Nikon D300 vs Nikon Df

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D300 and Nikon Df. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D300 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon Df has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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 D300 has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Df has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon Df has a 32 % 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 Df has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300. Nikon Df has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D300 has 200 to 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 D300
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Df

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Nikon D300 or Nikon Df can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

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 22% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Nikon D300 vs Nikon Df Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D300 and Nikon Df, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Name	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Release Year	2006	2013
Release Date	2007-08-23	2013-11-05
MSRP	1799 USD	2749 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4288 x 2848 pixels	4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels	12,3 MP	16 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED 3
Image	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
ISO Range	200 - 6400	100 - 12800
White Balance Presets	12	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW + TIFF	RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	51	39
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3,2”
Screen dots	922000	921000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.)	0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Frames per second	6 fps	5,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	12 meters	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Average	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Video recording	No	No
Video format	N/A	N/A
Video resolution	N/A	N/A
Built-in Microphone	No	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Memory Card	Compact Flash	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	Yes Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote Control	Yes (Optional)	Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
GPS	Yes Optional through GP-1	Yes Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D300	Nikon Df
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger	EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	1000 shots	1400 shots
Width	147 mm	144 mm
Height	114 mm	110 mm
Depth	74 mm	67 mm
Weight	925 gram	760 gram