• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D300S
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A77
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D300
D300 vs D300S
 
Successor: Nikon D500
D300S vs D500
Sony A77 II
A77 vs A77 II
General
Model Number: D300S A77
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR SLR
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $1799.95 $1999.99
Street Price: $1,696.95 $1,899.00
Date Available: 2009-08-31 2011-10-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 33.5 oz (951 g)
includes batteries
48.1 oz (1,363 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.
(147 x 114 x 74 mm)
5.6 x 4.1 x 3.2 in.
(143 x 104 x 81 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Sony
Effective Megapixels: 12.3 24.3
Sensor Format: APS-C APS-C
Sensor size: 372.88mm2 (23.60mm x 15.80mm) 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.50 microns 3.95 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 70 78
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.5 24.0
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.2 13.2
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 787 801
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)
6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9),
4240 x 2832 (12.0 MP, 3:2),
4240 x 2400 (10.2 MP, Other),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other),
2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 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 (EXIF 2.3), MPO (3D), 12-bit RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 7.1 11.6
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (24)
640x424 (24)
320x216 (24)
1920x1080 (60p/​28Mbps/​PS or 60i/​24Mbps/​FX or 60i/​17Mbps/​FH or 24p/​24Mbps/​FX or 24p/​17Mbps/​FH)
1440x1080 (30p/​12Mbps)
640x480 (30p/​3Mbps)
Movie File Format: AVI Motion JPEG AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio :Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Sony Alpha (Minolta A)
Lens: n/a Sony 16-50mm f/2.8 DT SSM (SAL1650)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   24 - 75mm
Focal Length (actual):   16 - 50mm
Zoom Ratio:   3.13x
Aperture Range:   f/2.8 - f/22 (W/T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   30 cm to Infinity
11.8 in to Infinity
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 1.4x / 2x
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 Phase Detection: 19 points (11 points cross type); Wide (auto, 19 points), Zone, Spot, Local
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 type; 1.3cm (0.5") 2,359K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.09x mag., 22mm eyepoint, -4 to +3 diopter
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 2,359,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.63x 0.73x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.94x 1.09x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 27.0x 13.6x
Top Deck Display: Yes Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 3200 16000
Minimum ISO (native): 200 100
ISO Settings: Auto, ISO 200-3200, Lo-1=100, Hi-1=6400 Auto (100-12800 with selectable limits), 50 (expanded), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000. (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, 7 manual modes with fine tuning, color temperature Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm white/Cool white/Day white/Daylight), Flash, C. Temp 2500 to 9900K, C Filter G7 to M7 (15-step), Custom, AWB micro adjustment
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 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 1200-zone Evaluative, 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 Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Auto HDR, Sweep Panorama (2D/3D)
Self Timer: 2 to 20 seconds 2, 10; 3 or 5 frames after 10 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, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync (with external flash), Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent GN=12(m) at ISO 100; Range is lens aperture dependent
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/250
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 Proprietary Hot Shoe, PC Sync Terminal
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure Full TTL exposure
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / SD / SDHC MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / 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 12-bit RAW (ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: AVI Motion JPEG AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio :Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo
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 Yes
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
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 Wireless or Wired
Connections (extended): Type-C HDMI Out, DC In, PC Sync, 10-pin Remote Terminal Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.48 0.42
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.48 0.42
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited 5
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.47 0.42
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 7.1 11.6
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 26 17
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 7.1 11.6
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 17 14
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 7.1 11.6
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 15 13
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.23 seconds 0.12 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 0.085 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.27 seconds 0.33 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.053 seconds 0.054 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 AF, Wide-area mode = 0.119s
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.3 seconds 1.0 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 1.7 seconds 3.2 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   530 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 950 shots 470 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL3e, optional MB-D10 battery pack Proprietary NP-FM500H
Usable Battery Types: Lithium Ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL3e Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H 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 Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter 4)
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS X Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.5 +); PMB is Windows only
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Upgrade to D300 adding 720p HD movies, faster burst rate, and other minor improvements. SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization, Articulating LCD, 1080p HD Video, Auto+, Multi-frame NR, Hand-held Twilight, Auto HDR, Picture Effect, D-Range Optimizer, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama, Smile Shutter, DOF Preview, 12fps Burst Mode, Built-in GPS.