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Sony H300 Comparison Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in February 2014 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 19.9 megapixel.

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Is the Sony H300 a good camera? The H300 has a Camera Elo of 1106. This rating puts the H300 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the H300 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Sony H300 is more than 10 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2014.

Headline Specifications
Sony H300
Fixed lens compact camera
25-875mm f/3.4-6.5
19.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
720/30p Video
ISO 80 - 3 200
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
0.8 shutter flaps per second
350 shots per battery charge
128 x 89 x 92 mm, 590 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Sony H300 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Sony H300 vs credit card front
H300 versus credit card top view
H300 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Sony H300 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony H300 128 mm 89 mm 92 mm 590 g 350 n Feb 2014 219ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX610 105 mm 61 mm 27 mm 191 g 270 n Jan 2015 249ebay.com
3.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
4.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
5.
 
Sony HX350 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 652 g 300 n Dec 2016 449ebay.com
6.
 
Sony RX1R II 113 mm 65 mm 72 mm 507 g 220 n Oct 2015 3,299 amazon.com
7.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 999ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX400V 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 660 g 300 n Feb 2014 499ebay.com
10.
 
Sony H400 130 mm 95 mm 122 mm 628 g 300 n Feb 2014 319ebay.com
11.
 
Sony H200 123 mm 83 mm 87 mm 530 g 240 n Jan 2013 249ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Sony H300 was launched in the US market at a price of $219. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check H300 offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Sony H300 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Sony H300 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Sony H300 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony H300 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
2.
 
Canon SX610 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/30p20.211.671247
3.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
4.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
5.
 
Sony HX350 1/2.3 19.9 5152 38641080/60p20.511.989649
6.
 
Sony RX1R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53041080/60p25.813.9320497
7.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
8.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
9.
 
Sony HX400V 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.111.462945
10.
 
Sony H400 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
11.
 
Sony H200 1/2.3 15.2 5184 2930720/30p19.911.252944
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The H300 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the H300 can use is 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Sony H300 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony H300none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon SX610none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/2000s 2.5/s Y Y
3.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Sony HX350202 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Sony RX1R II2360 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sony HX400V210 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony H400210 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/2000s 0.7/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony H200none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the H300 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony H300-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Canon SX610-- / ---micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Sony HX350-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
6.
 
Sony RX1R IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony HX400VYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Sony H400-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Sony H200-mono / mono---2.0---
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It is notable that the H300 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The H300 has a zoom lens built in (4.5-157.5mm f/3.4-6.5), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 25 to 875mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the H300 can be found in the free online Sony H300 Manual or on the Sony support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the H300 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony H300..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2014 219ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX610........4/54/5 Jan 2015 249ebay.com
3.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
4.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 429ebay.com
5.
 
Sony HX350..........4/5 Dec 2016 449ebay.com
6.
 
Sony RX1R II5/5....82/100..4.5/5 Oct 2015 3,299 amazon.com
7.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX400V4/5+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 499ebay.com
10.
 
Sony H400..o....3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2014 319ebay.com
11.
 
Sony H200........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2013 249ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Sony H300 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the H300.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Sony H300?

The camera has a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor at its core.

Which image processing chip is used in the Sony H300 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Sony equipped the H300 with the BIONZ image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Sony H300?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.

Does the Sony H300 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Sony H300
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 25-875mm f/3.4-6.5
    Launch Date February 2014
    Launch Price USD 219
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CCD
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 19.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 152 x 3 864 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.19 μm
    Pixel Density 70.91 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3 200 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/1500s
    Continuous Shooting 0.8 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type 4xAA power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 128 x 89 x 92 mm
    (5.0 x 3.5 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 590 g (20.8 oz)

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