Case Study:
I shoot with D40 for a couple of years now and I feel that it’s the right time for an upgrade. My budget will let me buy either a D90 or a D300 but I notice a significant difference in the price tag. Is it D300 so greater than D90 to deserves this difference?
Answer:
It depends on your shooting style and needs. The two bodies are intended for a different target. D90 was launched for enthusiast photographers, being rather a budget camera while D300 is a semi-pro camera, including many facilities that are a must for advanced amateurs and for (semi)professionals. But this is not a rule, it is known that Bob Krist, the famous photographer, shoots mostly with D90.
The D90 is a brilliant lightweight camera, with a newer technology that produces the best low-light performance of any Nikon DX body. Very easy to carry, especially with a small prime, represents a great option for a frequent traveler. It is not fragile nor cheap in build, but it is not very rugged. It has almost every feature you’ll ever need. In its favour, D90 features video recording, a slicker GPS option, face detection and while the build quality is more of a consumer grade, this makes it smaller and lighter; it’s also obviously cheaper.
On the other side, D300 however is a bit more responsive and a bit more of a camera to hold. The weight is notably higher, but not too bad. It balances better with medium weight lenses like the 16-85 or 24-70, and it is much more rugged. It is not completely sealed, but much better than the D90 in this regard.
Clearly the Nikon D300 is the next step-up from the D90, although both models share a number of features in common. Both share the same 3in / 920k monitor, an HDMI port for connection to HDTVs and the 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor is the same chip – or at least very similar. Certainly the resolving power is essentially identical. As a semi-pro DSLR though, the D300 does of course boast a number of additional features. The build quality is much tougher with weatherproofing, continuous shooting is quicker at 6fps (boost-able to 8fps with the optional battery grip), RAW files can be recorded with 14-bits of tonal detail, the AF system boasts 51 points, the viewfinder has 100% coverage, the 1005 pixel metering sensor is more sophisticated, there’s 9-frame bracketing, a built-in intervalometer, AF fine-tuning of lenses, in-camera vignette control, and also a PC Sync port for external lighting. The shutter block is also tested for 50% more cycles.
As expected, both cameras produce almost identical results in ISO 200-800. Seems like the on-camera image processing is identical for this ISO range. However, starting from ISO 1600 and above, it’s noticed that D90 performs a little better in controlling noise. It seems that Nikon is using a different method of on-camera noise reduction on D90.
Looking closer to these two cameras we see some important points that can make a difference:
BUILD QUALITY: D90 is made of polycarbonate while Nikon D300 is made of rugged magnesium alloy and features enhanced weather seal protection.
SENSOR: Both cameras include a 12.3 mega pixel CMOS sensor at 4288×2848 pixels.
IMAGE PROCESSING: D90 offers 12-bit image processing compared to the Nikon D300 which gives option to select 12-bit or 14-bit.
LCD MONITOR: Both cameras use a 3 inch monitor with a resolution of 640×480 pixels.
START UP SPEED: D300 provides faster start up (0.13 sec) and minimal shutter lag (45ms) compared to D90 (0.15 sec start up and 65ms shutter lag).
VIDEO: D-Movie 720p HD video clip recording function is available on the D90 in Live View mode. D300 does not include video mode.
MEMORY CARDS: D90 uses SD memory cards while D300 supports CompactFlash memory cards. CompactFlash cards are much better while SD are more affordable.
LENS COMPATIBILITY: D300 offers both a CPU and AI exposure meter, supporting metering with AI and AIS older Nikkor lenses. D90 does not metter with this lenses.
AF PERFORMANCE: D90 features 11 focus points while D300 has a broader AF coverage with 51 focus points. The larger number of sensors in the D300 enables a more precise placement of the subject of the photograph and enables it to be placed further off center.
AF MODULE: D300 uses a faster AF module (CAM 3500DX – identical with D3) and offers 15 cross type sensors. Fine AF adjustment is possible on the D300 to match the lens in use. D90 uses CAM 1000 module, like the one enclosed in D200.
MANUAL FOCUS: Since it’s better viewfinder and compatibility with old AI(S) lenses, D300 easy overcomes D90 in this matter.
EXPOSURE MODES: Both cameras have knobs to select the standard exposure modes of manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and programmed automatic. The first three of these are the modes used by professional photographers. D90, in order to ease the transition of beginning photographers, contains 5 preset exposure modes including sports, portrait, and landscape.
VIEWFINDER: D90 has a viewfinder frame coverage of approx.96% compared to 100% coverage with Nikon D300’s viewfinder.
FRAME RATE: The D90 offers continuous shooting at 4.5 fps compared with 6 fps of D300. With the optional grip MB-D10, D300 can boost the shooter at up to 8fps.
PICTURE CONTROLS: D90 includes suplementary Picture Controls, as well more Active D-Lighting options.
RETOUCH FUNCTIONS: D90 includes in camera retouch functions not available in D300.
NIKON CLS: Both camera can use the included flash as a commander for other speedlights through CLS system.
SHUTTER LIFE: 100,000 cycles are estimated for D90 compared to the more durable shutter mechanism incorporated in the D300 which is rated up to 150,000cycles.
ERGONOMY AND CUSTOMIZATION: D300 offers a greater degree of customization with a total of 48 custom settings. It’s ergonomy is far superior than the D90, an important role being played by the quick adjusting switches and buttons.
COST: D90 has a much affordable price tag than D300.
In conclusion, there is no winner between the two cameras. Definitely each one has its own advantages.
Surely, for someone who intensively shoots all kind of photography, from landscapes to portraits, sports and wildlife, indoor and outdoor, using best available AF-S lenses as well with old Nikkor AI(S) gems, D300 seems to be a smart and appropriate option. For other people, depending on their needs and shooting style, D90 could be a very attractive solution. The next table aims to help you to make the right decision.
| Type of Photography | D90 | D300 |
| Landscape | = | = |
| Architecture | = | = |
| Portraits | = | = |
| Sport | - | + |
| Wildlife | - | + |
| Fashion | - | + |
| Weddings / Events | - | + |
| Street | = | = |
| Studio | = | = |
| Outdoor | - | + |
| Indoor | = | = |
| Extreme Conditions | - | + |
| Heavy Duty | - | + |
Please share with us your opinion regarding this upgrading dilemma, share with us your own experience and do not hesitate to leave your comments and suggestions.
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3 Comments to “Upgrading dilemma: D90 versus D300”
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Gus says:
You are right… but sometimes waiting for the next camera that’s around the corner could be a waiste of time. Honestly D90, D300, D700 and D3X seems to be at their final part of the life cycle… It is hard to believe that each one would be replaced soon… maybe one or two… but who knows which one? And who knows the cost of the replacement?
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Well, D3100 just was announced… it is not a replacement for D90 but it is a very tempting camera – I like very much the base ISO at 100 and it’s weight…
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I found interesting your upgrade opinion and I agree with that up to a point. I wonder if is not better to wait a little bit… it seems that both D90 and D300 are at the end of their life cycle… Strong rumors are saying that we will see this year a replacement for one or for both. In my opinion it deserves to wait a little bit.