Nikon D5200
Announced January 7, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Nikon D5200 is a capable DSLR featuring an articulated screen, a 39-point autofocus system, and a 24-megapixel sensor that produces detailed, high-quality images. While it offers impressive performance for its class, the camera lacks an internal focus motor and requires menu navigation for many manual adjustments, which can hinder the experience for some users.
Weighted from 26 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly effective 39-point autofocus system
- Strong image quality and high-ISO performance
- Capable video recording features
- Versatile articulated LCD screen
- Fast 5fps continuous shooting
Cons
- Limited manual control access and menu-heavy interface
- Inability to adjust aperture during Live View
- Slow and restricted autofocus in Live View
- Small pentamirror viewfinder with limited coverage
- Lack of internal focus motor limiting lens compatibility
- Launch price $899.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.1MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 26 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 79/100
The Nikon D5200 is a solid performer that delivers excellent image quality and impressive high-ISO performance, along with an articulated screen and a control interface that's appropriate for users stepping up to a DSLR.
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[T]he Nikon D5200 is a lot of camera for the money, and though it's aimed at advanced beginners in terms of image quality and capabilities, it's not too far removed from DSLRs geared for more serious photographers.
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If you can live with those, to be fair, minor pitfalls, the D5200 offers a level of quality and performance that’s hard to beat at this price point.
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If you are not invested in any system, you should strongly consider the D5200, a very solid choice for a DSLR at this price. But if you’re open to an ILC, the decision becomes harder.
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The Nikon D5200 is an interesting camera, placed in the crossover between beginner and enthusiast level. [...] However, the D5200 is likely to satisfy a beginner for longer, and act as a compact and able-performing back-up model for an enthusiast.
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In essence, the D5200 is a solid performer with a lot of useful features.
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The Nikon D5200 has an excellent set of features and takes superb pictures.
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The new Nikon D5200 is a solid upgrade of the previous D5100 model, with better auto-focus and metering systems, enhanced video options, slightly faster burst shooting, friendlier user interface and more resolution, although that all comes at a slight increase in price.
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To surmise, the D5200 is a worthy addition to Nikon’s APS-C DSLR range that borrows some features and specifications from the more expensive Nikon D7000 to bring additional functionality to a smaller and more affordable model.
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The under-$1,000 Nikon D5200 is a capable D-SLR that delivers impressive image quality and continuous shooting at 4 frames per second, earning it our Editors' Choice.
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The Nikon D5200 is a solid performer that delivers images with well-controlled noise and plenty of detail, albeit with slight banding in some images taken at IS0 3200 and above.
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The developments to the D5200’s internals – most notably the adopted 39-point AF system and 24MP sensor – result in a truly impressive specification for a consumer model.
- CNET 8/10
While on paper the D5200 doesn’t really stand out from the specialized competition — Canon has its video-optimized AF system, Pentax has its weather-resistant bodies [...]
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[...] I think the D5200 is a great camera both for photography and video, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone out there, beginners as well.
- Photo Review 88%
Nikon’s 24-megapixel D5200 is the latest in a series of affordable, lightweight and high-performance DSLRs with pivoting LCD screens that appeared first in 2009 with the D5000.
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[T]he Nikon D5200 draws in the D7000's autofocus system and, considering that and the new 24-megapixel sensor's overall image quality, it's a DSLR that's a step beyond its predecessor. But it's not totally plain sailing.
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[W]e’d advise caution to anyone who is considering upgrading to the D5200 for the sake of its high resolution.
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The Nikon D5200 is a great camera if you're looking for something to step in as a serious enthusiast.
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The lightweight body and compact size of the D5200 is certain to be seen favorably by photographers who concentrate on automatic modes and require direct access to features only on occasions.
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[T]he D5200 makes fantastic quality images and weighs almost nothing, so it's a pleasure to carry it everywhere.
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For a camera that I figure is very affordable for many people this has to be one of the best buys around: 24.1 megapixel capture, vari-angle screen; Full HD capture.
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Resolution is better on the D5200 as well, with more fine detail after you bring it out in post.
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You could certainly learn to live with such restrictions, especially given how good the Nikon D5200’s autofocus system is, and how well it performs in low light.
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If you have the extra money, by all means go ahead and get the Nikon D5200 though; you'll be very, very happy with it.
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I think it's a solid buy for those looking for more bang with a little more bucks, but you might want to consider a D3200 if you're an absolute beginner who's unsure that they want to pursue photography further than a kit lens.
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The price point, which is what, five hundred pounds, seven hundred dollars, the type of quality you get for this sort of price point is really superb.
