In this article, I will show feature differences between the new Nikon D5200 the previous generation D5100 (see our Nikon D5100 Review). What does the updated D5200 bring to the table and what are the key differences? Let’s take a look! Please keep in mind that this Nikon D5200 vs D5100 comparison is purely based on specifications. A detailed comparison with image samples and ISO comparisons will be provided in the upcoming Nikon D5200 review.
As I have already pointed out in my announcement article, the new D5200 seems to have more advanced features like the 39-point AF system and the 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor from the popular D7000. The imaging sensor also got a huge resolution bump, going from 16.2 MP to 24.1 MP. Let’s take a look at how the two cameras stack up against each other in terms of specifications:
Nikon D5200 vs D5100 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D5200 | Nikon D5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.1 Million | 16.2 Million |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.5×15.6mm | 23.6×15.6mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.92µ | 4.79µ |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,000 x 4,000 | 4,928 x 3,264 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 2 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror | Pentamirror |
| Focus Motor | No | No |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Storage Media | 1x SD | 1x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5 FPS | 4 FPS |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Durability | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II | 420-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-6,400 | ISO 100-6,400 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 12,800-25,600 | ISO 12,800-25,600 |
| Autofocus System | Multi-CAM 4800DX | Multi-CAM 1000 |
| AF Detection | Up to f/5.6 | Up to f/5.6 |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | MOV, Compressed | MOV, Compressed |
| Video Maximum Record Time | 20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p | 20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 30p, 25p, 24p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| Articulating LCD | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Eye-Fi Compatible, WU-1a | Eye-Fi Compatible |
| Battery | EN-EL14 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL14 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Charger | MH-24 Charger | MH-24 Charger |
| Weather Sealed Body | No | No |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 555g with battery and memory card | 560g with battery and memory card |
| Dimensions | 129 x 98 x 78mm | 128 x 97 x 79mm |
| MSRP Price | N/A in US yet | $799 (as introduced) |
Is the D5200 worth the upgrade? Unless you need a faster camera for photographing your kids’ sports, I would not upgrade from the D5100. The Nikon D5100 is a solid camera and the quality of images it produces are superb. If the D5200 offers better dynamic range, landscape photographers might find the extra resolution to be a plus, but if it is pretty close, I would wait until the D5300 comes out in a year or two. If you have a D5000, however, then the D5200 would be a great DSLR to move up to. You get better image quality, much more resolution, better speed, better AF and metering, a bigger and higher resolution articulating screen, much better video features and more. The same goes for the D3100 and D3000 DSLRs – moving up to the D5200 would be worth the upgrade. But obviously, it all depends on the price of the D5200 when it is announced in the US in January of 2013.
And if you happen to own the D7000, then don’t even bother looking – the D5200 would be a downgrade, all things considered. Unless you crave the 1080p 60i movie mode…
I posted some image samples from the D5200 yesterday. Sample images from the D5100 can be found in the Nikon D5100 Review.
I’m looking to upgrade from a Nikon 60D. I was thinking of the 5200. Your thoughts? I want to skill the 3200 and the 7100 is way more than I want to spend.
So you’re saying that
Nikon D5200 is only good because of 24MP w/c the ISO performance at night shots is perfect
but when it comes to daylight shots
Nikon D5100 and D5200 are equal?
Nasim Sir
Thanks a lot for your blogs. You are the best.
I’ve learned photography from your blog for the past two years on my D3100 which I have sold now
and am looking for an upgrade. I don’t have money for full frame but I can stretch my budget till USD 1100. I take a lot of portrait photographs of my children and have worked with a manual vivitar flash which I have sold as well. want to buy and external flash as well. Never shoot birds. I have nikon 50m 1.8 G and Nikon 55-300 VR lens.
I’m reading various reviews since the past 7 days and am totally confused. These are the options available to me after discounts. Please guide me.
Nikon D7100 body costs $1100 USD
Nikon D7000 body with 18-100 costs 865 USD
Nikon D5200 body with 18-55 costs 567 USD
Should I buy nikon D7000/5200 and invest in lenses ? If yes which one should I buy ? Should I buy a 35 mm or a wide angle after saving some money in the next few years. Or should go for D7100 and save some money and purchase additional lenses whenever I have money.
Please guide. I cannot thank you more !
Vardhan, your choices are a little more than D5200 / D7000 now. You have the D7100 to consider also.
Before anyone overreacts, let me beg you to read further before reaching for the reply button.
The D5200 provides the SAME image quality as the new D7100 – there have been at least three pro reviews which all say the same thing. So, if you are looking for purely a great image quality, there is no choice, get hold of the D5200, which is what I did.
Having said that, the build and controls of the D7100 (and D7000) are vastly superior, if you know how to use them, or are prepared to learn. The only thing I would add is that the D7000 is ‘only’ 16Mp with the other two bodies providing you with a clean 24Mp image.
Remember also that the D5200 has now fallen in price from launch, and can be had very reasonably if you hunt around. More importantlly, the D5200 has the same exposure meter, and 39pt focus system, as was supplied on the now older D7000.
It all depends on what kind of photographer you are or want to be. I shoot a lot of landscapes and don’t do a huge lot of action or social photography, and the D7100 is set up for just that kind of work, though, of course, the measured approach for still life / landscape etc can also be done on either camera.
The D5200 offers 3D tracking focus mode, as well as the 9 / 11 / 39 or single point focus modes, so it can be turned to action and sports so it is down to you really, to try them out and make your own choice. Frankly, I would leave the D7000 in the shop now, it is already looking old by the standards of the other two (yes, in picture quality terms, not features). What did it for me, in choosing the D5200, was the tilt and flip out LCD screen, once you have used one, you don’t want to be without it.
My conclusion for you then is, get the D5200 which already matches the D7100 in picture quality, outclasses the D7000 in resolution, and with the huge saving in the price difference – especially between it, and the D7100, leaves lots of money in your hands to invest in a great lens, because, you will need good glass with these 24Mp babies, that’s for sure.
Good luck with whatever you decide to buy.
Ross
Ross,
It was very kind of you to take time out to share your thoughts which are very well articulated and helpful. Thanks a lot.
I was taking great photographs with my Nikon D3100 and external flash and shouldn’t have sold that lovely camera. But I don’t regret the decision because I got the expected price for my camera. In the process of experimenting and learning from experts who are kind to share their learning I started with a manual Vivitar external flash and loved the outcome. As a result I was contemplating buying studio lights for portraits at home and at the same time buying a camera with the TTL system and the ability to control other flashes remotely from the camera. I managed with the lamp at home and the output was acceptable. After all I’m neither a professional photographer nor can afford such expensive products, but wanted to extract most out of my camera. When I got a good price for my Nikon D3100.
I have never used the TTL system and don’t know how much value it will add to the image quality if I base by decision of purchasing a camera which has an inbuilt TTL system such as D7000. If I buy nikion D5200 what options will I have to explore TTL and wireless controlling flash from the camera.
I loved D3100 and naturally appreciate the lightweight Nikon D5200 as well. That’s the reason I’m in two minds between Nikon 5200.
Cheers !
Vardhan
Hi Vardhan
You didn’t mention your ambition to experiement with wireless flash systems. I know that Nikon do not support it on the D5200 just like the other D5 x and D3 x products. If you must have this feature, I would have to say either get the D7100 or see if you can pick up a used D7000. I wouldn’t buy a new one with the state of play at the moment.
Having said that, there are third party wireless flash suppliers, just like you can get battery grips for the D51 / 5200 etc. You may want to look at that option BEFORE commiting to a particular camera body. I know I would!
Ross
Thanks Ross, once again !
I m going to buy my first SLR 5100 or 5200??
please Help me out
Hi,
I’m planning to upgrade my D40. The main motivation behind upgrading my camera is to improve the low light performance. I use old manual focus lenses most of the time. I will either buy a d5100 or a d5200. Are they similar in terms of their high ISO performances?
I’m in the same boat (D40x). I think either 5100 or 5200 will be similar. Typically, a higher megapixel sensor will have more noise and perform worse at high ISO. However, as time goes by, sensors are improved. The 5200 has a higher megapixel sensor, but it is also a newer upgraded Toshiba sensor, so as far as I know they will perform similar, but I don’t have data to support this–just a guess. I have used D7000 and it performs well high ISO and it is the same exact sensor as 5200. I’m actually avoiding D7100 because it doesn’t perform significantly better than 5200/7000 at high ISO (and doesn’t have articulating screen).
Hi Nasim. I’m looking for a Dslr and i very confused and i don’t know that whether should i buy a nikon d5100 or nikon d5200. I’m a begginer and i cant upgrade it again and again so recommend me a dslr that dosnt need a upgrade.
Thank you for such wonderful advice.
I am new to dslrs and know zero about this stuff. I want to buy my first dslr just to take pics of family and the kids.
I am debating between 5100 and 5200. There is a $200 difference between them in price.
What do you recommend in my situation. Shall I pull trigger and go the extra $200 or the 5100 is sufficient for me?
Hi,
I have almost the same question like all others. I’m complete beginner in this. I have no idea how to make good photography or manually change settings. But I would love to learn that. Now I’m about to buy DSLR. After reading little bit in past 2 days. Almost all are talking about d5100 d5200 d7000 and not so often about d3200. In my price range D5100 fits perfectly, also d3200 but not d5200 or d7000. If I really need d5200 or d7000 maybe I will give more money now but from what I can see for a beginner d5100 is perfect. I hope I’m right, if not please tell me. Also about lens I have no idea what is better but I can see that I can get d5100 within 3 packages:
1) 18-55/3,5-5,6 VR (also posible without VR)
2) 18-55/3,5-5,6 VR + 55-200/4,0-5,6 VR
3) 18-105/3,5-5,6 VR
I really have no idea that that VR means, and I dont know what is best option.
I really need good advice because I was saving almost 1 year for this.
Thanks
Viktor
What if your an amateur photographer… which would be the best choice between the D5100 or the D5200? I’m leaning more towards buying the D5100, but maybe it would be better to start with the D5200 and spend a little more money. Any advice for a semi-poor, college student, trying to advance in one of her passions? Thanks!
The Nikon D5200 has better AF metering system for sure. But about the image quality, DXO lab gives the D5200’s sensor quite high score but some people complained that the toshiba sensor in D5200 is not that good. I cannot see the difference in dynamic range or color depth between D5200 and D5100. But as I see in some sample picture of D5200, its high ISO performance is really good. I think the ISO performance of D5200 must be better than that of D5100 or D7000. Do you have any idea about this? Is D5200’s sensor as good as evaluated by DXO lab?