Nikon D300 vs Nikon D500
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D300 and Nikon D500. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D300 were released 2006 and Nikon D500 was released 2016. That is a 10 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D300 | 2006 |
Nikon D500 | 2016 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D300 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D500 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** 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 (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon D300 has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D500 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D300 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon D500 |
21 MP
20668416 pixels 5568 x 3712 |
Nikon D500 has a 69 % larger resolution than Nikon D300. 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
Nikon D500 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D300 has 200 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D300 | 200-6400 |
Nikon D500 | 100-51200 |
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 Nikon D300
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D500
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D300 | 6 |
Nikon D500 | 10 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D500. Sadly, the Nikon D300 does not support this.
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 D300 weighs 925 gr (equal to 2.04 lb) which is 8% heavier than Nikon D500 and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D300 | 925 gr 2.04 lb |
Nikon D500 | 860 gr 1.9 lb |
Nikon D300 vs Nikon D500 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D300 and Nikon D500, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Name | Nikon D300 | Nikon D500 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Release Year | 2006 | 2016 |
Release Date | 2007-08-23 | 2016-01-05 |
MSRP | 1799 USD | 1999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4288 x 2848 pixels | 5568 x 3712 pixels |
Megapixels | 12,3 MP | 21 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED 5 |
Image |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
ISO Range | 200 - 6400 | 100 - 51200 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW + TIFF | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 51 | 153 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Tilting |
Screen size | 3” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 922000 | 2359000 |
Touch screen | No | Yes |
Screen type | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.) | 1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 0 |
Photography features |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Frames per second | 6 fps | 10 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
Built-in Flash Range | 12 meters | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Average |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
SD/SDHC XQD |
Connectivity |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless | No |
Yes Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth) |
Remote Control | Yes (Optional) | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) |
GPS |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D500 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1000 shots | 1240 shots |
Width | 147 mm | 147 mm |
Height | 114 mm | 115 mm |
Depth | 74 mm | 81 mm |
Weight | 925 gram | 860 gram |