle nuances in pixelsThe D300S was manufactured 5 months before the A850 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the D300S grades versus the A850 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
Nikon D300S vs Sony A850 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D300S and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The entire galleries are available at Nikon D300S Gallery and Sony A850 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D300S over the Sony A850
D300S | A850 |
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Reasons to pick Sony A850 over the Nikon D300S
A850 | D300S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 922k | 920k | Clearer display (+2k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon D300S and Sony A850
D300S | A850 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | November 2009 | April 2010 | Similar generation | |
Manually focus | More precise focusing | |||
Display type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed display | |
Display sizing | 3" | 3" | Equivalent display size | |
Selfie screen | Lack of selfie screen | |||
Touch display | Lack of Touch display |
Nikon D300S vs Sony A850 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Nikon D300S has got exterior measurements of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 938 grams (2.07 lbs) and the Sony A850 has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).
Compare the Nikon D300S and Sony A850 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the D300S vs the A850.
Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D300S and A850 is 55 and 54 respectively.
Nikon D300S vs Sony A850 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking specifications. The picture underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the D300S and A850.
To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The D300S featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A850 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 13 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively.
Nikon D300S vs Sony A850 Screen and ViewFinder
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Street Comparison
Sports Comparison
Travel Comparison
Landscape Comparison
Vlogging Comparison
Nikon D300S vs Sony A850 Specifications
Nikon D300S | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon D300S | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2009-11-16 | 2010-04-15 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 25MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 6048 x 4032 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 200 |
RAW files | ||
Minimum enhanced ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 51 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Available lenses | 309 | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 920k dots | 922k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display tech | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 98 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.74x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | 7.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/250 seconds | 1/250 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (24 fps), 320 x 240 (24 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 938g (2.07 pounds) | 895g (1.97 pounds) |
Dimensions | 147 x 114 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") | 156 x 117 x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 70 | 79 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.5 | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.2 | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | 787 | 1415 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 950 shots | 880 shots |
Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL3e | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | Compact Flash Type I/SD/SDHC | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo |
Card slots | Two | Two |
Pricing at release | $1,630 | $0 |