Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D vs Nikon D5600 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Canon · DSLR · 24 MP · APS-C · 4K video
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D
63
SCORE
|
Nikon · DSLR · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Nikon D5600
66
WINNER
|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D and the Nikon D5600 are both APS-C DSLRs for everyday photography. The Canon arrived in 2019 on the Canon EF/EF-S mount, while the Nikon dates from 2016 on the Nikon F DX mount, so each opens a different native lens catalogue. The Canon is the more compact carry, measuring 122 x 93 x 70 mm and weighing 449 g, against 124 x 97 x 70 mm and 465 g for the Nikon. That 16 g difference favours the Canon for a light travel bag. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2019 | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
April 10, 2019 | November 10, 2016 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 122 x 93 x 70 mm | 124 x 97 x 70 mm |
| Camera weight | 449 g | 465 g |
| Optics | 61/100 | 65/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe Nikon D5600 is the stronger choice for tracking moving subjects, because its 39 autofocus points cover far more of the frame than the Canon's 9. That spread makes it easier to hold focus on a running child or a bird drifting off-centre. The Canon counters with in-body stabilisation, which the Nikon lacks, steadying handheld shots with unstabilised glass. Resolution differs only marginally at 24 MP against 24.2 MP, so both leave ample room to crop. Their 5 fps burst and 1/4000 second maximum shutter match, and the Nikon's expanded ISO range reaches 102400 against the Canon's 51200. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
22.3 x 14.9 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF/EF-S | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 8 | Expeed 4 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
512003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
90300 | 390300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
 Yes | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | 83/100 | 70/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoThe Canon is the camera to buy if you want to edit family footage in 4K, since it records 4K while the Nikon tops out at Full HD. Full HD is still fine for casual sharing, but 4K leaves far more latitude to crop and reframe a clip on the timeline without the image going soft. Both cameras reach a maximum video frame rate of 60 fps, and both include a built-in timelapse function for condensing a sunset or a building project into seconds. Both write MOV files, and the Canon adds an MPEG-4 option. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 4K |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MPEG-4, MOV | MOV |
| Features | 70/100 | 72/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe Nikon's larger 3.2-inch screen gives more room for reviewing shots and touch controls than the Canon's 3 inches, and their dot counts are nearly identical at 1037000 against 1040000. Both screens are touch-enabled and articulate for waist-level framing and selfies. Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless transfer and remote control, plus a built-in flash with external flash support. Neither includes GPS, so neither tags files with location data on its own. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Screen size | 3" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
 Yes | Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
 Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Storage & battery | 45/100 | 43/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryBoth cameras take SD, SDHC and SDXC cards at UHS-I speed in a single slot, so the same card works in either body. Neither offers dual slots. The Canon's LP-E17 battery is rated at 1070 shots against 970 for the Nikon's EN-EL14a. Neither charges over USB, so both need a dedicated charger between shoots. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | LP-E17 | EN-EL14a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1070 shots1505000 | 970 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
For most buyers the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D is the better all-rounder: it records 4K video, offers in-body stabilisation for handheld stills and holds the longer rated battery life. It suits a household that mixes photos, video clips and travel in one small body.
Choose the Nikon D5600 if you photograph sports, wildlife or any fast-moving subject where its 39-point autofocus spread helps, or if you already own Nikon F DX lenses. Both pair an APS-C sensor around 24 megapixels with articulating touchscreens and wireless sharing, so the choice comes down to motion coverage versus 4K and stabilisation.