In late 2013, Nikon announced their latest D-series entry-level DSLR, the D5300. The D5300 is replacing the D5200 and boasts a whole slew of upgrades. This is not just a simple re-badging.

Very good image quality versus other entry-level DSLRs; Improved performance speed versus predecessor; Anti-aliasing filter removed for clearer images; ISO settings up to 25,800 (equivalent; Noise in photos is limited; even at mid- to high-range ISO settings; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS included; Stereo...

No touchscreen feature with LCD, Battery drains quickly when using Live View mode, Camera's performance slows considerably in Live View mode, Autofocus sharpness is inconsistent when recording video, No eye sensor; viewfinder mode doesn't activate automatically when you raise D5300 to your eye,...

The Nikon D5300 follows the Nikon D5200 and there is an important difference between the two. The D5300 has a new image sensor without a low-pass filter, which contributed to an excellent performance in our resolution tests.

+ Fast entry-level camera with a lot of features; + WLAN for direct image copy to smartphone or PC; + Fully articulated swivel monitor; + GPS integrated; + Built-in flash system which can be used as master system for Nikon's Advanced Wireless Lighting

- WLAN software (smartphone app) less comfortable and powerful than other software; - A somewhat bulky design/body

The Nikon D5300 is a fantastic camera. It's small, light, competent and can make breathtaking images in any light. Colors are fantastic, and it focuses and works well in dim light with crazy ISOs unheard of just a few years ago.

This camera's built-in Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Wireless Mobile Utility application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.

Eleven months have passed between Nikon releasing their mid-entry-level D5200 and its replacement, the D5300. It might not sound like a long time, but the march of technological advancement means this latest release offers measurable improvements on the spec sheet.

This 24-megapixel DSLR is Nikon's second level (by price) model. It has an 8.1cm swivelling LCD and live view is activated with a small lever near the mode dial. Pressing the i button turns the LCD into a control panel that gives direct access to all the vital camera settings.

The feel of the controls is smooth and luxurious; The supplied lens can hunt a little for focus on low contrast subjects but, in general, the camera is very responsive; The shutter and mirror are well damped and make a sweet noise; Automatic lens distortion correction is good

A three-exposure bracket mode is inadequate; And because there is no in-body focus drive, the older Nikkor lenses won't auto focus

Nikon's enthusiast and semi-professional cameras since 2009 -- the D5000 and D7000, and their subsequent successors -- have kicked goal after goal after goal. Each incremental product release has addressed customer concerns, added new features, and bumped up their imaging sensors' megapixel count.