Recs.
Updated
"The D5300 is a very good upper-entry-level DSLR with a high-resolution sensor and solid video features. It's bigger than mirrorless competitors and it's priced on the high end of its class, but it won't let down a budding photographer, especially those who plan to upgrade from the kit lens to higher-quality optics" according to DP review in 2014.
The successor to the D5300 is the D5600.
See: Panasonic G100 vs Nikon D5300 Comparison.
See: Canon R100 vs Nikon D5300 Comparison.
Mentioned price is for body only, $479.99 with 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Great dynamic range
According to tests performed by DxOmark D5300 has 13.86 stops of dynamic range in print and 13.06 stops on screen for images taken at 100 ISO. These are among the best results for cameras in this price range.