Decision tools · Compare
D300 vs Z5
Quick take: The Z5 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the D300 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Verdictwhich should you buy?
Z5 — Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers: The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Who should buy what
Z5 (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D300Nikon · 2007 | Z5Nikon · 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £73Best | £1,249 |
| Sensor | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.3MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | No video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode) | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 6fpsBest | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~1000 shots (CIPA)Best | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 905g (with battery) | 590g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 147 × 114 × 74mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Single CompactFlash slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 10-pin remote | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D300
Z5
Portrait
5.0/10
7.7/10
Street
4.4/10
6.1/10
Travel
4.5/10
5.9/10
Wedding & Events
4.9/10
7.3/10
Documentary
3.9/10
6.7/10
Sports & Action
5.4/10
6.4/10
Landscape
4.3/10
6.1/10
Wildlife
5.7/10
6.8/10
Casual
2.5/10
5.2/10
Food
3.4/10
6.6/10
Macro
3.1/10
6.4/10
Architecture
3.7/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
5.5/10
6.4/10
Filmmaking
—
6.1/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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