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Nikon D2H vs D300

The Nikon D2H and the Nikon D300 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in July 2003 and August 2007. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The D2H has a resolution of 4 megapixels, whereas the D300 provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D2H
versus
Nikon D300
Nikon D2H   Nikon D300
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
4 MP – APS-C sensor 12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video no Video
ISO 200-1,600 (200 - 6,400) ISO 200-3,200 (100 - 6,400)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.5" LCD – 211k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
8 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
2900 shots per battery charge1000 shots per battery charge
158 x 150 x 86 mm, 1070 g 147 x 114 x 74 mm, 925 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D2H and the Nikon D300? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D2H and the Nikon D300 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D2H vs Nikon D300
Compare D2H versus D300 top
Comparison D2H or D300 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D300 is notably smaller (29 percent) than the Nikon D2H. Moreover, the D300 is markedly lighter (14 percent) than the D2H. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D2H gets 2900 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the D300 can take 1000 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL3e power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D2H has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the D300, Nikon provides the MB-D10 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D2H 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1070 g 2900 Y Jul 2003 US$ 3 499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D1 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g .. Y Jun 1999 US$ 5 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D1H 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D1X 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 US$ 5 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D200 147 mm 113 mm 74 mm 920 g 400 Y Nov 2005 US$ 1 699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D300 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 49 percent) than the D2H, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the D300 is 3 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D2H and Nikon D300 sensor measures

With 12.2MP, the D300 offers a higher resolution than the D2H (4MP), but the D300 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.53μm versus 9.50μm for the D2H). Yet, the D300 is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 1 month) than the D2H, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D300 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D300 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.3 x 9.5 inches or 36.3 x 24.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D2H are 12.3 x 8.2 inches or 31.3 x 20.7 cm for good quality, 9.9 x 6.5 inches or 25 x 16.6 cm for very good quality, and 8.2 x 5.4 inches or 20.9 x 13.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D2H has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 200-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D300 are ISO 200 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D2H versus D300 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D300 offers substantially better image quality than the D2H (overall score 27 points higher). The advantage is based on 3.2 bits higher color depth, 2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D2H APS-C 4.0 2464 1632none18.910.035240
2.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
3.
 
Nikon D1 APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
4.
 
Nikon D1H APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
5.
 
Nikon D1X APS-C 5.9 3008 1960none........
6.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
7.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
8.
 
Nikon D200 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.558364
9.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
10.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
11.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
12.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
The D300 offers Live View, so that it can project the live image that the sensor receives onto the rear screen for framing. The D2H lacks this capability. Both cameras are still-image focused and cannot record videos.
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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D2H and the D300 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the D300 has a higher magnification than the one of the D2H (0.63x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D2H and Nikon D300 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D2Hoptical Y2.5 / 211 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
3.
 
Nikon D1optical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 4.5/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D1Hoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D1Xoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 3.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D200optical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D300 has one, while the D2H does not. While the built-in flash of the D300 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Nikon D300 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D2H and the D300 write their files to Compact Flash cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D2H and Nikon D300 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D2HY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D1Y- / ----FW---
4.
 
Nikon D1HY- / ----FW---
5.
 
Nikon D1XY- / ----FW---
6.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D200Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
12.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D2H and the D300 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D2H was replaced by the Nikon D2Hs, while the D300 was followed by the Nikon D300S. Further information on the features and operation of the D2H and D300 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D2H Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D300 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D2H better than the Nikon D300 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Advantages of the Nikon D2H:

  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (2900 versus 1000) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in July 2003).


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D300:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (12.2 vs 4MP), which boosts linear resolution by 74%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (27 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.63x vs 0.57x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 211k dots).
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (147x114mm vs 158x150mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 145g or 14 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (49 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 1 month of technical progress since the D2H launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D300 is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D2H 04:14 D300

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D2H and the Nikon D300 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D2H or the D300. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D2H......+ +.... Jul 2003 US$ 3 499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D1......+ +.... Jun 1999 US$ 5 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D1H......+ +.... Feb 2001 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D1X......+ +.... Feb 2001 US$ 5 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D200..+ +..+ +o.. Nov 2005 US$ 1 699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D2H vs Nikon D300

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D2H Nikon D300
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date July 2003 August 2007
    Launch Price USD 3,499 USD 1,799
    Sensor Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D300
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.3 x 15.5 mm 23.6 x 15.8 mm
    Sensor Area 361.15 mm2 372.88 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 4 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 2464 x 1632 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 9.50 μm 5.53 μm
    Pixel Density 1.11 MP/cm2 3.28 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video no Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 1,600 ISO 200 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 200 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 40 67
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 18.9 22.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.0 12.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 352 679
    Screen Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D300
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.63x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.5inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 211k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D300
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 8 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy150 000 actuations150 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D300
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D300
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Nikon EN-EL3e
    Battery Life (CIPA)2900 shots per charge1000 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 158 x 150 x 86 mm
    (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in)
    147 x 114 x 74 mm
    (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz) 925 g (32.6 oz)
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