Nikon D300s vs Nikon D3000
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D300s and Nikon D3000. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
These two camera models were both released 2009.Camera | Released |
Nikon D300s | 2009 |
Nikon D3000 | 2009 |
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 D300s | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D3000 | 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 D300s has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3000 has 10,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D300s |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon D3000 |
10,2 MP
10036224 pixels 3872 x 2592 |
Nikon D300s has a 22 % larger resolution than Nikon D3000. 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 D300s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3000. Nikon D300s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D3000 has 100 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D300s | 200-6400 |
Nikon D3000 | 100-3200 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D300s has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3000 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3000 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300s
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3000
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D300s can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3000 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D300s | 7 |
Nikon D3000 | 3 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D300s. Unfortunately Nikon D3000 does not support recording movies and movie clips.
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 75% heavier than Nikon D3000 and its 536 gr (or 1.18 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D300s | 938 gr 2.07 lb |
Nikon D3000 | 536 gr 1.18 lb |
Nikon D300s vs Nikon D3000 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D300s and Nikon D3000, 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 D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Name | Nikon D300s | Nikon D3000 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Release Year | 2009 | 2009 |
Release Date | 2009-07-30 | 2009-07-30 |
MSRP | 1799 USD | 599 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
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 | CCD |
Resolution | 4288 x 2848 pixels | 3872 x 2592 pixels |
Megapixels | 12,3 MP | 10,2 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED |
Image |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
ISO Range | 200 - 6400 | 100 - 3200 |
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 D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | No |
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 Single Continuous |
Focus Points | 51 | 11 |
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 D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 230000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | N/A |
Live view | Yes | No |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.) | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Frames per second | 7 fps | 3 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 12 meters | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | No |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center 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 D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Video recording | Yes | No |
Video format |
Motion JPEG |
N/A |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 |
N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
HDMI Output | Yes | No |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Remote Control | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) |
Yes (Optional ML-L3)
|
GPS |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D300s |
Nikon D3000 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL9a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 950 shots | 500 shots |
Width | 147 mm | 126 mm |
Height | 114 mm | 97 mm |
Depth | 74 mm | 64 mm |
Weight | 938 gram | 536 gram |