Upgrade Guide

Nikon D90→Nikon D300S

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D90

£25

2008

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D300S

£145 (+£120)

2009

✅

Strong upgrade

The D300S improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D90 owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the D300S

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D90	D300S
Price	£25	£145
Released	2008	2009	↑
Sensor	12.3MP APS-C CMOS	12.3MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	12MP
Video	720p/24	720p/24
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode)
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	4.5fps	7fps	↑
Battery Life	~850 shots (CIPA)	~950 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	700g (with battery)	920g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Yes	↑
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD

Compare side-by-side

See D90 and D300S next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D300S against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D90

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Camera family history