Nikon D300 vs Nikon D200

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D300 and the Nikon D200, 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 D200 was introduced in February 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

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.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D300 over Nikon D200.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D200 over Nikon D300.

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.

Screen

Nikon D300 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Nikon D200 has a 2.5" screen with 230k 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 D200 has 95% coverage with 0.94x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

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 D200 features a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 249.6 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode.

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
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

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 D200 can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 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 D200 nothing can be done. On Nikon D200 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D300 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.

Battery

Nikon D300 and Nikon D200 come with EN-EL3e battery pack with battery life of 1000 shots on Nikon D300.

External Storage Slots

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

Shutter

Nikon D300 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D200 has Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D300, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D200. Nikon D300 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Nikon D200 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.

Exposure

Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D300 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D200.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D300 and via Accessory Shoe (Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided) to Nikon D200. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

Nikon D300 body has dimensions of 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.79 x 4.49 x 2.91") and Nikon D200 body has dimensions of 147 x 113 x 74 mm (5.79 x 4.45 x 2.91"). Nikon D300 weighs 925 g (2.04 lb / 32.63 oz) and Nikon D200 weighs 920 g (2.03 lb / 32.45 oz).

Nikon D300

Nikon D200

147 mm

114 mm

147 mm

113 mm

114 mm

113 mm

74 mm

74 mm