First DSLR Canon 60D or Nikon 5200?

The D5200 is an unknown quantity. It just came out in the US, and while it is has improvements over its predecessor, D5100, there is no guarantee that it will live up to its billing. On the hand, the EOS 60d is a tried and true camera. It's been around since 2010. It is also a class above the D5200, which is not an entry level camera, but close to it. The 60d is also very expensive for a 3 year old model. In fact the only thing the 60D and the D5200 have in common is its articulated screen. A comparable priced Nikon model to the 60D would be the D7000. Because it is probably going to be upgraded, its price is comparable to the 60D. No, it does not have an articulated screen, and it doesn't have 18MB (16MB), but it does have a stronger chassis and an excellent focusing system, that is superior to the 60d.

Now despite my flame of the 60D, I don't question it's capability. It is a very good camera. But for the same price or thereabouts the D7000 is the better choice, because of its build. Now if the articulated screen, is the "got to have " feature, then the Canon is the camera to buy. But for simialiar features, you have to look at the D7000.

The 60D is an older release now, so the D5200 has a more advanced sensor and auto-focus system. Where the Canon outpaces the Nikon is with its pentaprism viewfinder, top deck status LCD, two control dials, weather sealing, more robust battery. The D5200 might be the technically better camera in terms of pure image quality, but the 60D is probably more enjoyable to use.

Besides the differences in specs for these particular bodies, you may also want to consider the different approaches to design and lens sweet spots. Links to more opinions on that -





Kelly Cook

paperkayla said:

paperkayla wrote:

I asked another question on here awhile ago discussing Canon Rebels and things of the sort. Now I started looking at Nikons as well and am not sure whether to get a Canon 60D or a Nikon D5200. I'm not sure if the D5200 is more of a beginner camera than the 60D but I feel like it might be because it doesn't have a top LCD screen. I realize the Nikon has higher megapixels but there is more to image quality than that. I like that the Canon has a much faster max shutter speed but I like the higher color depth that the Nikon has. Please let me know your opinion and help me decide! Also the price difference doesn't really matter to me so that won't make or break my purchase. Thanks in advance!

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the Canon 60D is an older but still good model

The D5200 is a far better camera. I would even go with the 5100 with kit lens for $550.00.

The D60 is showing its age and soon to be replaced by the D70. Autofocus is so-so on the D60.