• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  •  
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D300S
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
Links
Prices: Compare Prices  
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D300
D300 vs D300S
Panasonic G2
G2 vs G3
Successor: Nikon D500
D300S vs D500
Panasonic G5
G3 vs G5
General
Model Number: D300S G3
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $1799.95 $699.99
Street Price: $1,696.95  
Date Available: 2009-08-31 2011-06-21
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 33.5 oz (951 g)
includes batteries
20.6 oz (583 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.
(147 x 114 x 74 mm)
4.5 x 3.3 x 1.8 in.
(115 x 84 x 47 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 12.3 16.0
Sensor Format: APS-C 4/3
Sensor size: 372.88mm2 (23.60mm x 15.80mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.50 microns 3.77 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 70 56
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.5 21.0
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.2 10.6
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 787 667
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4288 x 2848 (12.2 MP, Other),
3216 x 2136 (6.9 MP, Other),
2144 x 1424 (3.1 MP, Other)
4592 x 3448 (15.8 MP, 4:3),
4576 x 3056 (14.0 MP, 3:2),
4576 x 2576 (11.8 MP, 16:9),
3424 x 3424 (11.7 MP, 1:1),
3232 x 2424 (7.8 MP, 4:3),
3232 x 2160 (7.0 MP, 3:2),
3232 x 1824 (5.9 MP, Other),
2416 x 2416 (5.8 MP, 1:1),
2272 x 1704 (3.9 MP, 4:3),
2272 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.21), NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; RAW+JPEG, TIFF JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 7.1 3.4
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (24)
640x424 (24)
320x216 (24)
1920x1080 (60i/​50i)
1280x720 (60/​50/​30)
640x480 (30)
320x240 (30)
Movie File Format: AVI Motion JPEG AVCHD (H.264), MotionJPEG
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes No
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Micro Four Thirds
Lens: n/a Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Lumix G VARIO MEGA O.I.S
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   28 - 84mm
Focal Length (actual):   14 - 42mm
Zoom Ratio:   3.00x
Aperture Range:   f/3.5 - 22 (wide) / f.5.6 - 22 (tele)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   30 cm to Infinity
11.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 52.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a 2x or 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 51 point (15 cross-type sensors) TTL phase detection with 3D focus tracking by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint Touch (1- area-focusing in Face detection, AF Tracking, Multi-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type: eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x mag., 19.5mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopter EVF; 1,440K dots eq., 1.4x mag., 17.5mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a  
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.63x 0.70x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.94x 1.40x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 460,000 dots
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 27.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: Yes No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 3200  
Minimum ISO (native): 200  
ISO Settings: Auto, ISO 200-3200, Lo-1=100, Hi-1=6400 Auto, 160-6400 Intelligent ISO
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, 7 manual modes with fine tuning, color temperature Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: N/A Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Architecture, Sports, Peripheral Defocus, Flower, Food, Objects,,Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illiminatioms, Baby 1, 2, Pet, Party, Sunset
Self Timer: 2 to 20 seconds 2, 10, 10 (3 images) seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes  
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Front-Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, and Rear-Curtain Sync; supports Advanced Wireless Lighting system Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. 8.3 m / 27.2 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Lens dependent
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe, Sync Terminal Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure  
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / SD / SDHC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory: Dual slots, CF+SD  
Dual Card Slots: Yes No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; RAW+JPEG, TIFF RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: AVI Motion JPEG AVCHD (H.264), MotionJPEG
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional wired Optional DMW-RSL1 cable remote
Connections (extended): Type-C HDMI Out, DC In, PC Sync, 10-pin Remote Terminal Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm remote socket, combined AV/USB connector
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.48 0.66
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.48 0.67
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited 9
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.47  
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 7.1 3.4
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 26 7
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 7.1  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 17  
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 7.1  
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 15  
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.23 seconds 0.29 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):   0.30 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): 0.47 seconds  
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): 0.053 seconds  
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.150 seconds 0.091 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.27 seconds 0.57 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.053 seconds 0.080 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Live View lags Hand-held mode Phase-detect AF: 0.473s Hand-held mode Prefocused: 0.053s Tripod mode Contrast-detect AF: 2.5s Tripod mode Prefocused: 0.419s Full Autofocus lag: Multi-area AF mode, Wide Angle = 0.294s Quick AF mode, Wide Angle = 0.297s
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 1.4 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.3 seconds 0.8 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 1.7 seconds 5.5 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   270 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 950 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL3e, optional MB-D10 battery pack Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium Ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL3e Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: PictureProject CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.2 HD Edition, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial), USB Driver
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS X  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Upgrade to D300 adding 720p HD movies, faster burst rate, and other minor improvements. 16-megapixel Sensor, Improved High ISO IQ, Faster AF, Metal Body, 1920x1080 HD Movies, Articulating Touch-screen LCD, 2.5mm Remote Socket, Mini HDMI Type-C Connector. Available in black, brown, red or white.