Reasons to choose D3
Released in 2007, D3 has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,240 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon D3
vs Nikon D300s
VS
Sensor area
860 mm²
D3373 mm²
D300s- Area ratio
- 2.31:1
- Absolute difference
- 488 mm²
- Relative difference
- 130.7%
The D3 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D3MetricD300s
12.1 MPEffective pixels12.3 MP
36 × 23.9Sensor23.6 × 15.8
8.43 µmPixel pitch5.51 µm
71.11 µm²Pixel area30.32 µm²
1.41 MP/cm²Pixel density3.3 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1.52
—Maximum video—
1,240 gWeight938 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, MicrodriveStorageCompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, Microdrive, SDHC Secure Digital
Lithium-Ion (EN-EL11) Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The D3 has the larger sensor area. The D300s has the lighter body. The D300s has the higher effective resolution. The D300s is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose D300s
Released in 2009, D300s has about 373 mm² of sensor area, 12.3 MP effective resolution, and a 938 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.