Smart-Review is supported by our readers. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission... Learn more

SmartReview.com Top Rated Products

Nikon D5200 24.1 Megapixel CMOS Digital SLR Camera | Review

June 25, 2013 by  
Filed under Digital SLR

Nikon D5200 24.1 Megapixel CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D5200 24.1 Megapixel CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Rated 4 1/2 Stars

SmartReview.com Product Rating
(Click for Reviews)


Is this the best price?

*New for 2013* The mid range Nikon D5200 is Nikon’s new DSLR entry for 2013. The D5200 replaces the popular D5100 and is loaded with improved features. The D5200 was upgraded from 16.2 to 24.1 megapixels. The camera has Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound. Subject-tracking AF. New for 2013 is the addition of body mounted stereo microphones. The native ISO for low light photography is 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600). Its side articulating 3 inch high resolution display ( 921,000 pixels) allows you to get hard to get low angle and high angle shots. Built-in camera effects filters for both picture and video modes. Other features include LiveView so you can frame your movies and pictures, the new EXSPEED 3 processor, 5.0 fps continuous shooting, Ultrasonic Dust Removal System removes dust from the sensor automatically, Active D-Lighting function which can vastly improve shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes. Includes the 18-55mm optical image stabilized (VR) Lens. 39 AF points (with 3D tracking). High Dynamic Range mode.

D5200 Top View

Nikon D5200 Top View (Click for Larger Image)

Upgrades to the D5200 Model: The D5200 upgrades from the D5100 from 16.2 to 24.1 megapixels, upgrades from an 11 point AF system to a 39 point AF system (same as the D7000), the processor upgrades from the EXPEED 2 to the EXPEED 3 processor (same as the top of the line Nikon D4), Burst mode has increased from 4.0 fps to 5.0 fps., RGB metering sensor has improved from 420 to 2,016-pixels, and adds internal stereo microphones, Movie mode adds 50i and 60i. The D5200 adds continuous autofocus for the movie video mode. And a wireless accessory port was added. Reduced noise, jaggies and moiré in movie mode. Subject-tracking AF tracks and maintains focusing on a moving subject.


* Compatible with all NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses that have an autofocus motor. DX has 1.5x crop factor.

Shutter speeds: 30 – 1/4000 second, ISO: from 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600), Burst Mode: 5.0 fps, Built-in Flash.
Memory Cards: SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Lithium-ion battery EN-EL14 (included). USB 2.0.
Included Kit Lens: 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
HD Movie Modes: 1920 x 1080 (24p, 25p, 30p, 50i, 60i): at full 1080p; 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p): at 720p. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV codec. 24mbps bit rate.
Dimensions: 5.0″ x 3.9″ x 3.1″ ( 1.22 lbs).


Smart-Review Commentary: Nikon’s 2013 mid range D5200 DSLR is a big improvement from its predecessor, the D5100. It has a new imaging sensor with 24.1 megapixels. Despite adding 8 megapixels, Nikon has maintained the same Native ISO (6400) as the D5100. The autofocus has greatly improved from 11 to 39 focus points, and it has upgraded to the EXPEED 3 processor (same processor that is in the high end Nikon D4). Because of this upgrade, the Burst Mode has improved from 4 to 5 fps, and you will see reduced noise, jaggies and moiré in movie mode. Shutter durability remains at 100,000 cycles. The Movie/Video mode has some improvements for 2013. These include the addition of Full Time AutoFocus which will allow your DSLR to act more like a camcorder, so you don’t have to manually focus your video if you don’t want to. Also included are built in stereo microphones (previous model only had a single microphone). A microphone jack allows you to add external microphones like Nikon’s stereo ME-1. With the new wireless port, the optional WU-1a Wireless Adapter gives you Wi-Fi photo sharing and camera control. As with the previous model, you get Full 1080p HD (1080p @ 24p, 25p, 30p, 50i, and 60i) movie mode, and in-camera special effects. The Live View function uses the LCD to compose pictures and videos. We believe this to be an excellent mid range SLR which will give the Canon T4i some competition in this price range. Like the D5100, we expect this to be a best seller for Nikon in 2013. We previewed this DSLR at CES 2013 (see out video below). For its price and performance and new upgrades from the previous model, the Nikon D5200 is a Smart Review Top Pick for 2013.


Nikon D5200 SLR D5200 with 18-55mm lens D5500 Latest Model Nikon EN-EL14 battery for D5200
    SLR Features

  • 24.1 megapixels
  • Large 3-inch LCD
  • ISO 100-6200
  • Burst Mode: 5.0 fps
  • Full Time Autofocus
  • Stereo Microphones
  • Live View
  • 1080p Movie Mode
  • Ultrasonic sensor cleaning
  • Nikon EXPEED 3 processor
  • DX Sized Imager
  • External Mic Jack
  • Articulating LCD

Is this the best price?

Is this the best price?

Is this the best price?
DSLR Bundle Deals Nikon D5200
+ Accessory Kit
Nikon D5200
+ Accessory Kit
Nikon D5200
+ Accessory Kit
    Bundle Deals
    Nikon D5200
    + Accessory Kits


Is this the best price?
Bundle Deal
18-55mm Lens

Is this the best price?
Bundle Deal
18-55mm Lens
70-300mm Lens

Is this the best price?
Bundle Deal
18-55mm Lens


Related Article: Digital SLRs From $600 to $999 Comparison and Reviews

Related Camera: Canon Rebel T6i 24.2 Megapixel Digital SLR

Lenses for the Nikon D5200: Nikon Zoom Lenses Roundup and Comparison

Lenses for the Nikon D5200: Nikon Prime (fixed) Lenses Roundup and Comparison


See our video coverage of the Nikon D5200 at the Consumer Electronics Show 2013 (CES)

Shop All DSLR Cameras
(Clicking on shop buttons will open a new window)

DSLR Cameras at Amazon.com Shop
DSLRs at Panasonic.com Shop
Camcorders at Canon USA Shop
SLRs at Best Buy Shop