Nikon D300S vs Nikon Z 6
- Full frame
- 25 megapixels
- Nikon Z
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46
Overall -
19
Imaging -
78
Features -
73
Size -
0
Price
Nikon D300S vs Nikon Z 6: a Complete Review and Comparison
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 introduced by the same brand - Nikon. Although both products are offered by the same brand, they come from different categories. Thus, Nikon, is a camera from Semi-Pro DSLR category, while Z 6 is a Pro Mirrorless camera. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS. However, they have different resolution. The first compared model, Nikon D300S, features has a resolution of 12.0 MP. Another model that we are reviewing, Nikon Z 6, features a sensor with a resolution of 25.0 MP.
Without a doubt, these two categories have a few considerable distinctive features. However, it is worth saying that cameras from DSLR category create serious competition to models that fall into MirrorLess category. Such an intense competition between these two categories is explained by the significant advantages of cameras from the first category in terms of size and weight. In addition, thanks to the latest enhancement, this type of cameras come with increased focus speeds. This fact makes our comparison overview even more exciting.
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 Z 6.
Nikon D300S Key Features:
- 12.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Expands to 100 - 6400)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (24 fps), 320 x 240 (24 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 147 x 114 x 74 mm
- Weight: 938 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D300. Compare
- Replaced by Nikon D500. Compare
Nikon Z 6 Key Features:
- 25.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Expands to 50 - 204800)
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3.2″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 12.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 134 x 101 x 68 mm
- Weight: 675 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: No
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 Z 6
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 Z 6
Why is Nikon D300S a better choice than Nikon Z 6
| Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
| Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
| Flash Range | 12 vs No | 12 better flash range |
| Battery Life | 950 shots vs 330 shots | 620 more frames with a single charge |
What are the key reasons to pick Nikon Z 6 over Nikon D300S
| Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
| Sensor Resolution | 25.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 52% more pixels |
| Sensor Area | 858.01 mm2 vs 372.88 mm2 | 56.5% larger pixel area |
| Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
| Continuous Shooting | 12 fps vs 7 fps | 5 fps faster |
| Number Of Focus Points | 273 vs 51 | 222 more focus points |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
| Screen Resolution | 2,100k dots vs 920k dots | 56.2% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Weight | 675 g vs 938 g | 263 g lighter |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1280 x 720 | Higher Resolution Video |
| Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8 vs 0.63 | 0.17 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D300S and Nikon Z 6
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic | 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 |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
Nikon D300S vs Nikon Z 6: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
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 Z 6 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 Z 6 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 263g less than the Nikon D300S. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D300S and Nikon Z 6 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
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 Z 6 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 Z 6, in its turn, comes with a 25.0 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 Z 6 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon Z 6 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.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D300S and Nikon Z 6 Suitable?
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 Z 6 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 Z 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D300S for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon Z 6 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (25 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
Nikon D300S for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large APS-C(23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (950 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (147 x 114 x 74 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon Z 6 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Image Stabilization
- Large Full frame(35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (134 x 101 x 68 mm)
Nikon D300S for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (51)
- Big size (147 x 114 x 74 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (7.0 fps)
- Bad Low Light ISO (787)
Nikon Z 6 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Continuous Shooting (12.0 fps)
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (273)
- Big size (134 x 101 x 68 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Small battery life (330 shots)
Nikon D300S for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (938 g)
- Big size (147 x 114 x 74 mm)
Nikon Z 6 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (675 g)
- Big size (134 x 101 x 68 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D300S for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (12.2)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (12 MP)
- Bad Low Light ISO (787)
Nikon Z 6 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (25 MP)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Nikon D300S vs Nikon Z 6: Final Verdict
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 Z 6, 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 Z 6 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon Z 6 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.
Nikon D300S vs Nikon Z 6 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D300S | Nikon Z 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D300S | Z 6 |
| Announced | Nov 16, 2009 | Aug 23, 2018 |
| Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | Full frame |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8 mm | 35.9 x 23.9 mm |
| Sensor Area | 372.88 mm2 | 858.01 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 25.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 6048 x 4024 |
| Max Native ISO | 3,200 | 51,200 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 6,400 | 204,800 |
| Min Native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 3 |
| 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 | 273 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ |
| Screen Resolution | 920k dots | 2,100k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 3,690k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.63 | 0.8 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 7.0 fps | 12.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 12 | 0 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (24 fps), 320 x 240 (24 fps) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Video Formats | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 1 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 938 g | 675 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 147 x 114 x 74 mm | 134 x 101 x 68 mm |
| Battery Life | 950 shots | 330 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL3e | n/a |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | |
| Storage Type | Compact Flash Type I/SD/SDHC | XQD card |
| Storage Slots | 2 | 1 |
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