Nikon D5200 Hands-on Preview: Digital Photography Review

JPEG Tone Curves / dynamic range

Our Dynamic Range measurement system involves shooting a calibrated Stouffer Step Wedge (13 stops total range) which is backlit using a daylight balanced lamp (98 CRI). A single shot of this produces a gray scale wedge from the camera's clipped white point down to black (example below). Each step of the scale is equivalent to 1/3 EV (a third of a stop), we select one step as 'middle gray' (defined as 50% luminance) and measure outwards to define the dynamic range. Hence there are 'two sides' to our results, the amount of shadow range (below middle gray) and the amount of highlight range (above middle gray).

To most people highlight range is the first thing they think about when talking about dynamic range, that is the amount of highlight detail above middle gray the camera can capture before it clips to white. Shadow range is more complicated; in our test the line on the graph stops as soon as the luminance value drops below our defined 'black point' (about 2% luminance) or the signal-to-noise ratio drops below a predefined value (where shadow detail would be swamped by noise), whichever comes first.

Note: this page features our new interactive dynamic range comparison widget. The wedges below the graph are created by our measurement system from the values read from the step wedge, the red lines indicate approximate shadow and highlight range (the dotted line indicating middle gray).

Cameras Compared

The D5200 produces a tone curve that is all but identical similar to what we've seen on previous low-end Nikon models, and falls neatly between the curves of Canon's Rebel T4i, which clips highlights somewhat more suddenly, and the Sony A57, which has a slightly gentler 'roll off'. At standard settings the D5200 gives a total JPEG dynamic range of approximately 9 EV, about 3.5EV of which is in highlights.

Picture Controls

All of the D5200's different picture control settings offer the same highlight range of approximately 3.5 EV but vary in contrast. The Neutral setting applies the least contrasty tone curve while the vivid and landscape settings produce a 'punchier' tonality.

ADL modes

Active D-Lighting is Nikon's method for capturing more information in the brightest parts of the scene and conveying a wider range of tones in the final image. When the system is activated the camera uses a darker exposure to capture more highlight tones and then analyses the scene and selectively brightens parts of the image to give correct brightness without losing local contrast.

The D5200 offers four discrete settings for Active D-Lighting (ADL) in addition to an 'Auto' option. Nikon's ADL modes seek to retain highlight and shadow detail in high contrast scenes by combining under-exposure (via a shutter speed adjustment) with manipulation of the image's tone curve.

Comparing the effects of ADL at its extremes - Off and Extra High - you can see that in our studio test scene the highlights are extended by as much as 1 stop EV, albeit with a pretty abrupt transition between clipped whites and highlight detail. Overall scene brightness is reduced by perhaps 1/3 stop EV in 'Normal', 'High' and 'Extra High' ADL modes in order to expand the highlight range.

Comments

Total comments: 208

To clarify the following 2 points are NOT accurate..
" one of the reasons why Nikon and Canon chose to go with in-lens VR/IS is that with the mechanism built into the lens rather than the body there is more latitude to shift therefore resulting in a more effective stabilization. The second reason is that with VR/IS in lens you get stabilization in the viewfinder as well.

The Olympus IBIS not only gives you stabilization in the viewfinder, but also give better stabilization over all because in-lens IS cannot detect rotational movement....and you get this with EVERY lens. Canon and Nikon offer varying levels of IS depending on the lens price (rarely do you get their best) or more often no IS.

0 upvotes

Why is the D5200 full review taking so long? You all previewed it in February, yet still no full review 3 months later. The D7100 was previewed at the first of April, with a full review by the end of April. What gives?

5 upvotes

We nee a full review guys, not just a sample!

2 upvotes

Thanks for the in-depth review of the d7100. When will you publish a full review of the d5200? Ik would like to compare both camera's.

3 upvotes

I don't know what this means and what the settings are. Can someone comment on what exactly these settings are and what I

"These include the same improved Auto ISO program that we first saw on the D800, which adds the ability to set the minimum shutter speed automatically based on the focal length of the lens in use, with a choice of five settings that bias towards faster or slower speeds. This fixes one of our biggest criticisms of the D5100, and makes Auto ISO more suitable for use with zoom lenses."

0 upvotes

I wonder why dpreview insists on having previews for 6 months... It is quite irritating to always see previews.. previews.. previews.. while other sites have proper reviews already.

1 upvote

When can we expect a full review on the Nikon D5200?

Keen on seeing your review, because it may influence my decision on which DSLR to purchase (EOS 650D or D5200?).

3 upvotes

My dilemma is Nikon D5200 or EOS 700D.

0 upvotes

From what I have read the 650D and 700D are very similar. In fact value for money, the 650D sounds like the go. Also, the guy in the store told me that what I thought was an important feature at the time, has been deleted on the 700D. Problem is, I don't remember what he said! I've decided to go for the D5200 anyway.

1 upvote

Good choice, D5200. Its sensor gives great image quality like D7100. But now, I take into account to buy D7100 a camera situated in semi-pro or mid-size class. Although I like D5200 with its flip-out screen. How your comment?

1 upvote

Camera score??

0 upvotes

Hi everyone, I just picked up this camera from Costco on Tuesday. They had it in a bundle for $1050.00 until April 27th. It included the body(obviously), both 18-55 and 55-300mm lens, the wifi adapter, Nikon bag, and 16 mg memory card. This is our first DSLR and everyone we talk to tells us how great of a deal it is so we just wanted to share it with everyone.

3 upvotes

Where is the REVIEW for Nikon D5200?

4 upvotes

The D5200 is one of the most interesting DSLRs at the moment, it'S been out for months, when will there be a review? Incredible.

1 upvote

where is your depth review of D5200 ?
you promised it is going to come soon
i have been waiting in three months
dpreview is a lie man

8 upvotes

Where is the review for this camera? It's been out for weeks.

3 upvotes

So, for a first time buy, would you recommend the D5200 or the 650D
I like the EOS system and touchscreen, but as i see it, the D5200 takes better pictures.
Will the quality difference be noticeable with a moderately priced lens?

Thank you in advance. I just cant seem to choose between these two.

0 upvotes

Nikon's consumer grade lenses tend to be a little bit better than Canon's but the difference is negligible. If you buy the d5200, I'd suggest buy body only and if budget is an issue, go for the 18-105mm lens (kit lens for d7000). It's a pretty good lens with few and very sensible compromises. Note that 24 megapixels will push the limits of this lens, but it's a decent lens. If buying the kit, the 18-55mm is not that bad actually.

Note that "better pictures" is relative - the d5200 will give you noticeably better quality IF you shoot RAW. You'll be able to push shadows at least 1 stop more (handy for landscapes, high dynamic range situations). If you shoot JPEG, the difference would be almost negligible (perhaps you'll gain half a stop better noise performance).

Don't discount the importance of ergonomics though. I prefer Nikon's ergonomics, but this is a matter of taste/shooting style. If you like Canon's handling that much better, it's really a toss-up ;)

1 upvote

I want to buy a cam, can any one recommend me 600D or D5200 which is d best,see that heart queen card, that time i feel 600D sensor is better than D5200. So i am confused plz can any one give me clear idea.

0 upvotes

Even the d5100 beats the 600D handily, but only if you shoot RAW. If you shoot JPEGs, the difference would be negligible, and some prefer Canon's JPEG "look" (though you may change the default look using Picture Control).

Disclaimer - I'm a Nikon shooter. That said, I used the 550D quite a bit (same sensor as 600D) and if you shoot RAW, the d5100/d7000 has a fairly significant advantage in IQ. The d5200 widens the gap further. That said, IQ is just one factor when deciding which system to choose and it might not be the most important one.

1 upvote

i am tossing between the 650d 18-135 STM and d5200 18-105 VR.
i went to Ted's Camera and played around with both for a while. The sales consultant was very helpful and didnt mind. What really surprised me was the speed of the auto focus on the Canon STM system. In real life lower light use, the focusing speed was much much faster and quieter on the Canon. It also did not require AF assist, whereas the d5200 struggled a bit more and the AF assist light came on more often when focusing on the same items and same low light. Both were on auto mode.

(I had my heart set on the D5200 after all my internet research, but that pretty much sold me the 650d. A 360 turnaround for me.

I also want to add a 50mm F1.8 (approx $100) and an iTTL flash that allows off camera flash. I think a brilliant starter kit.

I wonder if anyone else has noticed the focus differences between the 2 systems? To me specs mean nothing when in reality one clearly outperforms the other.

I wonder if anyone else notice.

0 upvotes

I am going in the same route between 650D and D5200. And I prefer 650D over D5200 for two reasons - its touch screen and the 18-135 kit lens,1X more than the Nikon!

I am a newbie to the DSLR. Number of Autofocus points is not a concern to me. But, I am stopped because of the Autofocus system display of the 650D.

The 650D flashes the red LED for the point that is focused and just vanishes. Whereas in the Nikon, the focused point remains on the screen to further assist you, showing which point it is focused on. I find the Nikon system is advantageous, as the point in focus remains visible till you click, whereas in the Canon, it just flashes and disappears. Nikon allows us to confirm the subject on which it is focused.

I would appreciate your views on it. Am I missing anything here in my logic? Also, is there a setting in Canon 650D to make it behave like Nikons?

0 upvotes

I'm comparing the D5200 against the D3200, the D7000 and the Sony nex 7
If you look at the raw comparisons at iso 100 you will notice how bad the focus is on the Nikons. The sony is razor sharp.

I hope the D7100 test setup is checked a bit more careful.
Someone needs to redo these shots

1 upvote

Just purchased this camera for one of my photographers. Is there a way to monitor audio levels with the meters while shooting?

I shoot with the Canon 60D running the Magic Lantern hack, and this is the most useful feature of that camera.

Thanks,
Kit

0 upvotes

I wish Nikon would have kept the same battery as the D5000

0 upvotes

Hi,

I am eagerly waiting for your full review from past 1 week. Please publish the full review soon.

Best Regards

1 upvote

I’m not sure if I’m asking this question in a right place or not (so sorry if it’s in a wrong place)
Okay I’m stuck between choosing this camera or Sony NEX-5R my main concerns are:
1-Image quality and really good video capabilities
2-Size
3-Price
Can you help me?

0 upvotes

Quality wise this is better (considerably).

I would not buy NEX over this. It is not that smaller (included with lens) and it has minimal controls on the body which is frustrating.

Prices are very near.

0 upvotes

I like the fact the D5200 uses Nikon's Expeed 3 software to generate a photograph quickly and accurately.

1 upvote

Very likable camera.
From what I've seen here in the samples, the need for high quality lenses will become imperative now...

0 upvotes

the JPG lacking contrast , is error in settings or is an actual camera default output ?

0 upvotes

Do anybody noticed many jagged edges on RAW version @ ISO 100? We can see it in the brush airs at left, in the card at left of the Bailey's bottle, etc. We can see it at 100 % magnification. I am surprised to see it on a 24 megapixels camera like the D5200. Apart this, I am impressed with the results.

0 upvotes

yep,
check out the Martini upper label - there is clear ch. aberration

1 upvote

Another jagged edges here : http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/6140/nikon-d5200-24-megapixel-dslr-camera-review

Direct link to pretty severe jagged edges in a RAW file, but not every RAW : http://cdn.pocket-lint.com/images/4Zy4/nikon-d5200-24-megapixel-dslr-camera-review-16.jpg?20130204-095351

I am pretty sure Nikon will release a firmware update to solve it, because it is a non sense, even with camera with far less pixels density as 10 mega pixels we don't see such an ugly problem.

0 upvotes

If you're referring to CA (Chromatic Aberration) then to my knowledge it's not the camera's fault rather a characteristic of the lens used! And it can be fixed w/o a firmware updt.

0 upvotes

Have now the D5200 over the D5100. I made the jump although improvements should be not so great by many reviews and opinions. To me the change is worthwhile. The pictures are excellent. Maybe they are only 20% better. But on the already high level, this is a great achievement. I also got a D600 for comparisons. The actual pictures do not differ much. I only shoot RAW and keep the files. Processing SW gets better and better from year to year.

The price/value ratio of this D5200 is perfect. Thank you Nikon for getting me a balanced, light-weight great camera which produces outstanding pro-level images. And I also shoot Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma. On a comparable level – this Nikon is just better than the rest (for this tech wave now).

4 upvotes

What is that yellowish cast on the head of Greek man? Overall colours are desaturated and weird.

Comment edited 23 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

ACMV

0 upvotes

Oi DPR's lads.

You really need to give that Bailey bottle a wipe ..
I was comparing the D7000 (RAW 200) vs the D5200, the Pentax K5IIS and a Rebel.

Focus just below the "neck" of the bottle.. ;-)

Dust city - but not on the Nikon. I'm actually quite impressed with the D5200.

1 upvote

One note: these days is standard 5" display for smartphones ... maybe there would becomme a bigger senzor of camera and interchangable lens module... :-)

0 upvotes

Looks like a realy good upgrade from Nikon. If only they would redesign the ugly rear of the D3xxx and D5xxx cameras.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

And add one more button in addition to that customizable one which is located very oddly (i.e. for ISO and WB).

0 upvotes

Most interesting: EOS HD's first statement:

The Nikon D5200 is the best mid-range Nikon yet for video. What is more of a surprise is the relish in which it takes on the much more expensive 5D Mark III, Panasonic GH3 and Nikon’s own flagship the D800 and D4.

If I'm going to get some pro-grade video gear, maybe I'm better off going for Nikon D5200 and a couple of lenses, (and sell off my Canon gear), because here in Norway the price difference between a Canon 5D III and a Nikon D5200 is around: $ 3.300,-

(-and then having a 24 SLR capable of producing pro-images as a bonus ...)

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

I've seen some good video mode comparisons on youtube, and how all this translates into the real world... you may like to check that out before making a decision. (especially Nikon versus Canon in general).

0 upvotes

What is all this sudden focus on high-speed sync? Why not just buy a couple of 2-stop scrims or silks and kill the sun that way?

2 upvotes

Amen to that Good sir.

Thank you - now if only the forums/comment sections used sticky posts...

Nd-filters. ND-freakin' filters. 2 stops. 4 stop. 8 stops. Variable ND-filters.

But no. Still people discount new offerings since they don't offer 1/8000s flash sync.

2 upvotes

Looks like it is a truely awful camera but with a great auto-focus system and great sensor with nearly no lenses to perform accordingly.

0 upvotes

Hi, Are you saying that the lens available for it, will under perform. If so, what lens will bring out the best performance and image quality of the sensor and auto-focus system? Appreciate your feedback. thanks

0 upvotes

mayby the 1.4 24mm, the 14—24mm zoom the Tilt-Shifts and the 50mm primes and most telefoto primes will do okay.
All the lenses designed for APC-sensors and most zooms will perform as if soft images were the holy grale.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Ok thanks. But will all these Lens work with the Auto Focus and Metering Systems on the 5200.

0 upvotes

sooo...noise AND dynamic range is worse than the d5100

Comment edited 50 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

In case you didn't know it. Dpreview measures DR from jpegs at standard out of the box settings. Standard tone curves in Nikon picture controls are too contrasty (compressed shadows and highlights). But even if you are a jpeg shooter you can set up the in camera raw converter to your liking. Don't forget that D5200 can accept custom picture controls which means that you can load into the camera any custom tone curve you want and tone map raw values the way you wish.

1 upvote

@panos: your comments make one wonder if these benchmark comparisons are actually pertinent and accurate...

0 upvotes

@Timmbits: There are many threads in the dpreview forums between members of the dpreview team and readers discussing dpreview studio test details. It is clear that the base of their testing comes from the rendered jpeg at out of the box settings. They adjust the shutter speed in a way to achieve a certain middle grey value. They make their estimates on DR, iso accuracy etc based on that. That is why they don't mention shutter speeds in the studio samples. Also recently (i don't know exactly when) they changed the studio lighting setup so they can dim the lights in case of new hi iso capable cameras in order to not run out of shutter speeds. This change make really difficult to compare new against old cameras.
As for Nikon processing in camera the custom Picture Controls are a very powerful feature. One can shape the tone curve the way he wish with a great level of accuracy. He can decompress this way highlight range or shadow range and use the available DR in a custom way.

Comment edited 41 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Hopefully they'll improve the viewfinder as well, and than it would be a perfect small DSLR.

0 upvotes

They'll never do that.
A pentaprism is heavier and more expensive.

This is a (very capable) entry level camera.

1 upvote

Hi, Haven't heard back from anyone about clarifying EV Bracketing below.
But I rang Nikon Technical Support and they state in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 only. Very disappointing> I think I'll wait to the next 5000 series upgrade and hope Nikon extend the Raw EV Bracketting to +-3, which is now standard for most entry level DSLR Camera's.

1 upvote

Why not just get the exposure right first time?

"Bracketing is for the insecure" Ansel Adams.

0 upvotes

It's not about getting the Exposure right. It's about taking 3 Raw shots to blend as a HDR photo. That what i use it for!

3 upvotes

Also, the Specs on EV bracketing need to be changed, are they are not correct. It will only do 3 shots at 1/3 or 1/2. (Does not do +-2)

0 upvotes

Don't get your hopes up! Nikon puts in these limitations on purpose! If they didn't do this, you would be able to purchase a D7000 for the price of a D3200. It is not in the interest of their bottom line.

1 upvote

Hi, Can someone please clarify the D5200, EV auto bracketing ability. As Nikon User manual does not say +-2. Only says 3 shots at 1/3 or 1/2. I also checked a camera in store, but have to say i'm not great with the nikon menu system..and i found the EV bracketing setting, but only has on or off.
Couldn't find where you could set it to +-2. There seems to be mixed information about this specification online.
Any clarification on this would be appreciated. Thanks!

1 upvote

I wonder why it is that DPreview doesnt give a number value when they review canons and Nikons?? Like the recent 83 for the Pentax K 5 or the 69 for the Pentax K 01??

0 upvotes

I downloaded and read the user manual for d5200. Page 84 clearly shows that bracketing can be up to 2 EV between shots. Setting value 1/3 or1/2 in custom menu -> b:exposure customizes your bracketing value selection so it looks like
0.3, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0
or
0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Just buy the D7000

3 upvotes

I was waiting for the D5200, but when I read about Nikon choosing to cripple the bracketing, I got a D7000. Mirror lock up, One button press, three exposures at -2, 0, +2

0 upvotes

Will there eventually be a "real", full review?

3 upvotes

My first thought when I saw this camera on the B&H website was, "Here's a T4i Beater." The write=up seems to bear that out.

One question: Does Nikon have anything that deals with dust on the sensor in the way Canon does?

Thanks!

0 upvotes

I have this camera now since Last Thursday & I only had the chance to shoot with it for like a mere hour. I have moved up from Nikon D3100 & believe me, it is way way more advanced than the Nikon D3100 that I have used for more than 2 years. Simply it takes you to a new level of creativity & challenge. Very highly recommended. The focus system is stunning.

2 upvotes

Isn't the AF way too limited considering the lack of controls for it? I guess you have to dig in the info screen to change from AF-S to AF-C, right?

0 upvotes

Micro AF adjustment?

0 upvotes

yeah k30 owner here...
also have to say that as far as aps-c goes, the k30 is king in the price/value dep.
lowest iso noise + inbody anti shake. (i shot a lot in museums)

For Nikon and Canon you have to buy lenses with built in anti shake, which are blurry as hell.

1 upvote

"For Nikon and Canon you have to buy lenses with built in anti shake, which are blurry as hell."

Trying to parse this sentence.

The anti-shake is comparable (some would say superior) with in-lens stabilization. So that won't lead to blurry results.

And the comparable lenses are comparable, and I wouldn't say that Canon or Nikon lenses are less sharp/blurry in general.

So what exactly are you trying to say?

Comment edited 27 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

Actually, one of the reasons why Nikon and Canon chose to go with in-lens VR/IS is that with the mechanism built into the lens rather than the body there is more latitude to shift therefore resulting in a more effective stabilization.

The second reason is that with VR/IS in lens you get stabilization in the viewfinder as well.

3 upvotes

I've used the K-30. It's a great camera, and Pentax has some good lenses, but nowhere near the same amount as Nikon unless you go back to old K mount and m42. Modern AF lenses made in the digital era, Nikon wins on price, quantity and quality. I do love the DA primes but the prices keep going up and up.

IQ on the K-30 is great, and weather sealing is a great feature IF you have weather sealed lenses (there are only a few WR Pentax lenses, AFAIK). The D5200 has a better sensor, even though the 16 mp Exmor is great.

Not sure if the D5200 has 14 bit RAW but the K-30 differs from the K-5 in that it only has 12 bit RAW.

Video quality, there is no comparison. Hands down the D5200.

Like the others I don't know anything about "blurry" VR lenses.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

@JD

The third reason is that with VR in lens, you make people buy expensive VR lenses rather than having it work with everything, even legacy lenses. I'm sure this was only a very small, teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy, insignificant, not-worth-mentioning part of Nikon and Canon's thought process, though. Your technical explanation seems much more on the mark.

0 upvotes

Expensive?

The least expensive Nikon DX zooms all have VR.

Noone trumphs pentaxians when it comes to stating (wrong) absolutes.

0 upvotes

Any news about the full review, when its going to be published ?

1 upvote

Soon?

1 upvote

D5200 getting optimistic thumbs up for video capabilities from EOSHD.COM :

http://www.eoshd.com/content/9586/is-the-cheap-nikon-d5200-a-better-option-than-d800-for-video-no-moire-aliasing-and-good-detail

0 upvotes

I saw a D3200 in Wamart a while ago. It just looks too small to hold onto. Is the D5200 the same size?

1 upvote

New to this awesome site, and also a soon to be Nikon D5200 owner.. hopefully with enough mindset for it. However, to get myself started... I am unsure if I should just buy the D5200 body or with the lens? Should I buy the lens separately, or choose one that is offered with the camera? And if so, where should I get a trusted lens from? I thought about looking on Ebay, because they seem to have some "good" deals with new camera kits. Amateur here!

0 upvotes

I'm an amateur myself, but let's see if I can help: firstly, I think this model is sold with a kit lens so you don't have an option (of course I could be wrong).
If you have an option an 18-55mm lens is good enough but I personally would go for a 18-105mm. These are good enough for starting out. You could also buy a 18-200/300mm zoom lens but these are really expensive and not good if you dont know how to handle your camera well. You have not mentioned what kind of photos you want to click as well, be it macro or landscapes or people or etc. Different options usually require different lenses so a kit lens would be the best and usually economical place to start.
Again, just an amateur, speaking from my own experience. Hope it helps! :)

2 upvotes

Whoops! It is available as body-only, my bad :(

0 upvotes

If you don't want to buy an extra telephoto later, just get the body and the Nikon 18-200 or Tamron 18-250.

0 upvotes

Dkirk7000

Good point. Tamron does make a newer 18-270 mm with stabilization. Sigma makes a 18-250 as well.

A superzoom lens is great if you are not obsessed with IQ.

0 upvotes

Buy Nikkor 18-300 mm, Tamron 18-270 mm is very bad.

0 upvotes

This model is extremely interesting, especially considering the new 24 mp sensor , reportedly made by Toshiba, is currently the best performing APS-C sensor (See DxOMark sensor ratings. Note they haven't tested the 16 mp X-Trans of the 3 APS-C Fuji cameras which are incredibly good as well). But this excellent performing sensor, along with the updated AF system, make this model (and of course the D7000) one of the most desirable DX Nikon cameras available at present.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I hope DP will release a full review soon too. At least the studio shot comparison.

1 upvote

Waiting eagerly for the full review! This preview doesn't even include any sample images :(

1 upvote

IMHO, main weakness of Nikon D5200 as compared to competitions are in Flash Capability. It lags two important features that Canon, Sony and other competitors have:

1. High Speed Flash Sync (Maximum shutter speed can be only 1/200s when using flash)

2. Wireless flash capability (It can not control of off camera flash)

0 upvotes

Total comments: 208