• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5300 advantages over Fujifilm XQ2

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 600 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Fujifilm XQ2 advantages over Nikon D5300

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5300

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm XQ2

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality similar to more expensive DSLRs (like the D7100); Great dynamic range; Responsive all-around performer; Excellent Full HD video-shooting quality; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Built-in GPS; Compact and lightweight size; 18-140mm kit lens performs well for its type and has a very versatile focus length range.

  • AA-filterless sensor makes it more prone to moire; Burst speed slows with highest quality 14-bit RAW images; Live View mode not as good as some competitors; No external headphone jack; GPS receiver not very sensitive.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P300

Nikon D5300
Nikon P300
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
Fujifilm XQ2
Nikon P300
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Olympus XZ-10

Nikon D5300
Olympus XZ-10
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
Fujifilm XQ2
Olympus XZ-10
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D7100

Nikon D5300
Nikon D7100
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Fujifilm XQ2
Nikon D7100
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D5300
Pentax K-3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fujifilm XQ2
Pentax K-3
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon T6s

Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC
Fujifilm XQ2
Canon T6s
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
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