The Nikon D5300 is one of the most beloved advanced entry-level DSLRs for everyday photographers. The brand announced the camera on October 17, 2013. It was initially marketed towards advanced beginners to help them improve their shooting skills. However, it is also suitable for newcomers, especially those interested in capturing intriguing landscape images.
The Nikon 5300 features an amazing 24MP sensor that allows the camera to produce high-quality images that match or beats most cameras in its class. In addition, the camera also features a super lightweight body and comfortable handling, making it an excellent option for beginners who intend to get serious with their image clicking skills. It also offers the Expeed 4 image processing engine and is the company’s first DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
Pros |
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Articulating LCD Screen |
Lightweight body (480g) |
Full HD Video |
Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS |
39 AF points |
Cons |
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No 4K Video Recording |
No in-body optical stabilization |
No environmental sealing |
Poor App performance with Wi-Fi |
Price – $600. Buy on Amazon.
Nikon D5300 Review Final Thoughts
The Nikon D5300 is an excellent camera for enthusiastic amateurs looking for an entry-level camera that can do most (but not all) things that a professional camera will do, with as little fuss as possible, and in a smaller package. I highly recommend it.
Key Niche Features/Extras
24.1MP CMOS Sensor Without OLPF And EXPEED 4 Image Processor
These Nikon D5300 features allow the digital camera to capture and produce high-quality images due to the perfect combination of a 24MP image sensor, a solid image processing engine, and picture control technology. Although it shares the same sensor found in its predecessor, the D5200, it does not have an anti-aliasing filter.
Therefore, the D5300 can produce sharper images compared to other cameras in its class. In addition, the absence of an optical low-pass filter (OLPF) allows the camera to create incredible colors and deep details of your subjects. The EXPEED 4 image processor improves the overall camera performance in a dimly lit environment by reducing noise even when you shoot with a high ISO value.
In conjunction, the camera also offers the 2016 Pixel RGB Sensor. This feature allows it to adapt to different shooting or light conditions easily. The device collects data from your shots and then uses it to calculate the most suitable light exposure, flash exposure, white balance, and autofocus.
39-Point Autofocus System With Continuous Shooting Up To 5Fps
The D5300 also features a fast and sharp autofocus system. The 39 focus points allow you to capture well-detailed images, even when your subject is not in the middle of the frame. It also offers wide-angle AF coverage, high-density focus points, and a 9-cross-type sensor in the middle area, which help track and maintain focus in different shooting situations.
In addition to the fast and high AF points, the camera also features high-speed continuous shooting at 5fps. Thus the photographer can capture the right movement or expression when shooting sports scenes or other fast-moving photographic subjects.
Note: You can click up to 100 frames when shooting in continuous or burst mode with the Nikon D5300. You can also reduce the burst mode speed to 3fps for natural portrait shooting.
1080/60p Full HD D-Movie Plus Seamless AF Performance In Movie Recording
The Nikon D5300 is also a high-performance video camera capable of recording full HD movies at 1920 X 1080 that are compatible with 60p/50p. This means that you can even record fast-moving subjects smoothly. It can also deliver sharp movie images with low noise in varying light conditions.
The camera also boasts seamless autofocus performance for video recording and live view shooting. Its advanced AF system helps to keep your subject in focus. Thus, the D3500 can produce fast and accurate tracking during movie recording. In addition, the Nikon D5300 also features a high-fidelity audio control and an in-built stereo microphone. Therefore, the advanced entry-level Nikon DSLR can also produce quality sounds.
Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity And GPS
This feature allows the user to transfer images from the camera to your smart device wirelessly, even without interrupting the shooting. And with the GPS feature, you can save your location information as Exif data on images.
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Photos clicked by Nikon D5300 DSLR Camera
Build And Handling
The Nikon D5300 design makes it easy to hold the camera steady and securely position yourself, especially during handheld shooting. It is compact and light with a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer body and has ample room around the grip. On the top-right shoulder of the camera sits the Mode Dial with the usual mode options. The movie record button, info button, and exposure compensation buttons are behind the combo shutter button and power switch.
The camera also has a bright LED autofocus illuminator on its body. The AF illuminator will automatically activate when the light is too low to focus. However, you can switch it off in the menu. Generally, the camera is solid and well-constructed.
Image and Video Qualities
The Nikon D5300 advanced entry-level camera can produce well-detailed and sharp images of subjects due to the absence of the anti-alias filter on its sensor. Regarding video quality, the camera can record epic and fluid movies.
Note: Images are processed as either RAW or JPEG files (with an option for both).
Display And Viewfinder
The advanced Nikon D5300 features an optical viewfinder with about 95% viewing coverage, giving you a clear and accurate view of the scene for comfortable shooting. It also has a wide monitor with a full-screen display, allowing you to view the whole shooting stage.
Battery Life And Performance
The camera has an average battery life span. You can click approximately 600 shots per charge.
Low Light Performance
The camera can perform brilliantly in low light due to the lack of an optical low-pass filter.
Overall Speed
The D5300 features 39 AF points and continuous shooting up to 5fps. Thus, it is fast enough when compared to other entry-level DSLRs. However, it is not suitable for sports and fast-action photography.
What Type Of Photography Is The Nikon D5300 Suitable For?
You can click solid landscape photographs with the Nikon D5300 entry-level digital SLR camera.
Who Should Buy? And Value For Money?
The D5300 camera is affordable and offers impressive image and video qualities. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into photography and vlogging. Although the brand designed the camera for entry-level shooters, advanced photographers will feel at home due to its fast and accurate AF performance that outweighs its price.
Regarding competition, the Canon Rebel T5i is one of the closest rivals to the D5300. The T5i offers a sensitive touchscreen and a stronger battery. However, the D5300 boasts 1080/60p video and wireless connectivity. Thus, we recommend the D5300 if you are looking for a solid entry-level DSLR with Wi-fi connectivity and suitable for landscape shots.
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