Nikon D300 Specs and Scores
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General
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Nikon D300
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Price | |
Brand | Nikon |
Model | D300 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2007 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 23, 2007 |
Camera Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Nikon D300 scores a 49/100 in our evaluation. Launched in 2007 with a price tag of $1540, this DSLR camera measures 147 x 114 x 74mm and weighs 925g or 2.04lbs. While the D300’s specifications were impressive for its time, it struggles to compete in today’s market with more advanced cameras available at similar or lower prices. The D300 remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable DSLR, but newer models offer better value and performance.
Nikon D300 Overview and Optics
The Nikon D300 receives a score of 47/100 for its optics. With 12.3 megapixels, a shooting speed of 6 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor, the camera offers decent image quality. The Expeed processor and DXOMARK score of 67 for the sensor further support the camera’s performance. However, the APS-C sensor size and Nikon F DX lens mount may limit the camera’s capabilities in comparison to other options on the market.
The lack of image stabilization might be a drawback for some photographers, particularly when capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low light conditions. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard for most DSLR cameras, allowing for versatile framing and composition.
Despite its decent specifications, the Nikon D300 may struggle to compete with newer models in today’s market. While it offers a solid foundation for photography enthusiasts, there are more advanced options available with better optics and updated features.
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Optics
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Nikon D300
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.3 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4288 x 2848 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps |
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 |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 3,200 |
Minimum 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. | 100 |
Maximum 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. | 6400 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s |
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. | 51 |
In-body Stabilization 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) |
Nikon D300 Video Performance
The Nikon D300 lacks video capabilities. However, it possesses built-in time-lapse functionality.
Video
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Nikon D300
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Time-Lapse 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. |   |
Nikon D300 Features and Benefits
The Nikon D300 features score is 54 out of 100. The camera has a screen size of 3 inches, with a resolution of 922,000 dots. However, it lacks modern features such as touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
In today’s market, these specifications are considered outdated when compared to the latest cameras. Many competitors offer larger screens, higher resolution, and advanced connectivity options. The absence of a touchscreen and flip screen limits the user’s flexibility in composing shots and navigating the camera’s settings.
The Nikon D300 remains a reliable camera for specific needs, but it falls short in terms of features when compared to newer models. Considering the rapid advancements in camera technology, potential buyers should weigh the importance of these features before making a purchase decision.
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Features
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Nikon D300
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Built-in 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 |
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" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 922,000 dots |
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 |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Nikon D300 Storage and Battery
The Nikon D300 scores 43/100 in storage and battery. This camera has a single memory card slot, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards. In comparison to modern cameras, which often feature dual card slots and support for SD cards, the D300 falls short in storage flexibility.
The battery life of the Nikon D300, providing 1000 shots per charge, is respectable. It uses an EN-EL3e battery type, but lacks USB charging capabilities. This means users must carry a separate charger, which may be inconvenient for some.
Considering these specifications, the Nikon D300’s storage and battery performance are adequate, but not exceptional by today’s standards.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon D300
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Memory Card | Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | EN-EL3e |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,000 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon D300
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.1 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 679 |
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Scores
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Nikon D300
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User Scores
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Nikon D300
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B&H photo video |