Canon Rebel T5 vs. Nikon D3300: A Budget DSLR Face-Off

Canon Rebel T5 vs. Nikon D3300: Which DSLR gives you more bang for the buck?

canon eos rebel t5 vs nikon d3300 comparison 3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Canon EOS Rebel T5 and Nikon D3300 are the newest entry-level DSLRs from the two largest manufacturers. Both models are designed to take great photos and to be easy to operate – especially for new users who are buying a DSLR for the first time. While both cameras will satisfy the DSLR beginner, our tests found that the Nikon D3300 comes out on top.

	Canon EOS Rebel T5 Image used with permission by copyright holder	Nikon D3300 Image used with permission by copyright holder
Imaging Device	18MP APS-C CMOS	24MP APS-C CMOS
Lens Mount	Canon EF Mount	Nikon F Mount
Digital Factor	1.6x	1.5x
Image Processor	Digic 4	Expeed 4
Maximum Still Size (Pixels)	5184 x 3456	6000 x 4000
Maximum Video Resolution	1920 x 1080/30p	1920 x 1080/60p
Top Burst Mode	3 frames per second	5 frames per second
LCD Size, Pixels	3 inches, 460,000	3 inches, 921,000
Viewfinder	95-percent field of view, 0.8x magnification	95-percent field of view, 0.85x magnification
ISO Range (Expanded)	100-6,400 (12,800)	100-12,800 (25,600)
Shutter Ranger	30-1/4000th of a second	30-1/4000th of a second
AF System	11-point, 1 cross-type	11-point, 1 cross-type
Metering	63-zone dual layer	420-pixel RGB sensor
Connectivity	None	Optional (WU-1a Wi-Fi Adaptor, $59)
Microphone	Mono	Mono
Battery Life (Per CIPA)	600 shots	700 shots
Dimensions (Inches)	5.1 x 3.9 x 3	4.9 x 3.9 x 3
Weight (Body Only, Ounces)	15.3	15.2
Price	$550 with 18-55mm IS II kit lens	$650 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II kit lens

Just based on specs alone (see above), the D3300 proves to be a stronger camera. Whereas the T5 felt like a rebadged T3 with some minor upgrades, Nikon gave the D3300 a bit more oomph. The D3300 has a new sensor that not only has a higher megapixel count, but it doesn’t use a low-pass filter, which helps it achieve better image quality. It also uses Nikon’s latest image processor, the Expeed 4, whereas the T5 is a using the Digic 4, which is about two generations behind. The D3300 also trumps the T5 in movie capture, LCD brightness, high ISO range, faster burst mode, and battery life. The T5, meanwhile, suffers from a noisy shutter mechanism and doesn’t handle high ISOs well. But the plusses for the T5 include that Canon “tone and feel” image quality we love, as well as a lower price – cost is always a deciding factor for many consumers. Both cameras get a thumbs down for their mono microphones, considering both can shoot at Full HD 1080. Although both models lack built-in Wi-Fi, it’s an option on the D3300. Compared to their respective predecessors (the T3 and D3200), the D3300 went through more of an evolution; the T5 seems like old technology. Plus, the D3300 comes in three color choices.

As for performance, we found both cameras easy to use, and both take very good photographs. Newbies would find the D3300’s handholding guides particularly helpful in learning about all the features. Surprisingly the D3300 is better at recording video, which tends to be Canon’s strength. Both cameras include 18-55mm kit lenses that are okay to start out with, but eventually you’d want to invest in new glass. Overall, in terms of features and performance, the D3300 gets our Recommended vote, even though it’s slightly more expensive. The T5 isn’t a terrible camera, but it left us wanting more. (With that said, if you’re on a super tight budget, it doesn’t hurt to look at the outgoing EOS Rebel T3.)

(Les Shu contributed to this article.)

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