Our Comprehensive Review of the Nikon Coolpix W300 Camera: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the Nikon Coolpix W300 is a camera worth considering. Our review covers everything you need to know, from its durability to its features. Discover why this camera is a favorite among adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix W300 article cover photo

Key Features

May 31 2017

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3"
Sensor
Weight231g
MSRP$389USD

Other similar cameras

Nikon Coolpix P300 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix P300

Released May 31 2011 | 12MP resolution

Nikon Coolpix S3000 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix S3000

Released Feb 03 2010 | 12MP resolution

Nikon Coolpix S3300 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix S3300

Released Feb 01 2012 | 16MP resolution

Overview of the Coolpix W300

Photography has never been more accessible than it is today. With the rise of smartphones, anyone can now take high-quality photos with just a few taps of a screen. But for those who want to take their photography to the next level, a good camera is a must-have. Enter the Nikon Coolpix W300, a durable and versatile camera that's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. This camera boasts a variety of features, including a 16-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and Wi-Fi connectivity. More importantly, it's waterproof, freezeproof, and shockproof, making it a reliable companion no matter where you go. In this comprehensive review, we'll take a closer look at the Nikon Coolpix W300 camera and explore everything it has to offer. We'll cover its design and build quality, performance, features, and more. By the end of this review, you'll have a better understanding of why this camera is a top choice among adventurers and photographers alike.

Nikon Coolpix W300 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix W300 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

Waterproof (up to 100ft)
Shockproof (up to 7.9ft)
Freeze-proof (down to 14°F)
16MP CMOS sensor
5x optical zoom lens
4K UHD video recording
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
GPS and altimeter
SnapBridge technology for automatic photo transfer
Time-lapse and slow-motion video options

Cons

Expensive compared to other similar cameras
No RAW image capture option
Limited manual control settings
Small aperture at maximum zoom
Lack of a viewfinder
Battery life could be better
Small buttons and controls can be difficult to use with gloves on
Limited macro capabilities
No hot shoe for external flash attachment
Limited image stabilization capabilities beyond what's built into the lens

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix W300

Weather sealed
Dimensions112 x 66 x 29mm
Weight231g
Thickness29mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix W300 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Coolpix W300 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution921k 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 921k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix W300 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 W300 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix W300 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix W300 has a 16MP sized sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Nikon Coolpix W300 has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

May 31 2017

Announced

125 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3"
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 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 W300 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 W300 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"

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageOnboard + SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Battery Life280 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL12
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix W300 supports Onboard + SD/SDHC/SDXC card 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 W300 uses the EN-EL12 model of built-in. This is rated for 280 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 W300 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 W300 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, 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 W300 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null 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.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix W300?

The Nikon Coolpix W300 features a sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix W300 weather sealed?

Yes the Coolpix W300 does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix W300 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix W300 was announced on May 31 2017

Does the Nikon Coolpix W300 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix W300 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 W300?

The Coolpix W300 has a native ISO range of 125-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Nikon Coolpix P300 article cover photo

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.

Nikon Coolpix S3000 article cover photo

Nikon Coolpix S3000: A User-Friendly Camera for Capturing Stunning Photos

Nikon Coolpix S3000 is one of the most popular point-and-shoot cameras available in the market today. It is packed with features that are perfect for taking beautiful photos and videos. This camera is designed for beginner photographers who want a compact, easy-to-use device that produces high-quality images. In this blog post, we will explore the features of Nikon Coolpix S3000, its benefits, and drawbacks, and help you decide if it’s the right camera for your photography needs.