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Nikon P300

 
Nikon Coolpix P300 front
 
  • 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
Portability
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.

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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.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-P340 front thumbnailNikon P340
P300 vs P340
24-120mm
F1.8-5.6
12MP1/1.7"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-P330 front thumbnailNikon P330
P300 vs P330
24-120mm
F1.8-5.6
12MP1/1.7"2013
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
Nikon-Coolpix-P310 front thumbnailNikon P310
P300 vs P310
24-100mm
F1.8-4.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-P300 front thumbnailNikon P30024-100mm
F1.8-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2011

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.

does have HDMI out
features face detect autofocus
features tracking focus
flash built-in
good resolution screen (922 k dots)
great maximum aperture (f1.8)
has image stabilization (Optical)
in built lens has zoom (24-100mm 4.2 x zoom)
nice screen size (3 inch)
really wide (24mm)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
cannot switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
does not have headphone support
does not have mic support
does not have Time Lapse function
fixed screen
has no phase detect autofocus
has no RAW format
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
no external flash support
no manual focus
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
slow at tele end (f4.9)
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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.

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The 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.

Nikon Coolpix P300 sensor size Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

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.

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Here is a shot of the Nikon P300 besides a soft drink so you're able to get a feel for its scale.

Nikon Coolpix P300 dimensions scale

The top view just below will provide the button design on the P300.

Nikon Coolpix P300 topview buttons dials

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.

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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.

Photography Glossary

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.

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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.

Nikon Coolpix P300 screen and viewfinder Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The 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.

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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.

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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.

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supports face detect autofocus
lack of manual focus
cannot use external flash
MP count low (12 megapixels)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files

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.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support

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.

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built in image stabilization (Optical)
features tracking focus
MP count low (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect autofocus

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.

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built-in flash
decently wide (24mm)
great max aperture (f1.8)
missing Time Lapse function
resolution not great (12 megapixels)
display isn't selfie friendly

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.

Photography Glossary
relatively wide (24mm)
good maximum aperture (f1.8)
screen size is good (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
megapixel count low (12MP)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
does not have Timelapse mode

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.

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reasonably wide (24mm)
great max aperture (f1.8)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detect focus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
no mic support

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.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Nikon
Model
Nikon Coolpix P300
Category
Small Sensor Compact
Revealed
2011-05-31
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor Chip
Expeed C2
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW images
Max native ISO
3200
Lowest native ISO
160
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch to focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Number of focus points
9
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
24-100mm (4.2x)
Maximum aperture
f/1.8-4.9
Macro focus range
3cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen size
3 inch
Screen resolution
922k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology
TFT-LCD with anti-reflection coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
8 secs
Highest shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
7.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
6.50 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (15, 30fps), 1280 x 720p (15, 30, 60 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
H.264, Motion JPEG
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
189g (0.42 lb)
Dimensions
103 x 58 x 32mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
240 pictures
Style of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL12
Self timer
Yes (10 or 2 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots
1
Launch pricing
$500