Nikon D5200

Nikon D5200

Product Summary

  • Model name: Nikon D5200
  • Release Date: November 6, 2012
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Format : APS-C
  • Mounts: Nikon F
  • Purchase options: Adorama | Amazon | B&H

What are the new?

The following are the main features of the D5200

  • Newly developed 24.1 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor
  • 39-point AF system, that has been taken straight out of the D7000
  • EXPEED 3 image processing engine
  • ISO sensitivity of 100-6400, further expandable to 12,800
  • Built-in HDR mode that uses two images taken at different exposure values and then combined together to create one image with perfect exposure
  • 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
  • NIKKOR lenses: take advantage of Nikon’s legendary NIKKOR lenses and make the most of the camera’s 24-megapixel resolution. Capture photos with vivid colour and striking contrast. Shoot movies with crisp detail or experiment with cinematic effectsAvailable in three colours: black, red and bronze
  • Lightweight body (505g)

Detailed Features

Successor to the very popular entry level DX format Nikon DSLR D5100, the D5200 is the fusion between the prosumer model D7000 and the older version that it replaces. It retains many of the features of the older D5100 while gaining quite a few from the D7000. At the price that it has been introduced the D5200 is the direct rival of Canon’s T5i or the EOS 700D.

Nikon D5200 is the latest addition to its mid-range DX-format line-up, designed to bring out your creative expression. Capable of taking beautiful still photos to smooth Full HD movies, this camera let you capture your own unique view of the world. The inspiring Nikon D5200 is ideal for those who have passion for photography and want to explore with the camera’s superior features. The users also can unlock their creative potential with its impressive image and movie quality alongside a versatile vari-angle LCD monitor.

Exceptional image quality Following the D5000 and the D5100, the Nikon D5200, this is the third camera in its series, offers a huge improvement in image-quality. Addition of the 24.1 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor ensures finely detailed images. The new EXPEED 3 image processor efficiently executes high speed operation and colour reproduction, as well as enhanced movie recording. It’s high ISO sensitivity (100-6400 which is extendable to 25600) captures brilliant shots in dark or poorly lit environments as well as producing clear images of fast action photography.

The Nikon D5200 shares the same AF system, metering sensor and scene recognition with the Nikon D7000 series cameras, empowering this camera with high  level of performance and enhanced image quality. The highly precise 39-point AF system and nine cross-type sensors delivers razor sharp images by focusing accurately on the subject. With the help of 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor camera’s Scene Recognition System optimizes exposure, autofocus and white balance quicly before the shutter is released.

Create images from any angle Intelligently designed lightweight Nikon D5200 has a versatile 3 inch (7.5cm)  vari-angle LCD provides the ultimate flexibility and freedom to take beautiful shots and movies from virtually any angle. Users can flip, tilt or turn the swivel LCD to get really creative with their angles. In addition, with clear menus and superior ergonomics, making it a pleasure to maneuver and shoot with.

Wireless connectivity By using the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, you will be able to Wirelessly transmit images from your camera to an Apple™ or Android™ smart device. It is also possible to control your camera from your smart device remotely to help you take beautiful shots without disturbing your subjects. As a result, for instant reactions you can share images with friends via social networks and email.

HD movies This camera at the flick of a switch, lets you effortlessly alternate between capturing stills and Full HD movies with smooth (up to 60i/50i) recording. With full time servo AF (AF-F) and camera’s three dimensional subject tracking of moving objects, ensures focus of moving objects throughout filming. Adding to that, it also features in-movie editing and the camera’s built-in stereo microphone.

Effect and Scene modes With the Nikon D5200 Effects mode, be even more original. Seven special effects: Selective Colour, Miniature, High and Low Key, Silhouette, Colour Sketch and Night Vision can be applied in real time to images and movies through Live View.As a result you can see what your final creation will look like before you shoot. It’ in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) and D-lighting features helps you to capture detailed images of high-contrast scenes with increasing creative possibilities. Users can also select from 16 different Scene modes, these modes optimize the camera settings, such as shutter speed, ISO and aperture values – to the situation they are shooting. It is a great  features for a candit shooters or learners.

The good

The D5200 inherits the 39-point AF system from D7000. Compared to the 11-point AF system of the D5100 this is a big jump. In photographic sense however 11 point should be more than enough as Canon’s trusted 9-point AF system maintained even in the prosumer 60D and the higher end model 6D will tell you.

The D5200 comes with the next generation EXPEED 3 image processing engine. What it means is faster image processing and better low light performance.

The newly designed 24.1 megapixels sensor of the D5200 retains a phenomenal amount of details. You can crop your pictures really tight and yet get nearly the same quality.

A 3” vari-angle LCD screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots and a viewing angle of 170˚.

The Bad

Just like any other cheaper entry level DSLRs from Nikon the D5200 is not blessed with an internal Auto-Focusing motor. What it means is that older lenses (which do not come with a focusing motor) will not work properly. Not properly means the focusing mechanism has to be manually operated. So if you intend to use an old lens be prepared to focus it manually.

The body is light; it can be disconcerting for someone who is used to a heavier prosumer or even a professional model. For some users though, specially the ones who are migrating from a compact Point & Shoot, the weight is perfect, not too light and not too heavy.

Similar Products

Canon rebel T5i/700D with touch screen is the direct competitor of D5200. Although the D7000 is a much advanced DX format DSLR also from Nikon, it is currently available for roughly the same price as the D5200. As such price-wise it is a competitor for the D5200.

Should I buy it?

The D5200 currently retails at the same price that you would get a new D7000. Needless to say if you value your photography and is looking for a great DSLR then D7000 is a better buy, even though it is about a generation older. However the D7000 could be an intimidating tool in the wrong hands and if you prefer a GUI to a set of buttons then pick the D5200 and you will not regret the decision. If you already own an entry level DSLR then the D5200 is not for you. Available at Adorama | Amazon | B&H

Sample images by Nikon D5200 on Flickr

Nikon D5200 specifications

Body type Compact SLR
Sensor
Max resolution 6000 x 4000
Other resolutions 4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000
Image ratio w:h 3:2
Effective pixels 24.1 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 24.7 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Expeed 3
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Image
ISO Auto, 100 – 6400 (25600 with boost)
White balance presets 12
Custom white balance Yes (5)
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, Normal, Basic
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom No
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 39
Lens mount Nikon F mount
Focal length multiplier 1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 921,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD monitor
Live view Yes (With contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking)
Viewfinder type Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage 95 %
Viewfinder magnification 0.78×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 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 flash Yes (Pop-up)
Flash range 12 m (at ISO 100)
External flash Yes (Hot-shoe)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
Flash X sync speed 1/200 sec
Drive modes
  • Single frame
  • Continuous
  • Self-timer
  • 2s Delayed remote
  • Quick-response remote
  • Quiet shutter release
Continuous drive Yes (3, 5 fps)
Self-timer Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 EV (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes (3 frames in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis)
Videography features
Format
  • MPEG-4
  • H.264
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
Videography notes 1920 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 types SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (Mini Type C)
Wireless Optional
Remote control Yes (Optional ML-L3 or WR-R10)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries) 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
Dimensions 129 x 98 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 3.07″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS Optional
GPS notes GP-1

Product Images

Additional Info

Purchase options

Available at Adorama | Amazon | B&H