Nikon D300
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Raise to 6400)
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 925g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
- Released March 2008
- Replaced the Nikon D200
- Refreshed by Nikon D300S
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
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 #383 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.
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.
Nikon D300 Gallery
You can look at the D300 from different angles in the gallery here.
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.
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.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe 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.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsTo get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
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.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideUnderneath is a image of the Nikon D300 alongside a soda to help you to get a feel for its size.
The top view just below will show you the button design on the D300.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.