Best 35mm Film Cameras
| Last Updated: October 31, 2018
There are plenty of options to go with when choosing between entry level cameras. Today, we’re taking a look at Nikon’s D5200 and D5300 specifications.
Each year Nikon introduces a newer version of its cameras. They claim to be better, faster, more durable and with fresh technology which will take your photography game on a new level.
Is that the case? That is for you to decide. Join us as we take a deep dive and dissect the pros and cons of these two notable cameras.
Compare Nikon D5300 & D5200 Camera
| Nikon D5200 | Nikon D5300 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Best For | General Photography | Low Light Photography |
| Price | See Price on Amazon | See Price on Amazon |
| Megapixels | 24mp | 24mp |
| ISO | 100-6400 (expansion up to 25600) | 100-12800 (expansion up to 25600) |
| Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 4 |
| LCD | 3", 921k-dot vari-angle | 3.2", 1.04M-dot vari-angle |
| FPS | 5 fps | 5 fps |
| Battery | 500 | 600 |
| Dimensions | 129 x 98 x 78 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in) | 125 × 98 × 76 mm (4.9 × 3.9 × 3.0 in) |
| Weight | 505 g (17.8 oz) | 480 g (16.9 oz) |
| AF | 39 AF points (9 cross-type) | 39 AF points (9 cross-type) |
| Video | 1080 60i/30p | 1080 60p/30p |
| AA Filter (OLPF) | Yes | No |
| WiFi | No, available as Accessory | Yes, Built-in |
| GPS | No | Yes |
Here’s what we cover in the review:
Image Quality
When it comes down to sensors, D5200 and D5300 come equipped with the same 24-megapixel APS-C sensor. They deliver similar sharpness, details and contrast. However, there are some key differences in ISO performance, features and video capabilities.
Thanks to its new processor, The D5300 shoots native 100-12800 ISO. That gives you more opportunity to shoot better images in low light conditions compared to the D5200 which offers 100-6400 native.
Both cameras can amplify the analogue signal from the sensor. They expand it up to 25600 ISO for when you need to capture the moment regardless of image quality.
Generally, the D5300 seems to be producing better outcomes at 1600 ISO. However, images seem to be slightly sharper rather than less noisier.
Frankly speaking, with not much of a difference D5300 has an edge over its predecessor, thanks to the upgraded processor it comes with. What really sets the features of the cameras apart is the video mode.
Something really worth noting for all the vloggers & videographers out there is that D5300 now shoots 60p/50p (when set to NTSC and PAL respectively) at full 1080p resolution up from 60i/50i previously supported by the D5200.
That means you may have noticeably more frames if you decide to slow your footage for that dramatic effect. You can do that without worrying that the picture will lose that silky smoothness you’re aiming for.
Performance
There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing your camera. However, what we all like is to have longer battery life.
Despite the fact D5300 still uses the EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, Nikon has managed to squeeze 100 more photos per charge. That is up from 500 previously with the D5200.
They both still share just one slot for external memory. They support the same Secure Digital, SDSC, SDHC and SDXC cards we’re used to from most predecessors in the Nikon range.
Frames per second still round up at 5 fps for the two cameras. However, the D5300 comes with a newer EXPEED 4 processor. That brings us faster start time, better contrast detection autofocus and live preview autofocus.
Speaking of autofocus – the two cameras share an identical autofocus system. It has 39 AF points, offering wide-area AF coverage and high-density focus points.
It also has a 9 cross-type sensor in the center area. This helps you focus in most situations fast and with precision.
Design
Design-wise, we still have similar bodies, both lacking direct control features. You will find that all buttons you’ve been used to with on the D5200 are still there. You will still have to change ISO via the Fn button.
It is still lacking touchscreen technology in the midrange cameras introduced by Nikon. However, the D5300 offers a slightly bigger display. The 3.2” LCD now has 1.04 million dots. That is better than the 921k previously introduced with D5200.
The good thing about both bodies is that they both offer a vari-angle display to rotate at your leisure. That gives you versatility of angles and the option to see yourself for a selfie. You can also use it for the increasingly popular vlogging style.
D5200 and D5300 are similar in size. The D5300 is perhaps slightly smaller. Therefore, fitting them both in your bag won’t be too much trouble. They even weigh almost the same with 20g difference in favor of D5300 being 480g (16.9oz).
Both have built-in microphones and the option to plug in an external one. They also have similar optical view-finders, built-in flash and support the Nikon F mount. As a matter of fact, you will still be able to use the same Nikon lenses. They work with all Nikon DX sensor cameras.
Last but not least, if the red version of D5200 was something that was drawing your attention, you’ll be more than happy to find out that D5300 comes in the same red color, helping you to go out and shoot with style.
Features
Perhaps the biggest differences between Nikon’s two cameras is in features they offer. For example, the D5300 now comes with a WiFi option built in the body. That way, you can send those sweet shots directly to your iOS or Android smartphone if you want.
The D5200 does have the WiFI option, as well. It comes in the form of a dongle which you have to purchase as an accessory.
Another thing missing in the D5200 is the GPS. That is probably not a deal-breaker. However, it is worth noting.
Some would say the lack of Anti-Aliasing filter (or Optical Low-Pass filter) in the D5300 is to be considered a drawback. That is because it is not clearing that moiré when you find yourself shooting dense pattern shirts or in some cases – architecture.
It may be so, but it you wouldn’t help but notice that your image will appear slightly sharper. That probably won’t be what you would take into consideration when deciding which camera to choose. However, for those out there who like to use their images with little to no post-production, it may be important.
There are other common features you will find in both cameras lacking. Those include no built-in image stabilization, no option to fine tune autofocus and they both are not weather-sealed or waterproof, which means you would most likely think twice before shooting in less than ideal weather conditions.
The Verdict
As you might expect, the D5300 is slightly better in most categories than the D5200. It comes with a new processor, which boosts the ISO performance and gives you a bit more battery to spend on snapping a few shots more.
Increased video performance is not of a significant value if it is the sole purpose for your upgrade, but WiFi, GPS and better LCD display might be. If you don’t mind paying a few bucks more and those are the features you’ve been waiting for, then D5300 might be right up your alley.
Back to Top
