Nikon D5300 vs P7800

The Nikon D5300 and the Nikon Coolpix P7800 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2013 and September 2013. The D5300 is a DSLR, while the P7800 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D5300) and a 1/1.7-inch (P7800) sensor. The D5300 has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the P7800 provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon D5300		Nikon P7800
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Nikon F mount lenses		28-200mm f/2.0-4.0
24 MP – APS-C sensor		12 MP – 1/1.7" sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 6,400)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (921k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots		3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
600 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
125 x 98 x 76 mm, 480 g		119 x 78 x 50 mm, 399 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5300 and the Nikon Coolpix P7800? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D5300 and the Nikon P7800. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D5300 can be obtained in three different colors (black, grey, red), while the P7800 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon P7800 is notably smaller (24 percent) than the Nikon D5300. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D5300 nor the P7800 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the P7800 has a lens built in, whereas the D5300 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D5300 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D5300 gets 600 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14a battery, while the P7800 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL14 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

#		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon D5300	125 mm	98 mm	76 mm	480 g	600	n	Oct 2013	799	ebay.com
2.		Nikon P7800	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	549	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549	ebay.com
4.		Canon G15	107 mm	76 mm	40 mm	352 g	350	n	Sep 2012	499	ebay.com
5.		Nikon D5600	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	465 g	970	n	Nov 2016	699	ebay.com
6.		Nikon D3400	124 mm	98 mm	76 mm	445 g	1200	n	Aug 2016	499	ebay.com
7.		Nikon D5500	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	470 g	820	n	Jan 2015	899	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D3300	124 mm	98 mm	76 mm	430 g	700	n	Jan 2014	499	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D7100	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	950	Y	Feb 2013	1,199	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D3200	125 mm	96 mm	77 mm	505 g	540	n	Apr 2012	599	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D5200	129 mm	98 mm	78 mm	555 g	500	n	Nov 2012	749	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D5100	128 mm	97 mm	79 mm	560 g	660	n	Apr 2011	749	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D5000	127 mm	104 mm	80 mm	590 g	510	n	Apr 2009	749	ebay.com
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	116 mm	87 mm	57 mm	402 g	410	n	Oct 2013	699	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic LF1	103 mm	62 mm	28 mm	192 g	250	n	Apr 2013	499	ebay.com
16.		Pentax MX-1	122 mm	61 mm	51 mm	391 g	290	n	Jan 2013	499	ebay.com
17.		Sony A3000	128 mm	91 mm	85 mm	411 g	470	n	Aug 2013	329	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The P7800 was launched at a lower price than the D5300, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D5300 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon P7800 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the P7800 is 88 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 4.5. The sensor in the D5300 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the P7800 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 24MP, the D5300 offers a higher resolution than the P7800 (12MP), but the D5300 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 1.89μm for the P7800) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D5300 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D5300 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D5300 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon P7800 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D5300 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Coolpix P7800 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-6400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D5300 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the P7800 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the D5300 provides substantially higher image quality than the P7800, with an overall score that is 29 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.8 bits higher color depth, 2.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

#		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Nikon D5300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.0	13.9	1338	83
2.		Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
3.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
4.		Canon G15	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	19.9	11.5	165	46
5.		Nikon D5600	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1306	84
6.		Nikon D3400	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.8	13.9	1192	86
7.		Nikon D5500	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1438	84
8.		Nikon D3300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.8	1385	82
9.		Nikon D7100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.2	13.7	1256	83
10.		Nikon D3200	APS-C	24.1	6016	4000	1080/30p	24.1	13.2	1131	81
11.		Nikon D5200	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60i	24.2	13.9	1284	84
12.		Nikon D5100	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.5	13.6	1183	80
13.		Nikon D5000	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/24p	22.7	12.5	868	72
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	1/1.7	11.8	3968	2976	1080/30p	20.7	11.6	179	51
15.		Panasonic LF1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.8	11.6	211	52
16.		Pentax MX-1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	208	49
17.		Sony A3000	APS-C	19.8	5456	3632	1080/60i	23.7	12.8	1068	78

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the D5300 provides a higher frame rate than the P7800. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the P7800 is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the P7800 has an electronic viewfinder (921k dots), while the D5300 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D5300 and Nikon P7800 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

#		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Nikon D5300	optical	n	3.2 / 1037	swivel	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
2.		Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0 / 921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	Y
3.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2/s	Y	Y
4.		Canon G15	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.1/s	Y	Y
5.		Nikon D5600	optical	n	3.2 / 1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
6.		Nikon D3400	optical	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
7.		Nikon D5500	optical	n	3.2 / 1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
8.		Nikon D3300	optical	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
9.		Nikon D7100	optical	Y	3.2 / 1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0/s	Y	n
10.		Nikon D3200	optical	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0/s	Y	n
11.		Nikon D5200	optical	n	3.0 / 921	swivel	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Nikon D5100	optical	n	3.0 / 921	swivel	n	1/4000s	4.0/s	Y	n
13.		Nikon D5000	optical	n	2.7 / 230	full-flex	n	1/4000s	4.0/s	Y	n
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	1440	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	7.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Panasonic LF1	200	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Pentax MX-1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/8000s	1.0/s	Y	Y
17.		Sony A3000	202	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The Nikon D5300 and the Nikon P7800 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D5300 and the P7800 write their files to SDXC cards. The D5300 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the P7800 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D5300 and Nikon Coolpix P7800 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

#		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Nikon D5300	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Nikon P7800	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon G16	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Canon G15	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Nikon D5600	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Nikon D3400	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	Y
7.		Nikon D5500	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Nikon D3300	Y	mono / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Nikon D7100	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Nikon D3200	Y	mono / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon D5200	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon D5100	Y	mono / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon D5000	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Panasonic LF1	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Pentax MX-1	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony A3000	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the D5300 offers wifi support, while the P7800 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the D5300 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the D5300 and the P7800 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D5300 was replaced by the Nikon D5500, while the P7800 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D5300 and P7800 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5300 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon P7800 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D5300 and the Nikon P7800? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D5300:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 12MP) with a 44% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (29 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.8 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.2 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.7 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (600 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
• Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.

Advantages of the Nikon Coolpix P7800:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the D5300 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (119x78mm vs 125x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the D5300).
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D5300 is the clear winner of the match-up (15 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5300 and the Nikon P7800 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D5300 and the P7800 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

#		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon D5300	4/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799	ebay.com
2.		Nikon P7800	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549	ebay.com
4.		Canon G15	4/5	+	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499	ebay.com
5.		Nikon D5600	4/5	..	4/5	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699	ebay.com
6.		Nikon D3400	4/5	+	4/5	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499	ebay.com
7.		Nikon D5500	5/5	+	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D3300	3/5	+	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2014	499	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D7100	5/5	+ +	..	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	1,199	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D3200	5/5	+ +	..	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D5200	4/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2012	749	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D5100	5/5	+ +	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2011	749	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D5000	..	+ +	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2009	749	ebay.com
14.		Olympus Stylus 1	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	699	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic LF1	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499	ebay.com
16.		Pentax MX-1	3/5	..	..	74/100	4/5	4/5	Jan 2013	499	ebay.com
17.		Sony A3000	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4/5	Aug 2013	329	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

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