• 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 $997
    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
    4 years vs 10 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 D5300

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
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon Z50
Nikon D7100
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $695
  • 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
  • $857
  • 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
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

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
  • $857
  • 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
  • $982
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $982
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
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