Canon EOS 500D vs Nikon D300s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D300s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 500D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D300s is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 500D has a "APSC"-sensor while Nikon D300s has a "DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 500D has a 15,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D300s has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 500D has a 23 % larger resolution than Nikon D300s. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Canon EOS 500D has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300s. Canon EOS 500D has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D300s has 200 to 6400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 500D
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 500D can shoot up to 3,4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300s can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D300s can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D300s weighs 938 gr (equal to 2,07 lb) which is 80% heavier than Canon EOS 500D and its 520 gr (or 1,15 lb).