Nikon D300 vs Nikon D1X

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D300 and the Nikon D1X, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D300 was introduced in March 2008 and Nikon D1X was introduced in June 2001. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D300 Highlights

      • 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Nikon D1X Highlights

      • 5.3 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 125 - 800 Native ISO
      • 2.0" 130k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D300
      4. Advantage of Nikon D1X
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D300 and Nikon D1X.

      PROS

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing

      CONS

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 5.3 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67
      •   Weight - 925 g (2.04 lb / 32.63 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D300

      Nikon D300
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D300 over Nikon D1X.

      Nikon D300 vs Nikon D1X
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.3 Megapixel vs 5.3 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 800
      Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 3008 x 1960
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 130k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 96%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.53x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Lighter 925 g (2.04 lb / 32.63 oz) vs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D300.

      Nikon D300S
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Canon Rebel T3
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Nikon D200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony a9 III
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Nikon Z8
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Nikon Z9
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Panasonic FP2
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.33-inch

      14 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon M6
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D1X

      Nikon D1X
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D1X over Nikon D300.

      Nikon D300 vs Nikon D1X
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 125
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/16000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/500 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D1X.

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D300 Nikon D1X
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/16000 sec
        Environmental Sealing
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D300 Nikon D1X
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor12.3 Megapixel5.3 Megapixel
        High Native ISO200125
        Low Native ISO3,200800
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D300 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Nikon D1X has a 2.0" screen with 130k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Nikon D300 has 100% coverage with 0.94x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Nikon D1X has 96% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D300 features a 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200 and expands to 100 - 6,400 in boosted mode. Nikon D1X features a 5.3 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 800.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D300 is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D1X can take pictures up to 3008 x 1960 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2000 x 1312 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D300 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D1X nothing can be done. On Nikon D1X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D300 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Nikon D300 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D300 comes with EN-EL3e battery pack with battery life of 1000 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D300 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D1X has Charge-coupled electronic and mechanical shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D300, and up to 1/16000 sec on Nikon D1X. Nikon D300 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Nikon D1X can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D300 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D300 and ±5 EV range on Nikon D1X. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D300 and exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D1X.


      Flash

      Nikon D300 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. Nikon D1X has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D300 and 1/500 sec on Nikon D1X.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D300 body has dimensions of 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.79 x 4.49 x 2.91") and Nikon D1X body has dimensions of 157 x 153 x 85 mm (6.18 x 6.02 x 3.35"). Nikon D300 weighs 925 g (2.04 lb / 32.63 oz) and Nikon D1X weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz).

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      147 mm

      114 mm

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      157 mm

      153 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D300 and Nikon D1X

      Nikon D300 and Nikon D1X for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      GOOD
      80
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      72
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      50
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      GOOD
      74
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec

      Street Photography

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      GOOD
      77
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 925 g (2.04 lb / 32.63 oz)
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      GOOD
      77
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 925 g (2.04 lb / 32.63 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D300 and Nikon D1X and give them scores of 63 and 55 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      55

      Sensor

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 5.3 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec

      Video

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      GOOD
      79
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      75
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      26
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D300

      Nikon D1X

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 925 g (2.04 lb / 32.63 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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