In this article, I will show feature differences between the new Nikon D5300 and the previous generation D5200. What does the updated D5300 bring to the table and what are the key differences? Let’s take a look! Please keep in mind that this Nikon D5200 vs D5300 comparison is purely based on specifications. A detailed comparison with image samples and ISO comparisons will be provided in the upcoming Nikon D5300 review.
As I have already pointed out in my announcement article, the new D5300 has the same sensor as the D7100, without an anti-aliasing / optical low-pass filter, which should translate to slightly sharper images. While most of the features between the D5200 and the D5300 are very similar, the latter comes with a brand new EXPEED 4 processor that allows shooting videos up to 60 fps and comes with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities. And with all this, the new D5300 is also 80 grams lighter than its predecessor! Let’s take a look at how the two cameras stack up against each other in terms of specifications:
Nikon D5200 vs D5300 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D5200 | Nikon D5300 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.1 Million | 24.1 Million |
| AA Filter | Yes | No |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.5×15.6mm | 23.6×15.6mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.92µ | 3.92µ |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,000 x 4,000 | 6,000 x 4,000 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 4 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror | Pentamirror |
| Focus Motor | No | No |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Storage Media | 1x SD | 1x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5 FPS | 5 FPS |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Durability | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-6,400 | ISO 100-12,800 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 12,800-25,600 | ISO 25,600 |
| Autofocus System | Multi-CAM 4800DX | Multi-CAM 4800DX |
| AF Detection | Up to f/5.6 | Up to f/5.6 |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | MOV, Compressed | MOV, Compressed |
| Video Maximum Record Time | 20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p | 20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| Articulating LCD | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 921,000 dots | 1,037,000 Dots |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Eye-Fi Compatible, WU-1a | Built-in |
| Battery | EN-EL14 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL14 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Charger | MH-24 Charger | MH-24 Charger |
| Weather Sealed Body | No | No |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 560g with battery and memory card | 480g with battery and memory card |
| Dimensions | 128 x 97 x 79mm | 125 x 98 x 76mm |
| MSRP Price | $799 (as introduced) | $799 (as introduced) |
Is the D5300 worth the upgrade? The Nikon D5300 seems like a solid upgrade for those considering to move up from the D3000 and D3100 or from the original D5000 and D5100 cameras. I would not upgrade if I already had a D5200, since most of the features remain the same. Unless, of course, I really wanted / needed the built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities.
If you would like to see the comparison between the Nikon D5100 and the D5200, check out this comparison article. A comparison between the D5300 and the D3200 will be posted shortly.
I posted some image samples from the D5300 earlier.