it has been a few years since we first reviewed the Nikon D5300, where it's still a perfectly capable device, even if Nikon's rivals have been battling it out. Since launch, Nikon released the D5500 (not long after the D5300's launch mind you) with its superb sensor yet disappointing kit lens and...

Though the D5300 is still a great camera, it probably makes sense to spend extra on the newer D5600

The D5300 offers a few performance improvements over the D5200. It also adds some compelling features that competing products like the Canon T5i don't have, such as 1080p/60 fps video capture and built-in GPS and Wi-Fi.

Easy to handle and use; Captured images have plenty of detail and accurate color; Built-in GPS; High ISO capability

18-140mm kit lens is rather large and loses fine detail; Some controls are oddly placed; Noise reduction can be overly aggressive

The D5300 is a very good entry-level DSLR. Stills and videos are top notch, and the built-in Wi-Fi and GPS are real pluses.

Very good 24MP stills; Superior 1080/60p videos; Built-in Wi-Fi; GPS; Vari-angle lens

Weak 18-55mm kit lens; Noisy at ISOs higher than 1,600; Not the sturdy build of an enthusiast DSLR

I didn't expect major suprises from the D5300 when I picked it up to review. In a (mostly) good way, that proved to be true. Where I expected it to excel - high resolution image creation, specifically - it did.

Excellent image quality; High resolution sensor produces highly detailed images; Useful and sophisticated Auto ISO system; Solid feature set for first-time DSLR users; Good frame coverage of 39-point AF array; 1080/60p HD maximum video resolution; Customizable Fn button; Fully articulated LCD,...

Single Fn button is only means of direct access to key shooting settings like ISO and WB; Extreme lag in magnified live view; On-screen 'info' menu is dense and hard to operate quickly; No live preview of aperture changes in live view; Built-in flash lacks master function; Slow live view AF; Sports...

The Nikon D5300 is a great choice as a general-purpose dSLR.

Excellent photo quality; a great feature set; and speedy performance put the Nikon D5300 ahead of the pack

The default settings could be better and Live View is still really slow to use

Those seeking an entry-level DSLR camera will be very pleased with the Nikon D5300 model. It has all of the basic photography features that you'd expect to find in an advanced interchangeable lens digital camera, including outstanding image quality and fast performance.

The vari-angle screen and Effect modes encourage the user to shoot in live view mode (and compose the image on screen), but the live view AF system's performance lags behind that of many compact system cameras, and the screen isn't touch-sensitive.

Great performing sensor; No anti-aliasing filter; High-res vari-angle screen; Wi-Fi built-in; EXPEED 4 processor

Mainly on-screen control; No touchscreen; Special Effects are JPEG only

The was, and still is, a successful upper entry-level DSLR that offers an appealing combination of a solid imaging specification with good build quality at a price that keeps it in reach of entry-level upgraders.

Built-in Wi-fi addition; Good build quality; Decent continuous shooting rate

Built-in 2.5mm mic socket; App performance is disappointing with Wi-Fi; Disappointing kit lens; Lacking in live view app previews

When the Nikon D5300 was launched in October, Nikon was keen to stress that it was not a replacement for the Nikon D5200 or D5100. Rather, it was a continuation of the D5000 series, so neither the D5200 nor the D5100 would be discontinued.