• Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 37.5 megapixels
  • ISO 80 - 1250
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Leica S2 advantages over Nikon D5300

  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.08x vs 0.55x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    37.5 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

Nikon D5300 advantages over Leica S2

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • More AF points
    39 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 1250 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
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Leica S2
Leica S2

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5300
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-140mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All D5300 Deals

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.

  • Read our Nikon D5300 Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax 645D

Leica S2
Pentax 645D
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Thinner
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $3599
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Leica S2 vs Pentax 645D

Nikon D5300
Pentax 645D
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $3599
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Pentax 645D

Compared to Leica S (Typ 006)

Leica S2
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • More dots on screen

Compare Leica S2 vs Leica S (Typ 006)

Nikon D5300
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Leica S (Typ 006)

Compared to Pentax K-3

Leica S2
Pentax K-3
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica S2 vs 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

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Leica S2
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Leica S2 vs Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Nikon D5300
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Compared to Canon T6s

Leica S2
Canon T6s
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection

Compare Leica S2 vs Canon T6s

Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Canon T6s

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