Nikon D300S vs Sony A900
55 Imaging
51 Features
65 Overall
56


54 Imaging
66 Features
62 Overall
64
Nikon D300S vs Sony A900 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Bump to 6400)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 938g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
- Announced November 2009
- Replaced the Nikon D300
- Later Model is Nikon D600
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 895g - 156 x 117 x 82mm
- Released October 2008
- Newer Model is Sony A99

Nikon D300S vs Sony A900 Overview
Here, we will be reviewing the Nikon D300S versus Sony A900, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the D300S (12MP) and A900 (25MP) and the D300S (APS-C) and A900 (Full frame) boast different sensor sizing.

The D300S was unveiled 13 months later than the A900 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the D300S matches up vs the A900 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D300S vs Sony A900 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D300S & Sony Alpha DSLR-A900. The full galleries are provided at Nikon D300S Gallery & Sony A900 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D300S over the Sony A900
D300S | A900 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | November 2009 | ![]() | October 2008 | Fresher by 13 months |
Reasons to pick Sony A900 over the Nikon D300S
A900 | D300S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 922k | ![]() | 920k | Sharper screen (+2k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon D300S and Sony A900
D300S | A900 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | No Touch screen |
Nikon D300S vs Sony A900 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to carry your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Nikon D300S provides outer dimensions of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") along with a weight of 938 grams (2.07 lbs) whilst the Sony A900 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).
Analyze the Nikon D300S versus Sony A900 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the D300S against the A900.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D300S and A900 is 55 and 54 respectively.

Nikon D300S vs Sony A900 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing specifications. The photograph here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the D300S and A900.
To sum up, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The D300S having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A900 will produce more detail having an extra 13 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots way more aggressively. The fresher D300S provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.

Nikon D300S vs Sony A900 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D300S vs Sony A900 Specifications
Nikon D300S | Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon D300S | Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2009-11-16 | 2008-10-22 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Expeed | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.9mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 25MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 6048 x 4032 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Max boosted ISO | 6400 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Lowest boosted ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 51 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Number of lenses | 309 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 920k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display tech | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.74x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 7.0 frames/s | 5.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | 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 | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/250 seconds | 1/250 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (24 fps), 320 x 240 (24 fps) | - |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
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 | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 938g (2.07 lb) | 895g (1.97 lb) |
Physical 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 All around score | 70 | 79 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.5 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.2 | 12.3 |
DXO Low light score | 787 | 1431 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 950 photographs | 880 photographs |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL3e | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | Compact Flash Type I/SD/SDHC | Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, UDMA Mode 5, Supports FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32 |
Storage slots | Two | Two |
Cost at launch | $1,630 | $2,736 |