Blog Capture Stunning Photos with Nikon Coolpix P300: A Complete Review

In this blog post, we'll be reviewing the Nikon Coolpix P300 camera - a powerful point-and-shoot that offers exceptional image quality and a range of advanced features. Through this review, we’ll discuss the camera's various specifications and capabilities, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, to help you decide if it's the right choice for your travel, portrait, or landscape photography needs.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix P300 article cover photo

Key Features

May 31 2011

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight189g
MSRP$329USD

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Overview of the Coolpix P300

Are you looking for a camera that can handle all your photography needs, without having to worry about carrying around heavy equipment? Look no further than the Nikon Coolpix P300 - a compact, easy-to-use point-and-shoot that delivers professional-quality images with ease. With its fast f/1.8 aperture lens, HD video recording, and manual controls, this camera is perfect for photographers of all levels. So, whether you're capturing candid moments of your family, stunning portraits of your friends, or breathtaking landscapes on your next travel adventure - the Nikon Coolpix P300 is the right choice for you. Follow along as we review the camera's specifications, features, and highlights, to help you make an informed decision on your next camera purchase.

Nikon Coolpix P300 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix P300 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality image output
Fast autofocus and shooting speed
Excellent low-light performance
Compact and easily portable
Good battery life
User-friendly interface

Cons

Limited zoom range
No viewfinder
Some users report issues with focus accuracy
No wireless connectivity options
Limited video capabilities
No manual focus ring.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix P300

Weather sealed
Dimensions103 x 58 x 32mm
Weight189g
Thickness32mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix P300 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution922k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 922k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix P300 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix P300 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix P300 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix P300 has a 12MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Nikon Coolpix P300 has a native ISO range of 160 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

May 31 2011

Announced

160 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix P300 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix P300 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life240 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL12
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix P300 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix P300 uses the EN-EL12 model of battery pack. This is rated for 240 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix P300 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix P300 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon Coolpix P300 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix P300?

The Nikon Coolpix P300 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix P300 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix P300 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix P300 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix P300 was announced on May 31 2011

Does the Nikon Coolpix P300 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix P300 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix P300?

The Coolpix P300 has a native ISO range of 160-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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