Nikon Coolpix P300

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    Highlights

    • 12.2 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • 160 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
    • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon Coolpix P300 was announced in 2011 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Standard Compact camera with 12.2 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 160 to 3,200. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution. It has an image stabilization.

    Nikon Coolpix P300 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Successor
    4. Screen
    5. Sensor
    6. Photography Features
    7. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    8. Other Features
    9. Physical Parameters
    10. For Different Types of Photography
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon Coolpix P(xxx|1000) series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon Coolpix P(xxx|1000) series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon P950
    Compare
    		January
    2020    		 16 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.20"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P1000
    Compare
    		July
    2018    		 16 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.20"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P900
    Compare
    		March
    2015    		 16 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P610
    Compare
    		February
    2015    		 16 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P600
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P530
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P340
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 12.2 MP
    1/1.7-inch    		 80 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P330
    Compare
    		March
    2013    		 12.2 MP
    1/1.7-inch    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P520
    Compare
    		January
    2013    		 18.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 3,200 Articulated 3.20"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P510
    Compare
    		July
    2012    		 16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P310
    Compare
    		June
    2012    		 16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P300 May
    2011    		 12.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 160 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P500
    Compare
    		February
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 160 - 3,200 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P100
    Compare
    		July
    2010    		 10.3 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 3,200 Tilting 3.0"
    460k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon Coolpix P950 vs Coolpix P1000 vs Coolpix P900 vs Coolpix P610 vs Coolpix P600 vs Coolpix P530.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon Coolpix P300.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
    •   Internal Storage

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
    •   160 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps

    Successor

    In 2012 Nikon Coolpix P300 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix P310. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon Coolpix P300 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon Coolpix P300
    Higher Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixel vs 12.2 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 160
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 vs 4000 x 3000
    More Focus Points 99 vs 9
    Min Macro Focus Distance 2 cm vs 3 cm
    Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 8 sec
    Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
    Spot Metering vs
    AF-Area Metering vs
    DOWNGRADES Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon Coolpix P300
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Lower Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 922k dot
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Heavier 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz) vs 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 230 shots vs 240 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon Coolpix P300 vs Coolpix P310.

    Screen

    Fixed screen

    Nikon Coolpix P300 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 922k dot resolution.

    Sensor

    BSI-CMOS Sensor

    Nikon Coolpix P300 features a 12.2 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 160 - 3,200.

    The camera has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with Expeed C2 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4000 x 3000, 3968 x 2232, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 2944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Coolpix P300.

    Nikon P530
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16.1 MP

    Nikon P330
    Image cannot be found

    1/1.7-inch

    12.2 MP

    Nikon P340
    Image cannot be found

    1/1.7-inch

    12.2 MP

    Nikon P600
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16.1 MP

    Nikon P520
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    18.1 MP

    Nikon P900
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Nikon P310
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16.1 MP

    Nikon P610
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Nikon P950
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Nikon P1000
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Nikon P510
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16.1 MP

    Nikon P100
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    10.3 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Nikon Coolpix P300 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is an HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Nikon Coolpix P300 comes with EN-EL12 battery pack with battery life of 240 shots.


    Internal Storage and External Storage Slots

    The camera has 90 MB internal storage and a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon Coolpix P300's shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


    Flash

    Nikon Coolpix P300 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 6.50 m.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon Coolpix P300 has dimensions of 103 x 58 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.28 x 1.26"). It weighs 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    103 mm (4.06")

    58 mm (2.28")

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    58 mm (2.28")

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    32 mm (1.26")

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    Nikon Coolpix P300 dimensions

    Nikon Coolpix P300 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon Coolpix P300 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    POOR
    48

    Nikon Coolpix P300 gets a score of 48 and is POOR choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    64

    Nikon Coolpix P300 gets a score of 64 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    60

    Nikon Coolpix P300 gets a score of 60 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots

    Portrait Photography

    AVERAGE
    67

    Nikon Coolpix P300 gets a score of 67 and is AVERAGE choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    82

    Nikon Coolpix P300 gets a score of 82 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    86

    Nikon Coolpix P300 gets a score of 86 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots

    Nikon Coolpix P300 Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon Coolpix P300 and give score of 58 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
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    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Nikon Coolpix P300 a score of 64 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
    •   160 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    59

    We give Nikon Coolpix P300 a score of 59 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    POOR
    46

    We give Nikon Coolpix P300 a score of 46 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    63

    We give Nikon Coolpix P300 a score of 63 for Focusing parameters.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    57

    We give Nikon Coolpix P300 a score of 57 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Nikon Coolpix P300 a score of 60 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    43

    We give Nikon Coolpix P300 a score of 43 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 240 shots
    •   Internal Storage


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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