Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D300
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5000 and Nikon D300. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D5000 were released 2009 and Nikon D300 was released 2006. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D5000 | 2009 |
Nikon D300 | 2006 |
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 D5000 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
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
Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon D5000 has a 12,3 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 D5000 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon D300 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
ISO range
Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 200 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D5000 | 200-6400 |
Nikon D300 | 200-6400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D300 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5000 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5000 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 D5000
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 D5000 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D5000 | 4 |
Nikon D300 | 6 |
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 D5000. Unfortunately Nikon D300 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 D300 weighs 925 gr (equal to 2.04 lb) which is 57% heavier than Nikon D5000 and its 590 gr (or 1.3 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D5000 | 590 gr 1.3 lb |
Nikon D300 | 925 gr 2.04 lb |
Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D300 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D5000 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 D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Name | Nikon D5000 | Nikon D300 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Release Year | 2009 | 2006 |
Release Date | 2009-04-14 | 2007-08-23 |
MSRP | 849 USD | 1799 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
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 | 4288 x 2848 pixels |
Megapixels | 12,3 MP | 12,3 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED |
Image |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
ISO Range | 200 - 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 | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Autofocus Motor | No | 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 Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 11 | 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 |
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 D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Articulated LCD | Fully articulated | Fixed |
Screen size | 2,7” | 3” |
Screen dots | 230000 | 922000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.) | 0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Frames per second | 4 fps | 6 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 17 meters | 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 steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Video recording | Yes | No |
Video format |
MPEG4 |
N/A |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 |
N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | No |
Storage |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
No |
Remote Control |
Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
|
Yes (Optional) |
GPS |
Yes Optional |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D5000 |
Nikon D300 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Nikon EN-EL9a Lithium-Ion battery
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 510 shots | 1000 shots |
Width | 127 mm | 147 mm |
Height | 104 mm | 114 mm |
Depth | 80 mm | 74 mm |
Weight | 590 gram | 925 gram |