Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 57
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 66
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model | D5300 | K-S2 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2013 | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
17/10/2013 | 02/03/2015 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 125 x 98 x 76 mm | 91 x 123 x 73 mm |
| Camera weight | 480 g | 678 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 20 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 | 5472 x 3648 |
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 | 23.5 x 15.6 |
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 | 5.4 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. |
Nikon F DX | Pentax KAF2 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 4 | Prime MII |
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. |
128003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
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. |
256003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
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 | 600080032000 |
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. |
390300 | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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 (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
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 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. |
1920 x 1080 | 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. |
✓ | ✓ |
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 | MPEG-4, MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin 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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10370001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14a | D-LI109 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
600 shots1505000 | 410 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Pentax K-S2 comes out on top with a score of 66/100, while the Nikon D5300 trails behind at 57/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, announced in 2013 and 2015 respectively, and share the same launch price of $800. They have similar dimensions, with the Nikon D5300 measuring 125 x 98 x 76mm and the Pentax K-S2 at 91 x 123 x 73mm.
The Pentax K-S2 stands out due to its higher score, implying better overall performance. However, the Nikon D5300 has an advantage in being lighter, weighing 480g compared to the Pentax K-S2’s 678g.
Taking into account the scores and specifications, the Pentax K-S2 is the better choice for those seeking a more powerful camera, while the Nikon D5300 may appeal to those prioritizing a lighter option.
The Pentax K-S2 outperforms the Nikon D5300 in optics with a score of 70/100, while the Nikon D5300 receives a score of 65/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as an APS-C sensor, CMOS sensor type, and similar shooting speeds (5 fps for Nikon D5300 and 5.4 fps for Pentax K-S2).
The Pentax K-S2 has a higher DXOMARK score of 88 compared to the Nikon D5300’s score of 83. This indicates better overall image quality. Additionally, the Pentax K-S2 has image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness. The Nikon D5300 lacks this feature. Furthermore, the Pentax K-S2 uses the Pentax KAF2 lens mount, which provides access to a wide range of compatible lenses.
On the other hand, the Nikon D5300 has a higher megapixel count of 24.2, compared to the Pentax K-S2’s 20 megapixels. This allows for larger prints and more detailed images. The Nikon D5300 also uses the Expeed 4 processor, which may contribute to better image processing and faster performance. The Nikon F DX lens mount is compatible with a vast selection of lenses as well.
In terms of optics, the Pentax K-S2 holds an advantage due to its higher DXOMARK score and image stabilization feature. However, the Nikon D5300 offers a higher megapixel count and a powerful processor. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
The Nikon D5300 and Pentax K-S2 both have a video score of 70/100, which means they are equal in terms of video capabilities. These cameras share several common video specifications, including Full HD video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, a frame rate of 60fps, and built-in time-lapse functionality.
Despite having the same video score, the Nikon D5300 offers some advantages in video performance. However, these advantages are not enough to declare it a better camera than the Pentax K-S2 in terms of video capabilities. The Nikon D5300 is a popular choice among photographers and videographers due to its reliable performance, user-friendly interface, and wide range of compatible lenses.
On the other hand, the Pentax K-S2 also has its strengths in video performance. Although it shares the same video score with the Nikon D5300, the Pentax K-S2 is known for its rugged build and weather-resistant design, which makes it suitable for outdoor and travel videography. Additionally, the Pentax K-S2 offers a unique feature called Pixel Shift Resolution, which improves image quality by capturing more color information in each pixel. However, this feature is more relevant for photography rather than videography.
Taking all of these factors into account, it is clear that both the Nikon D5300 and the Pentax K-S2 have their own strengths and weaknesses in terms of video performance. The choice between these cameras ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Both cameras are capable of delivering high-quality video, and their identical video scores reflect their similar capabilities.
The Pentax K-S2 wins in the features comparison with a score of 68/100, while the Nikon D5300 scores 46/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a flip screen, GPS, and WIFI. Neither of the cameras has a touchscreen.
The Pentax K-S2 excels with its Bluetooth connectivity, which the Nikon D5300 lacks. This feature allows for easier and quicker file transfers, remote control, and pairing with compatible devices. Additionally, the Pentax K-S2 has a slightly smaller screen size at 3 inches, compared to the Nikon D5300’s 3.2 inches. Despite the smaller size, it does not significantly impact the user experience.
On the other hand, the Nikon D5300 has a higher screen resolution of 1,037,000 dots, compared to the Pentax K-S2’s 921,000 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer display, which facilitates better image composition and review. However, the absence of Bluetooth connectivity in the Nikon D5300 can be a disadvantage for some users.
Considering the feature scores and specifications, the Pentax K-S2 is the better choice due to its Bluetooth connectivity and overall higher feature score. The Nikon D5300 has a superior screen resolution, but the lack of Bluetooth connectivity may be a dealbreaker for some users. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the individual’s priorities and preferences.
The Nikon D5300 outperforms the Pentax K-S2 in storage and battery with a score of 29/100 compared to 24/100. Both cameras share similarities, including one memory card slot and compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Pentax K-S2 also supports UHS-I cards, providing faster read and write speeds.
The Nikon D5300’s superior battery life sets it apart, offering 600 shots per charge, while the Pentax K-S2 only provides 410 shots. The Nikon uses an EN-EL14a battery, whereas the Pentax relies on a D-LI109 battery. Neither camera features USB charging capabilities.
Despite the Pentax K-S2’s compatibility with UHS-I cards, the Nikon D5300’s longer battery life gives it the advantage in storage and battery performance.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D5300 or the Pentax K-S2:
