Nikon D4 vs Nikon D300
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D4 and Nikon D300. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D4 were released 2012 and Nikon D300 was released 2006. That is a 6 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D4 | 2012 |
Nikon D300 | 2006 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D4 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D300 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D4 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
Nikon D300 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** 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 D4 has a 16,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D300 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D4 |
16,2 MP
16163840 pixels 4928 x 3280 |
Nikon D300 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon D4 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 D4 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D300. Nikon D4 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 204800 while Nikon D300 has 200 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D4 | 100-204800 |
Nikon D300 | 200-6400 |
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 D4
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D4 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D4 | 11 |
Nikon D300 | 6 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D4. Unfortunately Nikon D300 does not support recording movies and movie clips.
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 D4 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 45% heavier than Nikon D300 and its 925 gr (or 2.04 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D4 | 1340 gr 2.95 lb |
Nikon D300 | 925 gr 2.04 lb |
Nikon D4 vs Nikon D300 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D4 and Nikon D300, 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 D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Name | Nikon D4 | Nikon D300 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Release Year | 2012 | 2006 |
Release Date | 2012-01-06 | 2007-08-23 |
MSRP | 5999 USD | 1799 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Sensor Size |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4928 x 3280 pixels | 4288 x 2848 pixels |
Megapixels | 16,2 MP | 12,3 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED |
Image |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
ISO Range | 100 - 204800 | 200 - 6400 |
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 | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 51 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
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 |
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 |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3,2” | 3” |
Screen dots | 921000 | 922000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | TFT color LCD with brightness control | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7× | 0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Frames per second | 11 fps | 6 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Average |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Video recording | Yes | No |
Video format |
MPEG4 H.264 |
N/A |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | No |
Storage |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash XQD |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Optional via WT-5, WT-5A |
No |
Remote Control | Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal) | Yes (Optional) |
GPS |
Yes GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon D300 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | N/A | 1000 shots |
Width | 160 mm | 147 mm |
Height | 157 mm | 114 mm |
Depth | 91 mm | 74 mm |
Weight | 1340 gram | 925 gram |