Nikon P300
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-100mm (F1.8-4.9) lens
- 189g - 103 x 58 x 32mm
- Revealed May 2011
- Successor is Nikon P310
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
92 Imaging
35 Features
44 Overall
38
Nikon P300 overview
Nikon P300 is Nikon's Small Sensor Compact digital camera first introduced on May of 2011. The camera uses a 12MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4000 x 3000.
Nikon launched the newer Nikon P310 (Read Full Comparison) to upgrade this model.
The P300 is positioned #54 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras & all-around #787 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. You can look at our Smart camera search to get camera listings based on your personal factors.
Here is a diagram of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.
Nikon P300 history
The Nikon P300 has a history of related cameras. Below, you can identify all past and current models as well as important specs.
F1.8-4.912MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon P300 Gallery
You can see the P300 from various angles in the gallery here.
Nikon P300 Pros and Cons
Below is a checklist of positives and negatives of the Nikon P300 based on features which are typically seen as crucial in a digital camera.
Nikon P300 Sensor info
The Nikon P300 houses the Expeed C2 chip. The specification of the sensor on the Nikon P300 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels at aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera comes with Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter might produce cropping.
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banThe BSI-CMOS sensor has 12 megapixels and supports a standard ISO range of 160 to 3200. Sadly, RAW format is not saved therefore you have less room to maneuver in post.
The picture underneath shows the P300's sensor dimensions in comparison to other popular sizes. The P300 sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is pointed out in green.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideTo get an idea of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
Nikon P300 dimensions
Nikon P300 has a weight of 0.42 lbs (189g or 6.67 ounces) & the sizing of the camera is 103mm x 58mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3"). The weight of general Small Sensor Compact camera is 174g and the Nikon P300 is very similar as compared with various rivals.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthHere is a shot of the Nikon P300 besides a soft drink so you're able to get a feel for its scale.
The top view just below will provide the button design on the P300.
Nikon P300 Lens info
The P300 comes with a built in lens providing a focal range of 24-100mm giving it a 4.2 x zoom which might not be great however it could be helpful in a few conditions.
At the widest 24mm, it comes with an aperture of f1.8 and that is amazing for low light occasions and capturing a shallow depth of field. It would also let you set a lower ISO and get cleaner photos. Towards the tele end, 100mm comes to f4.9 making it quite sluggish and you would need to set slower shutter speeds.
Nikon P300 Connectivity
The P300 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- HDMI Yes
Cameras that have NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can easily be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You will be able to send files and at times adjust camera settings without connecting straight to the camera.
Certain applications even give a Liveview and press the shutter if you aren't close to the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI port, it could be hooked up to an external display. Almost all cameras enable you to charge the battery using the USB port.
Nikon P300 Video info
The highest video quality on the Nikon P300 is 1920 x 1080 and you can capture in H.264 and Motion JPEG file format. 1080p quality gives a great balance for video quality versus file sizes but FULL HD won't give you any room to crop. The camera doesn't include a microphone and headphone socket which means that you have no control over the audio. It is probably a better idea to have a look at another model if you require decent audio for your videos.
Nikon P300 Weather Sealing
Nikon P300 doesn't include weather proofing so wet conditions might ruin the camera.
Nikon P300 Screen and Viewfinder
The Nikon P300 houses a 3" fixed display screen boasting a resolution of 922k dots.
Please note that the display has no touch support.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe ViewFinder specs for Nikon P300 are as follows:
- ViewFinder None
For sunny outdoor conditions which make the camera screens washed out and tough to see, viewfinders are rather useful.
Nikon P300 Shutter info
Nikon P300 has the capability to shoot continuously at 7.0 fps. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds.
Nikon P300 Flash and Hot shoe info
Nikon P300 comes with only in-built flash without external flash ability.
Nikon P300 Autofocus info
Nikon P300 comes with just Contrast Detect AF & does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is more quicker and exact when compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera boasts Face detection which can be useful for people photography.
The AF system boasts 9 focus points to pick from. It also boasts Tracking AF for things on the move. Nikon P300 doesn't have manual focus. Manual focus mode can be useful for low light or you want to have more precise control on focusing.
Nikon P300 Battery life
The battery power (EN-EL12) on the Nikon P300 is fashioned to last for 240 pictures based on the CIPA specifications which is about average when compared to it's competition. The typical Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 comes with the highest (470) battery life for this group of cameras.
Below is a number of Small Sensor Compact cameras having the strongest battery life:
Nikon P300 for specific styles of photography
The following diagram presents a analysis of the Nikon P300 for specific styles of photography. To check out more, check out the specific section underneath.
Nikon P300 Portrait photography details
The Nikon P300 receives a points total of 27 which is bad, meaning that it is simply not appropriate for portrait photos. Shooting portraits leans heavily to sensor resolution, RAW support and capability to work with external lighting.
Nikon P300 Street photography advice
Coming in at a moderate points total of 55, the Nikon P300 is reasonably adequate to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera comes with a perfect balance of image quality and portability.
Sports photography with Nikon P300
A bad sports photography points total of 37 suggests the Nikon P300 is simply not appropriate for photographing sports. A camera needs great autofocus plus fast continuous shooting for sports photography.
Nikon P300 Travel photography features
Size is extremely critical when choosing a travel camera. All round, the Nikon P300 gets a above average 63 as a travel camera which is a very decent fit to take with you on your holidays.
Nikon P300 Landscape photography info
For anybody looking to purchase a camera for landscape photos, the most significant aspect is going to be image quality. The Nikon P300 with it's bad score of 43 for a landscape camera is simply not appropriate in the current market.
Nikon P300 Vlogging details
A vlogging camera should posses a moving screen, mic input and preferably IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Nikon P300 is simply not appropriate as a vlog camera as it delivers a bad rating of 36.
Nikon P300 Alternatives
If you are looking for replacements to the P300, below is a collection of the top ranked cameras that fall within the class of Small Sensor Compact.
The line graph down below shows you a summary of the P300 versus it's highest ranked rivals listed previously.
Following are several cameras you may view as alternate options. To read a thorough comparison, visit the "compare" link.