Maybe the ultimate prosumer camera!
I am a lifetime semi-pro photographer. This is my second 5xxx Nikon and I like the D5300 even better than my D5100. I moved down to the 5100 from larger Nikon bodies, After getting used to the grip I found I could customize the menu to make it easier to navigate, and before long I didn't miss the top screen or the extra buttons.
This is the most sophisticated Nikon ever made! Nikon seems to try out its latest toys in the 5xxx series before putting them in the larger bodies. You get the sensor and focus capabilities of the 7xxx series, but with a pivoting monitor that comes in very handy for hard to get angles. The light sensitivity is mothing short of astounding, and I particularly love HDR. I use it so often I assign it to my function button. This camera automatically switches from still to tracking focus - a neat trick! I originally got the 5100 as a second body, but I liked it so much I used it all the time. The 5300 is the camera I pick up all the time now, and it's feather weight and redesigned grip are nice for carrying all day. I save my shoulder and money too.
My advice is a little different than I often read. If you are just getting started with DSLRs, and you plan to shoot in "Auto", this camera has more than you will ever need or use, but if you are using large, more expensive Nikons, give the 5300 a try. You may find, like me, that you can live without a few extra buttons to have cutting edge performance in a smaller, lighter and more affordable package.
A word of warning and my only negative is that there is a problem with the interface between this camera and some of my Sigma lenses, rendering OS inoperative. I was planning to upgrade anyway, this just forced the issue.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned