Nikon D300S 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Body Only)

Nikon D300 vs. Nikon D300s : Features And Capabilities

I enjoy writing these guides. I just wonder how many folks enjoy reading them as much as I like writing them. If this guide is helpful, let me know by clicking "yes" at the bottom. If it needs improvement, send me an eMail and how I can make the guide more user friendly.

Now, let's talk about the D300 and the D300s:

Sensor: Both have the 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor

LCD: Both have the 3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor

Continuous shooting: The D300 shoots from 6 frames per second. The D300s shoots up to Continuous Shooting up to 7 fps. It is up to the consumer to decide what “up to” and “from” means when comparing this feature.

ISO: Both have Noise ISO Sensitivity ranges from 200 to 3200. Additional expanded ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent).

Focusing Points: Both have 51-point Autofocus

Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS) Is available as a feature in both cameras.

Both cameras have the Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System

Now, what I noticed between the two cameras is the D300s has:

D-Movie HD Video Capabilities. The D300s can Capture cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips WITH Auto Focus capabilities. I have not actually taken a video with the D300s, but I understand that, unlike the D90, the D300s has the ability to shoot video AND autofocus (where as the D90 does not autofocus during video capture). The movies are captured in AVI format.

The D300s has Dual memory card slots (CF and SD). The D300 has only the CF.

The D300s and the D300 have continuous shooting options known as CH (continuous high) and CL (continuous low). The D300s has the capability of 7 and 6 frames per second (CH=7fps and CL=6fps). The D300 can shoot 6 and 5 (respectfully).

And…well…that’s it! I could line up the features that each camera has, but why? They are the same with the exceptions of the above features. I have the D300 and have been super happy with it. Currently, the D300 is still for sale and most likely will be until the supply dwindles and the D300s will take it’s place for the next two years (I am assuming based on Nikon’s past release dates of new cameras).

At that point, the D400 may make its way to the front line (an assumption you understand).

Except for the video feature, the cameras are the same. Well, the extra SD card slot is pretty cool, but who needs an SD card slot? I don’t like keeping up with memory cards as it is not to mention different kinds of cards.

The D300s may need that extra memory card slot for the extra memory required to shoot video. The D300 does not shoot video.

Summary:
If you are shooting with the D80, D70, D70s, D40 and so on and wanted to upgrade to a more powerful camera with TONS of features not found on Nikon’s “lesser” models, then yes, get a D300s and NOT the D300 (unless you can get a GREAT deal on the D300 and do not care about the video feature).

If you are shooting with the D300 and want to upgrade, my suggestion is to save your money and get a lens. Yep, the D300s will be replaced in a couple of years (or maybe just one) and the D400 will make its way to the store shelves (I am only assuming you know. I do not have any actual information that there will be a D400). That is when we will see a bigger difference between the models.

I bought the D300S to get into the digital age from my F2AS purchased back in the late 70's. Wanted a Nikon and found that this body was compatible with my old AI lenses, although not auto-focus. Price was right, features were all there. A win-win situation!

The body is a bit heavy but that's to be expected with all the capabilities it has. My old camera was heavy as well so no big deal. I bought a 18-200MM Nikkor auto-focus lens so I'd have that capability with one multi-purpose lens but am thrilled that my old lenses work fine with this body. I won't have to replace my entire camera bag full of lenses! It does take some studying to learn all the controls and capabilities on the D300S body but it will be worth the effort.

The D300S features the same 12.9 megapixel (12.3 million effective pixels) APS-C sensor and Nikon's latest generation EXPEED processor found in the D90. But there aren't many more similarities between Nikon's newest king of the DX format and the older, cheaper D90. The D300S is packed with the same 51-point AF system with color and distance tracking as well as optional viewfinder gridlines from the original D300. In fact, there is little that changed between the popular D300 and the D300S other than the ability to record video, a faster 7 fps continuous shooting speed (8 fps with MB-D10 battery grip), and the inclusion of an SDHC card slot in addition to the CompactFlash card slot.

The D300S marks Nikon's third DSLR camera to be equipped with a 12 megapixel image sensor capable of HD video recording. The mid-tier D90 and the entry-level D5000 offer amateur and enthusiast photographers a still camera that can capture video, but the D300S is Nikon's first pro-level body that doubles as a video camera.
The D300S shares the same 200 to 3200 nominal ISO range (with ISO 100 and 6400 options available), and the ability to use "Active D-Lighting" (Nikon's proprietary feature that boosts shadow details and helps prevent overexposed highlights so you don't have to spend as much time editing your photos after you take them).

The improved EXPEED image processor (inherited from the D90) allows you to capture video at 1280x720 pixel resolution and 24 frames per second (theatrical film speed). The built-in microphone works as well as the built-in microphones on the D90 and D5000, but the D300S includes a mini-jack stereo input that lets you attach an external microphone for better audio recording. There's also a menu option that allows you to control the volume levels for the video recording.

Of course, the EXPEED processing also improves speed for still shooters as well. The continuous shooting speed received a nice boost to 7 frames per second when using the standard EN-EL3e battery compared to 6 fps with the original D300. If you want even more speed, you can connect the optional MB-D10 battery grip ($299 MSRP) for a full 8 fps. When you consider that Canon's 50D is limited to 6.3 fps, the D300S makes a compelling solution for sports photographers.

As previously mentioned, the D300S adds a second memory card slot for SD/SDHC memory media along with the standard CF slot seen in the D300. The SDHC card slot allows photojournalists to quickly transfer images using the built-in SDHC card reader in most laptops. Another convenient benefit to the SDHC slot is that you can use an Eye-Fi card to wirelessly upload images to a computer or the internet whenever you're within range of a Wi-Fi network.

Unlike the entry-level Nikon DSLRs, the D300S will meter with virtually any Nikkor "F" mount lens - a major benefit for photographers who own old glass. The 3D color matrix II metering is restricted to Nikon's type G, D or AF-S and AF-I lenses; matrix metering works with other Nikon AF lenses as well as AI-P, AI, AI-S, AI-modified or E series lenses; center weighted and spot metering are available with every lens except the 120mm Medical Nikkor and the few lenses designed for the Nikon F3AF camera body. During the review period I tested the D300S with the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR, Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR, Nikon 85mm f/1.8D, and the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX lenses. Would buy this camera again in a second.

Camera weight is heavier than preferred. Ease of use is very good. Once you understand the menu features, it's not difficult to change settings. Takes Good video and excellent still photos.
Microphone quality is fair. Very happy with the purchase.
Jerry B

This camera is excellent in just about every aspect. It met fully my photographic needs. What I like mostly, is that I can use the many lenses that I have accumulated over the years. Yes, I can still use the old lens that I purchased with my Nikon FTN.