Nikon D300S
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Push to 6400)
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 938g - 147 x 114 x 74mm
- Introduced November 2009
- Previous Model is Nikon D300
- Refreshed by Nikon D600
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
55 Imaging
52 Features
65 Overall
57
Nikon D300S overview
Nikon D300S is Nikon's Advanced DSLR digital camera initially launched on November of 2009. It uses a 12 MegaPixel, CMOS APS-C sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4288 x 2848.
Nikon introduced this model to improve the older Nikon D300 (Read Full Comparison) & then launched the newer Nikon D600 (Read Full Comparison) to improve this model.
The D300S stands at #49 out of 92 in Advanced DSLR cameras & all around #350 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. Remember to try out our Advanced camera filter to see camera ratings based on your personal criteria.
Below is a diagram of specific criteria used in the scoring system.
Nikon D300S history
The Nikon D300S is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the detailed range underneath.
Nikon D300S Gallery
You can check the D300S from different angles in the gallery here.
Nikon D300S Pros and Cons
Below is a list of benefits and drawbacks of the Nikon D300S based on aspects which are usually viewed as crucial in a digital camera.
Nikon D300S Sensor specifications
The Nikon D300S houses the Expeed processor. The sensor size on the Nikon D300S is 23.6mm x 15.8mm (APS-C). The 373 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 4288 x 2848 pixels and aspect ratios of 3:2.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe CMOS sensor has 12MP and supports a standard ISO range of 200 to 3200. This ISO can be increased electronically to 100 to 6400. RAW photos are supported so the user has wider margin for error.
The picture underneath displays the D300S's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The D300S sensor has a crop factor of 1.5 and is shown in green.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideTo get an idea of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
Nikon D300S dimensions
Nikon D300S has a weight of 2.07 pounds (938 grams / 33.09 ounces) & the volume of the camera is 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9"). The weight of normal Advanced DSLR camera is 776 grams and the Nikon D300S is weightier in comparison with various competitors.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneUnderneath is a shot of the Nikon D300S besides a soda to help you get a sense of its scale.
The top view just below will provide the button design on the D300S.
Nikon D300S Lens specifications
The D300S fits the Nikon F mount and has 315 lenses that you can buy. Below is some of the lenses we have in our collection which will work with the D300S.
Nikon D300S Connectivity
The D300S has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- HDMI Yes
- GPS Yes
Cameras that consist of NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility can be used wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to send images and sometimes change settings without the hassle of connecting straight to the camera.
A few applications even allow a Liveview and click the shutter if you aren't near the camera. If the camera features a HDMI port, it can be hooked up to an external monitor. Most cameras enable you to recharge the battery using the USB port.
Nikon D300S Video specifications
The maximum video resolution on the Nikon D300S is 1280 x 720 and you can shoot in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is awful for today's requirements. You really should target a minimum 1080p resolution for decent video. Even though the camera has a microphone socket, it is sadly lacking a headphone socket so you won't have the option to keep an eye on your audio levels.
Nikon D300S Weather Sealing
Nikon D300S comes with environment sealing which makes it a great pick for use during tricky locations. This can be particularly helpful any time you are unsure about the elements you might encounter during outdoor photography.
Nikon D300S Screen and Viewfinder
The Nikon D300S houses a 3 inch fixed screen supporting a resolution of 920 thousand dots.
Please be aware that the screen has no touch support. The D300S also comes with a Top LCD screen so you're able to quickly checkout camera settings.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsThe View Finder specs for Nikon D300S are below:
- ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
- Coverage 100%
- Magnification 0.63x
For sunny outdoor situations which make the camera screens washed out and tricky to see, viewfinders will be very valuable.
Nikon D300S Shutter specifications
Nikon D300S continuous shooting rate is 7.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/8000 sec.
Nikon D300S Flash and Hot shoe specifications
Nikon D300S has both built in flash as well as external flash ability. The maximum flash sync is 1/250 sec.
Nikon D300S Autofocusing specifications
Nikon D300S has both Phase Detect Autofocus as well as Contrast Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is more faster & exact in comparison with Contrast Detect focusing. The camera boasts Face detection making it useful for taking portraits of people.
It boasts 51 focus points to pick from. Nikon D300S comes with manual focus if needed during low light scenarios or you want to have more accurate control on focus.
Nikon D300S Battery life
The battery (EN-EL3e) in the Nikon D300S is built to last for 950 photos based on the CIPA requirements making it comparable with it's competition. The general Advanced DSLR camera battery life is 909. Nikon D780 offers the highest possible (2260) battery life within this range of cameras.
Underneath is a listing of Advanced DSLR cameras that come with the best battery life:
Nikon D300S for varying kinds of photography
The following chart displays a overview of the Nikon D300S for varying kinds of photography. To look at more, go to the specific paragraph underneath.
Nikon D300S as a Portrait photography camera
The Nikon D300S receives a points total of 63 which is very good, and means the camera is a good fit to use for portrait photos. Taking portraits leans greatly towards sensor size, RAW support and capability to work with external lighting.
Nikon D300S Street photography factors
With a moderate points total of 52, the Nikon D300S is somewhat adequate to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of image quality and portability.
Nikon D300S Sports photography advice
A reasonable sports photography score of 59 suggests the Nikon D300S is reasonably acceptable for shooting sports. A camera needs excellent focusing and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Nikon D300S Travel photography details
Weight is really crucial in picking a travel camera. On the whole, the Nikon D300S gets a average 48 for a travel camera which makes it somewhat appropriate for your holidays.
Nikon D300S Landscape photography info
If you are planning to choose a digital camera for landscape photography, the most significant factor is going to be image quality. The Nikon D300S with it's above average score of 65 as a landscape camera is a respectable choice in the current marketplace.
Nikon D300S Vlogging advice
A vlogging camera should really offer a articulating display screen, mic input and if possible IBIS. Taking all things in to account, the Nikon D300S is just not suitable for vlogging as it gets a dreadful score of 22.
Nikon D300S Alternatives
If you are trying to find alternatives to the D300S, below is a number of the top placed cameras that fall in to the family of Advanced DSLR.
The chart listed below will give you a summary of the D300S compared to it's highest rated competitors suggested above.
These are some more cameras you may check out as alternative options. To review a complete comparison, just click on the "compare" link.