Nikon D7100 vs Nikon D300s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D7100 and Nikon D300s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D7100 were released 2013 and Nikon D300s was released 2009. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D7100 2013
Nikon D300s 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 "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 D7100 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D300s 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 D7100 has a 24,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D300s has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D7100 24,1 MP
24000000 pixels
6000 x 4000
Nikon D300s 12,3 MP
12212224 pixels
4288 x 2848

Nikon D7100 has a 97 % larger resolution than Nikon D300s. 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 D7100 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300s. Nikon D7100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Nikon D300s has 200 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D7100 100-6400
Nikon D300s 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 D7100
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D7100 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300s can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D7100 6
Nikon D300s 7

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon D7100 and Nikon D300s can shoot movies.

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 39% heavier than Nikon D7100 and its 675 gr (or 1,49 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D7100 675 gr
1,49 lb
Nikon D300s 938 gr
2,07 lb