Digital Camera World » Nikon D5200

Nikon D5200 review

jmeyer — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:35:31 +0000

Find out in our Nikon D5200 review whether Nikon’s 24.1-megapixel DSLR with its 39-point AF and 2,016-pixel RGB sensor is the new camera you’ve been waiting for.

When the Nikon announcement for the D5200 was made last November, it set the hearts of many photographers aflutter with its newly developed DX-format 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, allowing for high-speed operation and fine details.

Another signature feature of the Nikon D5200 that grabbed headlines was its Scene Recognition System, which works in conjunction with a 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor to optimise the exposure, autofocus and white balance appropriate for the subject matter.

Combine that with an ISO range from 100 to 6400, which is expandable to ISO 25,600, as well as a 3in, 921,000-dot vari-angle LCD screen and a host of other features, in some ways – on paper, at least – the Nikon D5200 looks like the perfect mid-range, intermediate DSLR.

Other features on the Nikon D5200 spec sheet include:

Compatible with Wireless Mobile Adaptor WU-1a to transmit images from the camera to Apple™ or Android™ smart device and remote shooting
Continuous shooting at 5fps: so you do not miss that fast-moving action shot
 High dynamic range (HDR): Gives detailed shots of high-contrast scenes by combining two shots taken within a single shutter release
Active D-Lighting: Retains details in highlights and shadows for well-balanced images, even if the subject is moving • D-Movie: Full (1080p) HD movies with smooth (up to 60i/50i) recording and a built-in stereo microphone
D-Movie AF modes: Live View autofocus works when shooting movie clips, keeping subjects in sharp focus • In-built stereo-microphone for improved sound quality
Updated new generation GUI Design
16 Scene modes: Automatically adjusts camera settings, including Picture Controls and Active D-Lighting, for optimal results. • Effects mode – seven effects including Selective Colour and Miniature, which can be applied in pre-shoot, for more creative movies and stills
Compatible with WR-R10 Wireless Remote transceiver and WR-T10 Wireless Remote transmitter that let you control key camera functions from a distance
GPS compatible: Records the exact location of the camera when a picture is taken by using the optional GP-1 unit.

In our Nikon D5200 review video below, our head of testing takes an in-depth look at this new Nikon DSLR to find out whether the buzz around this new camera is justified.

PAGE 1: Nikon D5200 review video
PAGE 2: Nikon D5200 review video transcript

Nikon D5200 vs D7000: which camera is best for you?

jmeyer — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 05:00:32 +0000

Nikon D5200 vs D7000? With the Nikon D5200 release date just days away, Nikon photographers everywhere will soon have a dilemma as the manufacturer’s new high-spec ‘advanced beginner’ camera blurs the boundaries with its older enthusiast DSLR. Recently we examined a Nikon D5200 vs D3200 match-up. Today the question is, in a Nikon D5200 vs D7000 comparison, which camera wins?

Nikon’s new D5200 is aimed at ‘advanced beginners’, but it has a higher resolution sensor than the older Nikon D7000 model, which is aimed at enthusiasts. The D5200 also has a better movie mode and an articulating LCD display.

So which one should you buy? Here are the key differences between the Nikon D5200 vs D7000, and what they mean in practice.

Nikon D5200 vs D7000: the key differences, 1-5

1. Sensor
The Nikon D5200 has a newer 24-megapixel sensor compared to the 16-megapixel sensor in the older Nikon D7000. It might sound a big difference, but 16 megapixels is a high resolution in itself, and the D7000’s sensor is very good. You may see a significant difference in your pictures, but you’ll have to look for it.

2. LCD display
Both cameras have high-resolution 920,000-dot LCD displays, but while the D7000’s is fixed, the D5200’s can flip out and rotate to any angle. These so-called ‘articulating’ displays are not essential for everyday photography, but they can be very useful when shooting movies, close-ups or subjects which are tricky to get to.

3. Memory
In a Nikon D5200 vs D7000 comparison, both use SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards, but the D7000, like many professional cameras, has two card slots. You can use these to boost the overall capacity, store backups as you shoot or separate different types of files, such as JPEGs and raw format files, or stills and movies.

4. Viewfinder
It’s a small difference in the overall Nikon D5200 vs D7000 comparison, but nevertheless a significant one. The Nikon D5200 uses a cheaper ‘pentamirror’ design for its viewfinder which delivers a slightly inferior viewfinder image and only 95% coverage of the frame. The D7000 uses a superior ‘pentaprism’ design and the viewfinder shows 100% of the scene the sensor will capture.

5. Continuous shooting
The Nikon D5200 can shoot continuously at 5 frames per second, but the Nikon D7000 can shoot at 6fps. It’s a small difference in our Nikon D5200 vs D7000 match-up, but if you’re shooting sports or action, every little helps.

PAGE 1: Nikon D5200 vs D7000: the key differences, 1-5
PAGE 2: Nikon D5200 vs D7000: the key differences, 6-10
PAGE 3: Nikon D5200 vs D7000: the key differences, 11-15

Nikon D5200 vs D3200: which DSLR is best for you?

jmeyer — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:30:47 +0000

With the Nikon D5200 release date just days away, soon the manufacturer will boast two 24-megapixel DSLRs for beginners – so the question is, in a Nikon D5200 vs D3200 match-up, which camera wins?

While both are great cameras (watch this space for a Nikon D5200 review), we’ve waded into the Nikon D5200 vs D3200 debate to see if we can make some sense of what advantages each camera offers.

Nikon pitches the D5200 more at ‘advanced beginners’, but here are the concrete differences that could help you decide.

Nikon D5200 vs D3200: what you need to know

1. LCD display
Both cameras have a high-resolution 921,000-dot 3-inch LCD display, but the big difference is that the D5200’s display can be flipped out and rotated to any angle. This is a major advantage of the Nikon D5200 vs the D3200 and is ideal for anyone shooting movies and close-ups, or any other kind of subject where the angles or the subject position are awkward.

2. RAW files
Both cameras shoot RAW format files for those seeking maximum quality, but they’re not quite the same. The D3200 shoots 12-bit RAW files, while the D5200 shoots 14-bit files. It’s a small technical difference in an overall Nikon D5200 vs D3200 comparison, but it means the D5200’s picture quality is potentially better.

3. Continuous shooting speed
The Nikon D5200 has a modest advantage, with the ability to shoot at 5 frames per second compared to the D3200’s 4fps. It could make a difference to wildlife and action fans.

4. Exposure metering
The Nikon D3200 uses a 420-pixel metering sensor, while the D5200 has a 2016-pixel sensor. Technically, this should improve exposure accuracy and subject recognition, but you may not notice in practice.

5. Exposure bracketing
This is a useful option in difficult lighting conditions where the exposure is hard to predict. The camera takes 3 shots at different settings and you select the best. The Nikon D3200 does not have this feature, but the Nikon D5200 does.

6. ISO range
The main ISO range is the same at ISO100-6400, but the Nikon D5200 has a ‘Hi’ setting of ISO25600 that’s one stop higher than the D3200’s – though the quality is pretty low, so it’s fit for emergencies only.

7. Autofocus
The D3200 has an 11-point autofocus system, but the D5200 uses a more sophisticated 39-point system taken from cameras further up the range. This could prove useful for fast-moving subjects.

8. Video
Both cameras shoot 1920 x 1080 full HD movies, but the D3200’s built-in microphone is monaural, while the D5200’s is stereo (both can take external mics, though). The D5200 can also shoot movies and 60fps or 50fps in interlaced (‘i’) mode as well and the standard 30fps, 25fps and 24fps frame rates.

9. Help for beginners
The D3200 has a Guide mode designed to walk novices through everyday shooting scenarios, making it one of the easiest DSLRs on the market to use. Having said that, the Nikon D5200 is hardly very difficult.

10. Special effects
The Nikon D5200 offers a range of special effects (Night Vision, Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key, Low Key) and an in-built HDR mode.

Nikon D5200 vs D3200: our conclusion

Get the Nikon D3200 if price is a factor. It’s a lot cheaper than the Nikon D5200 price tag, delivers almost the same picture quality and offers all the features you’ll need when you’re just starting out.

But the D5200 is a much more versatile camera, thanks to the articulated LCD, a better autofocus system and greater range in-camera effects and adjustments.