I recently took a Nikon D5300 camera on a road trip through Las Vegas and Utah. This is a recent release for Nikon and it’s a camera that has a few new features that really stand out. The camera also performed much better than the previous model, the 5200, which I tested last year.

Things I Like

This camera is purely targeted at photo enthusiasts. It is a reasonably priced DSLR that is quite small. This camera offers the ability to transport easily while still offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and longer battery life.

  • 24.2 megapixels. The images shot on this camera are very high resolution. The camera’s sensor matches the D7100.
  • 5 frames per second. This should be plenty fast for most enthusiasts. Capture action and candid shots easily.
  • Built in WiFi, connect to Smart devices. In a welcome move, gone are adapters, dongles, or special cards. Simply turn it on and connect via a computer or a dedicated app for mobile. Easily download images and even take basic controls of the camera.
  • Built in GPS. Tag your images or even keep a log of where you’ve been on a trip.
  • 1080/60p Full HD H-Movie. The video features are not on par withe the pro bodies (like the D600) but do offer quality video for personal use.
  • Vari-angle swivel LCD monitor. You can easily position the LiveView panel for different shooting styles and angle. The display was crisp and easy to read.
  • Autofocus. The camera uses a 39-point high-density autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors. It was snappy and performed fairly well in my tests.

Conclusion

This is a great camera for an entry-level or hobbyist. With that said, I was able to produce high-quality images. The WiFi feature and robustness of its raw files really stand out.

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