The D5300 features a sensor that does not have a low-pass filter, much like several other Nikon DSLRs that are now available. This allows for greater detail but also increases the likelihood of moiré patterning.
However, we haven’t found that moiré patterning is a severe issue with stills from other cameras like the D7200, D800E, and Ricoh GR, all of which don’t have anti-aliasing filters over their sensors. Because of this, it appears probable that everything should also be OK with the D5300.
Even though the bulk of the D5300’s specifications is identical to those of the D5200, there are a few significant differences, the most notable of which is the new sensor.
The upgrade to the brand-new EXPEED 4 processing engine is one of the most notable differences between the D5200 and its successor. This has given Nikon a larger capacity to improve image quality. However, according to what we’ve been informed, this influences noise management most when the settings are most sensitive.
Nikon D5300 Build Quality
The Nikon D5300 is the company’s first single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) to be constructed utilizing a monocoque design, which implies that its exterior is formed from a single piece of material. This should make the camera more durable, plus the fact that it was constructed out of Teijin’s Sereebo CFRTP (a polycarbonate) means that it only weighs 480g despite all its features.
The Nikon D5300 seems well-made and robust enough in your hand, even though it does not have the tank-like feel of the Nikon D4.
On the other hand, the navigation control has the impression of being a bit more flimsy and somewhat less expensive than the one on the D5200. Furthermore, it is noticeably less sturdy than the one on the Nikon D610In addition; in addition, it clicks at a slightly higher pitch than either camera, which is most likely the consequence of new materials being utilized in its construction.
On the other hand, the control dial on the rear of the D5300, located above the thumb rest, has a somewhat more upbeat feel and is quieter while used than the dial on the D5200.
Nikon D5300 Autofocus
In the past, we have discovered that Nikon’s 39-point phase-detection AF system (with nine cross-type points), utilized when images are composed in the viewfinder, is quick and accurate. Furthermore, the AF system built into the D5300 is identical to the one built into the D5300. Therefore, even with the attached kit lens, it is relatively easy for subjects in moderate outdoor lighting to focus sharply.
On the other hand, moving into areas with lesser light conditions causes things to move more slowly, and there is occasionally some uncertainty. It is common knowledge that upgrading to a lens of higher quality with a greater maximum aperture would make things go faster.
However, the contrast detection technology accessible when creating photographs on display does not encourage live view use. Instead, the D5300’s superb screen violates the use of live view.
It is precise in well-balanced lighting conditions but painfully sluggish compared to the systems found in the typical recent small system camera, such as the Panasonic G6 or the Olympus E-P5. In addition, it performs horribly in dim light, sometimes even being unable to bring the subject into focus at all.
Nikon D5300 Performance
While we have no complaints about the Matrix Metering system of the D5300 (in fact, it handles situations remarkably well that would fool some other systems), we did find that using the Active D-Lighting system in its Normal or Automatic setting produces some images with mid-tones that are a little bit too bright. This occurs in some of the pictures we took with the camera. Although it is not a huge concern, it should be monitored closely.
The Active D-Lighting feature may be helpful and practical when photographing scenes with high contrast. However, the exposure settings may change when you turn up the Active D-Lighting setting. For instance, when we shot one scene in aperture priority mode, we discovered that the shutter speed increased by one full stop (1EV) when we changed from the Low to the Extra High. This was when we changed from the Low setting to the Extra High location.
This meant that the exposure shift preserved the brightest aspects of the picture. In contrast, the darker parts were brought to a more natural brightness level by the automated adjustment of the image curve inside the camera.
Nikon D5300 Image Quality
The D5300 creates photographs that are, for the most part, pleasing to the eye. These images often have great clarity and excellent, brilliant colors, just as we would anticipate from a DSLR designed for budding photographers.
When converted to TIFF format, the raw files that the D5300 creates often have a poorer signal-to-noise ratio than those that the D5200 produces over the whole sensitivity range. This is an exciting finding that was uncovered by our in-house testing. Because of this, the photographs may have a little more noise. This strategy has been utilized when there is a need to highlight additional specifics.
The Nikon D5300 produces JPEG photographs that tend to create JPEG images with a higher signal-to-noise ratio at the maximum sensitivity settings, indicating less visible noise in the photos.
During our testing with the D5200, we discovered that photographs captured at ISO 3200 or higher occasionally had banding in darker regions. As a result, the maximum size at which these images could be viewed or printed was severely reduced.
Naturally, we investigated this region with the D5300, and it does not appear that this camera has the same issue. Noise is typically under reasonable control and exhibits characteristics such as a random distribution and a fine texture.
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. |
| Autoviews 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 (Wviewcontrast-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 Verdict
A digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) with 24 megapixels, a 39-point autofocus system, a 3.2-inch articulating screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity is a fantastic choice for someone who wants to take their photography more seriously. The control structure is also straightforward, which expedites becoming familiar with the camera.
