Nikon D5200 Review: A Solid, Speedy DSLR
The Nikon D5200 has a lot going for it: a lightweight body, a speedy Expeed 3 image processor, full HD video, wide ISO range, and an articulating 3" LCD to name a few. While it won't make any waves in the professional DSLR market, it's an excellent general purpose camera that can capture even the most mundane events in gorgeous clarity.
The Good
- 24 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Expeed 3 processor provides improved accuracy, reduced rolling shutter, and uncompressed video over HDMI
- Takes full 1080p video
- Versatile light detection with ISO ranging from 100 - 6400 and expandable to 25600
The Bad
- Images appear soft by default
- Slower shutter speed than other DSLRs
The Verdict
The D5200 has its limitations, but overall it's a solid well-perfoming DSLR that offers a little bit of everything. Photographers who prefer versatility and low light detail will find it more than adequate for their needs.
Tech Specs
Image Quality
24 MP, max 1080p @ 60fps
Audio Quality
Above average
Battery Life
500 photos (approx)
Wifi and Bluetooth
Optional
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Design and Hardware
The D5200 isn't quite as small as Nikon's other offerings, measuring 5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches. It's still fairly lightweight at 17.8 ounces and far more portable than many other DSLRs. One of the D5200's biggest draws is its articulated 3" LCD, which can be flipped and pivoted to almost any position. The D5200 maintains the user-friendly controls of Nikon's previous DSLRs and will make any beginner feel right at home.
Image and Video Quality
The D5200 takes sharp, crisp images, but it's only a slight improvement over the D5100. The D5200 provides better noise reduction than previous cameras while providing accurate color reproduction and a good dynamic range. In addition to 24 megapixel photos, the D5200 takes high definition 1080p video at 30fps, or 1080i video at 60fps.
Battery Life and Performance
The D5200 has an average 500 photo battery life. The camera starts and focuses fast and has a max shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second. The D5200 takes continuous burst photos of 5 fps and has a self-timer with intervals ranging from 2 to 20 seconds. Although there's no Wi-Fi built in, Nikon provides an optional add-on for controlling the camera remotely.
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Conclusion
The D5200 is an excellent general purpose DSLR that can catch everyday activities in stunning detail. It might not appease professional photographers, or even somewhat experienced DSLR users, but for the everyday photographer who appreciates fine detail the D5200 is a solid choice.
