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Nikon D300

 
Nikon D300 front
 
Portability
55
Imaging
51
Features
59
Overall
54

Nikon D300 summary

Nikon D300 is Nikon's Advanced DSLR digital camera first introduced on March of 2008. The camera features a 12MP, CMOS APS-C size sensor with a max resolution of 4288 x 2848.

Nikon launched this model in order to update the previous Nikon D200 (Read Full Comparison) & subsequently introduced the newer Nikon D300S (Read Full Comparison) in order to replace this model.

The D300 is positioned #52 out of 92 in Advanced DSLR cameras & overall #384 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. You should try our Smart camera filter to find camera listings based on your customized factors.

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Below is a chart of different factors used in the rating system.

Nikon D300 history

The Nikon D300 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the complete list underneath.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Nikon-D7500 front thumbnailNikon D7500
D300 vs D7500
21MPAPS-C8.0 fps2017
Nikon-D500 front thumbnailNikon D500
D300 vs D500
21MPAPS-C10.0 fps2016
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Nikon-D7200 front thumbnailNikon D7200
D300 vs D7200
24MPAPS-C6.0 fps2015
Nikon-D610 front thumbnailNikon D610
D300 vs D610
24MPFull frame6.0 fps2013
Nikon-D7100 front thumbnailNikon D7100
D300 vs D7100
24MPAPS-C6.0 fps2013
Nikon-D600 front thumbnailNikon D600
D300 vs D600
24MPFull frame5.5 fps2012
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Nikon-D7000 front thumbnailNikon D7000
D300 vs D7000
16MPAPS-C6.0 fps2010
Nikon-D300S front thumbnailNikon D300S
D300 vs D300S
12MPAPS-C7.0 fps2009
Nikon-D90 front thumbnailNikon D90
D300 vs D90
12MPAPS-C4.5 fps2008
Nikon-D300 front thumbnailNikon D30012MPAPS-C6.0 fps2008
Nikon-D80 front thumbnailNikon D80
D300 vs D80
10MPAPS-C3.0 fps2006
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Nikon-D200 front thumbnailNikon D200
D300 vs D200
10MPAPS-C5.0 fps2006
Nikon-D50 front thumbnailNikon D50
D300 vs D50
6MPAPS-C3.0 fps2005
Nikon-D70s front thumbnailNikon D70s
D300 vs D70s
6MPAPS-C3.0 fps2005
Nikon-D70 front thumbnailNikon D70
D300 vs D70
6MPAPS-C3.0 fps2004
Nikon-D100 front thumbnailNikon D100
D300 vs D100
6MPAPS-C3.0 fps2002

Nikon D300 Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of benefits and drawbacks of the Nikon D300 based on features which are oftentimes considered necessary in a digital camera.

better than average battery pack (1,000 CIPA)
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
comes with phase detect AF
comes with Top LCD screen
does have HDMI port
has built in flash
has manual focus
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
nice screen size (3 inch)
screen has good resolution (922 k dot)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports RAW files
weather proof
does not have image stabilization
lack of headphone port
lack of mic port
max fps very slow (6.0 frames/s)
no video shooting
screen does not articulate
screen isn't selfie friendly
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
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Nikon D300 Sensor features

The Nikon D300 houses the Expeed processor. The sensor size in the Nikon D300 is 23.6mm x 15.8mm (APS-C). The 373 mm² sensor can capture 4288 x 2848 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2.

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The CMOS sensor has 12 megapixels and includes a standard ISO range of 200 - 3200. The ISO can be extended electronically to 100 - 6400. RAW format is saved so you have more margin for error.

The image underneath displays the D300's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The D300 sensor has a crop factor of 1.5 and is presented in green.

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To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon D300 dimensions

Nikon D300 has a weight of 2.04 lb (925 grams or 32.63 ounces) & has external proportions of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9"). The weight of typical Advanced DSLR camera is 776 grams so the Nikon D300 is heavier as compared to other rivals.

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Underneath is a image of the Nikon D300 alongside a soda to help you to get a feel for its size.

Nikon D300 dimensions scale

The top view just below will show you the button design on the D300.

Nikon D300 topview buttons dials

Nikon D300 Lens features

The D300 uses the Nikon F mount and has 315 lenses available for sale. Here is a few of the lenses we have in our database that will fit the D300.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Nikon-AF-S-DX-Nikkor-16-80mm-F2.8-4E-ED-VR lensNikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR16-80mmf/2.8-4.0 480g
Sigma-50mm-F2.8-EX-DG-Macro-Nikon-F-FX lensSigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro50mmf/2.8 320g
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Tamron-SP-90mm-F2.8-Di-VC-USD-Macro-Nikon-F-FX lensTamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di VC USD Macro90mmf/2.8 609g
Sigma-10-20mm-F4-5.6-EX-DC-HSM-Nikon-F-DX lensSigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM10-20mmf/4.0-5.6 470g
Samyang-8mm-F3.5-Aspherical-IF-MC-Fisheye-Nikon-F-DX lensSamyang 8mm F3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fisheye8mmf/3.5 443g
Tamron-SP-24-70mm-F2.8-Di-VC-USD-Nikon-F-FX lensTamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD24-70mmf/2.8 825g
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Sigma-120-400mm-F4.5-5.6-DG-OS-HSM-Nikon-F-FX lensSigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM120-400mmf/4.5-5.6 1640g
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Nikon D300 Connectivity

The D300 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Digital cameras that have NFC or Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly via smartphones. You will be able to transfer images and in some cases alter settings without the hassle of connecting directly with the camera.

A few apps also give a Liveview and hit the shutter whenever you are not close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI port, it could be connected to an external display. Virtually all cameras enable you to charge the battery pack using the USB port.

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Nikon D300 Video features

Nikon D300 doesn't take video. In case you are shopping for a digital camera to shoot just pictures, it might not be a concern.

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Nikon D300 Weather Sealing

Nikon D300 has got weather proofing making it a great option for use during tricky locations. This is especially beneficial any time you are unsure about the conditions you might face during outdoor photography.

Nikon D300 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon D300 features a 3" fixed display screen having a resolution of 922k dots.

Sadly the display screen isn't a touch screen. The D300 also comes with a Top LCD screen so it’s possible to instantly look at camera settings.

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The ViewFinder specifications for Nikon D300 are the following:

  • ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
  • ViewFinder Coverage 100 percent
  • ViewFinder Magnification 0.63x

Viewfinders can be rather beneficial during sunny outdoor conditions which might make the camera screen washed out and difficult to see.

Nikon D300 Shutter features

Nikon D300 continuous shooting rate is 6.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/8000 sec.

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Nikon D300 Flash and Hot shoe features

Nikon D300 comes with both built in flash together with external flash support. The max flash sync is 1/250 sec.

Nikon D300 Autofocus features

Nikon D300 comes with both Phase Detect AF plus Contrast Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier and exact as compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing.

It features 51 focus points to select from. Nikon D300 includes manual focus when needed during low light conditions or you require more precise control on focus.

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Nikon D300 Battery life

The battery pack (EN-EL3e) for the Nikon D300 is fashioned to last for 1000 pictures with respect to the CIPA specifications which is higher than standard in comparison to its class. The usual Advanced DSLR camera battery life is 909. Nikon D780 features the maximum (2260) battery life within this group of cameras.

Listed below is a list of Advanced DSLR cameras that come with the highest battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth
Nikon-D850 front thumbnailNikon D850
D300 vs D850
1840 yesyesyes
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Nikon-Df front thumbnailNikon Df
D300 vs Df
1400 yesnono
Canon-EOS-90D front thumbnailCanon 90D
D300 vs 90D
1300 yesnoyes
Nikon-D500 front thumbnailNikon D500
D300 vs D500
1240 yesyesyes

Nikon D300 for different forms of photography

The following bar chart displays a rundown of the Nikon D300 for different forms of photography. To understand more, browse to the specific section underneath.

Portrait photography with Nikon D300

The Nikon D300 gets a rating of 60 which is decent, and means the camera is relatively appropriate for portrait photos. Shooting portraits leans greatly towards sensor specs, RAW support plus the option to work with off-camera lighting.

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has manual focus
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
low megapixels (12 megapixels)

Nikon D300 Street photography information

Coming in at a modest points total of 56, the Nikon D300 is fairly adequate to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera has a perfect balance of image quality plus portability.

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sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
weather sealing
no articulating screen
no image stabilization

Nikon D300 Sports photography information

A decent sports photography points total of 56 means the Nikon D300 is fairly acceptable for taking photos of sports. A camera must have good autofocus and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
weather sealing
better than average battery life (1,000 CIPA)
supports phase detect auto focus
continuous shooting slow (6.0 fps)
no image stabilization
MP count low (12 megapixels)

Travel photography with Nikon D300

Portability is extremely important when picking a travel camera. Over-all, the Nikon D300 gets a reasonable 56 as a travelling camera which is fairly suitable to take on your holidays.

Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M
great battery (1,000 CIPA)
environment proofing
flash built-in
low resolution sensor (12MP)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen

Nikon D300 as a Landscape photography camera

In case you're looking to buy a digital camera for landscape photos, the most vital factor will be image quality. The Nikon D300 at it's above average score of 64 as a landscape camera is a fine pick in the current marketplace.

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focusing manually
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
pretty good screen size (3")
nice sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
environment sealing
great battery life (1,000 shots)
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (12MP)

Nikon D300 Vlogging info

A vlogging camera really should posses a moving display, mic input and if possible IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Nikon D300 is simply not good as a vlog camera as it delivers a horrible rating of 9.

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lack of video recording

Nikon D300 Alternatives

If you are looking for replacements to the D300, below is a collection of the highest ranked cameras that fall within the class of Advanced DSLR.

The chart down below shows you a summary of the D300 versus it's highest rated competitors shown previously.

Following are several cameras you may take a look at as alternatives. To read a comprehensive comparison, visit the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model
Nikon D300
Type
Advanced DSLR
Released
2008-03-12
Body design
Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor
Expeed
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
23.6 x 15.8mm
Sensor surface area
372.9mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Peak resolution
4288 x 2848
RAW format
Highest native ISO
3200
Highest enhanced ISO
6400
Min native ISO
200
Min enhanced ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points
51
Lens
Lens mount
Nikon F
Available lenses
309
Crop factor
1.5
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen diagonal
3 inch
Resolution of screen
922k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Screen technology
Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage
100 percent
Viewfinder magnification
0.63x
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
67
DXO Color Depth score
22.1
DXO Dynamic range score
12.0
DXO Low light score
679
Features
Min shutter speed
30 secs
Max shutter speed
1/8000 secs
Continuous shutter speed
6.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash sync
1/250 secs
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Highest video resolution
None
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
Optional
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
925 gr (2.04 pounds)
Dimensions
147 x 114 x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9")
Other
Battery life
1000 photos
Style of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL3e
Self timer
Yes (2 to 20 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media
Compact Flash (Type I or II)
Storage slots
One
Pricing at release
$1,100