Nikon D300 vs Nikon D780
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D300 and Nikon D780. 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 D780 was released 2020. That is a 14 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D300 | 2006 |
Nikon D780 | 2020 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D300 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D780 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D300 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D780 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** 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 D780 has 25 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 D780 |
25 MP
24337152 pixels 6048 x 4024 |
Nikon D780 has a 99 % 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 D780 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300. Nikon D780 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 D780 | 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 D780
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 D780 can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D300 | 6 |
Nikon D780 | 12 |
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 D780. 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 10% heavier than Nikon D780 and its 840 gr (or 1.85 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D300 | 925 gr 2.04 lb |
Nikon D780 | 840 gr 1.85 lb |
Nikon D300 vs Nikon D780 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D300 and Nikon D780, 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 D780 |
Name | Nikon D300 | Nikon D780 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
Release Year | 2006 | 2020 |
Release Date | 2007-08-23 | 2020-01-07 |
MSRP | 1799 USD | 2299 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Resolution | 4288 x 2848 pixels | 6048 x 4024 pixels |
Megapixels | 12,3 MP | 25 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED 6 |
Image |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
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 |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
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 Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 51 | 51 |
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 |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
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.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 0 |
Photography features |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
Frames per second | 6 fps | 12 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 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 D780 |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | No | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless | No |
Yes Built-in (802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1) |
Remote Control | Yes (Optional) | Yes (via wired, wireless or smartphone) |
GPS |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D300 |
Nikon D780 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
EN-EL15b lithium-ion battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1000 shots | 2260 shots |
Width | 147 mm | 144 mm |
Height | 114 mm | 116 mm |
Depth | 74 mm | 76 mm |
Weight | 925 gram | 840 gram |