Nikon D5300 Review (2020)

The Nikon’s ‘advanced beginner’ DSLR, the D5300 overtakes many other half-frame Nikon cameras. For instance, the D5200, the entry-level D3200, and the D7100. Particularly, the Nikon D5300 offers 24 MP sensors with an LCD monitor. Not only that, but it is also now capable of shooting 1080/60p HD video with a fully articulated display. Furthermore, there are many improvements made in this camera as the upgraded version for the beginners in the Nikons DSLR family.

Nikon D5300 Specifications

The D5300 delivers incredible color and details by the use of the 24.2-megapixel with the new advanced EXPEED 4 system. In particular, the Nikon’s superior noise-reduction function grasps beautiful textures with minimized color noise. Also, the EXPEED 4 manages massive amounts of data at surprisingly high speeds. Hence, it allows us to enjoy uninterrupted shooting, knowing that the camera is handling all of the hard work. In addition, the D5300 provides a cleaner, more beautiful image with different unique picture control. Further, it provide modes that allow us to adjust sharpness and contrast even in live view.

Nikon D 5300 360 degree view

One of the liked cameras in the range of Nikon DSLR cameras is D 5300. Let’s see what are the specifications and features of the camera. Firstly, just have a quick look on the 3d view of Nikon D5300 right below.

Body Design

The D5300 is built for a life on the go. Thereupon, its new internal design structure makes it much more compact and lighter than the D5200 while maintaining durability. Further, the grip of the body has also been improved. As a result, it is easy to hold the camera body more steadily for both viewfinder shooting and live view shooting. Indeed it prevents camera from shaking and improves image sharpness. The camera body is available in three colors. Namely black, red, or gray body models to match one’s style.

• Body type: DSLR
• Camera Format: DX (Half frame)
• Body material: Magnesium alloy with carbon fiber composite
• Weight of the body only: Approx. 480 g
• Weight of the body (including batteries, memory card without body cap): Approx. 530 g
• Dimensions: Width 125 mm x Height 98 mm x Diagonal 76 mm
• Operating Environment: Temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (+32 °F to 104 °F)
• Humidity: 85% or less (no condensation)
• Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount
• Shutter Type: Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
• Slower shutter speed: 30 sec
• Fastest shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
• Shutter life: 1,00,000 Shots
• Mirror Lock-Up: No
• Memory Card Slots: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Battery description: Rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL 14a battery
• Battery Life: CIPA rated 600 shots
• Charging AC adapter: EH-5b AC adapter; requires EP-5A power connector
• Tripod Socket:1/4–in.

Sensor and Processor

This system successfully brings out 24.2-megapixel with the Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, delivering stunning reproduction of details with depth. One of the main contributors to superior image quality is D5300’s newly developed cutting-edge image sensor. Therefore, the D5300 achieves sharp, rich details and smooth, natural skin tones with an extremely high pixel count. In addition, the Nikon’s new EXPEED 4 image-processing engine gives your pictures and movies exquisite color. To summarize, this unique system runs through countless operations at lightning-fast speeds to produce images of exceptional quality.

• Sensor type – CMOS
• Total Pixels – 24.78 Million
• Effective Pixels – 24.2 Million
• Sensor size – DX (23.5 mm, x15.6 mm)
• Max resolution – 6000 x 4000
• Other resolutions – 6000 x 4000 (Large) 4496 x 3000 (Medium) 2992 x 2000 (Small)
• Processor – EXPEED 4
• Bit Depth – NEF (RAW): 12 or 14bit
• Aspect Ratio – 3:2
• Colour space – sRGB, Adobe RGB
• Colour filter array – Primary colour filter
• Continuous shooting speed – Continuous L: Up to 3 fps Continuous H: Up to 5 fps or 4 fps

Image

In order to maximize the high resolution realized by its high pixel count, the D5300’s image sensor unit does not integrate an optical low-pass filter (OLPF). The Nikon’s exclusive technology also helps the D5300 achieve a standard ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 12800, and it’s extendable to an ISO 25600. Hence, you can avoid the effects of camera shake by using faster shutter speeds in low light.

• Image ratio – 3:2
• ISO Auto – 100-12800
• Minimum ISO – 100
• Maximum ISO – 25600
• White Balance presets – 12
• White Balance Bracketing – Provided
• Custom white balance – Provided with 1 slot
• File format – NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit / RAW + JPEG / JPEG

Optics and Focus

The D5300 offers wide-area AF coverage and high-density focus points including 9 cross-type sensors in the center area. Also, the 39 focus point helps quickly and sharply capture moments of peak action, even when the subject isn’t in the center of the frame. Even when shooting sports scenes or other fast-moving subjects, the D5300 can easily and accurately capture the action. Additionally, the high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 5 fps delivers more opportunities to catch the right movement or expression.

• Focus Mode: Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status Manual focus (MF): Electronic rangefinder can be used
• Number of focus points: Can be selected from 39 or 11 focus points
• Cross-type: 9 points
• Lens mount: Nikon F Mount
• Focal length multiplier – 1x for DX-format and 1.5x for FX-format lenses

Auto Focus

• Autofocus Sensitivity – -1 to +19 EV
• AF-area Mode – Single-point AF, 9-, 21-, or 39- point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, auto-area AF
• AF mode – Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF

Screen and Viewfinder

The D 5300 features a newly designed penta-mirror with improved approx. 0.82 x magnification. Thus, it maintains approx. 95% frame coverage, giving one a clear and accurate view of the comfortable shooting. Also, it helps to see the subject in real-time and also for capturing images without delay under any lighting condition as a result it helps to eliminate camera shake. Therefore, it enables you to track fast-moving subjects so easily.

The approx. 1037 k-dot super-sharp and bright LCD monitor open horizontally from 0° to 180° and can flip up and down from +180° to -90°. As a result it is just as easy to shoot above a crowd as it is to compose close to ground level, while still viewing the full image displayed across the entire screen.

• Screen Type – Vari-angle TFT monitor with 170 ° viewing angle
• The Screen size – 3.2″
• Screen dots – 1,037,000 k-dot
• Touch screen – No
• Live view – Provided
• Viewfinder Type – Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
• The Viewfinder coverage – 95%
• Viewfinder Eye Point – 18 mm
• Viewfinder Magnification – Approx. 0.82x
• Diopter Adjustment – -1.7 to +1 m-1

Photography Features

• Exposure modes: Auto modes (auto and flash off); program (P); shutter-priority (S); aperture-priority(A); manual (M)
• Scene Modes: Portrait; landscape; child; sports; close up; night portrait; night landscape; party/indoor; beach/snow; sunset; dusk/dawn; pet portrait; candlelight; blossom; autumn colors; food
• Special Effects Modes: Night vision; color sketch; toy camera effect; miniature effect; selective color; silhouette; high key; low key; HDR painting
• Picture Styles: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls
• Metering modes: Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot
• Exposure compensation: ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 or 1 EV steps)
• Metering Range: –1 to +19 EV
• Live View AF system: 100% frame coverage

Flash

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communication supported with all CLS-compatible flash units

• Built-in flash: Available
• External flash – Can be attached or used
• External Flash Connection – ISO 518 hot-shoe
• Flash Modes – Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off; Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported
• Flash-ready Indicator – Lights when the optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output
• Flash Maximum sync speed – X=1/200 s; synchronizes with the shutter at 1/200 s or slower
• Flash Compensation – -3 to +1 EV (1/3 or 1/2 EV Steps)

Video or Movie Features

The D5300 is also a high-performance video camera capable of Full HD D-Movies at 1920 x 1080 that is compatible with 60p/50p. Therefore, it makes way to get a smooth, fluid recording, even with fast-moving subjects. The CMOS image sensor with 24.2 effective megapixels and the EXPEED 4 image-processing engine work together to deliver sharp movie images with low noise in any light. Also, the easy-to-use in-camera editing features then help to create clips, short films, or any other creative works by combining your movies and still images.

• Video Output – NTSC, PAL
• Video Compression – H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
• Videography Format – MOV
• Frame Rate – 1920 x 1080, 60p (progressive)/50p/30p/25p/24p, high/normal 1280 x 720, 60p/50p, high/normal 640 x 424, 30p/25p, high/normal Frame rates of 30p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps) and 60p (actual frame rate 59.94 fps) are available when NTSC is selected for video mode. 25p and 50p are available when PAL is selected for video mode. Actual frame rate when 24p is selected is 23.976 fps.
• Audio Recording – Built-In Microphone (Stereo)
• External Microphone – External microphone; sensitivity adjustable
• Audio File Format – Linear PCM
• Audio Input and Output – Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5 mm diameter)

Other Special Features of Nikon D5300

The D5300 is the first Nikon DSLR to offer built-in Wi-Fi. In fact, it’s been available previously by way of Nikon’s WU-1a optional adapter. In addition, the D5300 is also equipped with location data tagging. Additionally, the Active D-Lighting and HDR facility allows us to capture great images with more dynamic range.

• Active D-Lighting – Selected from, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off
• Drive modes: Single frame, continuous L, continuous H, quiet shutter release, self-timer, delayed remote; ML-L3, quick-response remote; ML-L3; interval timer photography supported
• Time-lapse recording – Provided
• Wireless – Built-in
• Wi-Fi – 2.4 GHz band
• Storage types – SD, SDHC, SDXC
• USB Connectivity – Hi-Speed USB
• HDMI Connectivity – Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
• GPS – GP-1/GP-1A (optional)
• Port Provided – Microphone 3.5 mm
• Remote control – Yes (Wired, wireless, smartphone)
• Self-timer – 2s, 5s, 10s, 20s; 1-9 Exposures

Best Lenses for Nikon D5300

One of the D5300’s greatest advantages is NIKKOR lenses. Each lens allows us to capture the world in a completely new way. The wide-angle lenses facilitate to capture landscapes and group shots. While the telephoto lenses get closer to the action. The micro-NIKKOR lenses capture fine details at high magnification. On the other hand, the zoom lenses offer incredible versatility when shooting.

These are made exclusively for Nikon D-SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses are crafted with an uncompromising level of quality.

List of Best Common Lenses for Nikon D5300

Best All-in-one Lens

• AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300MM F/3.5-6.3G ED VR

Most Common Standard Zoom Lenses

• AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55MM f/3.5-5.6G VR II
• AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140 F/3.5-5.6 G ED VR

Best Standard Prime Lenses

• AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8 S
• AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
• NIKKOR AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Best Macro Lenses

• AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G
• AF-S VR MICRO-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Top Standard Zoom Lenses

• AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

Best Wide-angle Zoom Lenses

• AF-S FISHEYE NIKKOR 8-15MM F/3.5-4.5E ED
• AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.4-4.5G ED
• NIKKOR AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

Best Wide-angle Prime Lenses

• AF DX Fisheye 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
• PC NIKKOR 14mm f/2.8D ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8 G ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 24MM F/1.8G ED

List of Best Specialized Lenses for Nikon D5300

Best Indoor Sports Lenses

• AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
• And AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 180-400MM F/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR

Top Outdoor Sports and Wildlife Lenses

• AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 400MM F2.8E FL ED VR
• NIKKOR AF-S 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
• NIKKOR AF-S 600MM F/4E FL ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 800MM F/5.6E FL ED VR

Best Portrait Lenses

• AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
• AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
• Also, AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
• AF-S VR MICRO-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Best Travel and Street Lenses

• AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
• AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
• NIKKOR AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
• NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Nikon D5300 Rating

As per the reviews and features of D5300, the ratings for this camera stand 4.3/5. This camera is made to help the beginners by delivering high performance and capable to shoot fast moving subjects even in with this sensor size. As a result, this Nikon D5300 can be useful in almost all genre of photography. Especially in wedding photography, product photography, commercial or advertising Photography, wildlife, and sports, etc., in its way.

The HD videos provide more facilities for video creators with different color profiles. Moreover, this camera will be suitable for all kinds of photographers who are waiting to capture the world with ultimate quality. Further, this rating is given to Nikon D5300 as per the survey of creative huts.

You may read furthermore on the reviews of various other cameras and models in our news and review session.