Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D300 | D90 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2007 | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
23/08/2007 | 27/08/2008 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 147 x 114 x 74 mm | 132 x 103 x 77 mm |
| Camera weight | 925 g | 703 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
12.3 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. |
4288 x 2848 | 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. |
CMOS | 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. |
15.8 x 23.6 | 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. |
6 fps045 | 4.5 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. |
Expeed | 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. |
20030200 | 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. |
32003003280000 | 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. |
64003003280000 | 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 | 400080032000 |
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. |
510300 | 110300 |
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 | Standard HD |
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 | 1280 x 720 |
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 | 24 fps |
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 | MOV |
| 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 | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9220001150001500000 | 9200001150001500000 |
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) | SD / SDHC |
| 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. |
1000 shots1505000 | 850 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D300 comes out on top with a score of 49/100, while the Nikon D90 trails behind with 44/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, released in 2007 and 2008 respectively. They share common features, but the D300 has a few advantages.
The D300 has a sturdier build, measuring 147 x 114 x 74mm and weighing 925g. This makes it more durable, but also heavier compared to the D90’s 132 x 103 x 77mm size and 703g weight. The D300 was launched at a higher price of $1540, while the D90 was more affordable at $1235.
Despite the lower score, the Nikon D90 offers a lighter and more compact option for photographers on a budget. It provides similar performance at a lower price point, making it a suitable choice for those prioritizing cost and portability.
Taking everything into account, the Nikon D300 leads in overall performance and durability, while the Nikon D90 caters to budget-conscious and travel-friendly photographers.
The Nikon D300 emerges as the winner in our optics comparison, scoring 47/100, while the Nikon D90 follows closely with a score of 46/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 12.3 megapixels, a CMOS sensor type, an Expeed processor, an APS-C sensor size, a Nikon F DX lens mount, and a lack of image stabilization.
The D300 outshines the D90 in shooting speed, offering 6 frames per second (fps) compared to the D90’s 4.5 fps. This faster shooting speed allows the D300 to capture more images in a shorter amount of time, which is beneficial for action and sports photography. Additionally, the D300 has a slightly higher overall score for optics, suggesting that the camera produces better quality images.
On the other hand, the D90 has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, scoring 73 compared to the D300’s 67. A higher DXOMARK score means that the D90’s sensor performs better in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance. This advantage may appeal to photographers who prioritize image quality over shooting speed.
In comparing the optics of the Nikon D300 and D90, the D300’s faster shooting speed and marginally better overall optics score make it the superior choice. However, the D90’s higher DXOMARK score indicates that it may be more suitable for photographers who prioritize image quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on an individual’s specific photography needs and preferences.
In comparing the Nikon D300 and Nikon D90, it is important to address their video capabilities. However, both the Nikon D300 and Nikon D90 lack video functionality. Neither camera has the ability to record video, and therefore, their video scores are not a factor in determining which camera is better.
The Nikon D300 emerges as the winner in the feature comparison, scoring 54/100, while the Nikon D90 scores 41/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, lack of touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth. Despite these similarities, the Nikon D300 outperforms the D90 in specific areas.
The Nikon D300 has a higher screen resolution of 922,000 dots compared to the D90’s 920,000 dots. This difference in resolution allows the D300 to provide a clearer and sharper image preview on its screen. The D300’s higher feature score also reflects its overall superiority over the D90 in terms of functionality and performance.
However, the Nikon D90 has its advantages. The lower feature score does not necessarily mean it performs poorly in all aspects. For specific users or situations, the D90 might be the preferred choice due to factors such as price, availability, or personal preference. Additionally, the D90 shares many specifications with the D300, making it a decent alternative for those who do not prioritize the D300’s superior screen resolution.
The Nikon D300’s better feature score and screen resolution make it the preferable choice for users seeking enhanced performance. The Nikon D90, while lacking in certain aspects, remains a viable option for those who do not require the D300’s higher resolution. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on individual preferences and needs.
The Nikon D300 outperforms the Nikon D90 in storage and battery with a score of 43/100, while the D90 scores 37/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and do not support USB charging. They also share the same battery type, the EN-EL3e.
The D300’s advantage lies in its battery life and memory card compatibility. With a battery life of 1000 shots, it surpasses the D90’s 850 shots. Additionally, the D300 accepts Compact Flash (Type I or II) memory cards, providing more options for users.
On the other hand, the D90 only accepts SD/SDHC memory cards. Despite this limitation, it is worth noting that SD/SDHC cards are more common and generally more affordable than Compact Flash cards.
In terms of storage and battery, the Nikon D300 proves to be the superior camera. Its longer battery life and compatibility with Compact Flash cards make it a better choice for photographers who require extended shooting sessions and versatile storage options. The Nikon D90, however, may be more suitable for those who prefer the convenience and affordability of SD/SDHC memory cards.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D300 or the Nikon D90:
