Nikon D300From real comments

Verdict distilled from 64 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment80%
PROS 80%
CONS 20%

Rank based on 64 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want pro-level build quality and controls at a bargain used price
  • You shoot with older manual or screw-drive Nikkor lenses
  • You mainly shoot outdoors, sports, or wildlife in good light

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong performance above ISO 1600 or in low light
  • You want video features or higher resolution than 12MP
  • You want a lightweight, compact everyday carry camera

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Olympus E-1
Exceptional ergonomicsKodak CCD color renderingIconic shutter soundNoisy high-ISO performanceDated autofocusRising secondhand prices
Olympus E-1
Exceptional ergonomics
Kodak CCD color rendering
Iconic shutter sound
Noisy high-ISO performance
Dated autofocus
Rising secondhand prices
Best value
2Mid
Nikon D500
Fast, reliable autofocusBalanced resolution and file sizeExtra reach from crop sensor for wildlife/telephoto workBattery drain from WiFiWeaker than full-frame in studio and low-light landscape workBlown highlights and cropping limits on distant subjects
Nikon D500
Fast, reliable autofocus
Balanced resolution and file size
Extra reach from crop sensor for wildlife/telephoto work
Battery drain from WiFi
Weaker than full-frame in studio and low-light landscape work
Blown highlights and cropping limits on distant subjects
3Budget
Nikon D3
Exceptional color and tonal qualityOutstanding build quality and reliabilityExcellent ergonomics and designHeavy and bulkyWeak or absent video featuresLoud shutter and low discretion
Nikon D3
Exceptional color and tonal quality
Outstanding build quality and reliability
Excellent ergonomics and design
Heavy and bulky
Weak or absent video features
Loud shutter and low discretion
4Budget
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
Affordable valueLightweight and portableBeginner-friendly and intuitiveAutofocus noise with non-STM lensesLimited timelapse presetsNo in-body image stabilization
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
Affordable value
Lightweight and portable
Beginner-friendly and intuitive
Autofocus noise with non-STM lenses
Limited timelapse presets
No in-body image stabilization
5Mid
Nikon D4
Exceptional durability and build qualityOutstanding image quality and color renditionGreat value on the used marketHeavy and bulkyLimited resolution for some usesCostly shutter and body repairs
Nikon D4
Exceptional durability and build quality
Outstanding image quality and color rendition
Great value on the used market
Heavy and bulky
Limited resolution for some uses
Costly shutter and body repairs
6Mid
Nikon D750
Comfortable ergonomics and gripExcellent image quality and dynamic rangeGreat value and price pointDated autofocus systemErgonomic quirks and control layout complaintsConfusing or overwhelming menu system
Nikon D750
Comfortable ergonomics and grip
Excellent image quality and dynamic range
Great value and price point
Dated autofocus system
Ergonomic quirks and control layout complaints
Confusing or overwhelming menu system
7Premium
Nikon D850
Image Quality & Dynamic RangeF-mount Lens CompatibilityReliability & Build QualityHeavy WeightAF Fine-Tuning Quirks with Older LensesExpensive Accessories
Nikon D850
Image Quality & Dynamic Range
F-mount Lens Compatibility
Reliability & Build Quality
Heavy Weight
AF Fine-Tuning Quirks with Older Lenses
Expensive Accessories
8Premium
Canon EOS-1D X
Great value on the used marketRugged, tank-like buildExcellent image quality and color scienceHigh original priceOutdated autofocus vs modern mirrorlessHeavy and bulky
Canon EOS-1D X
Great value on the used market
Rugged, tank-like build
Excellent image quality and color science
High original price
Outdated autofocus vs modern mirrorless
Heavy and bulky
9Budget
Nikon D3000
Natural CCD color rendering
Nikon D3000
Natural CCD color rendering
10Mid
Nikon D5500
Good for BeginnersSharp Image QualityLightweight and PortableWeak Kit LensAutofocus InconsistenciesLimited Video Features
Nikon D5500
Good for Beginners
Sharp Image Quality
Lightweight and Portable
Weak Kit Lens
Autofocus Inconsistencies
Limited Video Features
You are here
24Budget
Nikon D300
Great value on the used marketExcellent image quality and color scienceTank-like build qualityWeak high ISO/low-light performanceHeavy bodyOccasional autofocus misses
Nikon D300
Great value on the used market
Excellent image quality and color science
Tank-like build quality
Weak high ISO/low-light performance
Heavy body
Occasional autofocus misses

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners consistently praise the D300's rugged, pro-grade build and ergonomics. Many commenters call it 'built like a tank,' with weather sealing, a solid grip, and a pro control layout that keeps them reaching for it over newer bodies. Several note it shares batteries, grips, and cards with the D700/D3, reinforcing its pro-family feel. The weight is frequently mentioned, sometimes as a downside for casual carry, but as a sign of durability overall.

Image quality and color rendering are the camera's standout strength. Numerous users describe a distinctive, filmic look with pleasing colors and skin tones, comparing it favorably to the D700, D3, and even newer higher-megapixel cameras. Several say 12MP is more than enough for their prints and uses, including 30x40cm or 16x20in prints. Some prefer its output over their own D7000, D600, or D7100 bodies.

Low-light and high-ISO performance is the camera's clearest limitation. Multiple owners report noisy or messy shadows and degraded quality above ISO 1600, making it a weaker choice for late-evening or indoor low-light shooting such as bird photography. A couple of users also mention occasional autofocus misses or hunting that a modern camera would likely avoid. Despite this, most consider it an acceptable tradeoff given the camera's age and price.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?