Nikon Z5 vs Nikon D300
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z5 and Nikon D300. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon Z5 were released 2020 and Nikon D300 was released 2006. That is a 14 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.| Camera | Released |
| Nikon Z5 | 2020 |
| Nikon D300 | 2006 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z5 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D300 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z5 has a "FX"-sensor while Nikon D300 has a "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 Z5 | 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 Z5 has a 24 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 Z5 |
24 MP
24160256 pixels 6016 x 4016 |
| Nikon D300 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon Z5 has a 98 % 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 Z5 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300. Nikon Z5 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D300 has 200 to 6400.
| Camera | ISO Range |
| Nikon Z5 | 100-51200 |
| 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 Z5
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 Z5 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.
| Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
| Nikon Z5 | 4,5 |
| 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 Z5. 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 37% heavier than Nikon Z5 and its 675 gr (or 1,49 lb).
| Camera | Weight |
| Nikon Z5 | 675 gr 1,49 lb |
| Nikon D300 | 925 gr 2,04 lb |
