Nikon D5200 Camera Review

High image quality

Reproduces minute details of the subject with the sharp depiction performance of NIKKOR lenses and high pixel count of the D5200 — Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor [NEW]

The D5200 employs newly developed Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with 24.1 effective megapixels. Combined with the sharp depiction of NIKKOR lenses, the high resolution renders details of the subject minutely and delivers images with great definition and depth. The sensor also supports wide ISO sensitivity range, high-speed readout during live view and Full HD movie recording.

Renders even delicate detail in skin tone, eyelashes and hair — high-performance image-processing engine EXPEED 3 that maintains superior gradation

The D5200 comes equipped with image-processing engine EXPEED 3, equivalent to that of higher-end models such as the D4. It processes multiple tasks in parallel at high speed while maintaining high precision to bring out the full potential of the 24.1 megapixels for both still images and movies. The image processing of the EXPEED 3 is excellent at color reproduction, gradation processing and image quality at high sensitivity. It reproduces human skin tone, eyelashes and hair more faithfully. Furthermore, from image processing and card recording to image playback and image transfer, EXPEED 3 manages massive amounts of data at high speed. Even with high ISO noise reduction and Active D-Lighting, continuous shooting speed is not sacrificed, realizing comfortable shooting. This also contributes to energy saving.

High image quality of the D5200 realized by the high pixel count of 24.1 effective megapixels, image-processing engine EXPEED 3 and NIKKOR lenses

Effective for shooting in low-lit situations such as interiors or night scenes and for moving subjects — ISO sensitivity range up to 6400

The D5200's wide ISO sensitivity range is from ISO 100 to 6400, expandable to Hi 1 (ISO 12800 equivalent) and Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent). The camera reduces noise effectively even at high ISO sensitivity setting while maintaining definition as much as possible to deliver sharp images. Setting high ISO sensitivity enables you to shoot at faster shutter speeds and capture pictures without worrying about image degradation caused by camera shake even in low-light situations or when shooting a moving subject. This superior high-sensitivity performance is also effective for D-Movie and you can record beautiful movies without large-scale lighting equipment even when light is scarce.

Shot at ISO 3200

Shot at ISO 1600

Wide ISO sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 6400 at normal setting

Reproduces brightness in highlights and shadowy areas as you see them — Active D-Lighting with improved image quality

Active D-Lighting is effective for shooting, for example, a dark room including outside scenery seen through a window, high-contrast scenes such as at the seaside under strong sunlight, and backlit situations. It preserves details in both highlights and shadowy areas in such situations, maintaining moderate contrast to reproduce brightness as you see it. Select the preferred setting from "auto", "extra high", "high", "normal", "low" or "off". The D5200 employs a new image-processing system that causes less shift of color even when the strength level is increased. Image-processing time is shortened by highly accurate and high-speed real-time processing. And color reproduction is further enhanced with new image-processing engine EXPEED 3. Unlike HDR (High Dynamic Range), Active D-Lighting does not require the process of combining images, therefore it is effective for shooting moving subjects such as people.

Extra high

Off

Delivers beautiful images even in high-contrast scenes — HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Two images taken with one shutter release at varying exposure are combined to produce a single image that has a wider dynamic range (range of contrast to reproduce tonal gradation) with less loss of detail in highlights and shadows. The result is images with less noise and rich tonal gradation throughout the entire frame including shadows and highlights even in high-contrast shooting scenes. HDR mode is selectable from "auto", "extra high", "high", "normal", "low" and "off". The exposure differential of the two images up to 3 EV and the smoothness of the edge where the two exposures meet are automatically set according to the strength level. Effective for stationary subjects such as landscapes or still lifes.

Note: It is recommended to use a tripod.

Overexposed

Underexposed

HDR

NIKKOR

To draw out the full potential of the D5200's approx. 24 megapixels and render high-definition images, using a high optical performance lens with superior resolution is of vital importance. NIKKOR lenses are Nikon digital SLR cameras' genuine interchangeable lenses and are highly praised by many photo enthusiasts and professional photographers. Employing an array of Nikon's original advanced technologies, NIKKOR lenses feature high optical performance and superior rendering performance, and support high image quality by getting the most out of the D5200's high pixel count in both still images and movies through the wide and diverse lineup.

Nikon's original technologies

-Nikon's original Vibration Reduction function (VR) that realizes an easy-to-see viewfinder image, comfortable shooting and images with reduced blur for both stills and movies

Image blur caused by camera shake tends to occur when shooting in low-lit situations, telephoto shooting and close-up shooting. Nikon built the Vibration Reduction function (VR) into the lens to reduce the effects of camera shake. Different from a blur-reduction function built into the camera body, this ensures a stable viewfinder image during shooting for precise focusing and comfortable confirmation of composition. The VR function, optimized for the characteristics of each lens, is effective for not only still image shooting but also movie recording using live view.

VR "On"

VR "Off"

-AF-S lenses with built-in SWM (Silent Wave Motor) ensure quiet autofocus operation

Nikon's originally developed SWM (Silent Wave Motor = ultrasonic motor) for AF drive is an autofocus motor that converts "traveling waves" into rotational energy to drive optics for autofocus. AF-S lenses that incorporate the SWM achieve quiet AF operation.

-Nano Crystal Coat provides clear images with minimal ghost or flare

This is an antireflective coating that originated from Nikon's work in semiconductor manufacturing technology. Ghost effects caused by red light, which were incredibly difficult to prevent with conventional coating, and ghost and flare effects caused by light entering the lens diagonally are effectively reduced to provide clear images.

-ED glass effectively minimizes chromatic aberration at high magnification

Nikon-developed ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass minimizes prism-caused color dispersion. For lenses using normal optical glass, the longer the focal length, the more difficult it is to correct the chromatic aberration that causes color fringing. Nikon's ED glass effectively compensates for this kind of chromatic aberration.

-Aspherical lens for effective distortion correction

This type of lens utilizes non-spherical surfaces to correct certain types of lens aberration. These elements are particularly useful for correcting the distortion in wide-angle lenses.

Ease of use

Compact and lightweight body with three color variations and enhanced holding

The D5200's compact and lightweight body of approx. 505 g (1 lb 1.8 oz)* is easy to carry around. A sub-grip is newly employed on the lower left of the front of the camera to improve holding in combination with the thumb pad on the upper right of the rear of the camera. You can shoot sharp images using 24.1 effective megapixels, without blur caused by camera shake. The color of the body can be chosen from black, red and bronze.

• *Body only.

Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 129 x 98 x 78 mm/5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in.
Weight: approx. 555 g/1 lb 3.6 oz (including battery, SD memory card, excluding body cap), approx. 505 g/1 lb 1.8 oz (body only)

Selectable body colors

Black

Red

Bronze

Sub-grip and thumb pad improve holding

Front

Rear

Easier and more intuitive to operate — newly designed GUI

The D5200 incorporates an easier and more fluid new GUI, utilizing graphic-processing performance enhanced by EXPEED 3. For the info display design, you can choose from two options — Classic or Graphic. Background color can be selected from black, blue and brown. A new design is also employed for each setting display.

In optical viewfinder shooting

-Classic

Black

Blue

Brown

-Graphic

Black

Blue

Brown

In live view shooting

-Graphic

Information edit button

Pressing the information edit button when shooting information is displayed gives you direct access to the menu of the setting you would like to adjust.

Information edit button

In optical viewfinder shooting

Info display

Setting menu display

In live view shooting

Info display

Setting menu display

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter (optional) that enables wireless transmission of images to a smart device, and remote shooting

By attaching the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter to the D5200's USB connector, two-way communication between the camera and a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet computer with Wi-Fi communication function is possible. With the remote shooting function that enables release of the shutter from a distance, you can use your smart device as a remote live view monitor, to confirm the best angle and shoot. Images can be transmitted wirelessly and you can easily upload them to SNS or attach them to a mail. The WU-1a is compatible with smart devices using the iOS or Android™.

Note: This function requires installing of Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility to the smart device prior to use.

Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility

Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility is software enabling download of images from a camera to a smart device or operation of a camera from a smart device for taking an image by attaching the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter.

Note: Can be downloaded from the application store of each smart device (free).

Comfortable remote control without worrying about obstacles in the way —
WR-R10/WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers (optional) that achieve multiple camera control [NEW]

WR-R10/WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers expand the flexibility of remote control. Unlike remote controls using infrared light, it is possible to release the shutter even if there are obstacles such as a tree in the way. The communication distance for a combination of the WR-R10 with WR-T10 is approx. 20 m (66 ft). You can control a single or multiple cameras with the WR-R10 attached using the WR-T10 as a transmitter*. With the WR-R10/WR-T10, you can enjoy a variety of shooting, such as attaching different lenses to the cameras, changing angles for each camera, or shooting still images and movies simultaneously by switching channels.

• *WR-T10 and WR-R10(s) have to be set to the same channel and paired in advance to achieve simultaneous release. (For further information, please refer to the user's manual of the WR-R10/WR-T10.)

Comfortable remote shooting is assured even if there are people or objects between the remote controller and camera.

Examples of use

Controlling multiple cameras with one WR-T10 (Simultaneous release)

The shutters on all cameras can be released simultaneously by pressing the WR-T10's shutter-release button all the way down.

Specifications of the WR-R10/WR-T10

	WR-R10	WR-T10
Product images
Compatible cameras	D4*1, D3 series*1, D800 series*1, D700*1, D600, D300 series*1, D7000, D5200, D5100, D3200, D3100, etc., D-SLR cameras that employ a ten-pin remote terminal*1 or accessory terminal	-
Channels	5 (2.425 GHz), 10 (2.450 GHz), 15 (2.475 GHz)
Range (line of sight)	Approx. 50 m (164 ft) at height of about 1.2 m (4 ft) between WR-R10s*2	Approx. 20 m (66 ft) at height of about 1.2 m (4 ft) from WR-T10 to WR-R10
Pairing	Unlimited
Controllable functions	Live view*3, movie*3, continuous shooting, shutter-release button (half/full pressing available), possible to activate a function assigned to an Fn button*4

• *1Requires WR-A10 WR adapter. Cameras other than the D4 or D800 series that employ a ten-pin remote terminal, including F-SLRs, are capable of using the controller for half/full pressing of the shutter-release button only (except D1, D1H, D1X, D100 [+MB-D100])
• *2Only available when master D-SLR camera employs a ten-pin remote terminal.
• *3Available only with the D4, D800 series, D600, D5200 and D3200.
• *4Available only with the D4, D800 series and D5200.

Note: Depending on the camera, there may be a limitation to the accessories that can be attached simultaneously with the WR-R10 Wireless Remote Controller. Attempting to forcibly attach accessories can damage the camera or accessory.

Versatile playback functions

The D5200 gives you a variety of playback display options that take advantage of the large 7.5-cm (3-in.) monitor. The number of images displayed at one time can be selected from 1, 4, 9 and 72, and calendar display arranges images in chronological order. You can also display histograms of a magnified area of an image and check the focus using playback zoom of face.

72-thumbnail display

Calendar display

Histogram display for magnified area

Playback zoom of face

Transmits taken images from the camera to a computer wirelessly to expand your photographic creativity — Eye-Fi card (on the market) compatible

The D5200 can transmit taken image data (JPEG) from the camera to a computer wirelessly. You can also transmit images to online photo sharing and storage services such as "NIKON IMAGE SPACE" and a computer automatically.

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Note: The D5200 can turn Eye-Fi cards on and off, but may not support other Eye-Fi functions. Direct any inquiries to the manufacturer. Eye-Fi cards are for use only in the country of purchase (As of October, 2012). Observe all local laws concerning the use of wireless devices.

Embeds location information on an image — GP-1 GPS Unit (optional)

The D5200 is compatible with the Nikon GP-1 GPS Unit that is able to embed location information on an image. Latitude, longitude and altitude of a shooting location are recorded as Exif data. Images with location information can be displayed on a GeoTag workspace of ViewNX 2 (supplied with the D5200). What's more, Nikon's image sharing and storage website NIKON IMAGE SPACE, online image sharing services and commercially available digital mapping software are all there to enhance your photographic enjoyment.

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High-capacity (SDXC), high-speed (UHS-I) SD memory card compatible

The D5200 supports SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) and UHS-I. Combined with the enhanced speed of the image-processing engine EXPEED 3, it processes and writes image data of 24.1 megapixels at high speed. In high-speed continuous shooting, this allows the shooting of 100 frames in JPEG (fine/Medium)*.

• *With an 8 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I card (SDSDXPA-008G). Results will vary with card type, camera settings, and scene recorded. The maximum number of exposures that can be stored in memory buffer at ISO 100; number drops when long-exposure noise reduction or auto distortion control is on.

Long-life battery due to energy-saving design — EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

The D5200's superior energy-saving design allows you to shoot approx. 500 shots per charge* with the EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.

• *Based on CIPA Standards.

EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (supplied)

• Nikon retains all usage rights to these images.

Sample Images 1

Photographer: Douglas Menuez

Shutter speed	1/200 second
Aperture	f/3.2
Focal length	35mm
Exposure mode	Aperture-Priority Auto
Exposure metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II
Sensitivity	ISO 200
White balance	Auto
Picture control	Portrait
Image quality	RAW (14-bit)
Lens	AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

Sample Images 2

Photographer: Douglas Menuez

Shutter speed	1/1250 second
Aperture	f/5.6
Focal length	102mm
Exposure mode	Aperture-Priority Auto
Exposure metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II
Sensitivity	ISO 320
White balance	Auto
Picture control	Standard
Image quality	RAW (14-bit)
Lens	AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Sample Images 3

Photographer: Douglas Menuez

Shutter speed	1/200 second
Aperture	f/2.8
Focal length	35mm
Exposure mode	Programmed Auto
Exposure metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II
Sensitivity	ISO 400
White balance	Auto
Picture control	Portrait
Image quality	RAW (14-bit)
Lens	AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

Sample Images 4

Photographer: Douglas Menuez

Shutter speed	1/400 second
Aperture	f/3
Focal length	40mm
Exposure mode	Aperture-Priority Auto
Exposure metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II
Sensitivity	ISO 200
White balance	Auto
Picture control	Vivid
Image quality	RAW (14-bit)
Lens	AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G

Sample Images 5

Photographer: Douglas Menuez

Shutter speed	1/320 second
Aperture	f/13
Focal length	105mm
Exposure mode	Scene Mode (Silhouette)
Exposure metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II
Sensitivity	Auto (ISO 100)
White balance	Auto
Picture control	Landscape
Image quality	RAW (14-bit)
Lens	AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR