Nikon D5300 vs Canon SL2

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Nikon D5300 vs Canon SL2

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APS-C 366.6mm²
24.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Nikon D5300 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D5300 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D5300.
Compare Nikon D5300 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D5300 conclusion.

APS-C 332.3mm²
24.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Canon SL2 Review.
How does it shoot? Canon SL2 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the SL2.
Compare Canon SL2 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon SL2 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Nikon D5500
Compare D5300 vs D5500

Succeeded by the Canon SL3
Compare SL2 vs SL3

Compare NIKON D5500 vs CANON SL3

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Differences

Nikon D5300 advantages over Canon SL2

Larger sensor
APS-C vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
D5300 test data on DxO Mark SL2 test data on DxO Mark

1,338 vs 1,041 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Built-in GPS
GPS vs None
Geotag your photos
More telephoto lens reach
210 mm vs 88 mm
Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
More cross-type AF points
9 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
More AF points
39 vs 9
More AF points improve autofocus
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Bigger JPEG buffer
100 vs 22 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon SL2 advantages over Nikon D5300

Less expensive
$549 vs $697
Save money for lenses or accessories
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
NFC
Yes vs No
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
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
7 years vs 11 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Lighter weight
668g vs 1035g
Lighter weight
Less shutter lag
0.08 vs 0.29 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster RAW shooting
5.1 fps vs 4.0 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Tilt-swivel screen
Both provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
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

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
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Neither provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D5300 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read SL2 User Reviews

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Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 18-140mm Lens
Kit with 18-55mm Lens

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Buy the Canon SL2

Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (White)

All SL2 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

Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.
Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.
Read our Canon SL2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7100

Nikon D5300

Nikon D7100

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$690
APS-C

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D7100

Canon SL2

Nikon D7100

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$690
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D7100

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

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Pentax K-3

Canon SL2

Pentax K-3

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$699
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Canon T6s

Nikon D5300

Canon T6s

$549
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

$619
APS-C

Touchscreen
NFC

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Canon T6s

Canon SL2

Canon T6s

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Fast startup

$619
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach
Top deck display

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon T6s

Compared to Nikon D3500

Nikon D5300

Nikon D3500

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Built-in Wi-Fi

$623
APS-C

Less expensive
Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL2

Nikon D3500

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$623
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D3500

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon D5300

Canon SL3

$549
APS-C

Larger sensor
Built-in GPS

$632
APS-C

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Canon SL3

Canon SL2

Canon SL3

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
NFC

$632
APS-C

Shoot 4K video
Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon SL3

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