Nikon D5300 Review

The Nikon D5300 is an “advanced beginner” digital single-lens reflex camera. It replaces the D5200 in the company’s APS-C lineup, placing it between the entry-level D3200 and the D7100, aimed at enthusiast photographers.

The Nikon D5300 features a 24MP sensor (the same as its 24MP APS-C stablemates), an articulated rear LCD, and more physical controls than the D3200. Still, it lacks the dual-dial interface and professional-grade AF system of the decidedly higher-market (and much more customizable) D7100. The Nikon D5300 also lacks the professional-grade AF system of the D7100.

The D5300 is almost an exact clone of its predecessor in terms of its appearance and ergonomics (albeit somewhat lighter and slightly smaller than its predecessor). Still, it is a more powerful camera on the inside in a handful of significant respects.

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The D5300 has a sensor with 24 megapixels but not an anti-aliasing filter. This gives it a higher resolution than the D5200, similar to what we found when we tested the D7100 and the D800E. However, even if the difference is little (especially when a built-in zoom is coupled), it is always encouraging to see advancements in essential image quality possibilities, particularly in models that fall in the middle price bracket.

The D5300 features an improved video mode capable of recording full high-definition video in 1080p at 60 frames per second. Because of this, as well as the fully articulated 1.04 million-dot LCD screen, the D5300 should appeal to filmmakers in addition to still shooters. In addition, the screen is 3.2 inches, somewhat more comprehensive than the screen on the D5200, which measures 3 inches.

Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS are both industry firsts for Nikon’s DSLR lineup, but they are features that are easy to overlook despite their potential utility. The battery life has also been improved; according to the numbers provided by CIPA, the D5300 has an endurance of 600 shots, whereas the D5200 only had an endurance of 500. However, this figure does not consider additional functions like Wi-Fi or GPS and that activating these other services would reduce the time you can spend shooting.

Nikon D5300 Body & Design

Users with less experience will have no trouble becoming used to the ergonomics and controls of the D5300, designed specifically with them in mind. The rules are more or less the same as on the D5200, except for a slightly bigger screen on the back of the camera. It has a good set of external controls, but they are not the best in its category. It also features a fully articulated LCD screen measuring 3.2 inches and provides advantages to viewing and video filming.

It is lovely to have direct access available at this level, which can be accomplished using the four-way controller on the back of the camera. This controller shifts the active focus point within the viewfinder’s 39 selections.

The amount of direct control is comparable to that of the more affordable D3300, meaning that most features can only be accessed through a quick on-screen menu. The D5300 does not have the touchscreen capabilities that some of its rivals’ devices have, which we highly value in their goods. The D5300 has a body made of plastic, yet it has a very substantial feel; there is no bending or creaking.

The Canon EOS Rebel T5i and the Pentax K-50 are in the same class as the Nikon D5300. Although the degree of external controls on the D5300 appears enough for an entry-level user, these competitor models have greater direct access to exposure adjustments. The D5300 is Nikon’s entry-level DSLR camera. The K-50 and the T5i have dual command dials, but the T5i also features a touch screen and physical buttons to adjust the ISO and the white balance.

Nikon D5300 Video Quality

The quality of the video clips captured by the D5300 is comparable to that of the D7100, i.e., excellent. It is even faster than the D7100’s maximum framerate of 1080/60i, which can only be achieved in a crop mode of 1.3x. In our testing, we did not discover that the D5300 is more susceptible to a rolling shutter than any other camera in its class. Some effects can be seen in moving things with vertical lines, such as autos, although it is not substantial.

Nikon D5300 Image Quality

In other words, the D5300 offers image quality comparable to that of the D7100 but in a body around $400 less expensive. In addition, it generates JPEGs of high quality and a great deal of detail, and those interested will discover a great deal of room for editing Raw data.

Much like its predecessor, the Raw files of the D5300 enable the shadows to be opened up without adding excessive noise. In addition, the default JPEG rendering is also lovely because it does not have any artifacts caused by excessive sharpening.

The video quality of the D5300 is outstanding in the same way that its still picture quality is notable. It provides a resolution of up to 1080p at 60 frames per second without the crop mode that the D7100 applies to videos recorded at its most excellent quality. Consequently, the video captured by the D5300 has increased detail and fluid motion levels.

The D5300 is an affordable option for a professional videographer looking for an inexpensive backup camera because of its ability to output Raw footage through HDMI and connect to an external microphone. However, if you are starting in the world of videography, the D5300 is an excellent choice.

Regarding it, you cannot argue with a resolution that lacks an AA filter and has 24 megapixels. Nevertheless, the D5300 produces images of excellent quality; in fact, it seems to make images at a somewhat higher rate than its different kit lenses are truly capable of generating. From this perspective, it is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to begin with the kit and upgrade to finer glass later.

Nikon D5300 Specs

Body type	Compact SLR
Sensor
Max resolution	6000 x 4000
Other resolutions	4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000
Image ratio w h	3:2
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	25 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Expeed 4
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 100 – 12800 (25600 with boost)
Boosted ISO (maximum)	25600
White balance presets	12
Custom white balance	Yes (1)
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal, Basic
File format	JPEG: Fine, Normal, BasicRAW: 12- or 14-bit, compressedDPOF compatibleDCF 2.0 compliant
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View.
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	39
Lens mount	Nikon F
Focal length multiplier	1.5×
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated
Screen size	3.2″
Screen dots	1,037,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor
Live View	Yes (With contrast-detect AF, face detection, and subject tracking)
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage	95%
Viewfinder magnification	0.82× (0.55× 35mm equiv.)
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Programmed auto with flexible program (P)Shutter-priority (S)Aperture priority (A)Manual (M)
Scene modes	Autumn ColorsBeach / SnowBlossomCandlelightChildClose-upDusk / DawnFoodLandscapeNight LandscapeNight PortraitParty / IndoorPet PortraitPortraitSportsSunsetSpecial Effects Mode
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
Flash Range	12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash	Yes (Hot-shoe)
Flash modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear-curtain
Flash X sync speed	1/200 sec
Drive modes	Single frameContinuousSelf-timer2s Delayed remoteQuick-response remote, quiet shutter release interval timer
Continuous drive	5.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2, 5, 10, or 20 sec)
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes (3 frames in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis)
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (Mini Type C)
Microphone port	Yes
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Remote control	Yes (Optional ML-L3 or WR-R10)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion EN-EL14a or EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	600
Weight (inc. batteries)	480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz)
Dimensions	125 x 98 x 76 mm (4.92 x 3.86 x 2.99″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	Built-in

Nikon D5300 Final Verdict

The Nikon D5300 is a fantastic choice if you are searching for a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) and want something approachable but severe but not entirely as professional as the Nikon D7100. However, in terms of picture or video quality, it will not fall short of the expectations of anybody in this category.

Those who are entirely new to photography may take pictures immediately by selecting Auto mode. Those who are somewhat more experienced will discover that their fundamental exposure parameters are relatively simple to reach. It is not the finely tuned, semi-professional instrument that the D7100 is, but the quality of the images it produces may fool you into thinking it is.

Many of our concerns regarding the D5200 have not been addressed, even though it possesses a robust feature set. There are a few interface issues that prevent us from feeling that warm and fuzzy connection with the camera that we would like to handle, and there are a few things that are still missing that the competition has nailed down, such as a touch screen.

If we’re talking about improvements over the previous model, adding Wi-Fi connectivity is perhaps the most important. Even while it doesn’t make for a fascinating tale, it’s still a handy tool to have along when you’re out shooting.

The Nikon D5300 is going to be overkill for you if you don’t place a high priority on instant photo sharing and you don’t spend much time shooting video. But, aside from that, it is an excellent choice for a beginner enthusiast seeking a DSLR with all the essential features and a few extras.

Nikon D5300 FAQs