On the outside, the D5200 is virtually identical to its predecessor, the D5100, with external changes limited to a dedicated drive mode button on the D5200's top plate, stereo microphone grills atop the pentamirror - like on the Canon EOS 650D - and a slightly redesigned rear multi selector. The D5200's more significant upgrades lie 'under the hood'. Impressively, many of these are inherited from higher-end Nikon DSLRs, including a 39-point AF system with 9 cross-type sensors and ample frame coverage, and a 2016 pixel RGB color-sensitive metering sensor, both taken from the D7000. The D5200 borrows from the D7100 a well-implemented Auto ISO feature that is tied to the lens' current focal length.
Although the D5200 shares the same 24MP resolution as both the D3200 and D7100, the D5200 offers a higher extended ISO range compared to the D3200 (25600 vs 12800) and faster continuous shooting (5 fps vs 4). And the D5200, unlike the D7100, continues to use an anti-aliasing (AA) filter, although as we demonstrated in a side by side comparison in our D7100 review, it gives up precious little in terms of detail to its more expensive big brother.
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. More conventional 30p, 25p and 24p modes use the full width of the sensor. In manual mode you have the option to take limited control of both shutter speed and ISO, but not aperture. And a stereo sound meter lets you adjust the level of either the built-in or or external mic, such as the optional ME-1 stereo mics.
The D5200 gets a processing boost over its predecessor. Nikon touts its EXPEED 3-branded processor as offering higher speed, better color 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 a small camera with relatively few external controls since much of the user interaction is, by necessity, 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.
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 LCD monitor, 170° viewing angle
Key specs compared to the Nikon D5100
In the table below you can see how the major specifications of the D5200 compare against the D5100.| Nikon D5200 | Nikon D5100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor resolution (type) | 24MP CMOS | 16MP CMOS |
| Autofocus System | 39 AF points (9 cross-type) | 11 AF points (1 cross-type) |
| ISO sensitivity range |
100-6400 (H1 and H2 expansion up to 25,600 equiv)
|
|
| Display size / resolution |
Articulated 3", 920k-dot LCD
|
|
| Maximum framerate (DX mode) | 5 fps | 4 fps |
| Movie Mode | 1080 60i/30p | 1080/30p |
| Battery life (CIPA) | 500 shots | 660 shots |
| Dimensions | 129 x 98 x 78 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in) |
127 x 97 x 79 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in) |
| Weight (without battery) | 505 g (1 lb, 2 oz) | 560 g (1 lb, 4 oz) |
Nikon D5200 specifications
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | With 18-55mm VR lens: Eu: €920 UK: £820 |
| Body type | |
| 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 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 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) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 12 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (5) |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal, Basic |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 39 |
| Lens mount | Nikon F |
| 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 |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash range | 12.00 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 |
|
| Continuous drive | 3.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (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 | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| 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 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| 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 |
body & Design
With the D5200 you get a small, lightweight DSLR that, despite its plastic body feels pretty solid, with no flexing or creaking. The D5200 has a reasonable set of external controls, and of course a fully-articulated LCD screen that offers benefits for live view and movie shooting. The 4-way controller on the back of the camera is used to move the active focus point among the 39 total options in the viewfinder. As you'd expect in a camera of this class, many functions have to be accessed via the rear LCD. Yet, the D5200 lacks the touchscreen capability that we saw Canon introduce to the DSLR market with the EOS 650D. The D5200 also offers an ample array of connectors - along with the usual HDMI and USB/AV out, there's a stereo microphone input for movie recording, and a multi-function port that accepts both Nikon's optional GP-1 GPS unit, and the MC-DC2 electronic cable release. Microphone levels can be displayed onscreen in movie mode but videographers needing a headphone jack will have to move up to the larger and more costly D7100. The D5200 also has front and rear receivers for the ML-L3 wireless remote. Overall the D5200 is, by any measure, a well-featured camera for its class. In your hand
Articulating LCD screenLike the D5100, the D5200 has a side-hinged swivel-and-tilt screen, which offers a wide range of movement and (unlike tilt-only screens) can still be used in portrait format either at waist level or overhead. This is great for live view shooting and working off a tripod.Video shooters, who often must remain in one position for long stretches while filming, can particularly appreciate the benefits of an articulated screen. Indeed, for many videographers, this feature alone is likely to make the D5200 a more attractive option than the D7100.
ViewfinderThe D5200 uses a similar viewfinder to the D5100, which means its of the pentamirror type with 95% coverage of the image area, and a relatively small 0.78x magnification. For stills-only shooters, this may rank among the least-impressive specs of the camera.One figure hidden away in every SLR's spec is the size of the viewfinder (often in a format that makes comparison between competing models impossible). The size of the viewfinder is a key factor in the usability of an SLR - the bigger it is, the easier it is to frame and focus your shots, and the more enjoyable and involving process it is. Because of the way viewfinders are measured (using a fixed lens, rather than a lens of equivalent magnification), you also need to take the sensor size into account, so the numbers in the diagram below are the manufacturer's specified magnifications divided by the respective 'crop factors'.
Information displayThe D5200 uses the same Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen found on the D5100. The viewfinder displays basic shooting information such as shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO, alongside AE lock status and flash information. You have the option of displaying the current ISO setting in place of the default 'frames remaining', which is of questionable use with today's large-capacity SD cards; an option not available on the cheaper D3200.
PerformanceOverall PerformanceThe Nikon D5200 is a fairly responsive camera in daily use. Onscreen response to button and dial operation is brisk whether you're navigating through menu screens, zooming in and out of live view previews or changing shooting parameters. Although the camera has external controls and a shortcut '[i]' menu for commonly changed settings, users looking to take more refined control over operation such as enabling distortion control or adjusting Auto ISO parameters will have to delve into the main menu system. We'd love to see Nikon adopt touchscreen capability similar to that we reported in our Canon EOS T4i/650 review in order to make the process of changing settings even faster. At the very least we'd like to be able to use the rear thumb dial to scroll through menu options instead of relying solely on the 4-way multi selector.Continuous Shooting and BufferingThe D5200 offers two burst modes. When set to its Continuous High (CH) mode, the camera can shoot as fast as 5 fps. A Continuous Low (CL) option lets you shoot at 3 fps. A relatively small buffer, however, limits your maximum burst rate significantly when shooting in a Raw-enabled mode. If you want to shoot more than 4-5 frames at the camera's fastest frame rate, you'll first need to put the D5200 in its JPEG-only capture mode. We wouldn't want to make too much of this particular limitation in a camera of this class. Those who shoot in live view, however, should be aware that once an exposure is made, the rear screen remains dark until the image data is written completely to the SD card, a process that takes a couple of seconds even for a single capture.AF and metering systemsThe D5200 has the same autofocus and metering system as the D7000 - a big step up from the D5100. The most obvious difference is that the D5200 has 39 autofocus points, rather than the 11 of its predecessor. Nine of the D5200's AF points are cross-type, i.e. sensitive to both horizontal and vertical detail, rather than the D5100's solitary central cross-type point.In practice, the D5200 acquires focus fairly quickly, although users of a comparitively slow-focusing consumer optic like the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens should be aware that Nikon offers a range of lenses that can offer faster focusing performance. We've found focus on the D5200 to be reasonably accurate across its AF array regardless of which lenses we used. When light levels fall significantly, though, particularly with lenses having a relatively narrow maximum aperture we got more consistent results when using the camera's central AF points versus those on the outer edges.  With the D5200 you also have the option to use just 11 AF points (Custom Settings a2). Do so, and the points you're left with are highlighted red in the above diagram. Reducing the number of available points makes it faster to select an off-center point if you don't need the level of precision that using all 39 provides. You can also overlay a composition grid into the viewfinder (Custom Settings, d2). As you'd expect, contrast-detect AF performance in live view lags far behind that of the D5200's phase-detect viewfinder shooting. While the D5200 is an improvement over early-generation Nikon DSLRs in this regard, its live view AF performance still suffers in comparison to any recent mirrorless camera. Flash
Shadow noiseNikon's DSLRs have a well-deserved reputation for outstanding noise performance. And the D5200 is one of few DSLRs in its class to offer a 24MP sensor. So we thought it would be interesting to see how the D5200's Raw files perform against its APS-C rivals. In the comparison below we've drastically opened up the shadows using Adobe Camera Raw 7.4 with sharpening and noise reduction turned off, to shine a light on the sensors' inherent capabilities. We've compared the D5200 against both the 24MP Sony SLT-A65 and the 18MP Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D. All three cameras were shot at ISO 100.
Real world sampleWhile the results of our studio scene reveal interesting information about the sensor's maximum capabilities, it's important to place those results in the context of real-world photography. Below is an image shot outdoors at ISO 100 using the D5200's matrix metering. We've taken the image's .NEF Raw file and converted it in ACR 7.4 twice - once at ACR's default exposure settings, and again with the Basic Panel adjustments detailed below. Noise reduction was disabled in both examples.
Overall image qualityThe D5200's image quality is impressive, particularly in Raw mode. As we demonstrated in our Nikon D7100 review, the D5200 gives up little to its higher-end (and non-AA filtered) sibling with regard to image detail at base ISO sensitivity. At higher ISO values the D5200 does a very good job of retaining fine detail while keeping chroma and luminance noise at levels that place it among the top of its peers. The camera's Raw files can also tolerate a fair degree of low-radius sharpening for crisp-looking results without prominent edge halos.
The D5200's Auto white balance setting is consistently accurate. Its matrix metering does a good job, in a range of lighting conditions, of protecting highlight details and providing pleasing overall contrast. In high contrast situations you may find yourself boosting exposure compensation by 0.3–0.7 EV for a more pleasing overall exposure, but this relatively conservative approach to metering is generally preferable to inadvertently clipping highlight data. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
