Nikon D3300 First Shots: can a budget DSLR really beat a full-frame monster?

 

 

DXOMark announced yesterday that the Nikon D3300 sensor scored an 82, putting it ahead of the Canon 5D Mark III's score of 81. A budget APS-C that could go head-to-head with Canon's full-frame 5D Mark III sounded too good to be true, so we were thrilled to get the D3300 into our lab.

We're pleased to present for your inspection the Nikon D3300 First Shots, our first batch of sample lab images, to allow you to take a closer look and, just as importantly, use them to compare the D3300 to any other cameras in our Comparometer.

Want to know how it stacks up against the D3200? The D5300? A Canon T3i, T5i or SL1? A Sony A58? Something in a mirrorless variety? Or how about that monster 5D Mark III? If you need the information now, there's no need to wait for us to give you our opinion, just dive in and start comparing for yourself!

The Comparometer uses straight-from-the-camera JPEGs at default noise reduction settings to give you the most objective and standardized view from camera to camera, but you can also access many of the raw files from the samples page as well for any of these cameras. Feel free to download these for your own testing and comparison purposes (but no commercial use please without our written consent).

Once you've taken a look at the samples and performed comparisons, feel free to come back here and leave comments at the bottom of the page so that we and other readers can get your take on how this camera stacks up in image quality against its predecessor and the competition. And check back with us often, as we'll have you much more to come on the Nikon D3300.