Nikon D80 vs Nikon D300s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D80 and Nikon D300s. 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

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.

** 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 D300s has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D300s 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 D300s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D80. Nikon D300s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D80 has 100 to 3200.

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 D300s

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 D300s can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D300s. Sadly, the Nikon D80 does not support this.

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 D300s weighs 938 gr (equal to 2.07 lb) which is 40% heavier than Nikon D80 and its 668 gr (or 1.47 lb).

Nikon D80 vs Nikon D300s Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D80 and Nikon D300s, 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 D80	Nikon D300s
Name	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Release Year	2006	2009
Release Date	2006-08-09	2009-07-30
MSRP	999 USD	1799 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type	CCD	CMOS
Resolution	3872 x 2592 pixels	4288 x 2848 pixels
Megapixels	10 MP	12,3 MP
Image Processor	Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
ISO Range	100 - 3200	200 - 6400
White Balance Presets	6	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	11	51
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	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 D80	Nikon D300s
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	2,5”	3”
Screen dots	230000	920000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view	No	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.95× (0.63× 35mm equiv.)	0.94× (0.63× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Frames per second	3 fps	7 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	13 meters	12 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Video recording	No	Yes
Video format	N/A	Motion JPEG
Video resolution	N/A	1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone	No	Yes
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
HDMI Output	No	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	Yes Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control	Yes (Optional (ML-L3 or MC-DC1))	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)
GPS	No	Yes Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D80	Nikon D300s
Enviromentally sealed	No	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Nikon EN-EL3e Lithium-Ion battery	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	600 shots	950 shots
Width	132 mm	147 mm
Height	103 mm	114 mm
Depth	77 mm	74 mm
Weight	668 gram	938 gram