Nikon D300S

Name: Nikon D300s
Brand: Nikon

At 840 grams without battery or card, it feels dense and deliberate in the hand, like a tool built to last.

Overview

The Nikon D300S is a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) that sat in the midrange of Nikon's lineup when it came out. Nikon announced it on July 30, 2009, and it shipped in late August of that year as a refined successor to the well-regarded Nikon D300. The sensor is a 12.3-megapixel DX-format (APS-C) chip, and image quality holds up in daylight and well-lit conditions even years later. It records 720p HD video, which was a notable addition for its era. The 3.0-inch LCD monitor has 920,000 dots and was sharp for its time, with clear composition and playback. Continuous shooting runs at 7 frames per second, so it is a capable option for action and wildlife shooters on a budget.

Manufactured in Thailand, the D300S feels substantial, which outdoor photographers value. The shutter is rated to 150,000 cycles. The camera supports aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes. Power comes from the EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a familiar unit for Nikon DSLR users of the era. It is rated at an estimated 950 shots per charge under CIPA standards, which cut down the need for constant spares in the field. Dimensions are approximately 147 x 114 x 74 mm. That is compact enough for handheld use, but large enough to house a deep grip and an extensive button layout.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Nikon
Product type	DSLR
Sensor	DX sensor (APS-C)
Resolution	12.3MP
Video	720p HD video
LCD monitor	3.0" LCD monitor (920,000 dots)
Shutter speed	30s to 1/8000 sec, bulb, 150k rated
Exposure modes	Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual
Battery	EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh) Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Battery Life (CIPA)	950
Weight	Approx. 840 g (1.85 lb) without battery, memory card or body cap
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm
Continuous shooting speed	as fast as 7 frames per second
Country of manufacture	Thailand

Historical Context

The Nikon D300S replaced the earlier Nikon D300 with minor but meaningful updates, including video recording. It inherits much of the D300's core design and performance, so it is more of an evolution than a revolution. It was positioned as a midrange DSLR.

Collectibility & Value

Originally listed at US$1,799.95, the D300S commanded a premium at launch, reflecting its prosumer positioning. By 2025, used examples appear on the market for significantly less - such as a low-shutter-count body with accessories listed for $300. That marks its transition from working tool to budget or nostalgic option. Some segments of the photography community still consider it a "gem" among older DSLRs.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ NIKON D300S                                                     Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $385                                    Latest            $110 │
│ Median    $179                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $86                                     Volume          ~20/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $400 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                           .                                     │
│        │      ...         .    .  .                                      │
│   $250 ┤     .    .              . . .          .                        │
│        │.   .  .     .  .   . .       .                         . .   .  │
│        │       .  .. .  .   .      .    . ..   . . .  .        .  . .    │
│        │        .. . .     ..        . ... . .  ...    .         . ...  .│
│    $50 ┤                    .       .                                    │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▁   ▁▁▁▅▄▁▂▂ ▅  ▅ ▁▁█ ▁▁ ▁▁▆▁▂▁▁▂▁▁▅ ▁ ▂▂█▁▁  ▁▁       ▁▁▁▂▁▂▁▁ ▁│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-04                      2026-06                      2026-08│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘