Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D200 | D300 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2005 | 2007 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
01/11/2005 | 23/08/2007 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 147 x 113 x 74 mm | 147 x 114 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 920 g | 925 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
10 MP050 | 12.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
3872 x 2592 | 4288 x 2848 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
16 x 24 | 15.8 x 23.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 6 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Nikon Image processing engine | Expeed |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
16003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
32003003280000 | 64003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 510300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | N/A |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 2.5" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 9220001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✗ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL3e | EN-EL3e |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
800 shots1505000 | 1000 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D300 emerges as the winner with a score of 49/100, while the Nikon D200 scores 37/100. Both cameras are DSLR models, announced in 2005 and 2007 respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the D300 being slightly larger at 147 x 114 x 74mm compared to the D200’s 147 x 113 x 74mm. The D300 also weighs slightly more at 925g, while the D200 weighs 920g.
The D300 is better due to its higher score, which reflects its improved features and performance. Its launch price was $1540, showing that it’s a more premium option compared to the D200’s $1000 launch price.
On the other hand, the D200 has its advantages, such as being slightly lighter and more affordable. However, considering the overall scores and specifications, the Nikon D300 stands out as the superior choice between the two cameras.
The Nikon D300 outperforms the Nikon D200 in optics, scoring 47/100 compared to the D200’s 41/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as having an APS-C sensor size, a Nikon F DX lens mount, and no image stabilization. However, the D300 surpasses the D200 in specific aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of optics.
The Nikon D300 has a higher megapixel count of 12.3 compared to the D200’s 10 megapixels. This difference allows the D300 to capture more detail and produce higher resolution images. Additionally, the D300 has a faster shooting speed of 6 frames per second (fps), while the D200 shoots at 5 fps. This faster speed enables the D300 to capture fast-moving subjects more efficiently.
Another advantage of the Nikon D300 is its CMOS sensor, which offers better performance in low light conditions and improved noise reduction compared to the D200’s CCD sensor. The D300 also has a more advanced processor, the Expeed, which contributes to faster image processing and better overall image quality. The DXOMARK score for the D300’s sensor is 67, slightly higher than the D200’s score of 64, further proving the D300’s superior performance in image quality.
The Nikon D200 does not have any particular advantages over the D300 in terms of optics. The D300 outshines the D200 in all significant aspects, making it the clear winner in this comparison. Therefore, for those seeking a camera with better optics, the Nikon D300 is the recommended choice.
When comparing the Nikon D200 and Nikon D300, it is important to note that neither camera possesses video functionality. While some may view this as a drawback, others may not prioritize video capabilities in their chosen camera. Regardless, the lack of video functionality does not make one camera inherently better than the other. The overall quality and performance of these cameras are determined by other factors, such as general specifications and optics, rather than their video scores.
The Nikon D300 outperforms the Nikon D200 with a feature score of 54/100 compared to the D200’s 30/100. Despite this difference, both cameras share some common specifications. Neither camera has a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities.
The D300 excels in screen size and resolution, boasting a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 922,000 dots. In contrast, the D200 has a smaller 2.5-inch screen and a lower resolution of 230,000 dots. This improvement in screen size and resolution allows D300 users to better review and compose their shots.
However, the D200 still has some advantages. It is a lighter camera, making it easier to carry and handle during long periods of use. Additionally, the D200 has a slightly lower price point, which may be appealing to photographers on a budget.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D300 is the clear winner in terms of features, with its larger and higher resolution screen providing a better user experience. The D200, while not as feature-rich, remains a viable option for those seeking a lighter and more affordable camera.
The Nikon D300 outperforms the Nikon D200 in storage and battery with a score of 43/100 versus 35/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as having a single memory card slot and accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II) memory cards. Additionally, neither camera offers USB charging capabilities.
The D300 surpasses the D200 with its longer battery life, providing 1000 shots compared to the D200’s 800 shots. This advantage allows photographers to capture more images without needing to replace or recharge the battery as frequently. However, it is important to note that both cameras use the same battery type, the EN-EL3e.
Although the D200 falls short in battery life, it does not possess any notable advantages over the D300 in the storage and battery category. Given these findings, it is clear that the Nikon D300 provides a better storage and battery experience for photographers when compared to the Nikon D200.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D200 or the Nikon D300:
