Nikon D80 vs Nikon D300

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D80 and Nikon D300. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D80

Nikon D300

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

These two camera models were both released 2006.

Camera	Released
Nikon D80	2006
Nikon D300	2006

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D80	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
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 D80 has a 10 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 D80	10 MP 10036224 pixels 3872 x 2592
Nikon D300	12,3 MP 12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848

Nikon D300 has a 22 % larger resolution than Nikon D80. 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 D300 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D80. Nikon D300 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D80 has 100 to 3200.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D80	100-3200
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 D80
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 D80 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D80	3
Nikon D300	6

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D80 or Nikon D300 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 38% heavier than Nikon D80 and its 668 gr (or 1.47 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D80	668 gr 1.47 lb
Nikon D300	925 gr 2.04 lb