In this article, I will show feature differences between the new Nikon D5300, which is considered to be an upper-entry level DSLR and the current entry-level D3200 (see our review). What does the higher-end D5300 bring to the table and what are the key differences between these models? Let’s take a closer look. Please keep in mind that this Nikon D5300 vs D3200 comparison is purely based on specifications. A detailed comparison with image samples and ISO comparisons will be provided in the upcoming Nikon D5300 review.
A number of our readers have been sending us inquiries about differences between the D5300 and the current entry-level D3200 model to see if it is worth upgrading from the lower end model or not. Some still have older D3000 and D3100 models as well and are evaluating the D5300, so we’ve provided some recommendations below as well. Let’s take a look at how the two cameras stack up against each other in terms of specifications:
Nikon D5300 vs D3200 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D5300 | Nikon D3200 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.1 Million | 24.2 Million |
| AA Filter | No | Yes |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.5×15.6mm | 23.2×15.4mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.92µ | 3.85µ |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,000 x 4,000 | 6,016 x 4,000 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 4 | EXPEED 3 |
| 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, SDHC, SDXC | 1x SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5 FPS | 4 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 | 420-pixel RGB sensor |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-12,800 | ISO 100-6,400 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 25,600 | ISO 12,800 |
| Autofocus System | Multi-CAM 4800DX | Multi-CAM 1000DX |
| Focus Points | 39 AF points, 9 cross-type | 11 AF points, 1 cross-type |
| 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) @ 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 30p, 25p, 24p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| Articulating LCD | Yes | No |
| LCD Size | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 1,037,000 Dots | 921,000 dots |
| HDR Support | Yes | No |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Built-in | Eye-Fi Compatible, WU-1a |
| 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) | 480g with battery and memory card | 455g with battery and memory card |
| Dimensions | 125 x 98 x 76mm | 125 x 96 x 76.5mm |
| MSRP Price | $799 (as introduced) | $699 (as introduced) |
Here are the main differences:
- Sensors: While the resolution is very similar, the sensors used on both cameras are different. The sensor on the D3200 is made by Nikon, while the sensor on the D5300 is made by Toshiba (same as on the D7100). The D5300 has no optical low pass filter, so it is capable of resolving more details than the D3200
- ISO: The native ISO range for the D5300 is 100-12800, with boost up to 25600. The D3200 has a smaller range at 100-6400, with 12800 boost max
- Image Processor: The D5300 has the latest EXPEED 4 processor, which allows for faster in-camera editing and recording of movies up to 60p in HD. The D3200 is limited to 30p
- Autofocus System: The D5300 has the same AF system as the Nikon D7000 with 39 AF points, while the D3200 has a very old AF system that only has 11 AF points
- Speed: The D5300 is slightly faster than the D3200 by 1 FPS (5 FPS vs 4 FPS)
- Metering: The D5300 has a more advanced 2016 pixel metering sensor, versus the lower-end 420 pixel sensor on the D3200
- LCD Screen: The D5300 has a large 3.2″ articulated screen, while the D3200 has a fixed 3″ screen with slightly less resolution
- Wi-Fi and GPS: The D5300 is the first Nikon DSLR to include Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities for things like remote camera control and geotagging of images. The D3200 has no such option and requires external tools
- Price: Being a lower-end model, the D3200 costs $100 cheaper than the D5300
The Nikon D5300 is definitely a solid upgrade to those considering moving up from the original D3000, D3100 and even D5000 and D5100 DSLRs. A lot of things have changed in the past few years and the D5300 is a very solid camera in terms of features and image quality. For existing D3200 owners, the D5300 offers a better autofocus system, more precise metering, a larger articulating LCD screen and Wi-Fi + GPS capabilities. For me personally, these differences are worth the upgrade, especially the Wi-Fi and GPS options, but if you do not particularly care about those, then you would probably be better off skipping another generation before considering to move up to an upper entry-level camera. And if you are stuck between choosing the D3200 or the D5300, my recommendation would be to buy the D5300. For only $100 difference, it has a lot more to offer in comparison.