Nikon D300 vs. Nikon D300s : Features And Capabilities

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Now, let's talk about the D300 and the D300s:

Sensor: Both have the 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor

LCD: Both have the 3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor

Continuous shooting: The D300 shoots from 6 frames per second.  The D300s shoots up to Continuous Shooting up to 7 fps.  It is up to the consumer to decide what “up to” and “from” means when comparing this feature.

ISO: Both have Noise ISO Sensitivity ranges from 200 to 3200.  Additional expanded ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent).

Focusing Points: Both have 51-point Autofocus

Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS) Is available as a feature in both cameras.

Both cameras have the Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System

Now, what I noticed between the two cameras is the D300s has:

D-Movie HD Video Capabilities.  The D300s can Capture cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips WITH Auto Focus capabilities.  I have not actually taken a video with the D300s, but I understand that, unlike the D90, the D300s has the ability to shoot video AND autofocus (where as the D90 does not autofocus during video capture).  The movies are captured in AVI format.

The D300s has Dual memory card slots (CF and SD).  The D300 has only the CF.

The D300s and the D300 have continuous shooting options known as CH (continuous high) and CL (continuous low).  The D300s has the capability of 7 and 6 frames per second (CH=7fps and CL=6fps).  The D300 can shoot 6 and 5 (respectfully).

And…well…that’s it!  I could line up the features that each camera has, but why?  They are the same with the exceptions of the above features.  I have the D300 and have been super happy with it.  Currently, the D300 is still for sale and most likely will be until the supply dwindles and the D300s will take it’s place for the next two years (I am assuming based on Nikon’s past release dates of new cameras).

At that point, the D400 may make its way to the front line (an assumption you understand).

Except for the video feature, the cameras are the same.  Well, the extra SD card slot is pretty cool, but who needs an SD card slot?  I don’t like keeping up with memory cards as it is not to mention different kinds of cards.

The D300s may need that extra memory card slot for the extra memory required to shoot video.  The D300 does not shoot video.

Summary: 

If you are shooting with the D80, D70, D70s, D40 and so on and wanted to upgrade to a more powerful camera with TONS of features not found on Nikon’s “lesser” models, then yes, get a D300s and NOT the D300 (unless you can get a GREAT deal on the D300 and do not care about the video feature).

If you are shooting with the D300 and want to upgrade, my suggestion is to save your money and get a lens.  Yep, the D300s will be replaced in a couple of years (or maybe just one) and the D400 will make its way to the store shelves (I am only assuming you know.  I do not have any actual information that there will be a D400).  That is when we will see a bigger difference between the models.