The Nikon D5200 is a perfect entry level DSLR camera for anyone that’s trying to grow their photography skills. It comes with a short learning curve making it easy to use, and a commendable 24 Megapixel CMOS sensor that’s also present in the D3200 and D7100. The camera can shoot videos of up to 1080p resolution at 30frames per second, and features a 3-inch LCD screen on its rear that isn’t really touchscreen. It’s continuous shooting speed is also relatively fast at up to 5 frames per second, and with a high ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600), the camera is decently capable of capturing fast moving scenes even in low light. To see what else this DSLR camera can do and why it’s on our list as one of the best DSLR camera for beginners to intermediate, make sure you get to the end of this Nikon D5200 review. Also, see the best DSLR camera based on our research.
Why We Like It – Nikon D5200 DSLR Review
The Nikon D5200 is a run of the mill DSLR camera that’ll be great for anyone that wants to capture family memories or just shoot for fun. It comes with a capable 24.1 Megapixel sensor, and high-quality full HD (1080p) video recording capabilities to make your own home movies. If you want a way to make your smartphone into a professional camera, you should also read our review of how Sony’s QX1 turns your smartphone into s DSLR.
- Fast Autofocus
- Great image quality
- 39-point Autofocus system
- Screen lacks touch capability
Performance
Nikon cameras have always been known to produce good image quality, and the D5200 is certainly no different. It comes with an intricate autofocus system that allows for up to 9 settings, and a menu system that’s relatively easy to navigate. The camera also features four main shooting modes designated by letters, namely P-Program Mode, S-Shutter Priority Mode, A-Aperture Priority Mode and M-Manual Mode. Also impressive is its shutter speed that ranges from 1/4000 of a second, all the way down to 30 seconds just like the Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR so that you can capture almost any subject. For optimum shots, the D5200 is also equipped with a metering sensor that measures the brightness of the subject so that elements such as exposure and shutter speed can be well adjusted.
Related: Also check out our Nikon D3500 review.
Design
If you’ve used a lot of Nikon cameras in the past, then you know that most elements stay the same with every successive release, with only a few subtle design changes that make the difference. In this case, the D5200 is available in either black or red colors, while its predecessor, the Nikon 5100 as well as the NIkon D3300 DSLR is only available in black. Also, the camera body of the D5200 doesn’t include an autofocus motor built-in, and this makes it a bit lighter than most at about 1.22 pounds. Settings on the D5200 are also easy to negotiate, with easily accessible controls such as the info button that lets you adjust the camera’s white balance, and the mode dial which lets you select which exposure setting to use.Lastly, like most Nikon DSLRs, the D5200 also comes with a live view mode that moves the image from the viewfinder to the monitor, giving users a larger field of view.
Related: If you like cameras with excellent image quality and easy-to-use features, take a look at our Nikon D55OO DSLR review.
Value
Launched between 2012 and 2013, the D5200 Nikon isn’t exactly what you would call a new camera. However, its lengthy stay in the market places it in an affordable price range, which also allows you to consider buying a zoom lens alongside with it. The D5200 can be purchased with a kit lens that includes 18-55mm and 55-200mm Non-VR lenses, or as the D5200 body only depending on what you prefer. Its 24 Megapixel APS C sized CMOS sensor is better than the 20.1 Megapixel that you get with the Pentax K-S2, and allows you to shoot a maximum resolution of up to 6000 x 4000 pixels. The D5200 also features a 39 point AF system that is great for a wide area coverage, and includes AF-area modes such as Single-point AF, 9-, 21- or 39-point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking and auto-area AF.
Nikon D5200 DSLR Review Wrap Up
The D5200 is an affordable DSLR camera that you can have fun with, and a decent one to pick for your family photos and vacations. As it has been in the market for close to 7 years now, the camera is affordable priced, and will not leave a huge hole in your wallet.
