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Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D5600
Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Nikon D5300

Nikon D5300
69%

Nikon D5600

Nikon D5600 camera image
Winner!
72%
Nikon D5300
vs
Nikon D5600
Price
Brand
Nikon
Nikon
Model
D5300
D5600
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2013
2016
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
October 17, 2013
November 10, 2016
Camera Type
DSLR
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

Nikon D5300 vs D5600 Overview

Wondering if the Nikon D5300 or D5600 is a better buy? You can’t go wrong with a Nikon DSLR!

Our winner is the 24.2MP APS-C DSLR Nikon D5600. However, the Nikon D5300 is a close contender. It’s a few years older, but it’s close in specs and it’s the cheaper option. Are the upgraded specs worth the extra cash? Take a closer look at the Nikon D5300 vs D5600 specs comparison to help you decide!

Image
72%
Nikon D5600
Capture stunning photos with the latest camera featuring a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image-processing engine.
Badge

The Nikon D5600 is a great choice for those looking for a good entry-level DSLR. It’s a reasonably priced choice for a serious photography beginner. This camera is an upgrade from the Nikon D5300 and has a few key advantages.

First, it is slightly lighter and smaller than the D5300. It’s a small difference but can be important for photographers on the go! The D5600 has touchscreen menus which makes changing camera settings much easier. It also has a Bluetooth function for sharing images and videos on the go!

Finally, the D5600 has a longer battery life, around 970 shots per charge, compared to the 600 shots of the D5300.

That doesn’t make it a closed competition though! The 24.2MP APS-C DSLR Nikon D5300 has advantages that make it a better choice for some.
Because it’s an older model it’s quite a bit cheaper. As many of the main specs such as resolution and video are almost on par, this can be an important deciding factor – especially if you are at the beginning of your photography journey or looking for a decent travel camera that you are not terrified to lose!

Both cameras feature a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, which provides high-resolution images with excellent clarity. Both models boast a 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD screen for easy viewing of your images. They also have a 39-point autofocus system to help you capture sharp images quickly and accurately. Additionally, these cameras have a fast shutter speed of up to 1/4000 second and an ISO range of 100-25,600. This means you can capture fast-moving subjects without blur and can shoot in low light conditions with great results. Furthermore, the Nikon D5300 and D5600 are compatible with a wide range of Nikon lenses, giving you even more creative control over your photos.

One advantage that the D5300 has over the D5600 is that it also has a GPS function. With their great features and relatively affordable price, both Nikon DSLRs make for excellent entry-level DSLR cameras.

Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that serves your needs best. Read on for the full Nikon D5300 vs D5600 specs comparison:

Optics
Optics
67%
67%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP
24.2 MP
Image Resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 4000 px
6000 x 4000 px
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.
15.6 x 23.5 mm
15.6 x 23.5 mm
Sensor Format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps
5 fps
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.
Nikon F DX
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.
Expeed 4
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
Minimum ISO (Native)
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
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.
12,800
25,600
Minimum 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.
100
100
Maximum 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.
25600
102400
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30 s
30 s
Maximum 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.
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
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.
39
39
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
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)
Video
Video
70%
70%
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max Video Resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
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.
1920 x 1080 px
1920 x 1080 px
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 p
60 p
Time-Lapse 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.
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.
MOV
MOV
Features
Features
52%
59%
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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.
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
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen Size
3.2"
3.2"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1,037,000 dots
1,037,000 dots
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.
Live View
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
21%
27%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
EN-EL14a
EN-EL14a
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
600 shots
970 shots
USB Charging

Nikon D5300 vs D5600 Alternatives

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DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
83%
84%
Portrait (Color Depth)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews definesĀ color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.'
24 bits
24.1 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.'
13.9 EVs
14 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better'
1338
1306
Scores
User Scores
B&H photo video
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