Nikon D5200 Hands-on Preview

November 2012 (updated February 2013) | By Andy Westlake and Richard Butler

Preview based on a production Nikon D5200 with firmware 1.00

When Nikon announced the entry-level 24MP D3200 back in April 2012, it seemed only a matter of time before the rest of its DX SLRs were upgraded to the same resolution. In reality it's taken rather longer than we expected, but finally the 24MP D5200 has appeared to replace the D5100 - just in time for the holiday season. As the next model up in the line from the D3200 (according to Nikon it's for 'Advanced Beginners'), it offers more physical controls and enthusiast-friendly features in a similarly-small package.

The D5200 is physically almost identical to its predecessor, and almost all of the changes are internal, including key systems borrowed from the enthusiast-oriented D7000. These include the 39-point AF system (with 9 cross-type sensors) that covers most of the frame, and the 2016 pixel RGB colour-sensitive metering sensor. Indeed about the only external differences between the cameras are a new top-plate drive mode button on the D5200, along with a stereo microphone that's perched atop the pentamirror in front of the hotshoe, rather like Canon's EOS 650D.

It would be tempting to assume that the D5200's 24MP CMOS sensor is the same as the D3200's, but Nikon very specifically says this isn't the case, and the two have slightly different specifications. In practical terms, the D5200 offers a higher extended ISO range compared to it's little brother - 25600 vs 12800 - and faster continuous shooting (5 fps vs 4). For video shooters the D5200 can record Full HD 1920 x 1080 movies at up to 60i or 50i (when set to NTSC and PAL respectively), although this uses a central crop of the sensor area (~1.25x). More conventional 30p, 25p and 24p modes use the full width of the sensor.

The D5200's new sensor is complemented by EXPEED 3 image processing, which Nikon claims offers higher speed, better colour reproduction and improved noise reduction. The D5200 also has an updated, cleaner design to the on-screen user interface that presents more information in a more-logical layout. This is welcome on this type of small camera with relatively few external controls, on which much of the user interaction is via the rear screen (and lots of button pressing).

The D5200 also supports Nikon's WU-1a Wi-Fi unit, which plugs into the camera's accessory terminal and allows images to be transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet for uploading to social media. The device can also be used as a remote control for the camera, complete with Live View, which is potentially a neat way of setting up self-portraits or group shots.

Nikon D5200 key features

24.1MP DX format CMOS sensor
EXPEED 3 processing
ISO 100-6400 standard, up to 25600 expanded
5 fps continuous shooting
39 point AF system, 9 sensors cross type
2016 pixel RGB metering sensor
1080p30 video recording, built-in stereo mic
921k dot 3" vari-angle TFT monitor, 170° viewing angle

Further updates and improvements

The D5200 has a couple of additional tweaks and updates over the D5100 which are less obvious from the spec sheet alone. 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.

There's also a bit more control available in movie mode. You have the option of taking full control over all exposure values - aperture, shutter speed and ISO - in M mode, or letting the camera set the latter two for you. The D5200 also offers finer setting of the microphone gain (now in 20 steps), with a stereo sound meter to help you judge the right level.

Aside from this, the D5200 is essentially the same as its predecessor. There's the same smattering of features you wouldn't necessarily expect to see at this level - including a multiple exposure mode and a highly configurable intervalometer - evened out by the omission of some others (there's no depth of field preview or wireless flash control). Overall though we think it looks like a sensible evolution of its predecessor.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

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Comments

Total comments: 208

1.25x crop for movies? Losing angle and light? Well, DSLRs are bad for movies anyway.

0 upvotes

I'll be waiting for sample (movies especially).
So far, for an enthusiast, this baby looks good.

0 upvotes

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

1 upvote

Isn't 1080i60 (D5200) effectively the same as 1080p30 (D5100)?

Comment edited 16 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

Depends when you want to start shooting and how much money you have to spend. The 5100 is an excellent camera, and is an excellent bargin. Expect to become a better bargin when the 5200 starts hitting store shelves. I own a D60 and would love the ability to take video and the sensor and focusing upgrades are a big step up no matter what model camera I compare it to. With that said the D60 was still my go to camera on Christmas morning as the kids were opening their presents. Just because new stuff came out it doesn't mean my old camera won't take pictures anymore.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

I've never owned an DSLR (or SLR for that matter) & I'm very interested in the D5100. As a beginner, should I opt for the D5200? or save $$ & purchase the older D5100, which i can buy for $699 USD with 2x lenses & case.

Comment edited 37 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Honestly I'd go with the D5100 over a D5200. Heck for a beginner you should be able to find even better deals on a D3100 kit unless you're dying for a flip out screen.

0 upvotes

The D5100 is still an excellent camera. The D5200 doesn't have anything so important that it would make the D5100 obsolete. Those lenses you mentioned that you can get for $699 are kit lenses, they're the cheapest lenses you can buy and the quality is the worst. You'd be better off buying a D5100 body by itself, then buy better lenses. I suggest a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 and a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 to begin with. Don't be tempted by lenses like the 18-250mm, while they seem great at first, they have tiny apertures that means they don't let enough light through and you'll have to use longer shutter speeds and risk motion blur. Don't buy any lens with smaller than an f/2.8 aperture.

4 upvotes

Sir, Nikon D5200 or Canon 650D(T4i), what do you say ?

0 upvotes

I am there with you! I am set on the D5200 though. I have not heard much of a difference for new "entry level" pro DSLR camera owners. I have however read into the ideals of the D5100 and D5200 comparisons... and it seems like D5100 is the way to go. I am just stuck on- to get the lens with the camera, or just the body! haha Good luck to you though :) But I say the D5100 for you, if you'd rather save and feel that's a good deal!

0 upvotes

Has there been an update on release? I was expecting to see this before Christmas but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. :-)

Wonder what the hold-up is?

0 upvotes

It's already being sold in other countries, not sure why the US is late.

0 upvotes

I dunno guys, but for me, D5100 IQ is way looks better in my monitor...

Comment edited 16 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

There are no sample shots shown here from the D5200. So what are you talking about?

0 upvotes

No sample shots here but since he posted 4 weeks ago, I'm assuming the OP is referring to the non-North American Nikon sites where the camera has long been released. They do appear on the U.S. site now.

0 upvotes

I totally agree. 24MP is getting a bit silly. It obviously exceeds the camera's ability to process effectively. I've looked at both JPEG and RAW studio shots using prime lenses and I give the D5100 the edge. Who wants 25MB files containing no apparent improvement in noise or detail?
Pixel count is driven by marketing pressure. I going to keep my D5100 even though the D5200 was tempting for awhile.

0 upvotes

yup, I dunno about IQ but noise seems lower on the d5100. And according to them dynamic range is also higher on the d5100. Great job nikon!

1 upvote

Very Awesome camera good capabilities would have cost $20,000 20 years ago

0 upvotes

Would have cost $20 million 20 years ago.

1 upvote

D90 is a dinosaur compare to D5200,
you don't need brain to decide which one is better

0 upvotes

D90 has a focus motor drive and supports high speed sync. Those are very important features for some people that the D5100 and D5200 lack. For daylight flash photography, the D90 will still take better photos than the newer ones.

2 upvotes

I meant to say D5200 in my earlier post any ways can someone give me a comparison on the D5200 and the D90 I want to know which is better this new D5200 sure sounds good but I'm not a professional and get muddled with the tech terms so need some guidance. Thanks

1 upvote

I have a D90 and it takes nice very pics. Thankfully it only has 12mp's so your hard drive wont get clogged up with pixels you'll never look at.

It's a bit bigger which is good if you've got large hands and the viewfinder is bigger and brighter but still nothing compared to a full frame camera.

Pictures from digital cameras always look the same, no matter what the obsessives on here will tell you, so make your buying choice based on portability and whether or not you like overexposed pictures because all of Nikons cheaper cameras overexpose a lot in bright light, which makes them rubbish in my opinion. The D90 doesn't overexpose and can be picked up cheap second hand so you can spend your hard earned cash on some decent lenses rather than on unnecessary pixels.

2 upvotes

"Pictures from digital cameras always look the same, no matter what the obsessives on here will tell you"

Untrue. I find the D7000's RAW image potential to be much superior to the D90's, which I had right before. The colors are more vibrant before clipping, I can bring back more highlights, and the tones just look more correct. Most likely from the ability to record 14-bit lossless compressed images.

Going back to my most of my old D90 pics, I have trouble getting them to fit into my current style, using the same methods I do with the D7000's pics. I might have a hard time upgrading next time if newer Nikon's can't at least match the D7000's rendering.

1 upvote

In terms of image quality, the D5100/D5200 are quite a bit better, but the difference is less noticeable if you don't make large prints or you only post photos on the internet. If you already own a D90, you would be better off buying a new lens than upgrading to either of these. In fact the D90 has some advantages over them, such as a focus motor drive, faster shutter, and high speed sync. Those are very important features for some people that the D5100 and D5200 lack.

The D90 can use great and inexpensive lenses like the Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 AF, or the 50mm f/1.8 AF. The D5100/D5200 can't focus with those lenses, and requires you to purchase much more expensive AF-S lenses.

For day time flash portrait photography, the D90 can take better photos than the newer ones as it supports high speed sync. With compatible flashes, you can shoot all the way up to the fastest shutter, to darken the sky while the flashes light your subject. D5100/D5200 can't do it, they're capped to 1/250 shutter

0 upvotes

If you've never had a DSLR before, then a D5200 would be a very good beginner's camera. It's not too heavy so you're more likely to carry it around (and use it) compared to the D90 that I have. Even better, look into the D5100 which is much cheaper and just as capable. Sometimes hardware geeks take way too much into consideration when most people just want to take very good photos. You can always upgrade later if you've outgrown it, but if it does everything you need it to do then stick with it til the day it breaks down :)

1 upvote

Hi there, pls clarify me, 1.does D5200 has got manual exposure for video. 2.is there autofocus motor given in D5200?. 3. Is it that vital one to have a dedicated ISO
button? ! .4. Wats d difference btwn 1080i and 1080p while shooting videos ! Kindly guide me friends, need to buy this dslr for nature nd portrait photography nd also mainly for movie making as d5200 is capable of full hd videos !

0 upvotes

I'll only answer for 1080 video modes, and let others answer the rest.
if it is like monitors, 1080i is interpolated,1080p is full resolution. with interpolation, it records odd lines on one pass, even lines on the next pass, in alternation. 1080i monitors can display this resolution even with a lower maximum refresh rate. a higher refresh rate is required to display all lines at once. in "i" the lines displayed before stay lit long enough to be presend alongside the ones currently being displayed, giving a visual very similar to full "p". a 720p monitor can sometimes display 1080i as well, but it cannot display 1080p. in short, 1080p is better.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

No autofocus motor, yes manual exposure for video.

0 upvotes

Can someone please tell me a comparison between the Nikon D90 and this new Nikon D500 which is better? I would like all the pro's and con's thanks :)

0 upvotes

Seriously? You're too busy to do a bit of browsing on this site? All the details are here.

3 upvotes

I just had the chance to play around with the new D5200 at a photo show in Stockholm. First impressions: The camera feels solid for it's size and weight. It's quick and responsive with easy access to the stuff I always wan't to change manually, like exposure, controlling the DOF, changing focus point, controlling the flash power etc. I can definitely live without dedicated ISO and WB buttons, as I normally change these settings less often, ie just before each photo shoot, not under it..

I always wanted this level of specs in a slim body and I can't wait to buy one, body only, of course. The kit lens is a shame on this camera. Using decent lenses I'm expecting really good quality AND mobility.

0 upvotes

I had hoped the D5200 would replace my D5000 camera, but alas, it disqualifies itself by the set of resolutions offered.
12MP were more than enough for me - I had great 75x50cm prints from them. Why do I need 24 MP? But the real problem is that the "lowest" resolution offered is now 6 MP. Unfortunately I used the D5000 (among others) for photographing house facades in order to texture models - 2MP is all I need for this. Sure, I can downsize the images afterwards, but isn't this ridiculous, having to by a larger SD card and spending extra work just because the camera cannot shoot small images?
Plus, the D5200 is still not able to record images in other aspect ratios, such as 16:9 or 4:3, a feature offered by almost every other camera nowadays.
Maybe Nikon thinks this would make it hard to switch through the options? Not if the user could choose a few preferred combinations of size, quality and aspect ratio, and just cycle through these. It would require only one button!

1 upvote

Maybe you should try other brands. It is easy to change resolution and aspect ratio on my Panasonic and Olympus m4/3 cameras; I can have 4 presets of resolutions/compression on my PEN and can access them as well as change aspect ratios it with out diving into the menu system. So, take a look at a Panasonic G5 or Olympus E-PL5, either one has a more practical 16MP sensor, articulated and touch sensitive screen, and cheaper/smaller/lighter. If you want "real" multi-apect, take a look at a GH2.

Comment edited 10 minutes after posting

1 upvote

No problem, with your desire to have the in camera, down sampling, that you want; but this is by far, not nearly, one of the major deciding factors. Resizing is trivial to do. Not having the Raw, better sensor data, when you need it, is not as good as having it; when you don't. Yet still, different strokes.

Note: I say, it's also trivial to pull (not develop) the embedded JPEG out of the Raw (Yes, shoot just Raw); especially when a camera creates great JPEG's. Then, only on your required keepers (time savings/desired output), can you optionally develop, from your sensors, full Raw originals. Yes, you do not have to develop Raw, to shoot Raw, and then use only your, instantly, pulled JPEG; while retaining future (from Raw original) improvement/development options. Such as printing big, corrections, style latitude, etc...

Comment edited 5 times, last edit 12 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Hi, I'm trying to make up my mind on which DSLR to purchase for my first ever DSLR. I am confused if I should wait for this Nikon D5200 or just get a Canon 7D instead. I'm planning to shoot both videos and photos in night time setting. I also want to shoot a time lapse of the night time sky. Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks! :)

1 upvote

> I also want to shoot a time lapse of the night time sky.

In this case make sure you properly test-drive your camera.
I had a EOS 400D once, and together with a PC you could do time-lapse images. The EOS400D had a very reliable exposure in low light, so night-time-lapse movies came out well.

Then I bought the D5000, a predecessor of this one, which had a built-in time-lapse mode. I tried the same, but unfortuately the D5000 had a *unreliable exposure* under low light, so with a fixed aperture the exposure time of subsequent images of the same scene differed by as much as factor 2 (aka 1 EV).
It was almost impossible to darken/brighten the images afterwards in order to get a flicker-free time-lapse movie, so I gave up.
I addressed this issue to the Nikon support, but they did't believe me and told me the it was the light intensity that changed, and the camera adapted to this. (But if so, why did the resulting images have different brightness???)
Hopefully dpreview can test this.

0 upvotes

D5200 has a built-in intervalometer for time-lapse photography. It's also got the latest focus, metering, and sensor technology while the 7D is almost 3 years old. D5200 is also higher resolution for more detail. The 7D has no advantage here.

1 upvote

Guys Please Help me about video sooting its not clear and there is noise in video. my IPad 3 is give me nice quality!! :-) , i try with the best quality setting 1980 X 1080P Higher so please give me some idea to get better video sooting thanks.

0 upvotes

It would be nice if Pentax's superior products (i.e. K-30) were even at bare minimum given equal treatment - K-30 blows this out of the water, especially when you consider how much Nikon will make it cost compared to the K-30's <$650 body price rofl

And yet the K-30 review took nearly 6 months and this will probably take two more weeks? Three if DPR is being lazy? Hopefully the K-5II/s will be reviewed in time to help decide whether it's a good choice for summer 2013...

DPR - "Fair and Balanced."

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 6 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

And if the K30 had a decent lens choice available, it might be worth considering.
No point in having a DSLR without good, well priced lens options.

0 upvotes

Hmm...when you consider what Pentax, Sigma, and Tamron offers, you have over 100 capable lens at affordable prices across the gamut. And unless you are a specialized professional, the vast majority of users won't ever research but 2-3 of them, if that. It's their lack of research that lands them Canons and Nikons in this price range to begin with.

But you're right...Pentax is too limited...

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

When the K-30 was released it was $849 Body Only in the US. It's recently gone down to $725, but when you consider that Pentax USA recently raised all lens prices (100 2.8 Macro, 16-50 2.8, 35-150 2.8, DA Limiteds) the K-30 doesn't seem like such a bargain. It is a very nice camera, although I expect the D5200 to have better video quality, similar to the D3200.

0 upvotes

D5200 body only is $699 at the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the K-30 is $750. Now, many vendors are selling the K-30 at less than MSRP because it's been out for a while. Wait a bit and the D5200 will drop too. So your point about price fails.

Second, in what way does the K-30 blow the D5200 out of the water? It has weather proofing, image stabilization, a better viewfinder, and a bit faster shutter.

The D5200 has 50% higher resolution, 39 focus points (vs. 11 on the Pentax), a flip-out screen, in-camera HDR, continuous focus when shooting movies, and an external mic jack.

They're a bit different, but the Pentax certainly doesn't blow the D5200 out of the water. It has advantages and disadvantages.

Now, the real reason nobody cares about Pentax is that Pentax is an amateur brand. They don't offer full frame cameras, so anyone buying a Pentax APS-C and lenses is admitting to themselves that they're never going to be a pro, and most people want to keep their options open.

0 upvotes

@Joe Bowers

The last time I checked, being a professional photographer relies more on skill rather than the equipment and that the majority of the income comes from photography itself but not with the camera being used.

Pentax as an amateur brand? I never knew that Canon and Nikon had a medium format camera like Pentax. And like what Heie2 said, Pentax is too "Limited" and too bad that you will never get it.

0 upvotes

Hmm I just went through the spec sheet of the Sony A-57 and I can't for the life of me figure why the Nikon 5200 is not considered to go up against that. Main specs seem awfully similar apart from a higher res sensor.

Any reason I am missing why the A-57 is missing here?

0 upvotes

Need advice! thinking about purchasing either the Nikon D 7000 or the Nikon D 5200.my question is, is it worth waiting for the 5200 to come out or do you think the 7000 is a better overall camera for the money? Please help!

0 upvotes

I'm sure D7100 with 24Mega pixel sensor and wifi will be coming soon!!

2 upvotes

What do you expect to gain by choosing the D7000?

0 upvotes

Kinda sounds like the d7000 is going to be outdone by the newer models coming out unless the updated 7000 has some incredibly significant upgrades. I guess your right about not gaining much by choosing the 7k.

0 upvotes

The D7000 is capable of much more advanced photography though D5200 will have better image quality. The D7000 has some advantages like a focus motor for cheaper lenses and high speed sync, as well as weather sealing. The D7000 replacement will be out this year, but that could be 3 months or 9 months, nobody knows right now.

0 upvotes

Does anyone know how many days/weeks before the D5200 pricing and availability will be out ? The other thing I wanted to know is whether D5200 is something an absolute DSLR beginner should be investing in or whether a D5100 is a better choice for an absolute beginner.

0 upvotes

Neither is a better 'beginner' DSLR than the other - they're aimed at the same users but the D5200 is newer and has the extra features detailed in this preview.

They'll both be similarly easy-to-use.

1 upvote

Guys, can you please help me. I am currently caught between a choice between the D5200 and Pentax K-30. Can you please give me your honest opinion on which seems to be the better camera.

The D5200 looks good on paper with all it cred and the Pentax enters the Mid segments of the DSLR range.

One thing that has me pondering is why does the D5200 with all its features classed as an entry level camera and the Pentax a mid level.

In South Africa the Pentax retails for $1032 and the D5200 should retail at $1147.

Thanks for your time.

0 upvotes

IMO Pentax have many advantages over the Nikon, much better view finder, higher min shutter speed, weather sealed, potentially better high iso performance. What Nikon have is better video with articular screen (good for video), potentially better auto focus, and Nikon lens lineup.Keep in mind Pentax limited primes are great but also very expensive, unlike Nikon affordable line of f1.8g primes.

4 upvotes

If the K-30 had an adapter to AF with the Nikon lens system it would simply crush the D5200. Weathersealed body, big and bright .92X magnification 100% coverage OVF (same as D7000), IBIS, twin control dials, and $660 for the body. The D5200 counters with the D7000 39 point AF system, a flip screen and 24MP (which will quickly fill your hard drive), but is crippled with the small OVF, inability to AF all Nikon lenses and lower build quality.

2 upvotes

Thanks guys for your response. I think let the D5200 be reviewed in practical testing then the real results would be released.

I still have time till February for my purchase.

1 upvote

The K-30 has weather proofing, image stabilization, a better viewfinder, and a bit faster shutter. These are all advanced features not found in entry-level cameras.

The D5200 has 50% higher resolution, 39 focus points (vs. 11 on the Pentax), a flip-out screen, in-camera HDR, continuous focus when shooting movies, and an external mic jack. Frankly these are also features not previously found on entry-level cameras, but Nikon has raised the bar here and is redefining entry-level.

The D5200 will have slightly better image quality due to the higher resolution and newer sensor, you'll also have a lot more accessory, lens, and flash options with Nikon, as it's a more popular brand.

0 upvotes

I own a D5100 and it's a pretty good camera for the price but I don't think the rear controller 'conveniently' adjusts the focus point. I'm constantly re-centering my focus when the palm of my hand makes adjustments for me.

0 upvotes

"One key difference compared to the Canon EOS 650D is that the D5200's screen isn't touch sensitive "

It seems to me that DPR must have been thinking something like this:

'Ahem....the Canon 650's user-interface is about 1 generation ahead ... ....well, we DID make a remark on that (rather cleverly camouflaged as a text to some picture, probably only a few will read this ...)'

Question: You are Nikonians, huh ?

This is a MAJOR difference between two 'top volume models' in the present market of DSLR's, and as such, deserves quite a different amount of attention, discussion and focus, than chosen by dpreview for this preview......Nikon is clearly behind the trends of mass market here !

0 upvotes

That's huge to me. DPR did belabor the fact that you can't change the settings form the main menu, you have to go into the sub-menus. That could be fixed with a firmware change and would make the camera much easier to use.

0 upvotes

We've gone out of our way to praise Canon's touchscreen interface in our articles about the EOS 650D and EOS M. In this preview of the D5200, we've also highlighted Nikon's relatively clumsy interface, along with the camera's other deficiencies (small viewfinder, anomalous aperture setting in live view and movie recording). If we truly were 'Nikonians' it would make more sense to gloss over these entirely, wouldn't it?.

The point is, though, that during normal eye-level shooting with the EOS 650D, the touchscreen is almost irrelevent. It's great for accessing the less frequently-changed settings, but you can go entire shooting sessions without really using it. It's actually far more integral to operation on the EOS M, which has fewer direct controls.

7 upvotes

Hey OlavM, I hear paleontologists just found a fossil of Canons 18mp sensor in some Cretaceous shale! initial analysis seems to indicate it hasn't changed a bit!

The 650D does have touch screen though............... :)

2 upvotes

Cretaceous shale? How can that be? Electronics weren't even around back then.

0 upvotes

I own a D5100. The camera is missing one important feature: the ability to meter using old manual lenses. I have several Nikkor lenses from the 1980s that I want to use, but are gathering dust. It appears that this deficiency has not been corrected on the D5200.

1 upvote

If you put all your features on your most basic model, there's no incentive for the committed photographers (who are more likely to be willing to spend more), to buy your more expensive models. It's unlikely Nikon will change its position on this.

0 upvotes

I would be quite happy if Nikon removed features such as video and effects in favor of lens compatibility. I've owned the d5100 for more than one year and never engaged video even once.

Also, committed photographers need high build quality and reliability, which the basic models do not provide.

0 upvotes

"If you put all your features on your most basic model, there's no incentive for the committed photographers (who are more likely to be willing to spend more), to buy your more expensive models. It's unlikely Nikon will change its position on this."

"Also, committed photographers need high build quality and reliability, which the basic models do not provide."

"I would be quite happy if Nikon removed features such as video and effects in favor of lens compatibility."

Pentax...not crippling its "entry" level cameras since some Canikonian create castes of cameras...

2 upvotes

If I had my purchase to do over again, I would probably go with Pentax.

0 upvotes

Benedetto, if you used an old-fashioned, stand-alone light meter in combination with your manual lenses mounted on your D5100 you might be able to put them to use.

0 upvotes

I hope this has a better buffer than D3200. D3200's buffer can't handle 24 MP Continuous RAW fast enough.

At least there's a 3fps option in 5200 that could hopefully prevent missed shots due to buffer overload, which is what happens with D3200 if need to shoot action Continuously with 24 MP RAW.

Then again ofcourse if you need that you have to pay for a body of the next class in the line-up. It just would be a pleasant treat from Nikon for amateurs if 5200 is capable of not missing a 24 MP shot due to buffer limitation, even @ 3 fps.

Otherwise i guess the 24 MP will be a treat only for amateur landscape / macro / portrait shooters that happen to have some piece of pretty good glass.

Other than that i would only miss the second wheel ( i shoot Manual a lot ) and two or three more quick access buttons.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Aside from the absolutely dumb placement of their GPS and WI FI options, the camera appears to be as good an entry level DSLR as any out there.

0 upvotes

You are forgetting about the K-30, which blows this out of the water for features for the price.

2 upvotes

Still glad I bought the D7000 a few weeks ago! Besides more movie options I don't see anything I would want and I realized I like taking pictures more then making movies anyway...

1 upvote

The REALLY bad thing about D5200 is that VERY FEW of its users will get something more than kit (18-55VR, 18-105VR, 18-200VR or new 18-300VR) or double-kit (meaning 18-55+55-200VR) lenses, not to mention proper flash and microphone, and not many will use P/A/S/M modes on the dial. Actually, "one-button" approach kills all that really rich feature sets, which most modern cameras are packed with, even entry-level. I commented below. All that schoolgirls don't bother reading manuals, and pretty priceless look their faces, when, being asked to "take picture of us, push that silver button, big one", more advanced or professional photographers turn dials, frame properly and - voila - "woooow, I never knew my camera is capable of THAT!".

1 upvote

That's not the camera's fault. Anyway, it's one of those things where you get out what you put in. Plenty of people (like me) have whetted their appetite for more control on similar cameras and moved on to better models. For those who are happy to stay with this one - well, they're happy.

1 upvote

I really don't get why the counter-intuitive aperture settings during video. In addition, why no dedicated ISO button? Hopefully the former can be addressed with a firmware fix.

1 upvote

Thanks for another great "hands-on". I have used the D5100 for a while but dropped it a little while ago and now its broken :( Was thinking of buying a new one since they are so cheap in Sweden now but the D5200 seems interesting.

But what I missed most on the D5100 (apart from more direct buttons and a second wheel) is an electronic-level. Is there one in the new D5200?

Best Regards

Murat

0 upvotes

Good camera, but there is the D600, more money but, more quality and other beneficts.

1 upvote

Three times more money. Are they compareable?

6 upvotes

You're comparing the budget-priced D5200 to the D600, which costs over $2000? That's helpful!

3 upvotes

The more expensive camera has more features... and the point is?

3 upvotes

more quality? hmmmmh, you're jokin', don't you?

0 upvotes

From my point of view of Canon EOS 1D Mark IV professional user (journalist), 5200 is surprisingly good. Set of features might be considered entry-level compared to other newer cameras in current Nikon lineup, but putting aside pretty dreadful battery life and slow FPS, it really has GOOD value for money. D600 is another class, it's target audience is SKILLED and DEMANDING amateur, as well as professional who doesn't depend on speed and robustness too much.

I have to say, that all current Nikon SLRs except for D3200 (lack of features, too many things hidden in menus, general low responsiveness) and D800 (poor low-light performance and huge files) are good enough to cover 85% of my work, given adequate lenses are used. For other 14,5% I'd need D4, for other 0,5% it's D800. Anyway, basing my judgement solely on specs, I think that if I'd be Nikon user, I'd buy D5200 as a vacation or lightweight camera.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Actually, it seems that with D5200 you can survive things like conferences (even dreadfully-lit), press events and "city tourism" vacations, adding SB-700 flash, Sigma 10-20/3.5DC EX, Nikkor 17-55VR and Sigma 50-150/2.8DC OS (since neither Nikon nor Canon have "cropped 70-200/2.8" in their lineups, at least yet). For harsh lighting conditions add Sigmas 30/1.4DC and 50/1.4, for flowers add 70/2.8 Macro (or Nikkors 35/1.8DX, 50/1.4G and Micro-Nikkor 60/2.8DX, if you prefer original stuff; though mentioned Sigmas are better picture-wise, 1.4s being more expensive than Nikon counterparts).

0 upvotes

This toy is good even for street and small club music records: proper microphone and 20-step sound control, plus tripod, spare batteries and couple of SDXC cards cover all the bases here. ISO 12800, even being "off-limits", is not THAT noisy for 720p youtube stream, if you capture some performance on the evening street or in dimly lit club. AF is not to be used in cine mode anyway, and D7000's AF system, even being slightly cut in speed and flexibility, is good enough for stills with this sensor.
So, if you set aside tiny battery (although if you won't use LCD too much, I think it might survive 500-600 shots) and grip not that good for guys with huge palms, it's VERY GOOD CAMERA. By most (not all!) parameters it beats 8-years old top-notch pro cameras like D2x, and that means something.

0 upvotes

All DSLR "Should" have a battery Grip option! Without it I'm not buying.

1 upvote

There is usually thirdpart ones. At least for all previous Nikons.

0 upvotes

I purchase a grip for my T2i, decided it made the camera just too big and bulky. Later went with a NEX-7 - I wouldn't put a grip on it even if someone made a good one.

1 upvote

Wait for Chinese, I guess they'll do something about that :)

0 upvotes

plenty of battery grips for this on AMAZON, all you have to do is LOOK

0 upvotes

According to Nikon ithe D5200 is for 'Advanced Beginners'. That is their shallow ploy to lure people into spending a sizeable amount of money when most do not need anything as good or expensive for their modest ambitions. Most will be point and shoot with no interest in photography per se or intention to learn what most of the features are for, let alone use them.

Good luck to them but for whom then do Nikon and the other manufacturers make their fixed lens compacts for?

0 upvotes

Refurbished D5100 + kit lens can be had for $450ish from B&H.

0 upvotes

Both system cameras and compacts are divided into different market segments, catering to beginners, advanced beginners, enthusiasts and pros. I think it's wrong to regard all compacts as "lower" than all system cameras. For example, enthusiast compacts like P7700, LX7, G15, X10 and XZ-2 are intended for more advanced users than your typical entry-level DSLR.

0 upvotes

Lets be honest. For "most people" a Nikon D40 is more camera than they will ever need. A surprisingly large percentage of people are very happy with their cell phone cameras.

The term "beginner" is a relative term. The people who buy crop sensor DSLRs today are serious amateurs, or at least wannabe serious amateurs.

If they were beginners they would be using something called Coolpix or Cybershot....

5 upvotes

You are right on that Marty. Just because most people can't spend thousands on cameras it doesn't mean they are all beginers. Also. "Entry" level cameras are smaller than the pro.

0 upvotes

Perhaps this sensor is from Sony and the D3200 is from Aptina? That'd be weird (using sensors with same resolution from different manufacturers), but we never know...

Also, am I the only one who finds it weird that a camera of this level doesn't have a dedicated ISO button?

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Think of the Fn button as an ISO button that can be repurposed if you prefer.

0 upvotes

....whats even weirder is no pixel mapping this level & above

0 upvotes

@neo_nights
That's what I am thinking as well. Aptina is the new kid on the block and SONY is the technology and market leader in consumer cameras. I wouldn't be surprised if Aptina charges less than SONY.

0 upvotes

I wish that for ONCE nikon actually updated
The small body in terms of pentax k30... Give
me second dial , nicer thumb grip in the back
And maybe af motor and THAT will be real upgrade!
Its shame anything less then pro body from
Nikon sucks ergonomically...

1 upvote

A D7000 has all the things you want. Like most vendors, Canon included, Nikon protects models higher in their line-up, but also the features like an AF-motor, command dials, Pentaprism instead of a pentamirror prism cost more to manufacture and consequently will end up costing the consumer more. Pentax has always loaded mid-range bodies with high end specs (see K20D), but in actuality the $849 body only that the K30 was released at is likely a lot more than the D5200. Still there are other areas like video where the K30 is underspecified in comparison to the D5200. But I'm with you on the dual command dials, all DSLRs should have them.

9 upvotes

Nikon could have offered Auto ISO focal length aware as a firmware update on previous models, but the decided not to for some odd reason.

1 upvote

Dam you Nikon....I bought 2 - D5100 because that was it....no more MP for me.....but the AF points & improved Auto ISO alone are worth the price of admission.

0 upvotes

what a stunning rapidity, .. where were you as for K30D preview ?..

1 upvote

My only question is whether they have done away with the tiny, difficult-to-see focus points in the viewfinder of the 5100?

0 upvotes

You can find out the answer by reading the preview.

1 upvote

my biggest gripe with the D5100 is that I end up constantly changing the focus point position by accident as the rear keypad can't be locked or disabled, and it seems far too easy to press when simply trying to hold the camera. Has anything changed in the 5200 in this respect?

0 upvotes

>You can find out the answer by reading the preview.

Heh.

0 upvotes

Nice camera for an aspiring amateur w/o need for a large body and some manual extras as in the D7000. Pretty impressive specs. Let's see if Nikon's claim that this is a new sensor with wider DR compared to the D3200's sensor (not a bad one already) holds up. Could well be the best APS-C sensor available. Early samples are pretty good.

2 upvotes

"Aside from this, the D5200 is essentially the same as its predecessor. "

Yeah, "only" sensor, processor, AF system and firmware. All 4 most important elements of a digital camera. ;)

9 upvotes

You forgot metering. :)

5 upvotes

Body size, build quailty, control layout, viewfinder, rear screen, battery and memory card setup, menu design and layout... none of this matters then?

Comment edited 40 seconds after posting

1 upvote

"Most important" and "only thing that matters" are two very different things.

2 upvotes

@Andy Westlake: if your conditions change rapidly, that DOES mean more than many can imagine. But if it's something like bar party, school event, beach, conference or whatever other place or event when lighting conditions are more or less constant and predictable, inability to change ISO speed in one click is not a thing to cry for. For those who stick to "green auto", it's not an issue anyway. Battery IS a thing, but, well, Nikon and Canon must sell a lot of stuff to "simple people", accessories included, to allow themselves development of D4 and EOS-1 for guys like us, don't you think? :) My hands are used to Canon EOS-1 cameras for years, and I feel good with top Nikons too, but, well, how many of D5200 buyers know what ISO speed is before someone tells them that, or they read manual to that page (which is sheer damn luck, I'd say...)? Not many. This IS the capable camera. Small, with weak battery, but capable... in good hands. The problem is number of good hands on this planet.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

There are some interesting comments - mainly from those never likely to use the camera!
I will not use it either because I can afford cameras with bigger viewfinder magnification, but appreciate it is a good package for the majority on a budget.
Nikon make over 7,500,000 DSLR's a year and it is likely 90% are not high end/pro grade bodies.
The kit lens (not compulsory) is decent for Nikon's lowest priced lens. With ANY lens 24 MP results in more image detail in the file than 12 MP so in that sense it is fine.
Anybody wanting consistent highest quality aims to spend more money but in it's market segment it should easily deliver good 20x16 inch prints - even with the kit lens.
Compared to say the D70 launch price it is an altogether better camera and much better value for money. If this was not so Nikon would not sell around 7,500,000 DSLR's a year.
"We" can nit-pick about detail - but this camera is not aimed at the majority of Nikon owners using this forum.

1 upvote

no it is not made for enthusiasts in my opinion. I shoot with the d800 and am looking for a backup body, shoot landscapes. passed on the d600 due to the oil issue. It is my understanding that the 5200 will not meter with my zeiss zf 2 lenses.. The next best camera is the d7000, plenty of used ones on ebay. what I really want is a d800e for backup!

0 upvotes

Total comments: 208