Nikon Coolpix P300 Summary
Nikon Coolpix P300 Assessment
The Nikon Coopix P300 is a small compact digital camera with dual control-dials to efficiently access its full manual controls. It is equipped with a unique ultra-bright F/1.8 ultra-wide angle 4.2X optical zoom lens. This lens lets it capture the same scene using a lower ISO than most digital cameras. This advantage lets it keep up with top compact cameras in terms of image quality even with a small BSI-CMOS sensor. Outside of some corner softness at wider apertures, the P300 does well in all aspects of image quality: metering, color, white-balance, vignetting and distortion.
While image quality is there and controls are very responsive, certain important aspects of the P300 are slow: shot-to-shot speed, autofocus and video-recording start. Battery-life is below average as well. The more serious downsides of this digital camera are the impossibility of setting framing for video-recording and the lack of an accurate live-histogram or exposure-priority preview. While the Nikon Coolpix P300 is an excellent choice for social and creative photography without bulk, it would have a tough time with action shots.
Competition for the P300 is thin. A few compacts exist with dual-control dials but this is currently the only one with a lens that is both ultra-bright and ultra-wide. The Nikon Coolpix P300 is also the only one among these to use a CMOS sensor and therefore the only one to shoot full 1080p HD video. The CMOS sensor also enables Sweep Panorama, Multi-Frame Noise-Reduction modes, High-Speed video and fast continuous shooting.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Ultra-Bright F/1.8 lens, lowers required ISO | Visible noise at all ISO sensitivities |
Excellent automatic white-balance | Slow shot-to-shot speed |
Good image colors | Slow startup |
Reliable metering | Strong corner softness |
Uniform brightness | Blank display during continuous drive |
No noticeable distortion | Video-recording delay |
Very responsive controls | Impossible to set up video framing |
Short shutter-lag | Not exposure-priority |
Dual-control dials in compact body | No histogram in Manual mode |
Excellent LCD visibility | EC awkward to change |
Easy user interface | Short battery life | Excellent Excellent |
Recent Similar Cameras
Nikon Coolpix P300 Related Information
Please Support Neocamera
All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:
If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:
Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!
Nikon P300 Highlights
Sensor-Size: 6 x 5mm
Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
12 Megapixels Fixed Lens | ISO 160-3200 |
4.2X Ultra-Wide Optical Zoom | Shutter 1/2000-8s |
Built-in Stabilization | Full manual controls |
8 FPS Drive, 7 Images | Custom white-balance |
1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video Recording | Lithium-Ion Battery |
3" LCD 920K Pixels | Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Internal Memory |
Updates
2024.04.03
Fujifilm X-T5 Review
Newest Fujifilm flagship boasting a 40 MP APS-C sensor, 5-axis IBIS with 7-stop efficiency, 15 FPS continuous drive, 6.2K Video capture, dual control-dials and dual SDXC UHS-II slots in a sturdy weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2023.11.20
Best Digital Cameras of 2023
Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.
2023.07.10
Fujifilm X-H2 Review
40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2023.05.07
Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review
Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.
2023.01.15
Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review
Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.
2022.12.08
How to Pack for a Photo Trip
Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.
2022.11.13
Best Digital Cameras of 2022
The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.
2022.09.21
Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review
Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.
2022.09.20
Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review
Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.
2022.09.10
Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review
Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.
2021.11.24
50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021
50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.
2021.11.17
Best Digital Cameras for 2021
Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.