Nikon D300SFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 53 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment64%
PROS 64%
CONS 36%

Rank based on 53 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a tough, well-built APS-C DSLR mainly for stills photography
  • You can find one cheap secondhand (often $50-250) with lenses or accessories
  • You value classic DSLR ergonomics, AF-D lens compatibility, and straight-out-of-camera image quality

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need good video capability (only 720p, widely called horrible)
  • You regularly shoot in low light or need clean images above ISO 1600
  • You're sensitive to camera weight, as the body is notably heavy

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
31Budget
Nikon D300S
Excellent value secondhandGreat image quality and tonality straight from cameraRugged, robust buildPoor video capabilityHeavy bodyNoisy high ISO / low-light performance
Nikon D300S
Excellent value secondhand
Great image quality and tonality straight from camera
Rugged, robust build
Poor video capability
Heavy body
Noisy high ISO / low-light performance

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A bargain-priced classic pro DSLR that keeps impressing owners. Commenters repeatedly describe scoring the D300S secondhand for very little money, sometimes with extra lenses, batteries, grips or tripods thrown in. Prices mentioned range from around $20-250, often including accessories. Many call it 'stealing' or a 'banger deal' compared to similarly priced alternatives like the D700, D7000 or Canon 7D, though a few argue the plain D300 or a D700 can be better value.

Rugged build and excellent stills performance keep users loyal. Owners praise the magnesium-alloy body, robust feel, reliable autofocus (even outperforming the D7000 in low light per one user), and pleasing straight-out-of-camera tonality and color. Several photographers who now own much newer cameras like the Z9 or D500 say they still enjoy shooting with the D300S for fun, citing its handling, shutter feel and button layout as reasons they keep returning to it.

Video and high-ISO low-light shooting are the camera's clear weak points. Multiple commenters explicitly warn the D300S is 'not for video,' citing poor 720p quality and no IBIS, recommending a phone instead for video needs. Others note that while daylight images are excellent, cranking ISO above 1600 introduces noise and noise-reduction smearing, making it less suited to challenging low-light or high-ISO situations compared to full-frame siblings like the D700 or D3s.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?