• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D300S advantages over Panasonic GM1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    787 vs 660 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    26 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Nikon D300S

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.9 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.3 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Rugged construction; 51-point AF system capable of sophisticated AF tracking; Large, bright optical viewfinder; 7 fps JPEG or 12-bit RAW burst mode; HD Video capture.

  • 14-bit RAW mode slows continuous shooting from 7 fps to 2.7 fps; Somewhat slow AF for a camera at this level, especially in 51-point auto-area mode; Video capture tops out at 720p24.

  • Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

  • Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D90

Nikon D300S
Nikon D90
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • External Mic Jack
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Panasonic GM1
Nikon D90
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 50D

Nikon D300S
Canon 50D
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Less shutter lag
  • More pixels
Panasonic GM1
Canon 50D
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony DSLR-A550

Nikon D300S
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic GM1
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Nikon D300S
Panasonic GM5
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GM5
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Nikon D300S
Panasonic GF7
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GF7
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
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