• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Nikon D300 advantages over Canon XS

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1000 vs 500 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
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.51x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.1 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    37 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon XS advantages over Nikon D300

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $1800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories

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
  • 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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Buy the Nikon D300

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Buy the Canon XS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Nikon D300
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D300 vs Sony DSLR-A200

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XS vs Sony DSLR-A200

Compared to Pentax K200D

Nikon D300
Pentax K200D
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D300 vs Pentax K200D

Canon XS
Pentax K200D
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XS vs Pentax K200D

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Nikon D300
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D300 vs Sony DSLR-A230

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XS vs Sony DSLR-A230

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Nikon D300
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D300 vs Sony DSLR-A330

Canon XS
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XS vs Sony DSLR-A330

Compared to Nikon D3000

Nikon D300
Nikon D3000
  • $1800
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3000

Canon XS
Nikon D3000
  • $440
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XS vs Nikon D3000

Compare Other Cameras?