• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D300S
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D300
D300 vs D300S
Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3
Successor: Nikon D500
D300S vs D500
Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4
General
Model Number: D300S GH3
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $1799.95 $1299.99
Street Price: $1,696.95 $797.99
Date Available: 2009-08-31 2012-12-30
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 33.5 oz (951 g)
includes batteries
19.6 oz (555 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.
(147 x 114 x 74 mm)
5.2 x 3.7 x 3.2 in.
(133 x 93 x 82 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 16.1
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 3.75 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 71
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.5 22.7
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.2 12.4
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 787 812
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)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other),
2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1744 x 1744 (3.0 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),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.21), NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; RAW+JPEG, TIFF JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 7.1 6.1
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (24)
640x424 (24)
320x216 (24)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (Slow: 60p/​50p/​30p)
1920x1080 (Fast: 15p/​12p/​8p)
Movie File Format: AVI Motion JPEG MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Micro Four Thirds
Lens: n/a n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):    
Focal Length (actual):    
Zoom Ratio:    
Aperture Range:    
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:    
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio
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 (Full area touch is available)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type: SLR type: eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x mag., 19.5mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopter EVF: 1,746K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a 1,746,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.63x 0.67x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.94x 1.34x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 614,000 dots (204,600 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 27.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: Yes No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 3200 12800
Minimum ISO (native): 200 200
ISO Settings: Auto, ISO 200-3200, Lo-1=100, Hi-1=6400 Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 125 and ISO 25600; Up to ISO 3200 in Auto
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, 7 manual modes with fine tuning, color temperature Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, 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 Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome
Self Timer: 2 to 20 seconds 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes 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 (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups)
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200)
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe, Sync Terminal Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure  
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / SD / SDHC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
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 MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional wired Optional wired DMW-RSL1
Connections (extended): Type-C HDMI Out, DC In, PC Sync, 10-pin Remote Terminal Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.48 0.48
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.48 0.48
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.47 0.46
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 7.1 6.1
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 26 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 7.1 5.1
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 17 24
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 7.1 5.2
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 15 20
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.23 seconds 0.21 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
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 0.086 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.27 seconds 0.38 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.053 seconds 0.079 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 = 0.202s
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.3 seconds 0.7 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 1.7 seconds 4.1 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   540 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 7.2v 1860 mAh 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 Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No No
Software
Included Software: PictureProject CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.5 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial)
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS X  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Upgrade to D300 adding 720p HD movies, faster burst rate, and other minor improvements.