Nikon
D300
 vs
Nikon
D7000

Nikon D7000

69
Winner

Nikon D7000
"The D7000's Live View is certainly quite functional as a basic means of framing for stills and video shooting, as long as you understand its limitations"
dpreview.com | talking about the D7000's video-quality
"The 'feel' of the new camera is far closer to the D300S though, thanks to its heavy-duty magnesium alloy construction."
dpreview.com | talking about the D7000's build-quality

Reasons to buy the Nikon D7000

Dynamic range
 Wide dynamic range
13.9 EV
Weather sealed
 Weather sealed
Shoot in extreme weather
Movie continuous focus
 Movie continuous focus
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Badge
 Autofocuses shooting video
Contrast detection
Focus points
 Many focus points
39
Viewfinder coverage
 Great viewfinder coverage
100%
Nikon D300

59
Runner-up

Nikon D300
"Very good resolution and detail without looking over-processed"
dpreview.com | talking about the D300's image-quality
"You really have to pick up the D300 to appreciate how nicely it fits into your hand, the ergonomics are great and the soft rubber used on the grip ensures holding the camera steady is an easy task."
dpreview.com | talking about the D300's feel

Reasons to buy the Nikon D300

Weather sealed
 Weather sealed
Shoot in extreme weather
Focus points
 Many focus points
51
Viewfinder coverage
 Great viewfinder coverage
100%
Badge
 Built-in focus motor
Autofocuses with more lenses
Fastest shutter speed
 Fast shutter speed
1/8000 of a second

differences

Advantages of the Nikon D300
Focus points More focus points 51 vs 39
Help
 Set focus accurately within the frame
Cross type focus points More cross-type focus points 15 vs 9
Help
 Grab focus in difficult situations
Startup delay Slightly less startup delay 300 ms vs 400 ms
Help
 Around 30% less delay when turning on
Shutter lag Slightly less shutter lag 227 ms vs 238 ms
Help
 Almost the same
Thickness Thinner 2.9" vs 3"
Help
 Almost the same
Nikon D300 Learn more about
the Nikon D300

Advantages of the Nikon D7000
Overall image quality Significantly better image quality 80.0 vs 67.0
Help
 Around 20% better image quality
Movie format Shoots movies 1080p @ 24fps vs None
Help
 Shoots Full HD (1080p) video as well as still pictures
Color depth Better color depth 23.5 bits vs 22.1 bits
Help
 Distinguishes 1.4 more bits of color
Low light performance Lower noise at high ISO 1,167 ISO vs 679 ISO
Help
 The D7000 has a slight edge (0.8 f-stops) in low noise, high ISO performance
Dynamic range More dynamic range 13.9 EV vs 12 EV
Help
 1.9 f-stops more dynamic range
Autofocus Video autofocus Contrast detection vs None
Help
 Automatically focuses shooting video
True resolution Higher true resolution 16.1 MP vs 12.2 MP
Help
 Capture more than 30% more detail in your photos
Storage slots Has more storage slots 2 vs 1
Help
 More slots allows storing more images without switching memory cards
Light sensitivity Better maximum light sensitivity 6,400 ISO vs 3,200 ISO
Help
 The D7000's maximum light sensitivity is 1 f-stop better
Size Smaller 132x105x77 mm vs 147x114x74 mm
Help
 More than 10% smaller
Light sensitivity (boost) Better boost ISO 25,600 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
Help
 The D7000's boost ISO is 2 f-stops better
Weight Lighter 780 g vs 925 g
Help
 Around 20% lighter
Nikon D7000 Learn more about
the Nikon D7000
vs

recommendations

Relative to the best recent DSLRs, and ignoring price

Nikon D300 Nikon D300
59 vs 69
Explain scores
Nikon D7000 Nikon D7000
Green arrow Snapsort recommends the Nikon D7000. This recommendation, however, should be taken with a grain of salt since it doesn't always make sense to compare a pro DSLR with a entry-level DSLR.

advice

Need help deciding?

Ask the community!
I am considering either the D300 or the D7000,
For example: Taking photos in low light or great family photos or ability to take great photos underwater

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One person recommends the Nikon D60:

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similarities

Compared to recent DSLRs

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
169 lenses
Weather sealed Weather sealed Help
Shoot in extreme weather
Focus points Many focus points Help
D300:51
D7000:39
Viewfinder Both have pentaprism viewfinders Help
Pentaprism
Viewfinder coverage Above average viewfinder coverage Help
100%
Fastest shutter speed Fast max shutter speeds Help
1/8000 of a second
HDR Neither has in-camera HDR Help
You could do HDR manually
Screen flips out No flip-out screens Help
Less flexible
Image stabilization No image stabilization Help
Risk of blur
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
D300:3,200 ISO
D7000:6,400 ISO

dxomark

DXOMark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100

Entry-level DSLR

$500 - $597 body only

$600 - $697 with 18-55mm lens
Screen flips out Has a screen which flips out
HDR Has in-camera HDR
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the D5100 vs the D300
Compare the D5100 vs the D7000
Canon EOS 7D

Canon EOS 7D

Pro DSLR

$1,549 - $1,821 body only

$1,620 - $1,849 with 18-135mm lens
Continuous shooting Shoots faster continuously
Shutter lag Has slightly less shutter lag
Focus points Has slightly fewer focus points
Dynamic range Has slightly narrower dynamic range
Compare the EOS 7D vs the D300
Compare the EOS 7D vs the D7000
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$848 - $1,304 body only

$1,177 - $1,342 with 18-135mm lens
Screen flips out Has a screen which flips out
Thickness Is thicker
Viewfinder coverage Significantly less viewfinder coverage
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D300
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D7000
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$897 body only

$1,047 with 55-200mm lens
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the D90 vs the D300
Compare the D90 vs the D7000
Nikon D700

Nikon D700

Pro DSLR

$2,649 body only
Low light performance Is significantly less noisy at high ISO
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the D700 vs the D300
Compare the D700 vs the D7000
Nikon D300S

Nikon D300S

Pro DSLR

$1,690 - $1,700 body only

$2,547 - $4,295 with 18-200mm lens
Weight Is slightly heavier
Compare the D300S vs the D300
Compare the D300S vs the D7000
Nikon D800

Nikon D800

Pro DSLR

$2,999 - $3,000 body only
Low light performance Is much less noisy at high ISO
Overall image quality Has significantly better image quality
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the D800 vs the D300
Compare the D800 vs the D7000

Nikon D300 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Nikon D300.

Nikon D7000 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Nikon D7000.

appearance

Nikon D300 Nikon D7000
Nikon D300 Nikon D7000
Nikon D300 Nikon D7000

discussion

Showing 20 comments

Avr (3:39 PM, April 12, 2012)
 Sorry Andrew - but you are talking about a different camera. the "S" was an upgrade to the D300, and thus your comparisons and complaints do not apply
 
Avr (3:37 PM, April 12, 2012)
This comparison was based on the D300 NOT the D300S (as ess-whole).   I seem to recall the "S" was an upgrade to the D300, and as such the "S" is a different camera. Those making reference to the capabilities of the 300-ESS (S) are in the wrong comparison page.
 
Jberry3479 (10:09 PM, January 23, 2012)
They both have their place. I actually use both the D300 and D7000. Dont laugh but I even have a D3000 that is my throw in a backpack and take everywhere camera. ( Its cheaper to replace ) They all do a great job, and they all have their pitfalls. I would never even think of trying to use the 3000 or 7000 to shoot a motocross race just like I would never take the 300 or 7000 in to some of the high tight places Ive climbed. It all depends on what you do, how you do it and what your comfortable with. Good friend of mine has a 7000 and I can get better quality with the 3000 then he can with the 7000 just because Im not afraid to play with settings.
 
Avatar for Jermar46375 Jermar46375 (1:48 PM, January 07, 2012)
Thanks for the many reviews I have read.  I currently own a D5000 which I would like to upgrade. My "hobbyist" shooting has now turned very dedicated as I am shooting sports freelance.   I have a Nikon 80-200 F/2.8 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 which both work well with my D5000 body.     Before I read all the posts here, I was excited about the D7000.  But now I am taking everyones comments to heart.    I am torn between the D7000 refurbished at about $1000, the D300 refurbished at about $1600 and a few D3's refurbished somewhere in the $3,500 range.    My preference is for the D3 then I can eliminate all the guesswork.   I currently shoot at 4 fps with the D5000.   The D300 and D7000 shoot in the area of 6-7 fps.    This would certainly be great.    The D3 shoots 9-11 fps from what I have read.    

I shoot high school and grade school sports of all kinds.   Sometimes the gym's lighting is less than spectacular.    Keeping cost in mind, between the D7000, D300 and D3 I would like to hear from you as to which body is the best for my work.     Thanks...
 
Thesniper41stelite (9:10 AM, December 20, 2011)
Never saw a D7000 in the sandbox. Saw a 84C20  throw his Nikon D300s under a moving LAV because it had sand in it. Just about anything would get sand in it after time. Besides, my M4 did a lot better shooting of haji then any of the "shoot and hide" cameramen. Next time, stay home photo whores!
 
Ishaan_8 (11:36 PM, December 05, 2011)
Hi Andrew,can u tell me whch does have a sharper image quality between d300s and d7000,im vry confused which one to go for....
 
Chris (1:41 AM, October 28, 2011)
i read this all over the web.  here is the deal...

first, i think the review was completely based on a "consumer" perspective.  i shoot professionally and can say that the D7000, without a doubt, is a great camera.  it beats the D300s in many ways.  my main body is a D700.  i have a D300s as a backup and got rid of my D7000.  Why?  easy, because when you shoot as a pro, especially weddings, you WORK FAST.  i have 2 bodies going (24-70mm and 70-200mm) during a shoot and when going back and forth it's nice to have finger memory for ISO, EV, etc..  I may change the exposure compensation or ISO shot to shot.  the D700 is easy.  the D7000 makes it harder to find.  to ME, 1-2 stops better ISO or 1080p video is not that important.  if i need a shot with the D300s at 3200 then no big deal.  i will get the shot and use NEAT Image to clean it up in post.  it's about capturing the  moments.  also, bodies take a beating when you throw it down and run to catch something important.  i have tossed my cameras.  the D7000 will not take that punishment long...the D300s will.

you see, it's all about the target audience.  the D7000 is an AMAZING camera, but you won't see many pros using them except for maybe video.  Chase Jarvis has a few...FOR VIDEO.

if you are someone that relies mostly on images captured in camera and never post-process then the D7000 is the King of all Point and shoots wrapped in a DSLR body.  if you are a pro or semi-pro then you are probably shooting with a D700, D3, or D3s.  the D300s makes a great backup camera or a great body for a 1.5x crop.  the D300 will feel like the pro bodies and make the transition easier to use in a fast shoot.

in closing, there is no argument...they are both GREAT BODIES.  neither is "better."  if you are asking the question then you need to shoot more and make more pictures.  stop worrying about bodies unless it matters to your business.  a D3100 will produce the same image quality in good light.
 
Avatar for Dean Mitchell Dean Mitchell (5:01 PM, August 10, 2011)
Not keen on your D7000 then, I take it? ;-)

Yes, there are annoyances, but for the work I do  - babies and children - I love the camera. Okay, I can't BBF because the assignable button is too close to the viewfinder, but when it comes to IQ this thing blows my D300 out of the water. It also means I have the option of shooting one handed in all sorts of situations with a 35mm f/1.8G without getting tired. A grip makes it well enough balanced with my 80-200. I actually ditched my D700 for a D7000 because I needed/wanted more resolution before ISO ability. ISO performance is pretty much a non-factor in the final print anyway. I've found the D7000 files are beautiful with lovely tones for people. 
 
Alton Andrew (8:44 PM, June 25, 2011)
You would have to assign the fn button as AF-ON, but the buffer is the biggest killer on the d7000 if you intend to shoot sports - its practically a joke.
 
Alton Andrew (8:37 PM, June 25, 2011)
DXXXX consumer range, DXXX prosumer range, DX professional range. Take the d7000 and the d300s to a war zone (say as a regimental photographer) like Afghanistan, and see which one has fallen apart in 3 months time. All of my money would be on the d7000 having an early death. Not sure if you noticed what the embedded photogs were shooting at the start of the Iraqi war, but very quickly they all diminished, and mostly we were left with scenes of large white lenses taking the shots, and the occasional D3.
 
Alton Andrew (8:23 PM, June 25, 2011)
I believe the d7000 sensor amps up the mid range tones. I only shoot in RAW, so yes, in camera and PP there are ways to neutralize this effect, but you appear to lose sharpness as a result. That being said, when I have to process several thousand images after a shoot, the less post processing I have to do, the better. I much prefer a neutral image, and the neutral of the d7000 is significantly more saturated than the vivid settings in the d300s. In the perfect world, I would have the body and external controls of the d300s, the metering capability of my canons - they really just never bollox it up, and a 16.2mp FX sensor - I guess than means a D800 whenever its released.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (0:23 PM, June 23, 2011)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these cameras Andrew!  The "vivid cartoon-like" colors sounds like a strong negative, is it possible that can be improved by changing settings on the camera or shooting RAW?
 
Alton Andrew (5:16 AM, June 23, 2011)
BS voting in favor of the d7000. Still image focusing is MUCH better on the d300s, especially in low light - my d7000 jumps around like a lost puppy, but the d300s just nails it. The color accuracy is much more realistic on the d300s, very similar to what my eye sees. My d7000 looks like "vivid" on steroids, almost cartoon-like colors!! Buffer on the d7000 is laughable. If you shoot fast moving aircraft, you'll have less than 2 seconds worth of burst exposures (10 @ 6FPS) in RAW before you hit the buffer, then take a nap while it sloooowly recycles zzzzzzzz, oh sorry I nodded off. So for sports or fast moving action, seriously, get another camera. The image quality is better on the d7000, but not greatly. ISO is better on the d7000, but that advantage would be negated with good fast glass, and they ALL suffer at ISO 1600 and above. Go full Frame FX if you want superb IQ/ISO. You would have to blow images up to 2x3ft to see the difference. D300s body is a tank. The most important part of the d7000 body (where the lens attaches) is plastic, with the metal mount screwed into it, p.l.a.s.t.i.c. - very similar to the stuff American news readers are made of. Bracketing is much better on the d300s, and the d300s uses 16bit conversion (as per nikon website). Another d7000 annoyance - no EV metering inside the view finder in any mode except manual, so you don't know how the camera is adjusting exposure!! (FYI my old canon 40d blows both of them out of the water for buffer/ focusing speed/ev)

Ergonomics of the d300s are much much better, unless you have the feminine hands of a girlyman, you may find the d7000 more comfortable (but the rubber has less stippling and is of thinner and cheaper quality. The top LCD screen on the d7000 is small and crappy, and filled with unimportant garbage, that is of no use unless you can access the setting while keeping your eye in the viewfinder. Movie Mode is pretty good, and much better than the d300s, but positively rubbish compared to a camcorder. Traveling with either cameras and lenses will be a pain in the bum. Its lenses and balance, not the weight of camera bodies that makes them tiresome (glass is heavy) SD cards fail all the time CF do not, and SD's are much easier to lose. All the "customizability" of the d7000 are gimmicks designed to sell the brand. The d300s does everything extremely well, and doesn't need the gimmicks the newbies will use. They do nothing to help you become a better photog, so you'd be better off spending money on some good workshops with a pro. Ansell Adams said the most important part of the camera is the 12 inches behind the viewfinder.
 
Maj_mike28 (8:51 AM, June 05, 2011)
I have a question... in what category should D7000 fall into.... Entry-Level, Mid-Pro or Pro... and Kindly make same explanation on this part... because I saw it was tagged here as Entry level but some says its a Mid-pro cam... Thanks
By the way, this is a good site... this helps me comparing two bodies...Regarding the topic, I own D300s and D7000 right now... but most of the time I use my D7000 as it has a greater image quality... I made a comparison with my three bodies... D5000, D7000 and D300s.. The quality of image produced in D5000 and D300s is quite similar while the image produced in D7000 body is far more better than the two... I've been in photography for more than 2 years and covered some events and D7000 is far useful for me the D300s... This is my own judgement... :-)

If you're not totally convinced buy a second hand D7000 and try it... if your not happy then sell it again... 
 
Rselby (2:08 AM, April 15, 2011)
To each, his own! I'm sure the D7000 is an excellent body, after all it's a Nikon. I've heard very good things about IQ, I can't part with my D300 simply because it has many features that suit me. I wish Nikon would have used CF cards in place of SD's. That's what really shifted my ideas about this body, plus the frame rate. If your happy, I'm happy for you!
 
Aguatec (11:54 PM, April 14, 2011)
I own both the D300 and D7000. AS I would consider myself an enthusiastic armature I find the D7000 has a lot to offer in the "point /shoot" department whilst also offering a great many setup options. The build is superb and image quality fantastic. OK if you are shooting 2 to 500 a day, maybe a more rugged shutter would be needed. Not in my case.. I have put the D300 up for sale.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (6:31 PM, March 21, 2011)
Our mistake, thanks, we've corrected that.
 
Rselby (0:51 PM, March 20, 2011)
No weather sealing on the D300? Really? I don't think so, the D300 is a weather sealed semi-pro body.
 
Xjstwr (4:46 AM, February 26, 2011)
And the D300/D7000 price comparison is ludicrous. The D300 price as shown is with a very expensive 18-200 VR Nikon lens.
 
Mark77321 (10:23 PM, February 21, 2011)
What a totally one-sided view.

Why is there no mention of the D300's faster speed ... better bracketing .... better build?

And most importantly, the lack of external controls and professional sized body?

The lack of AF-ON button makes the D7000 unusable for fast action sports.
Obviously this review was done by someone who doesn't ever configure their camera for advanced use and expect all cameras to be a point and shoot.