• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon D5300 advantages over Nikon Z50

  • Less expensive
    $697 vs $897
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 600 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    210 mm vs 75 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.9 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon Z50 advantages over Nikon D5300

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    533g vs 1035g
    Lighter weight
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.68x vs 0.55x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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 Z50

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 D7100

Nikon D5300
Nikon D7100
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon Z50
Nikon D7100
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach

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
Nikon Z50
Pentax K-3
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon T6s

Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC
Nikon Z50
Canon T6s
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Nikon D5300
Canon EOS M50
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon Z50
Canon EOS M50
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Fujifilm X-S10

Nikon D5300
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
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