• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon D300 advantages over Canon 70D

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 4.11 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment

Canon 70D advantages over Nikon D300

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    926 vs 679 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    11 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.07 vs 0.23 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    65 vs 37 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D300

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 70D
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All 70D Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers full-time continuous autofocus (with phase detect at every pixel in framing area) for video and Live View still shooting; Full HD (1080p) video recording with pro-level features and quality; Improved resolution and good high ISO performance; Excellent Wi-Fi remote shooting with full exposure controls; 3-inch articulating LCD touchscreen.

  • Image quality only improved slightly over 60D; Dynamic range still lags behind competing models; May not feature enough upgrades to convince people to step up from 60D.

  • Read our Canon 70D Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7100

Nikon D300
Nikon D7100
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $745
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range

Compare Nikon D300 vs Nikon D7100

Canon 70D
Nikon D7100
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $745
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D300
Pentax K-3
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D300 vs Pentax K-3

Canon 70D
Pentax K-3
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Sony A77 II

Nikon D300
Sony A77 II
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D300 vs Sony A77 II

Canon 70D
Sony A77 II
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Sony A77 II

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Nikon D300
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D300 vs Canon 7D Mark II

Canon 70D
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 70D vs Canon 7D Mark II

Compared to Nikon D7200

Nikon D300
Nikon D7200
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Better color depth

Compare Nikon D300 vs Nikon D7200

Canon 70D
Nikon D7200
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D7200

Compare Other Cameras?