• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 15.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon D300 advantages over Canon T1i

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 4.69 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1000 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.1 fps vs 3.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon T1i advantages over Nikon D300

  • Less expensive
    $900 vs $1800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    526g vs 825g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.23 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    15.1 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 37 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 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
  • 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
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon XSi

Nikon D300
Canon XSi
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon D300 vs Canon XSi

Canon T1i
Canon XSi
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon T1i vs Canon XSi

Compared to Sony DSLR-A350

Nikon D300
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D300 vs Sony DSLR-A350

Canon T1i
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T1i vs Sony DSLR-A350

Compared to Pentax K2000

Nikon D300
Pentax K2000
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D300 vs Pentax K2000

Canon T1i
Pentax K2000
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon T1i vs Pentax K2000

Compared to Nikon D5000

Nikon D300
Nikon D5000
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D300 vs Nikon D5000

Canon T1i
Nikon D5000
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More dots on screen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T1i vs Nikon D5000

Compared to Sony DSLR-A390

Nikon D300
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D300 vs Sony DSLR-A390

Canon T1i
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon T1i vs Sony DSLR-A390

Compare Other Cameras?