Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D2X

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D5300 and the Nikon D2X, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D5300 was introduced in February 2014 and Nikon D2X was introduced in June 2005. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D5300 Highlights

      • 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 39 Focus Points (39 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,037k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Nikon D2X Highlights

      • 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 800 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 235k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D5300 and Nikon D2X.

      PROS

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 83
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D5300

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D5300 over Nikon D2X.

      Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D2X
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.2 Megapixel vs 12.4 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 800
      Higher Boosted ISO 25,600 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 vs 4288 x 2848
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,037k dot vs 235k dot
      Live View vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1338 vs 476
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.0 vs 22.1
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.9 vs 10.9
      Higher DxO Overall Score 83 vs 59
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Built-in GPS vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz) vs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D5300.

      Advantage of Nikon D2X

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D2X over Nikon D5300.

      Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D2X
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 100%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.55x vs 0.57x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 8.0 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/200 sec vs 1/250 sec
      Environmental Sealing vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D2X.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D5300 Nikon D2X
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D5300 Nikon D2X
        No Image Stabilization
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D5300 has a 3.2" Fully Articulated screen with 1,037k dot resolution and Nikon D2X has a 2.5" Fixed screen with 235k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Nikon D5300 selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Nikon D5300 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D5300 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderNikon D2X has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. Nikon D5300 has 95% coverage with 0.82x (0.55x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Nikon D2X has 100% coverage with 0.86x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D5300 features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Nikon D2X features a 12.4 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 800 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D5300 is equipped with EXPEED 4 processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D2X can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Nikon D5300

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Nikon D5300. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D5300 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D2X nothing can be done. On Nikon D2X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D5300 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Nikon D5300

      Nikon D5300 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      Built-in Wi-Fi on Nikon D5300

      Nikon D5300 has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D5300 comes with EN-EL14,EN-EL14a battery pack with battery life of 600 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D5300 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Nikon D2X has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D5300 and Nikon D2X have Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D5300, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D2X. Nikon D5300 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Nikon D2X can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D5300 has 39 (9 cross-type) focusing points and Nikon D2X has . Nikon D5300 has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D5300 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D5300 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D2X.


      Flash

      Nikon D5300 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Nikon D2X has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Nikon D5300 and 1/250 sec on Nikon D2X.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D5300 body has dimensions of 125 x 98 x 76 mm (4.92 x 3.86 x 2.99") and Nikon D2X body has dimensions of 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.22 x 5.91 x 3.39"). Nikon D5300 weighs 480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz) and Nikon D2X weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz).

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      125 mm

      98 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      158 mm

      150 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      98 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      150 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      86 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D5300 and Nikon D2X

      Nikon D5300 and Nikon D2X for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      GOOD
      79
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      76
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      GOOD
      79
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      GOOD
      84
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz)
      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D5300 and Nikon D2X and give them scores of 70 and 59 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 83
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59

      Photo

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      GOOD
      83
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      75
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      GOOD
      81
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D5300

      Nikon D2X

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 480 g (1.06 lb / 16.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 600 shots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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