Connect with us

Comparisons

Nikon D3300 vs Nikon D5300: small differences, great results

blank

Published

on

nikon-d3300-dslr-vs-nikon-d5300-better-dslr-camera-for-beginners

The Nikon D3300 is one of the best selling and most popular DSLR cameras on Adorama right now, and Adorama is not the only camera equipment vendor to list the Nikon D330 as one of the favorites of photographers. As photography becomes more and more accessible to everyday people, many are looking for DSLR cameras that can take them through either an amateur career or a professional one. The best cameras for professional photographers might not be the Nikon D3300 or the Nikon D5300, but they are definitely good options with relatively affordable prices. The Nikon D330 and D5300 are more suitable for amateur or novice photographers, although professionals can get great results out of them as well.

Although DSLR cameras are pretty expensive for someone just getting into the field of photography, the investment in such a camera is worthwhile as they usually last for a long time and are generally as future-proof as it gets. With the rise of Instagram as one of the most popular photo-sharing social networks, more and more people are drawn into the photography scene and more and more of them are trying to produce photos that are as professional as possible. The fact that monetization through social media is now not only possible, but quite easy, means that many people will try and up their photo-game to gain more and more followers.

This comparison between the Nikon D3300 and Nikon D5300 is meant to offer a short introduction as to which of these would be the best camera for an amateur photographer, or a novice one, however you prefer phrasing it. I will be talking a bit about the differences between the two, emphasizing the pros and cons of each of these cameras. Each of these has its ups and downs, but the more recent model, the Nikon D3300 is obviously the slightly upgraded model.

First off, let’s start with pricing. On Adorama, one of the best photo-oriented retail sites out there, you can find the Nikon D3300 price set at around $500, which is a pretty good price. It’s currently on sale, which means it is $150 cheaper. The Nikon D5300 is a tad more expensive at $650 at the same retailer, but it does make up for the money with a few features that might even draw in the professional crowd of photographers. Overall, price-wise, both these DSLR cameras are pretty good deals, which means that they can be affordable for a beginner in photography, too.

First off, let’s see what the Nikon D3300 has to offer for the average photographer that’s looking for a camera out there. Off the bat, you probably already know that the Nikon D3300 is a consumer camera oriented at beginners and amateur photographers, so you should have a pretty good idea of what you’re getting into already if you’re considering this camera. The advantage of the Nikon D3300 and consumer cameras in general is that they come with a lot of modes that you select so that you don’t have to set things yourself while getting accustomed to the camera interface itself. But the Nikon D3300 also has a fully manual mode, because sometimes the modes that it offers really can’t handle the environment and the conditions you’re shooting in, or won’t give you the results that you want. Tampering with manual settings is always a good way to learn how cameras and software actually work and will help you get accustomed to photography in itself if you’re a beginner.

One of the best features of the Nikon D3300 is that it comes with built-in WiFi with the Nikon Wifi adapter, so that you can easily transfer photos to other devices on the network, like a smartphone, laptop, computer or tablet. For those of you who love filters and effects, the camera also comes with a slew of them so that you can use tens of effects on your photos to make them as visually entertaining as possible. You get effects like Silhoutte, Night Vision, Pop, Photo illustration, Super vivid, Color sketch, Toy camera effect, Miniature effect, Selective color, high key, low key, HDR painting, black and white and panorama of course.

When it comes to design, the Nikon D3300 is small and light compared to other DSLR cameras, which can be viewed as a plus or as a minus depending on your preferences. Although it doesn’t feel as premium as other cameras do, it certainly gives off a user-friendly vibe and is easily maneuverable, even for beginner photographers. Note that professional cameras don’t compare to the Nikon D3300 when it comes to design, as their materials are much more high-quality which add to their weight quite a bit. For a photography enthusiast, the Nikon D3300 should feel as good as any other consumer DSLR, if not better. Since it’s a lightweight camera, the Nikon D3300 can be considered a good camera for traveling. Its small size contributed to that a lot.

The Nikon D3300 is mostly made out of plastic, but it still feels well put together and sturdy, which is what most beginners and enthusiasts are looking for. For the price, the Nikon D3300 is pretty well-equipped. It comes with a pop-up flash, a built-in diopter adjustment ring so that you can customize the viewfinder for your eyesight. That’s one of my favorite features when it comes to the camera, as I’m nearsighted and really need to adjust the viewfinder to actually see what I’m doing.  When it comes to buttons and the user interface, the design is pretty much standard, so anybody who has held a camera before will get used to the Nikon D3300 pretty easily. There’s also help available in the form of a guide that you can access from within the user interface.

One of the more annoying problems that users have faced when it comes to the Nikon D3300 is that its light-meter gets easily distorted by large white backgrounds. That means that you might end up with pretty weird photos in very bright locations, like in the snow during winter. Still, this small flaw shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for the photography enthusiast, as most consumer cameras do have the same problem when it comes to whites. The images that you might take with the Nikon D3300 in snowy or white landscapes and environments will most likely be a bit under-exposed.

On the other hand, the burst mode that comes with the camera is rather good, better than on most consumer cameras I’ve seen lately, so this makes the Nikon D3300 a good camera when someone wants to photograph moving objects and sports events. Moreover, you can actually catch birds mid-flight, in focus, without too much of an effort, which is something we can’t say about the majority of consumer DSLR cameras in this price range. The video mode is also very impressive in the Nikon D3300 as it can take 1080 p footage at 60 fps, which although is something many smartphones can already do, this camera does rather well. The ISO ranges from 100 to 12000, axpandable to 25000 but at that moment, you will probably get some grainy images, so I’d recommend staying within the limits. Still, most of the low-light photos taken with the Nikon D3300 will look great, so that’s a plus and something smartphones just can’t do.

Tech specs for the Nikon D3300 include a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor, 0.85x high-magnification viewfinder, image retouch, 1.5× lens focal length, Nikon F bayonet mount, 3 inch display and the camera works with all the more recent Nikon lenses that are available on the market. there’s no touchscreen on this baby, which might become annoying at one point when trying to zoom in on pictures and see the shots and if focus is right, but that’s a small compromise for an affordable price. You can buy the Nikon D3300 for $500 on Adorama right here, $150 off.

Moving on the older, more expensive Nikon D5300, when it comes to design and materials, there’s not much of a difference. Still, the D5300 is a bit larger and heavier than the Nikon D3300, but not as much as to make it cumbersome or bothersome. so it’s definitely of no important consequence. The design is slightly different, but not as much as to be a turn-off for newbies and photography enthusiasts. When it comes to the sensor, the D5300 has the same one as the Nikon D3300, so it should yield photos that are about the same quality if set right. The big difference between the two is that the D5300 has much better autofocus and it is noticeable in some cases. Still, the Nikon D3300 didn’t disappoint on that front either, but the D5300 is definitely faster in this respect.

The display of the D5300 is slightly bigger than on the Nikon D3300 as it measures a whole 0.2 inches more, which can be a significant increase. I personally love larger displays on DSLR cameras and on anything really, so that’s a plus in my book for the D5300 this time around. Still, the difference is quite small, so it shouldn’t really be the deciding factor between these two. Also, the D5300 has a bigger viewfinder. One of the added features in this DSLR is its flip-screen, which can come in handy when filming or when working with weird angles, so that’s a plus in my book. For other people, it might be cumbersome to use as when you’re shooting straight forward, it can be a bit of a hassle to adjust correctly.

The modes that the D5300 offers are mostly the same as with the Nikon D3300, including all those effects. Although these effects are rather gimmicky to be honest, they are a fun way to photograph and can be quite enjoyable on various occasions. I especially like the Sketch feature, as it makes photos look like paintings or drawings, which is pretty neat in my book. The better autofocus of the D5300 does make for better high-speed photos or just the plain moving target photos, which is a plus for the more expensive DSLR. One minus the D5300 gets in the features field is for the lack of a panorama mode.

While the Nikon D3300 has WI-Fi thanks to a Nikon adapter, the D5300 comes with Wi-Fi straight out of the box, which is a bonus feature in my mind. Having to get the adapter in every time you need to transfer files can be time-consuming and rather impractical, so the D5300 has better connectivity, so to speak. Moreover, the D5300 comes with built-in GPS, which is lacking from the D3300. Video recording is the same with both cameras, but the Nikon D5300 has a stereo mic, whereas the Nikon D3300 doesn’t. That means that sound quality will be decidedly better on the D5300 in the end.

[ads2]

Since the tech specs and features are largely the same when comparing the Nikon D3300 with the Nikon D5300, we can safely say that an amateur photographer or a photography enthusiast will get a good experience out of either of these. The D5300 is definitely the superior model, and although older at the same time, it does have just a few features that warrant the higher price. Most notably, the added built-in Wi-Fi and much better autofocus are the biggest differences between the two. The flip screen and the larger size are more of a preference-type difference, so we shouldn’t look at them as deal-makers or breakers for that matter. The lack of panorama is a bit of a turn-off, but hey, you can’t have it all. If you’re interested in the Nikon D5300, you can get it for $650 from Adorama right now, and it’s $150 off. Which do you think is the better DSLR for photography enthusiasts?

As part of the editorial team here at Geekreply, John spends a lot of his time making sure each article is up to snuff. That said, he also occasionally pens articles on the latest in Geek culture. From Gaming to Science, expect the latest news fast from John and team.

Comparisons

4 Most Interesting Crossovers in Gaming

blank

Published

on

blank

Gaming crossovers are a great way to bring in new people and drive up interest in a title. With that being said, crossovers aren’t as rare as they once were. More and more gaming companies are now embracing crossovers, to the point that some may say that it has lost its appeal. And while this is true to some degree, there are still crossovers that are really effective when it comes to adding a whole new dimension to a game. To prove our point, we’ve put together a list of five of the most interesting crossovers.

Forza Horizon 4: Halo

Forza Horizon 4 is the eleventh installment in the Forza series. The Forza series is known for its ability to emulate realistic racing conditions and offer accurate representations of real-world cars. And while they’ve partnered with car manufacturers before, Forza Horizon 4 features one of the most interesting collaborations in the entire series.

For a series that prides itself on realistic racing, Forza also knows when to cut loose and have a little fun. Nothing exemplifies this more than the Halo crossover that features Master Chief and the iconic Warthog.

Fortnite: Travis Scott


Fortnite is no stranger to crossovers. But if we had to pick one as the most interesting it would have to be the Travis Scott concert. Not only did this crossover include custom skins and emotes but it also paved the way for one of the most unique digital experiences of 2020.

The Verge’s article on the Travis Scott crossover details that the crossover included an interactive digital concert that turned the Fortnite island into a music stage. What’s great about this crossover is that it hints towards a future wherein music and video games will be working hand in hand to deliver immersive musical experiences to millions of people from all over the world.

Merge Dragons: Rick and Morty



When you think of the popular TV show Rick and Morty, a fantasy puzzle game isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. This is what makes this Rick and Morty crossover so interesting. The sheer absurdity of this crossover shows what gaming collaborations can achieve when one thinks outside the box. The game features original dialogue spoken by the characters that matches their characteristics from the show. It is a fun addition to the puzzle game.

However, this crossover shouldn’t be too surprising as Rick and Morty have appeared in other games, demonstrating how they have become pop culture icons. The comic nature of the duo makes them perfect for every type of genre, including slot games. Foxy Bingo’s pop cultured-themed slots include an official Rick and Morty game that features the iconic imagery and characters from the show. The show has also produced its own game in the form of the Pokémon-clone Pocket Mortys. One thing that all of these games have in common is that they maintain the show’s penchant for fun and wacky adventures. This is seen in Merge Dragons with the exclusive cow-dragon hybrid featured in the crossover event.

Mortal Kombat 11: Rambo


While crossovers in fighting games aren’t exactly new, Mortal Kombat has always had a knack for creating interesting crossovers for their iconic fighting game. One way that they’ve done this is with the inclusion of popular film characters. The franchise has had everyone from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Jason of the Friday the 13th franchise appear in their games.

However, the latest iteration of the game may have topped all of the previous crossovers. This is because Mortal Kombat 11 features John Rambo of the legendary Rambo franchise as one of its available fighters. To add to this, CNet’s article on Mortal Kombat 11 details that Sylvester Stallone voiced the digital John Rambo. This is certainly a treat for fans of the popular action film franchise, as they can finally play as one of the most influential action heroes of all time.

Continue Reading

Comparisons

Loot Crate vs. The Curiosity Box: A Beginner’s Guide to Subscription Mystery Boxes

blank

Published

on

blank

With all the loot box shenanigans we’ve witnessed this year, you might have, while searching for more information, accidentally stumbled across something by the name of Loot Crate. Unlike the reviled loot boxes, Loot Crate isn’t a digital gambling scam. Instead, Loot Crate is a physical, subscription-based mystery box you receive in the mail that contains a bevy of geek-related material. Moreover, Loot Crate isn’t the only available service. Alongside the vanilla Loot Crate Classic, the Loot Crate company supplies geeks with anime-themed items with Loot Anime, gaming swag with Loot Gaming (Loot Crate also sells HaloMinecraftFalloutCall of Duty, and Destiny 2 themed boxes), and film/TV merchandise with Harry PotterFireflyMarvel, and Star Trek themed boxes. Loot Crate also has a rival in the form of Geek Fuel, which is more expensive than Loot Crate Classic but contains more (and more expensive) merchandise. While I don’t have a Geek Fuel box to compare to a Loot Crate, I received a different subscription box for Christmas, The Curiosity Box. This mystery box is a joint venture between the company behind Geek Fuel and the YouTube Channel VSauce, which is admittedly cool. So, without further ado, let’s get into what sets apart a Loot Crate from a Curiosity Box and determine which is right for you.

WHAT’S THE SAME

On the surface, Loot Crate and The Curiosity Box seem similar. They arrive in big cardboard boxes and contain random items. Well, not precisely random; each box focuses on a different theme, and the items provided center around that theme. While a lot of geeks subscribe to these boxes for various bits of swag, perhaps the biggest draw is the exclusives. The companies behind these subscription services make deals with other firms to create unique pieces of merchandise that are literally impossible to find anywhere else, aftermarket/marked up eBay sales notwithstanding. Some of these exclusives are just color variants of readily available products, such as a glow in the dark Funko POP Groot figure and orange Quantum Mechanix Tribble.

blank

Most exclusives, however, aren’t available elsewhere in any other form and include items like the The Walking Dead art print, the Yeti temporary tattoo, the tower of magnetic rings, and “collectible” pins.

blank

Furthermore, while most exclusives are decorative, some are practical items, such as a pen shaped like the Sledge Saw from Dead Rising 3 and light-up beverage coasters with periodic symbols.

blank

Finally, these subscription boxes have some of the most awesome, exclusive, geeky shirts this side of ThinkGeek or Hot Topic.

blank

The exclusive items tend to be the best pieces of merchandise in each box and are usually worth the price of the subscription alone. Usually.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT

Let’s get this out of the way: the most obvious differences are the prices and subscription models. Loot Crate Classic is about $20 per box and comes once a month, while The Curiosity Box is well over $50 and arrives once every three months. More importantly, these boxes are designed for two completely different audiences. The Loot Crate (and likely by extension Geek Fuel) is aimed primarily at adults or older teenagers and provides geek-related decorations and practical items, such as the Dead Rising 3 pen, Star Wars and Deadpool fridge magnets, and a Mega Man car air freshener.

blank

Also, Loot Crate tends to include non-exclusive products that are part of a series. Case in point, during my brief stint with Loot Crate, I received (among other things) a Kidrobot Glow in the Dark Ooze Action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle vinyl figure and a Funko ReAction Alien figure. I got Donatello and the titular Alien, respectively, but I easily could have found Leonardo or Ripley in my Loot Crate subscriptions instead. However, since The Curiosity Box is almost exclusively made up of exclusive items, there is no element of randomness and everyone receives the same merchandise.

blank

While Loot Crate caters to the video game, movies, comics, television, and everything pop-culture side of geekdom, The Curiosity Box is more science oriented and is designed for the family. For example, parents who bought the Summer 2017 Curiosity Box got to enjoy a t-shirt, a set of periodic table beverage coasters, a magnetic ring tower, a t-shirt, and a Nikola Tesla (as a sloth) enamel pin, while children will have fun with a temporary tattoo, a unique embroidered sticker patch, a solar system wall decal and poster set, a mobile microscope, and a castle cross-sections book. Finally, the Summer 2017 Curiosity Box came with the Universe Sandbox 2 Steam game, which is fun for all ages.

blank

Since each Loot Crate and Curiosity Box contains new themes and items, you might find the contents of one particular box more to your liking than another. For example, one Curiosity Box contained a “grow your own glow in the dark crystals” kit, while another included a plush of The Curiosity Box’s mascot, the orange octopus Inq. Meanwhile, past Loot Crates have contained a Batman mug, a Doom Marine Funko POP figure, and the One-Punch Man manga.

While I only have personal experience with Loot Crate and The Curiosity Box, they are not your only options for subscription boxes. Geek Fuel is another decent mystery box, and it has come with its fair share of good products, including a South Park: The Fractured But Whole shirt, a Loony Toons Kidrobot blind box vinyl figure, and an exclusive Legend of Zelda pixel sword power bank. While I cannot recommend the Loot Crate, Curiosity Box, or Geek Fuel (or other) subscription boxes enough, you should research each to know what you should expect from these services. Sure, you technically can’t know what to expect since each box is supposed to be a mystery, but look into each specific subscription and figure out which one is right for you. Which do you think tends to have the best exclusives? Which box caters to your interests? These questions are important and will severely impact your enjoyment. Of course, luck also plays a big role, but that’s also part of the fun.

Continue Reading

Android

Google Drive will Shut Down in 2018

blank

Published

on

Drive

It seems like yesterday when Google introduced Google Drive 5 years ago. Back then, people didn’t have a good grasp about what Cloud Storage did. Nowadays, there are many Cloud Storage services that it’s only a matter of preference to choose one for your file keeping needs. However, what struck me as an oddity was how Google Drive will pull their Google Drive service come 2018.

That’s right, Google Drive will completely shut down on March 12, 2018. With the software no longer being supported on December 11, 2017. People will have several warnings about this, for now, so they will have plenty of chance to switch to the new version of Drive, Backup and Sync.

This new program is basically a combination of the features between Google Drive and Photos. It’s readily available now for Windows and OSX systems and will be the new host for the Cloud storage. Alternatively, users can get a hold of Drive File Stream, which will become available on September 26, 2017.

The core differences between DFS and BaS come when you compare how they help customers. As shown in the image below:

dRIVE

A day without Google Drive.

It seems like users will have their first experience without Drive today though. Because as of this morning, the service was down for many users who constantly used the GSuit app. According to the independent site Downdetector, more than 7,000 users are experiencing issues with the service. This has been going on since 10:04 AM EDT, but the number of reports has been lowering afterward. You can check the stats here.

Thousands of users reported Google Drive issues

It’s a shame to see Google Drive go. To be frank, it was my preferred Cloud Storage option besides MEGA. However, it’s not a huge inconvenience considering they are not shutting down a Cloud Storage service altogether. So we at least have that.

Continue Reading

Trending