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The Nikon D7100 and D5300 came out around eight years ago but are still technically relevant today. The Nikon d7100 VS D5300 comparison will show how the Nikon D5300 outperforms the former with its EXPEED four image processor and better video resolution.
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Nikon D7100 vs D5300 Overview
The Nikon D7100 and D5300 are great entry-level cameras released by Nikon. Their APS-C-sized sensors, high image resolutions, and many more features make them great choices for photography.
Nikon D7100 Overview
The Nikon D7100 came out in 2013. The camera comes with a CMOS-sized sensor with a 24 Megapixels resolution. This camera has a very durable weather-sealed body for all your photography needs.
This camera makes sure that there is no motion blur with its maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds and 51 focus points! It has a viewfinder with 100% coverage and a battery that will be with you for 950 shots.
This camera comes with a 1080 x 30fps video resolution along with a phase detection autofocus feature. Its auto flash compatibility allows you to capture in every low light situation.
Nikon D5300 Overview
The Nikon D5300 also came out in 2013. It has an advanced EXPEED four processor and a 24 Megapixels processor. It has an articulating screen which makes it easy to capture images at all angles as well as makes sure your selfies are captured in HD.
The Nikon D5300 shines when it comes to video capturing. It has a 1080 x 60 fps video resolution, cinema, and time-lapse features which are bound to capture the perfect video.
This camera’s compatibility with WIFI and smartphones makes sure that you are connected all the time.
Nikon D7100 vs D5300 Comparison
The Nikon D7100 and the Nikon D5300 do not have a lot of technical differences and have similar sensors, image resolution, and many more similar features. However, they were targeted at different audiences and have some differences in their video resolutions and shutter speeds.
Similarities
The Nikon D7100 and D5300 are released by the same company. Hence, they have a lot of similarities, some of which include their same-sized sensors, high ISO levels, viewfinder, and much more. These similarities show how these cameras can capture high-quality images.
Sensor
The Nikon D7100 and D5300 have similar sensors. These sensors are responsible for converting light photons into electrons. The sensor qualities which include their size, pixel pitch, and pixel area are all optimal and allow them to capture high-quality images.
- Sensor Size: Both the cameras have the same sensor size (CMOS). Although its size is not as big as the other professional cameras out there, it is still able to capture good quality images. It has a relatively new generation too, hence, it is considered a great sensor.
- Pixel Pitch: These cameras’ sensors have the same pixel pitch. Pixel pitch defines the distance between two pixels. Their pixel pitch is small and they thus have the ability to capture finer details in pictures. This quality helps these cameras in portraits, fashion and other macro photography.
- Pixel Area: These cameras have the same pixel area and thus can gather the same amount of light per pixel. The higher the pixel area, the more the light can be gathered. Their large pixel areas allow you to capture images in low light conditions.
- Anti-alias Filters: These cameras lack anti-alias filters. These filters are used to blur lines in the middle of repeating patterns to avoid moiré (or wavy lines). A lack of features in these cameras improves details and the sharpness of a picture but there is a chance of moiré appearing on the image.
Image Resolution
The second most important thing after sensors is the image resolution. Both these cameras have an image resolution of 24 Megapixels which is considered a lot even in advanced cameras. A higher megapixel shows that the camera is capable of capturing images with more details.
Video Features
Both these cameras have the ability to allow you to capture movies. They both have a dedicated cinema mode. This cinema mode allows you to capture videos in cinema-quality (at 24 frames per second).
That is not all, these cameras also have a time-lapse function. This function allows you to capture videos and later show them at a fast speed. In essence, the frame rate is stretched which shows the videos at a faster speed. It allows you to capture aesthetic effects such as changes in the color of the sky.
ISO Levels
The Nikon D7100 and D5300 have ISO levels up to 12800 which can be boosted to 25600.
Higher ISO levels have the ability to capture more light and thus you can capture images in low light conditions. However, using high ISO levels adversely affects the quality of the image and leads to a lot of noise.
Viewfinder
Both cameras sport optical viewfinders. As opposed to electronic viewfinders, optical viewfinders use way less energy, have no time lag, no resolution limits, and have a lot more clarity. Thus, these viewfinders make sure you know exactly what you are capturing before you click the shutter.
Hot Shoe
These cameras also have hot shoes attached on them. This hot shoe is used to add more functionality to cameras. You can use it to attach more accessories such as external flash, radio triggers, viewfinders, etc. In essence, you can get more out of these cameras.
Differences
Although they are both from Nikon, these cameras have a difference in price tag. Hence, they have the following differences in their features. Some differences include their image processors, screens, and burst rates.
Image Processor
These cameras have different image processors. While the Nikon D7100 has an Expeed three processor, the Nikon D5300 has a newer and better Expeed four processor. The processor affects how the camera functions, and how it recognizes and records pictures.
The advanced Expeed four image processor has the ability to capture better quality images. It also gives your pictures and movies a more exquisite look. Moreover, it delivers better color reproduction at all sensitivity levels.
Thus, the Nikon D5300 outperforms the Nikon D7100 when it comes to image processors and offers a much more dynamic range when it comes to capturing images.
Shutter Speed
The Nikon D5300 has a shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds whereas the Nikon D7100 has a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds. A faster shutter speed means that less light is able to enter the camera. Thus, a slower shutter speed is used in low-light settings.
Moreover, shutter speed is used to capture fast-moving objects. Normally, capturing fast-moving objects results in motion blur. However, with a fast shutter speed, you can capture them without any blur.
Thus, the Nikon D7100 is more likely to perform better in capturing fast moving objects. If paired up with a wide aperture, you can capture very smooth wide angle images.
Video
Simply put, if you plan on capturing a lot of videos, the Nikon D5300 should be your first choice. Firstly, the Nikon D5300 has a video resolution of 1080 x 60 fps whereas the Nikon D5300 has one of 1080 x 30 fps.
Although both are considered HD, there is a difference between 30fps and 60fps. Shooting at 60 fps gives you a lot more flexibility. It basically allows you to slow down the videos post-production, whereas when you shoot at 30fps, slowing down videos results in jittery quality to the viewer.
However, the Nikon D7100 has a phase detection autofocus for videos while the Nikon D5300 does not. This phase detection feature is much quicker than the contrast detection autofocus feature and it results in super-sharp videos which look aesthetic to the viewers.
Focus Points
The Nikon D7100 has 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type) compared to the Nikon S5300’s 39 (with only 9 cross-type). To capture a smooth and detailed image, it is essential to get the right amount of focus. The focus points determine the areas on the camera on which you can choose to focus on.
More focus points in the Nikon D7100 means that you have a lot more flexibility in picking which part to focus on. Focus points also help the camera in identifying spots to focus on during automatic focus mode. The more the focus points, the better focused the image is.
Hence, the Nikon D7100 is better in this regard by a long shot.
The Camera’s Body
These cameras are built very differently. The Nikon D5300 sports a polycarbonate body. It is a lot lighter with a weight of 530 grams and dimensions of 125 x 98 x 76 mm. This is useful when you plan to take pictures all day long, it makes sure you do not get tired.
On the contrary, the Nikon D7100 has a magnesium alloy body all over. It thus has a weight of 675 grams and dimensions of 135.5 x 106.5 x 76 mm. Although heavier, the D7100 is built for durability.
While we are on the topic of durability, the Nikon D7100 has a weather shielded body which adds to its weight. Although it might be a bit heavier to carry around, this camera can endure harsh weather conditions and is a lot more durable.
Viewfinder
Although both these cameras are equipped with an optical viewfinder, the features of their respective viewfinders are different. The viewfinder in the Nikon D7100 has a 100% viewfinder coverage compared to the Nikon D5300’s 95% coverage.
A 100% coverage means that the viewfinder shows exactly what your camera will capture. Thus, it allows you to take accurate pictures. The 95% viewfinder means that you might have to work on your images, later on, to get to exactly what you were trying to capture.
The viewfinders also have different magnifications. The Nikon D7100’s viewfinder has a 0.63x magnification whereas the NikonD5300’s viewfinder has one of 0.55x. This helps tell which is the larger viewfinder and thus helps in getting the best out of it.
Burst Rates
The Nikon D5300 can capture 5 frames per second at high resolution and 6 14-bit RAW images. On the contrary, the Nikon D7100 has the ability to shoot 6 frames per second at high resolution and 6 14-bit RAW during the same time.
This burst rate refers to the number of pictures your camera can take continuously before stopping (temporarily) or slowing down.The higher burst rate in the Nikon D7100 is extremely essential when you are trying to capture fast-moving objects. It allows you to take several shots and choose the right one later.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The battery has a huge role to play because it determines how long before you have to stop your session. The Nikon D7100 comes with a 1900 mAh battery which can shoot 950 shots in one charge, whereas the Nikon D5300’s battery can only take 600 shots in one go.
In connectivity, the Nikon D5300 is clearly better. It has a built-in WIFI connection and smartphone compatibility. These features allow you to connect to other devices easily and transfer pictures. The Nikon D5300 also has a GPS which helps in Geo tagging and knowing your location.
On the contrary, the Nikon D7100 does not have any of these connectivity features.
Flash
Flash is where the Nikon D5300 takes a hit. Although both these cameras have an in-built flash feature, the Nikon D5300 does not have external flash control nor a high-speed sync (HSS). Whereas the Nikon D7100 has both of these features.
High-speed sync is an essential component because it allows you to have flash capabilities at shutter speeds beyond 1/200 seconds. The fast shutter speeds are not able to capture in low light conditions and hence need the assistance of flash.
HSS thus allows you to take a picture with good exposure to the sky while having the right exposure for the person in question too. Hence, the Nikon D7100 comes out on top here.
Extras
There are a lot of small features which are different in these two cameras. One of these is the top panel. While the Nikon D7100 has one, the Nikon D5300 does not. This panel shows the settings of the camera and can be used to confirm before shooting.
The Nikon D7100 has two memory card slots whereas the Nikon D5300 only has one. This allows you to have a lot more storage which is specially important because these cameras capture high resolution images and thus require a lot of space.
Most Distinguishing Factor
When it comes to the most distinguishing factor, the screen is the obvious contender. Although both the cameras have a 3-inch screen, the rest of the features are different.
Firstly, the Nikon D5300 has an articulating screen while the Nikon D7100 has a fixed one. An articulating screen can be rotated up to 180 degrees from the photographer. This allows him to capture pictures in all kinds of complicated angles while also allowing you to capture selfies in HD.
Moreover, the screen resolution is different too. Here, the Nikon D7100 takes the lead with 1228k dots compared to the Nikon D5300’s 1037k dots. The resolution makes the screen clear and allows you to navigate around the camera easily.
When to Use the Nikon D7100
The Nikon D7100 has a very high shutter speed, a higher video resolution, has a weather shield, and a high burst rate. All these features make it a great choice if you are into sports photography and videography.
Sports Photography
Sports photography is all about capturing fast-moving players. Here, you need a camera that can capture these without motion blur. Nikon D7100 has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds which can capture the fastest objects.
Besides that, the Nikon D7100 has 51 focus points including 15 cross-type focus points. This ensures that every moment is sharp enough. In addition, it has the ability to capture six frames per second on burst mode, which makes it likely to capture the perfect moment.
Also, the weather-sealed body ensures durability. The panel on top allows you to be quick too.
Videography
If you plan on capturing a lot of videos then the Nikon D7100 is the camera for you. It has the ability to capture videos at high resolution (1080 x 30 fps) which is not that far behind 1080 x 60 fps.
That’s not all, this camera has features such as cinema mode, slow-motion mode, and time-lapse mode which give you a lot of flexibility to capture aesthetic shots which would not be easy with a normal camera.
Moreover, it has a phase detection autofocus feature which makes sure that the videos are sharp. In addition, the large battery ensures that you can keep going all day long!
When to Use the Nikon D5300
The Nikon D5300 and a more advanced processor and a high-resolution camera. Besides these features, it is very lightweight and has an articulating screen. These features make it an ideal choice for street photography, traveling as well as portraits.
Street Photography
Street photography requires the photographer to have a great imagination and capture the right details. The Nikon D5300 helps you in this regard by having the advanced EXPEED four processor which helps capture the vibrant colors of the streets.
Also, the 24 megapixels camera makes sure that you capture all the details. Moreover, this camera has ISO settings that allow you to capture in low light, which is sometimes the case in street photography.
In addition, the articulating screen and the optical viewfinder make sure that you capture the best pictures without being noticed.
Traveling
Coming with a compact body, you can fit the Nikon D5300 in any bag you want without causing any space issues, which makes it perfect for traveling. It is lightweight, which allows you to carry it around all day without getting tired.
Besides that, its high-resolution camera makes sure that the pictures you take are as detailed as you want them to be.
Also, this camera comes with an articulating screen. This makes it easier for you to capture all the complex angles. The built-in GPS and the WIFI compatibility are just cherries on top!
Portraits
If you are a fan of portraits or plan to shoot models or products, then the Nikon D5300 should be your go-to camera. Its high image resolution ensures that you are able to capture detailed images.
Besides that, it has an APS-C sized sensor and new generation EXPEED four image processor which allows you to get better colors and dynamics and is thus a great choice for portraits.
Which Is the Better Camera?
Both these cameras have their own strengths and hence answering Nikon D7100 vs D5300 is not an easy job. The Nikon D5300 is a good all-around camera. It has better image and video resolution which are what most photographers are looking for.
However, the Nikon D5300 is not a sure answer. It depends on your needs. If you plan on capturing sports photography or need a camera that is more durable and reliable, then the Nikon D7100.
Still, if you do not plan on capturing fast-moving objects and can manage with a slightly lower battery, then do go for the Nikon D5300. You would get a lot of features while paying less out of your pocket.
Conclusion
In the Nikon D7100 vs D5300 comparison, the Nikon D5300 comes out on top. It has a higher video resolution and a better processor. This camera allows you to capture great portraits, and can be used in street photography as well as while traveling!
