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Nikon D5200, 24MP DSLR with 39-point AF gets US launch

Jan 8, 2013 at 02:00:00 GMT
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Nikon USA has announced it is releasing the D5200 launched elsewhere in November 2012. The 24MP upper entry-level DSLR gains the 39-point AF system from the company's higher-end models. The camera will cost around $899.95 with the Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR kit lens. It includes an articulated 920k dot LCD and is compatible with the clip-on WU-1a Wi-Fi module. We previewed it back when it was launched in Europe so, if you still don't know what makes the D5200 tick, the preview should cover it.

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Press Release:

THE ARTISTS' MODERN MUSE: THE NIKON D5200 INSPIRES USERS TO CAPTURE CREATIVELY

Soon to be Available in the U.S., The Nikon D5200 Blends D-SLR Performance and Imaginative Features That Make it Simple to Create and Share Amazing Images and Full HD Video

Las Vegas, CES Booth #8643 (January 7, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the U.S. availability of the Nikon D5200, a camera that provides the imaginative features and D-SLR versatility needed to fulfill any creative vision through stunning imagery and Full HD video. Whether new to D-SLR shooting, or for those simply ready to step-up to a higher level of photography, the 24.1-megapixel D5200 will inspire new ways to capture with an easy-to-use interface, in-camera Special Effects and creative modes, plus the ability to share wirelessly in an instant. The Nikon D5200 will be available in late January for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95* with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens.

"The Nikon D5200 is intended for the customer who wants to capture and share their life, their experiences and their adventures in new and original ways", said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. "The D5200 features Nikon's latest innovative technologies along with an easy-to-use feature set that enables users to unleash their creativity, and truly test the boundaries of a photographer's imagination."

Imaginative Features Inspire Creativity

The Nikon D5200 is designed to foster creative possibilities, allowing users to easily document their lives with a compact and lightweight D-SLR camera body. Loaded with features for making amazing images and HD video, the D5200 is a must-have camera for a well-planned excursion or spontaneous adventure. Photographers have the ability to tell stories with artistic flair, thanks to the assistance of features that include:

Vari-Angle LCD - The high-resolution, 921,000-dot 3-inch LCD screen swivels and rotates at a variety of angles, and is viewable at 170 degrees. This makes it easy to capture images and HD video from creative angles such as above the crowd or down low from a toddler's perspective. Users can even swivel the LCD screen for creative and fun self-portraits.

In-Camera Special Effects for video and still images - By selecting the Effects option on the Mode Dial, users can apply a wide range of creative filters and effects for both photos and HD video. Modes include Selective Color to visually highlight up to three selected colors within a monochrome scene; Color Sketch to create a vivid drawing from a scene; Miniature effect to make a scene appear as a miniature model and Night Vision to enable images and video in very low-light by increasing the camera's sensitivity. Users can also enable modes to emphasize silhouettes or create color effects with high-key and low-key images and video. These effects can be applied prior to shooting the photo or video, or can be applied post-capture for photos through the retouch menu.

Creativity has never been easier - The D5200 features an enhanced graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy to visualize camera settings for optimal results. Additionally, users can enable other visual effects including High Dynamic Range (HDR) and six settings of Nikon's Picture Controls to creatively and automatically manipulate tone and color for striking images and HD video.

Creativity Without Boundaries

The D5200 takes advantage of Nikon's new 24.1-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor to deliver amazing image quality and beautiful HD video that bursts with vivid color, broad dynamic range and gorgeous tones, even in challenging light. Users are now able to realize the full potential and the performance benefits of D-SLR photography including rapid camera response, interchangeable lenses and amazing image quality. Whether shooting a family outing or action sports, the camera is packed with features that let users create amazing content:

Wide ISO range (from 100-6400) - For shooting in even the most challenging lighting conditions, the D5200 covers a wide ISO range and is expandable to as high as ISO 25,600. Shooting at high ISO sensitivity enables users to shoot at faster shutter speeds and reduce the effects of image blur caused by camera shake even in low-light situations or when shooting a moving subject, delivering clean and sharp images with minimal noise.

EXPEED 3 image processing - Nikon's most recent image processing engine, dubbed EXPEED 3, drives the rapid response and swift performance of the camera, while maximizing energy efficiency, reducing image noise and delivering true-to-life colors.

Scene Recognition System - Information from the 2,016 pixel RGB sensor is used to instantly analyze and recognize the scene prior to capture, resulting in adjustments to exposure, AF and white balance for the best possible image quality. The result is brilliant landscapes, flattering portraits and fast-moving action captured with split-second precision.

39-point AF system with wide area coverage - The D5200 features Nikon's quick and accurate 39-point AF system to help users create tack-sharp images for a wide variety of subjects. The Multi-CAM 4800 DX AF sensor works in tandem with the Scene Recognition System to accurately acquire and track subjects throughout the frame. Users can lock-on to fast moving subjects throughout the frame using 3D tracking to create sharp images of fast action, or use one of the other modes including single point AF, Dynamic AF and Auto-Area AF. When in Live View or recording video, contrast detect AF quickly acquires, and can even track focus through the frame.

Speed and performance - Whether upgrading from a compact point-and-shoot or exploring the benefits of D-SLR photography, users will appreciate the speed to capture fast action and fleeting moments at the press of a button. The D5200 can shoot full-resolution images at up to five frames-per-second to help freeze fast moving subjects, and quickly acquires focus thanks to the intelligent AF system. The D5200 delivers amazing performance with lightning fast start-up time and nearly imperceptible shutter lag, the time when the shutter button is pressed to when the beautiful image is captured.

The Easy Way to Share Great Pictures

While the Nikon D5200 is capable of capturing amazing images and HD video, it also enables the user to simply and quickly share stunning imagery with friends and family. By utilizing the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, the connected user can easily share photos taken on the D5200 to a supported smartphone or tablet. 2 The Nikon Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application is available free of charge on Google Play™ for Android™ 1 devices or from the App Store™ for the iPhone or iPad. 3 When using the application, photographers can wirelessly transfer images from the camera to a mobile device, and even remotely control the camera from up to 49 feet.

Realize a Vision in HD Video

For those wanting to expand their creative vision with video, the D5200 D-Movie HD video mode is capable of capturing Full HD 1080p, with the option to apply Nikon's Creative Effects. This feature lets users take advantage of modes like Selective Color or Color Sketch to create truly customized movies. By simply pressing the dedicated video record button, movies are recorded at 1080/30p, or at 60i for optimal playback on many HDTVs when connected to the HDMI output. For the first time in a Nikon HD-SLR, users have the ability to record stereo sound through the internal microphone or attach an optional external microphone, such as Nikon's ME-1, through the dedicated microphone terminal.

The Vari-Angle LCD provides the opportunity to gain a unique perspective for video, while full-time autofocus helps users maintain sharp focus that is critical for HD video. While recording, the contrast detect AF system has the ability to use normal or wide area AF, track a subject through the frame, or use face priority AF to make sure faces are always in focus.

NIKKOR, Speedlight and System Compatibility

The creative potential for the D5200 is unlimited when combined with the versatility of Nikon's legendary NIKKOR optics and powerful system accessories. Compatible with Nikon's dedicated DX-format lenses and more than 50 FX-format lenses as well as Nikon's Speedlight System, the Nikon D5200 puts the ability to create stunning images and HD video at the user's fingertips.

New optional WR-R10 and WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers

The D5200 is also compatible with a new wireless radio frequency remote accessory, the WR-R10 and WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers. When using these devices, the camera can be triggered remotely, making it ideal for group shots, remote applications, or to reduce shake when the camera is mounted on a tripod. This new wireless remote system operates from a radio signal rather than infrared light, dramatically increasing functionality and range. Now the camera can be triggered from up to 20 meters (66 feet) away, and a direct line of sight is not necessary. The remotes also enable the bulb function for long shutter applications, as well as functions of the camera that are affected by a half-press of the shutter, including the engagement of the AF system or starting and stopping video capture. The WR-R10 transceiver can be connected to the accessory terminal of many Nikon D-SLR cameras including the new D5200, D3200 and D600. For those cameras that feature a 10-pin terminal, the optional WR-A10 adapter can be fastened to allow use of the wireless remote controllers.

Price and Availability

The Nikon D5200 will be available in three colors (Black, Red and Bronze), starting in late January 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95* with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens. The WU-1a is available for the SRP of $59.95*. The WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controller will be available at the end of January for a SRP of $94.96*, WR-R10 Wireless Remote Transceiver for an SRP of $126.96*, the WR-A10 Wireless Remote Adapter for a SRP of $74.96* and the WR-10 Wireless Remote Controller Set will be available for a SRP of $277.96*. For more information on the new Nikon D5200 and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Nikon D5200 specifications

Price
MSRPWith 18-55mm VR lens: Eu: €920 UK: £820
Body type
Body typeCompact SLR
Sensor
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Other resolutions4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000
Image ratio w:h3:2
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors25 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorExpeed 3
Color spacesRGB, Adobe RGB
Image
ISOAuto, 100 - 6400 (25600 with boost)
White balance presets12
Custom white balanceYes (5)
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, Normal, Basic
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lampYes
Digital zoomNo
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points39
Lens mountNikon F mount
Focal length multiplier1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3.00
Screen dots921,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT LCD monitor
Live viewYes (With contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking)
Viewfinder typeOptical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage95%
Viewfinder magnification0.78×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Programmed auto with flexible program (P)
  • Shutter-priority (S)
  • Aperture priority (A)
  • Manual (M)
Scene modes
  • Auto
  • Portrait
  • Child
  • Close up
  • Night Portrait
  • Party/indoor
  • Pet Portrait
  • Color Sketch
Built-in flashYes (Pop-up)
Flash range12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flashYes (Hot-shoe)
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
Flash X sync speed1/200 sec
Drive modes
  • Single frame
  • Continuous
  • Self-timer
  • 2s Delayed remote
  • Quick-response remote
  • Quiet shutter release
Continuous driveYes (3, 5 fps)
Self-timerYes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB BracketingYes (3 frames in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis)
Videography features
Format
  • MPEG-4
  • H.264
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Resolutions1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
Videography notes1920 x 1080, 60i (59.94 fields/s)/ 50i (50 fields/s), high/normal 1920 x 1080, 30 p (progressive)/25p/24p, high/normal
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (Mini Type C)
WirelessOptional
Remote controlYes (Optional ML-L3 or WR-R10)
Physical
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
Dimensions129 x 98 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 3.07)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingYes
GPSOptional
GPS notesGP-1

Additional images

Nikon D5200

Nikon D5200

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Comments

Total comments: 37
Benarm
By Benarm (9 months ago)

I hope Nikon is not cheaping out on sensors on their DX bodies by going with Toshiba rather than Sony. Its still uncertain how Toshiba sensors will perform.
The best Nikon bodies, the D600 and D800 use Sony sensors, the IMX128 and IMX094AQP respectively.

1 upvote
justmeMN
By justmeMN (9 months ago)

Is it sensor designed by Nikon and manufactured by Sony, versus sensor designed by Nikon and manufactured by Toshiba?

0 upvotes
HowaboutRAW
By HowaboutRAW (9 months ago)

Benarm:

The raws I've seen from the D5200 are very very good. Adobe extracts them too.

0 upvotes
Boerseuntjie
By Boerseuntjie (9 months ago)

First Toshiba sensor for Nikon, will have to see how it performs

0 upvotes
Josh152
By Josh152 (9 months ago)

If it's any thing like the D3200 it will be Class leading just like the D5100 sensor was.

0 upvotes
HowaboutRAW
By HowaboutRAW (9 months ago)

Boerseuntjie:

The raws I've seen from Photographyblog.com are excellent.

PhotoShop CS6 extracts them, better than that 24MP Sony sensor Nikon used and Sony uses in the Nex 7.

0 upvotes
lensberg
By lensberg (9 months ago)

The D5200 sensor will in all probability have the same RAW & JPEG image characteristics as the D3200... visavi dynamic range & high ISO... give or take a little here and there...

Now we're all waiting with baited breath for Canon's latest gen APS-C response...

0 upvotes
JDThomas
By JDThomas (9 months ago)

I think this is a pretty nice camera for entry-level photographers. It's got some good guts in it. 24MP sensor, 39 AF-points, EXPEED 3. Heck, it's got some better features than the Canon 6D.

I could also see this is as a great second camera for videographers and documentarians for shooting B-roll and footage at odd angles and in small places without the need for bulky external monitors.

The vari-angle LCD can also good for video bloggers to set up their shots because they can see themselves, again without the need for an external video monitor and a rack.

Sure this camera isn't for everybody, but that doesn't mean you need to berate it. It's a camera that fits a certain niche.

I sure wish people on this forum could look more at the positive attributes of a camera instead of being so negative all the time.

2 upvotes
marike6
By marike6 (9 months ago)

I totally agree. The D5100 was such a good camera, largely due to the excellent 16mp Exmor sensor. But in most other ways like AF module, the D5200 is a far better camera.

I have a bag full of FF Nikkors that will perform great on any DX body, so I'm looking to add a camera like this. For most, the D7000 will still be the best choice, but because of the improved video performance, articulated LCD and small form factor, the D5200 may make as much sense as any of the DX Nikon bodies.

2 upvotes
Francis Carver
By Francis Carver (9 months ago)

Text of the Sin City, USA press announcement says nothing about the D5200 being available for sale here w/o the junk zoom lens. But then there is a link at the bottom to Amazon where the camera will sell apparently without the kit lens for a hundred shekels less.

Text of announcement talks of an external microphone possibility -- but there is no mention of this interface in the specs list.

No clue about the exact codec type and the video recording bitrate this thing is capable of.

I guess maybe I'm not getting this one, but what is there to get all excited about?

0 upvotes
JDThomas
By JDThomas (9 months ago)

The camera is available in three options.
1. D5200 w/18-55
2. D5200 w/18-105
3. D5200 body only

The bronze and red ones are only available with the 18-55 kit lens.

0 upvotes
marike6
By marike6 (9 months ago)

From Photozone re: the 18-55 VR:

"Despite their cheap price and low build quality, kit lenses often show surprisingly high resolution. The AF-S 18-55 VR is no exception to this rule. The center resolution is excellent at any focal length and aperture, except at 50 mm, where it is "only" very good wide open and from f/11 onwards, but still on a very high level."

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/397-nikkor18553556vr?start=1

As you can see, the 18-55 VR is far from "junk", and for an extra $50 it's well worth having.

As far as external microphones, both the D3200 and D5200 have 3.5mm stereo mini-pin jacks. See specs here:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d5200/spec.htm

4 upvotes
JDThomas
By JDThomas (9 months ago)

I've long since given up trying to convince people that the kit lens is actually pretty nice.

Most people assume that since it's not fast and it's small that it's junk. I like it pretty good. I take a camera almost everywhere I go, but if I'm not working I generally go for the smallest kit I can bring. I've replaced the 18-55 with a Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 because it's more versatile, but I used the 18-55 quite a bit with great results.

2 upvotes
Mssimo
By Mssimo (9 months ago)

Hot off the press. Nikon tells sony to take a hike, uses toshiba sensor in Nikon D5200. Source chipworks.com

Same sensor as D3200? Better or worse?

1 upvote
Mssimo
By Mssimo (9 months ago)

Confirmed. Not the same sensor as D3200.

0 upvotes
Timmbits
By Timmbits (9 months ago)

Makes sense, to not go with your direct competitor as your supplier. Purely business and strategic decision.

0 upvotes
JDThomas
By JDThomas (9 months ago)

I don't see where it says Nikon tells Sony to take a hike. It's entirely possible that they went with Toshiba for a specific reason and the Sony will continue to provide sensors for other cameras.

Sony and Nikon may both be camera manufacturers, but the direct competition really has no bearing on Nikon using Sony sensors. Nikon designs the sensor and Sony manufacturers them to Nikon specs. They aren't the exact same chips. The chip is also only one tiny part of the whole package. It's obvious that the Sony built Nikon sensors out-perform the Sony equivalents in many ways.

2 upvotes
Josh152
By Josh152 (9 months ago)

Have you seen the DXO results for the D3200 or looked at sample images? It has the basically the same performance as the 16mp sony sensor in the D7000 but does it with 24mp. My guess is the sensor was cheaper from Toshiba and since it had the same performance it was a no brainier for Nikon.

0 upvotes
nicolaiecostel
By nicolaiecostel (9 months ago)

So, a D40 style body, at 900 dollars with a kit lens. You must be smoking some really strong stuff to fall for this one.

2 upvotes
Josh152
By Josh152 (9 months ago)

No all you have to be is a serious photographer on a budget or who want's something smaller and lighter without sacrificing three of the more important advanced features of some of the bigger cameras. (AF, Metering and IQ) Nikon's philosophy for the D5200 seems to be to target the needs the more advanced/serious people who self identify as photographers and to keep the D3200 for the price conscious/more casual P&S upgraders. Sure the D5200 is a little more expensive but the market it is targeted at will gladly pay more for it's 14bit RAW and D600 level AF/metering.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 4 minutes after posting
2 upvotes
rusticus
By rusticus (9 months ago)

I will buy if the price has fallen, and zwa for my old Nikon AI and AI-s Nikkor lenses ;)
But for this lens, I buy or D3200 or?

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting
1 upvote
Timmbits
By Timmbits (9 months ago)

it has the same production cost as a d3200, but you have to buy this if you want a better version of the firmware (for HDR/bracketing), stereo microphones, and a hinge.

0 upvotes
Timmbits
By Timmbits (9 months ago)

Essentially a D3200 with an unrestricted firmware and the addition of a screen hinge and second mic = essentially the D3200 hardware that is a few hundred dollars overpriced.
Despite this, an OK deal... but could be better because the D3200 tells us what they would be able to sell it for and still make a healthy profit.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting
2 upvotes
Francis Carver
By Francis Carver (9 months ago)

Anybody knows what video recording bitrates (Mbit/sec) these Nikons are working with? Or is that one big mystery?

0 upvotes
Escape
By Escape (9 months ago)

Francis, it looks like 24 Mbps in high quality mode and 12 Mbps in normal mode at the highest resolution, based on this link:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d5200/features04.htm

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 51 seconds after posting
0 upvotes
Josh152
By Josh152 (9 months ago)

Sure if you are only talking about video but due to it's much more advanced AF/metering, 14bit raw, bracketing, and 5 FPS the D5200 is a pretty good sized step up from the D3200 when it comes to stills.

0 upvotes
peevee1
By peevee1 (9 months ago)

No kit with a more reasonable lens yet?

0 upvotes
marike6
By marike6 (9 months ago)

I'm looking for an DX camera to backup my D800 and the D5200 may just fit the bill perfectly. I like the small size and articulated LCD. But unless the features like the video quality are dramatically improved over the previous generation, I may just grab a D7000 or D5100, both of which feature my all time favorite APS-C sensor, the 16 mp Exmor. It's good to have so many choices.

0 upvotes
Francis Carver
By Francis Carver (9 months ago)

And you would be much better off with 16MP than with 24MP, anyhow. This thing w. 24 million pixels on an APS-C sized imager real estate is just too crowded for my liking.

0 upvotes
Intence
By Intence (9 months ago)

It's a nice feature set, but that's a big price jump between the D3200 @ 599 currently and the D5200 @ 899. You're getting better AF and the articulating screen mostly for $300 (keeping in mind that the lens is identical). Assuming body-only would be $499 and $799 the D5200 is over 50% costlier than the D3200.

Other than the slightly high price, it appears to be a nice incremental upgrade, specifically with regards to the 24mp sensor, and the AF system from the D7000, which is taking consumer SLRs to a new level.

Right now, the D7000 is looking like a bargain at current pricing, but as i'm sure the D5200 will drop in a few months, it should be a worthy competitor. On paper it appears to compete well with the T4i, and keep in mind that Canon's sensor tech in the Rebels is a bit dated.

1 upvote
Escape
By Escape (9 months ago)

You also get HDR with D5200, if that matters to the buyer.

0 upvotes
rusticus
By rusticus (9 months ago)

the price will drop - as in the D600

0 upvotes
zos xavius
By zos xavius (9 months ago)

Why would anyone want this over a comparatively less crippled D7000 which is now selling for the same price? I don't think aps-c is ready for 24mp yet personally. I also think that for the price, nikon could at least offer a bit more. The k-30 has a pentaprism and a screw drive as well as weather sealing. What does the nikon have? 24mp and 39 billion AF points. I'm sure it has better AF, but does it give confirmation lights on manual primes? No? Bummer. You know what? It needs more scenes on the mode dial!

2 upvotes
Shamael
By Shamael (9 months ago)

The day Nikon finds out that manual work, specially with a camera that can not focus with ancient screw drive lenses, because it is without a motor drive for those, needs a menu option to work without lens attached, this day I will buy another body. None of those cameras are able to do manual work with a lens that does not confirms any lens to be attached to the body. Sony has this option on all their bodies and, it has a focusing assistance for manual work. Nikon needs to learn a few things, as we can see.

1 upvote
Francis Carver
By Francis Carver (9 months ago)

C'mon, the D7000 comes only in black, and the D5200 comes in stunning red and glorious bronze shades as well. Clearly, a far superior camera by way of aesthetics the D5200 is. :-))

BTW, 16.2MP in an APS-C sensor camera (D7000) over 24.1MP any day or night of the week, yeah!

0 upvotes
vendorofnotions
By vendorofnotions (9 months ago)

Typo in the title, d500

3 upvotes
Richard Shih
By Richard Shih (9 months ago)

Thanks!

0 upvotes
Total comments: 37