Nikon D300S vs Nikon D70

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70
      68
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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 D300S and the Nikon D70, 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 D300S was introduced in November 2009 and Nikon D70 was introduced in April 2004. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D300S Highlights

      • 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Nikon D70 Highlights

      • 6.1 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 1.8" 130k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D300S
      4. Advantage of Nikon D70
      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 D300S and Nikon D70.

      PROS

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      •   Video Capture
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No 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
      •   No Environmental Sealing


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      •   Weight - 938 g (2.07 lb / 33.09 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   Weight - 679 g (1.50 lb / 23.95 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D300S

      Nikon D300S
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D300S over Nikon D70.

      Nikon D300S vs Nikon D70
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.3 Megapixel vs 6.1 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 3008 x 2000
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 1.8"
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 130k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 95%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.50x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 787 vs 529
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.5 vs 20.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.2 vs 10.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 70 vs 50
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D300S.

      Nikon D300
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Nikon D500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Nikon D3200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D600
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Panasonic GH6
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      25.2 MP

      Sony FX30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      26 MP

      Nikon D3000
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon Rebel T3
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      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Fujifilm S4500
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Epson R-D1x
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Nikon D7100
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D70

      Nikon D70
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D70 over Nikon D300S.

      Nikon D300S vs Nikon D70
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/500 sec
      Lighter 938 g (2.07 lb / 33.09 oz) vs 679 g (1.50 lb / 23.95 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D70.

      Nikon D80
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D40
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D90
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Nikon D60
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D70s
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D40X
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Nikon Z9
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Pentax 645Z
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      Medium format

      51.4 MP

      Sigma fp
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      Full Frame

      24.6 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 D300S Nikon D70
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        Built-in Flash
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D300S Nikon D70
        Low Resolution Sensor12.3 Megapixel6.1 Megapixel
        High Native ISO200200
        Low Native ISO3,2001,600
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D300S has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution and Nikon D70 has a 1.8" screen with 130k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D300S has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderNikon D70 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Nikon D300S has 100% coverage with 0.94x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Nikon D70 has 95% coverage with 0.75x (0.50x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D300S 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 D70 features a 6.1 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 200 - 1,600.


      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 D300S 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 D70 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2240 x 1488, 1504 x 1000 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 D300S it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D70 nothing can be done. On Nikon D70 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D300S nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D300S comes with EN-EL3e battery pack with battery life of 950 shots and Nikon D70 comes with EN-EL3 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D300S has two card slots - one for SD/SDHC and one for CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA). Nikon D70 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D300S has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D70 has Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D300S, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D70. Nikon D300S can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Nikon D70 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D300S and 11.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D70. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D300S and via Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock to Nikon D70. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D300S and 1/500 sec on Nikon D70.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D300S body has dimensions of 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.79 x 4.49 x 2.91") and Nikon D70 body has dimensions of 140 x 111 x 78 mm (5.51 x 4.37 x 3.07"). Nikon D300S weighs 938 g (2.07 lb / 33.09 oz) and Nikon D70 weighs 679 g (1.50 lb / 23.95 oz).

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      147 mm

      114 mm

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      140 mm

      111 mm

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      114 mm

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      111 mm

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      74 mm

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      78 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D300S and Nikon D70

      Nikon D300S and Nikon D70 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 D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      80
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      70
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      52
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      79
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      77
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 938 g (2.07 lb / 33.09 oz)
      GOOD
      75
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 679 g (1.50 lb / 23.95 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      75
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 938 g (2.07 lb / 33.09 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      GOOD
      76
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 679 g (1.50 lb / 23.95 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D300S and Nikon D70 and give them scores of 68 and 53 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 D300S

      Nikon D70

      OVERALL
      68
      OVERALL
      53

      Sensor

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50

      Photo

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec

      Video

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      82
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      75
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 1.8"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      33
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No 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

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D300S

      Nikon D70

      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 938 g (2.07 lb / 33.09 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 679 g (1.50 lb / 23.95 oz)


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

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