With the long-awaited and much-anticipated Nikon D500 out, one might be wondering how it compares to its predecessor, the Nikon D300S. Since there has been such a huge delay between the releases, it is a given that the D500 is a much better and more advanced camera. However, how much do these cameras differ really when we look at their specifications and what has changed in the last 7 years? Let’s take a look and see in this Nikon D500 vs D300S comparison.
Let’s take a look at the specifications of the two cameras in detail:
First, let’s go over the bare specifications:
Nikon D500 vs D300S Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D500 | Nikon D300S |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 20.9 Million | 12.3 Million |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.5×15.7mm | 23.6×15.8mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.2µ | 5.5µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| Sensor Dust Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 5,568 x 3,712 | 4,288 x 2,848 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 5 | EXPEED |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 1.0x | 0.94x |
| Built-in Flash | No | Yes, with flash commander mode |
| Storage Media | 1x XQD, 1x SD | 1x CF, 1x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 10 FPS | 7 FPS, 8 FPS with grip |
| Buffer Size (RAW, Lossless 14-bit) | 200 | 30 |
| Continuous Shooting Length | 20 sec | 4.3 sec / 3.75 |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Durability | 200,000 cycles | 150,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 180,000-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering III | 1,005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 200 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-51,200 | ISO 200-3,200 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 102,400-1,640,000 | ISO 6,400 |
| Autofocus System | Advanced Multi-CAM 20K | Multi-CAM 3500DX |
| Focus Points | 153, 99 cross-type | 51, 15 cross-type |
| AF Detection | Up to f/8 | Up to f/5.6 |
| AF Detection Range | -4 to +20 EV | -1 to +19 EV |
| Auto AF Fine-Tune | Yes | No |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | MOV, H.264/MPEG-4 | AVI, Compressed |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 3,840×2,160 (4K) @ 24p, 25p, 30p | 1280×720 (720p) @ 24p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone stereo External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone mono External stereo microphone (optional) |
| LCD Size | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 2,359,000 dots | 921,000 dots |
| Articulating LCD | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen LCD | Yes | No |
| Bracketing | 2 to 9 frames | 2 to 9 frames |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Built-in Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Built-in NFC | Yes | No |
| Built-in WiFi | Yes | No |
| Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL3e Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 1240 shots (CIPA) | 950 shots (CIPA) |
| Battery Charger | MH-25a Quick Charger | MH-18a Quick Charger |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| Build | Full Magnesium Alloy | Full Magnesium Alloy |
| USB Version | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 760g | 840g |
| Dimensions | 147 x 115 x 81mm | 147 × 114 × 74mm |
| MSRP Price | $1,999 (as introduced) | $1,799 (as introduced) |
As expected, the Nikon D500 shines in every aspect when compared to the D300S – 7 years of technology advancements definitely made a huge difference when we look at the two camera specifications. The first huge difference is obviously in the sensor technology – the D500 has a high-resolution 20.9 MP sensor, whereas the D300S has a 12.3 MP sensor. In addition to the difference in resolution, the two cameras have completely different dynamic range and noise performance characteristics. While ISO performance on the D500 is yet to be seen, we can expect the D500 to look far better in terms of dynamic range and high ISO noise – the base ISO of 100-51,200 vs ISO 200-3,200 speaks for itself.
The biggest difference between these two is in the AF department – the D500 sports the newest generation Advanced Multi-CAM 20K AF system with a whopping 153 focus points (99 of which are cross-type), while the D300S has the first generation Multi-CAM 3500DX AF system with 51 focus points (15 of which are cross-type). In addition to this, the Nikon D500 can focus practically in the dark, thanks to its -4 EV AF detection range, while the D300S would really struggle, with its -1 EV AF detection range. And lastly, the D500 couples really well with teleconverters, capable of providing AF even at f/8 maximum aperture, whereas the D300S is limited to f/5.6.
Image processors are vastly different, with the D500 having the EXPEED 5 processor that is basically 5 generations better than the original EXPEED on the D300S. Thanks to the much faster processor, the D500 is obviously capable of pushing far more data. Not only does it have more continuous shooting speed of 10 fps vs 7 fps, but it can also push far more video data – the D500 can record up to 4K video compared to 720p video on the D300S. On top of that, the buffer size on the D500 is huge: 200 vs 30 RAW images, which obviously makes the D500 a much better candidate for shooting fast action practically non-stop.
One feature that Nikon stripped out of the D500 is the built-in flash unit. The Nikon D500 is the first semi-professional DSLR to not include one. Nikon decided that the D500 does not need one, probably based on the fact that the camera is primarily targeted at sports and wildlife photographers. In addition, excluding a built-in flash will most likely result in better weather protection, particularly in rainy conditions.
Viewfinder magnification is also very different, with the D500 being able to show a much larger view in the viewfinder at 1.0x compared to the 0.94x magnification on the D300S. When it comes to connectivity, the Nikon D500 comes with Bluetooth, NFC and WiFi features, while the D300S has none of those. LCD screen on the D500 is not only larger, but it also has a lot more pixels – 2.4 million vs 921 thousand. In addition, it is an articulating screen, which can be really useful when shooting at different angles (thanks Vitalishe!). Battery technology is also quite different – the D500 has the newer EN-EL15 battery capable of yielding up to 1240 shots, whereas the D300S has the EN-EL3e battery and it maxes out at 950 shots. Since these are based on CIPA numbers and the testing takes into account usage of built-in flash that the D500 does not have, the two cameras are probably going to yield a similar number of total frames before the batteries run out.
On top of all this, the Nikon D500 is 80 grams lighter than the D300S. That’s pretty remarkable, considering that the D500 has so many more features and components in comparison. Price-wise, the Nikon D300S was $200 cheaper than the D500 when it was introduced.
Overall, there is simply no comparison between these cameras!
Regarding D750, I love it. As a light weight FX body it goes around with me more than my D4s. IQ is excellent. D4s is now used only when shooting sports or races.
Finally got my D500, it’s a beautiful piece of equipment. My first impressions from what I have seen is this will go a long way. They deliberately left out flash as with these new lenses it would have had to be mounted really high. I also loved the kit lens 16-80 2.8 that came with it. It gives incredible results.
What about the flash sync comparison? The D300s has a 1/250 second flash sync with 1/320 second option (reduced flash range). Also any word on Auto FP High-Speed Sync (used to Illuminate Fast Sports Action)
I think most of us were waiting years for the D500 DX Pro not an FX semi pro model.
A few years ago I wanted to upgrade my D200 to a D400. I was convinced the D400 was right around the corner, and I wanted to sell my D200 before it came out to avoid a big drop in the value of the D200. It turned out it wasn’t worth much anyway, so I never sold it. I can’t believe I’ve had that D200 for almost 10 years! Last year, I got tired of waiting for the D400 and bought a D7100. I’m very happy with it and at this point I’m not even interested in the D500. My style of photography has changed, and I appreciate the smaller size, lighter weight, and built-in flash of the D7100. I’m glad Nikon finally produced the D500, though — it’s a spectacular camera!
I still have my D300 and waited for years for a DX upgrade until I finally gave up and went FX with a Nikon Df. Nikon, I’ll keep my D300 as a second body thanks and pass on the D500. Yes, the D500 might be a better body in some respects but the D300 still performs well for what I need. I won’t be investing in DX anymore as I felt Nikon simply abandoned DX for some time till I eventually gave up on waiting and went full frame. Sold all my DX lenses and now only have the 35mm 1.8 DX which is permanently affixed to my D300. The D300 will end up as a paperweight when if finally gives up on me….which might be some time yet!
Your tone suggests you think Nikon was stupid for losing you as a DX customer, but then you say you got an FX body. You realize this is exactly what Nikon was trying to do, right?
Hi Preston,
Yep, I do think the delay in a D300 upgrade will have lost a few DX folk to FX . Nikon hasn’t lost me entirely as a DX user, for now, as I still have the D300. But I certainly won’t be investing in DX anymore. It also made sense for me to keep with the Nikon brand so I can interchange lenses between DX and FX from time to time (for example Nikkor 135mm DC f2 is an awesome telephoto on a D300, as is an Nikkor 85 1.8 AF-D). But you’re right Preston, I’m sure there are some out there that would have voted with their feet and wallet and gone Canon or some other option in the FX line rather than waiting out for so long for the D500 to finally arrive. Perhaps I have done exactly what the Nikon marketing team strategised to get me onto an FX body. At the end of the day, it was a positive change for me to move to FX and I wouldn’t consider any further investment with DX (that’s for my type of photography – I’m sure there are those out there who will love the D500 and good for them! ) In the final analysis, I was neglected as a DX user in lens choice and body for some time so had to make a move that made sense for me. Lucky for Nikon that I went Nikon Df….but it could have been another brand, which I’m sure is the route some have taken and at Nikon’s loss. Cheers :)
I’m very glad it worked out for you! I know a couple people that tried to move to FX due to lack of DX lens development and then ended up selling due to lens size and going with Fuji instead (and have been happy with it for a couple years now). I agree that Nikon is lucky to have kept you as a customer. Part of the reason the DX mirrorless brands (Fuji, Sony, Samsung) became popular is because Nikon chose not to create DX optimized lenses thinking it is “good enough” that FX lenses work. Just the fact that they never came out with a 50-150/2.8 for DX was proof that they didn’t consider DX a pro option. Even now it seems clear that they only consider DX a pro option for sports and wildlife due to crop factor not being a negative thing for them.
Thanks for great article! Why excluding a built-in flash will most likely result in better weather protection?
Thanks for your reply. I have read on the Sony A7r and it seems to get nothing but good reviews. I have never handled or looked at one but it is a must do. I have always read where Sony is very forward thinking in design and execution so this may be the answer to what I am looking for. Other than the fact that I own Nikon glass there is no reason not to look beyond Nikon DSLR’s. With converters, as you pointed out, I may be able to use my existing lenses on the Sony. Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for your reply. I never thought of the shape and size of the rear viewfinder as something to consider however will check out the D500 and D800e/810 for sure. I am in no great hurry to purchase. What I liked about the D750 that the D500 now has is also the rear screen that moves for ground level photos that occur often in Macro. The D500 has a rear viewfinder blind for long exposures also. I will definitely use your advice. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
I have a question that I hope someonee can answer for me. I am presently using a Nikon D7000 however plan on upgrading sometime in the next 6 months. I am 63 years old and am an avid hobbyist. As part of my photography I enjoy Macro Photography which requires manual focus. My vision isn’t where it was 10-15 years ago and it would be extremely helpful to have a larger brighter viewfinder. I noticed that the specifications for the D500 mention not only a 100% coverage but a 100 magnification viewfinder. Here is my question. I had planned on upgrading to FX for the increase in viewfinder size etc but I wonder how the D500 compares? Would the FX viewfinder still be much better suited to manual focus due to larger penta prism and mirror or does the D500 compare now to be close to the same? In FX I am considering the D750 or a lightly used D800e. Please give me your thoughts.
If you need FX with high resolution for manual focusing consider Sony A7r. It has the same resolution as D800e, but also has focus peaking – something Nikon refuses to introduce. With a cheap converter you can use virtually any lens with it.
As a bonus you get a smaller lighter body too.
Thanks for your reply. I have read on the Sony A7r and it seems to get nothing but good reviews. I have never handled or looked at one but it is a must do. I have always read where Sony is very forward thinking in design and execution so this may be the answer to what I am looking for. Other than the fact that I own Nikon glass there is no reason not to look beyond Nikon DSLR’s. With converters, as you pointed out, I may be able to use my existing lenses on the Sony. Thanks for the advice.
Leslie, I also replied to your mail on another D500 page so do check that out. In essence, yes an FX viewfinder should always be superior, but Nikon are saying the D500 will have their best DX viewfinder. Looking at the various internet pictures you can see that the viewfinder is higher than in most DX bodies, has the large flat round eyepiece, a lower 16mm eyepoint than normal and by removing the flash they are saying they have achieved a wider angle of view than before (larger pentaprism). So I do suggest checking out the D500 when it arrives if you can wait. Out of D750 and D800e, the latter has a better viewfinder as I mention in my other response, because the D750 has the small rectangular eyepiece, whereas, the D800, DF, D700 and now D500 have the large round ones, which you can attach the DK-17 magnifying eyecup to as well.
DX is better for Macro for two reasons….crop value and DOF is greater.