Nikon D300s
Nikon · DSLR · 12.3 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon |
| Model | D300s |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 30, 2009 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 147 x 114 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 938 g |
Optics50/100 | |
About the OpticsIn today’s market, the D300s’ specifications may not be as competitive as newer models, but it still holds its ground for photography enthusiasts. This camera serves as a reminder of Nikon’s dedication to quality and innovation in the world of DSLRs. Nikon D300s Overview and OpticsThe Nikon D300s receives a 50/100 optics score. The camera features a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is lower in resolution compared to current market standards. The shooting speed of 7 frames per second is decent, but not outstanding. The Expeed processor and Nikon F DX lens mount provide compatibility with a wide range of lenses, but the camera lacks image stabilization. The DXOMARK score of 70 for the sensor is average, and the 3:2 aspect ratio is standard. In the current market, the Nikon D300s optics do not stand out as exceptional. However, the camera still offers acceptable performance for certain photography situations. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 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 |
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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  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. | 7 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 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
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. | 64003003280000 |
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 |
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 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 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 |
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 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video49/100 | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  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. | 1280×720 |
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. | 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. |  Yes |
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. | MPEG4, AVI |
Features54/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Nikon D300s features a score of 54/100, reflecting a modest set of specifications compared to current market offerings. The camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots, which is lower than some of the more advanced models available today. Additionally, the D300s lacks modern features such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. When considering these specifications, it is evident that the Nikon D300s may struggle to compete with newer cameras which offer enhanced functionality and connectivity. Despite its limitations, the D300s remains a reliable option for those seeking a straightforward and functional camera. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and consider newer models that may better suit their needs and preferences. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| 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. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 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. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery76/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe storage and battery section of the Nikon D300s receives a score of 76 out of 100. This camera possesses two memory card slots, accepting both SD/SDHC and Compact Flash cards, providing flexibility and convenience for users. However, the battery life offers 950 shots, which may not be sufficient for extended photography sessions. The camera utilizes an EN-EL3e battery, but lacks USB charging capabilities. Comparing these specifications to current market standards, the Nikon D300s falls short in battery life and charging options. Nonetheless, the dual memory card slots remain a useful feature for photographers. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Compact Flash |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| 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. | 950 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |