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.