Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Semi-Pro DSLR category, introduced by Nikon. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are D300S and D810. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS. However, they have different resolution. Thus, Nikon D300S comes with a 12.0 MP CMOS sensor, while the Nikon D810 features a 36.0 MP CMOS sensor.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D300S and Nikon D810.
Nikon D300S Key Features:
Nikon D810 Key Features:
Since Nikon D300S has been around for some time, it was substituted by
Nikon D500.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D300S vs. D500
Nikon D500 vs. Nikon D810
Being a newer model, Nikon D300S substituted
Nikon D300.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D300S vs. D300
Nikon D300 vs. Nikon D810
Continuous Shooting | 7 fps vs 5 fps | 2 fps faster |
Weight | 938 g vs 980 g | 42 g lighter |
Sensor Resolution | 36.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 66.7% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 861.6 mm2 vs 372.88 mm2 | 56.7% larger pixel area |
Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
Screen Resolution | 1,229k dots vs 920k dots | 25.1% higher resolution screen |
Battery Life | 1200 shots vs 950 shots | 250 more frames with a single charge |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 | Higher Resolution Video |
Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
Dxo Color Depth | 25.7 vs 22.5 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 14.8 vs 12.2 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 2853 vs 787 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7 vs 0.63 | 0.07 better magnification |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Storage Slots | 2 slots | 2 slots | Extra Storage Slots |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
Battery Life | 950 shots | 1200 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Continuous Shooting | 7.0 fps | 5.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D300S and Nikon D810 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D300S is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 42g less than the Nikon D810. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D300S and Nikon D810 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D300S features a 12.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Expeed processor . Nikon D810, in its turn, comes with a 36.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D300S and Nikon D810 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon D810 is equipped with a sensor that is 0.4x larger than the one featured in Nikon D300S. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D300S and Nikon D810 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Nikon D300S | Nikon D810 |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D300S or Nikon D810, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D300S and Nikon D810 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon D810 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D300S. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Nikon D300S | Nikon D810 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
Model | D300S | D810 |
Announced | Nov 16, 2009 | Jun 26, 2014 |
Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8 mm | 35.9 x 24 mm |
Sensor Area | 372.88 mm2 | 861.60 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 36.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 7360 x 4912 |
Max Native ISO | 3,200 | 12,800 |
Max Boosted ISO | 6,400 | 51,200 |
Min Native ISO | 200 | 64 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
Number of Lenses | 287 | 287 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 51 | 51 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 15 |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ |
Screen Resolution | 920k dots | 1,229k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.63 | 0.7 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 7.0 fps | 5.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 12 | 12 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, redeye reduction w/slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 70 | 97 |
DxO Color Depth | 22.5 | 25.7 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 12.2 | 14.8 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 787 | 2853 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (24 fps), 320 x 240 (24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) |
Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 938 g | 980 g |
Physical Dimensions | 147 x 114 x 74 mm | 146 x 123 x 82 mm |
Battery Life | 950 shots | 1200 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | EN-EL3e | EN-EL15 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Storage Type | Compact Flash Type I/SD/SDHC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, CompactFlash (UDMA compliant) |
Storage Slots | 2 | 2 |
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