Nikon D3x vs Nikon D300

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon D300. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3x were released 2008 and Nikon D300 was released 2006. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3x 2008
Nikon D300 2006

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3x has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D300 has a "Nikon DX"-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 D3x 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D300 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 D3x has a 24,5 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D300 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3x 24,5 MP
24385536 pixels
6048 x 4032
Nikon D300 12,3 MP
12212224 pixels
4288 x 2848

Nikon D3x has a 100 % 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 D3x has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300. Nikon D3x has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Nikon D300 has 200 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3x 100-6400
Nikon D300 200-6400

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 Nikon D3x
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3x 5
Nikon D300 6

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D3x or Nikon D300 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 36% heavier than Nikon D300 and its 925 gr (or 2.04 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3x 1260 gr
2.78 lb
Nikon D300 925 gr
2.04 lb

Nikon D3x vs Nikon D300 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x and Nikon D300, 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 D3x
Nikon D300
Name Nikon D3x Nikon D300
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
Release Year 2008 2006
Release Date 2008-12-01 2007-08-23
MSRP 7470 USD 1799 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 6048 x 4032 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels
Megapixels 24,5 MP 12,3 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED
Image
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
ISO Range 100 - 6400 200 - 6400
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 D3x
Nikon D300
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 51
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier 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
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 D3x
Nikon D300
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 3”
Screen dots 920000 922000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
Frames per second 5 fps 6 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Average
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
Video recording No No
Video format N/A N/A
Video resolution N/A N/A
Built-in Microphone No No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No No
Remote Control Yes Yes (Optional)
GPS Yes
Optional through GP-1
Yes
Optional through GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3x
Nikon D300
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4400 shots 1000 shots
Width 160 mm 147 mm
Height 157 mm 114 mm
Depth 88 mm 74 mm
Weight 1260 gram 925 gram