Nikon D5300 Pro Reviews

A 24MP DSLR with a 3.2-inch articulating screen, 39-point AF system and Wi-Fi connectivity is a good option for someone looking to take their photography more seriously. The control layout is simple, too, so you get to grips with the camera quickly.

The Nikon D5300 D-SLR is a modest upgrade from the previous model, but it's just as worthy as being our Editors' Choice.

The D5300 is a very good upper-entry-level DSLR with a high resolution sensor and solid video features. It's bigger than mirrorless competitors and it's priced on the high end of its class, but it won't let down a budding photographer, especially those who plan to upgrade from the kit lens to higher quality optics.

Some welcome improvements, but they don't address key criticisms we had with its predecessor

While my recommended kit -- the one with the 18-140mm lens -- runs close to $1,100, the price will likely drop just below $1,000 by mid-2014; it's a good buy now, but by then it should be a really good value. Though the 18-140mm lens is still a slow kit lens, it's far better and more flexible than the cheap 18-55mm, and I like it better than the 18-105mm model. In image quality the camera is comparable to the more expensive D7100, and while it's not as fast or durable, it's good enough as long as you're not shooting fast action. And it's a far better package than competing models at its price, thus earning it an Editors' Choice Award.

While my recommended kit -- the one with the 18-140mm lens -- runs close to $1,100, the price will likely drop just below $1,000 by mid-2014; it's a good buy now, but by then it should be a really good value. Though the 18-140mm lens is still a slow kit lens, it's far better and more flexible than the cheap 18-55mm, and I like it better than the 18-105mm model. In image quality the camera is comparable to the more expensive D7100, and while it's not as fast or durable, it's good enough as long as you're not shooting fast action. And it's a far better package than competing models at its price, thus earning it an Editors' Choice Award.



The Nikon D5200 impressed us last time around, but Nikon have managed to go one-better with the D5300. While its new features don't make it a groundbreaking release, they add up to make it a better specified product for the entry-level and advanced amateur photographers it's out to target. It's been a long time coming, but it's great to finally see Wi-fi built into the body of a Nikon DSLR. It's not all-good news however. Nikon's mobile utility app is in need of development to offer greater functionality to those who want to control the camera remotely. In addition, we expected the camera to shoot slightly faster and provide a better buffer performance, but we found little change from the D5200 in this respect despite the new EXPEED 4 image processor. Possibly the biggest disappointment on the D5300 is the lack of a touchscreen. Rival products like the Panasonic Lumix G6 and Canon EOS 700D both boast this feature and we're now at the stage where we expect such functionality from a camera of its price and pedigree. If a touchscreen isn't one of your main concerns, it remains an excellent DSLR and it's hard to pick faults in terms of image quality or its build and finish.

The new Nikon D5300 is a rather modest upgrade of the previous D5200 model, with new wi-fi and GPS functions, enhanced video recording, a larger LCD screen, a smaller body and the removal of the optical low-pass filter. D5200 owners probably won't find enough to tempt them to upgrade, but just like its predecessor the D5300 offers a compelling mix of excellent image quality, straight-forward handling and quick performance, all in a light and compact body. The built-in wi-fi and GPS are the pick of the D5300's new features, adding more value to what is already a keenly-priced camera - on all other current Nikon DSLRs you have to purchase optional accessories to add this functionality. You are limited to essentially pairing the D5300 with a smartphone, and the Nikon app is a little basic, but being able to share your images, remotely control the camera and log the GPS data is very compelling.

The Nikon D5300 is what's often referred to in the technology world as an 'evolutionary' upgrade. Nikon has abandoned the D5200's optical low pass filter, which might have been considered revolutonary a year ago, but now looks, to borrow a fashion industry term, 'on trend'. That's not to say it's frivolous or unwarranted, given that it improves the D5300's image quality with no apparent drawbacks (Moire wasn't an issue in any of my test shots) it's absolutely the right move. The introduction of built-in wi-fi and GPS is likewise something Nikon absolutely had to do and gives the company a lead, for the time being at least, over Canon. It's a shame the D5300's wi-fi implementation doesn't stretch beyond the limited functionality of the WU-1a accessory, but it's a start and hopefuly more interesting features like direct upload to websites will follow quickly. Other improvements, including a bigger 3:2 proportioned flip-out screen, larger viewfinder and better quality video complete the picture, making the D5300 a tempting upgrade proposition for lower end and earlier Nikon DX model owners as well as a very compelling alternative to Canon's EOS T5i 700D. The lacklustre wifi implementation was a disappointment but not enough to deprive the D5300 of a Cameralabs Highly recommended award, which it still very much deserves.

The Nikon D5300 takes the tried and tested Nikon D5x00 series and updates it with a new more compact body, upgrading the screen in the process to a larger 3.2inch version and adding built in Wi-Fi and GPS into the mix. Along with this the 24 megapixel sensor now features no optical low pass filter, which will give improved image quality when shooting with high quality lenses, and we would recommend using prime lenses to get the best out of the camera. In terms of specifications and features, the Nikon D5300 outperforms the competition with built in Wi-Fi, GPS, and a larger 3.2 inch screen, as well as the predecessor, the D5200, with improved battery life and noise performance. However, live view focus is still frustratingly slow, with cameras like the Sony Alpha A65 and Panasonic Lumix G6 offering much quicker performance in live view modes. While some alternatives offer a weather sealed body, or a lower price, none offer both GPS and Wi-Fi, and for anyone with Nikon lenses already this would make an excellent upgrade. For those looking for their first Digital SLR, the choice isn't quite so clear cut, as some may find the handling of this camera a little too small, and if you have large hands we would recommend trying the camera in person if possible. The Nikon D5300 provides excellent image quality, with a compact, stylish Digital SLR body, with useful features including built in Wi-Fi, GPS, and an excellent 3.2inch screen. With a 24.2 megapixel sensor, with no OLPF, the camera is capable of taking some very detailed and sharp photos, making it a camera you can grow into, and if you are prepared to invest in additional lenses, then you should be able to get the best out of the camera.