Yesterday, Nikon announced its latest upper entry-level dSLR: the D5200, which replaces the D5100 and offers several features that, at least on paper, put it on par with the more expensive D7000. So, with such a vast array of choices on the market, it is only natural for a first-time buyer to ask one simple question: which one should I buy?
Well, let's try and answer that question.
Body:
D5200: plastic
D5100: plastic
D7000: Weather-sealed metal and plastic
The D7000 wins, hands-down
Sensor:
D5200: 24Mp
D5100: 16Mp
D7000: 16Mp
Newer is better
Processor:
D5200: Expeed 3
D5100: Expeed 2
D7000: Expeed 2
Newer is better again
ISO:
D5200: 100-25,600
D5100: 100-25,600
D7000: 100-25,600
All square here
AF Points:
D5200: 39
D5100: 11
D7000: 39
The D5100 looks decidedly basic
Viewfinder coverage:
D5200: 95%
D5100: 95%
D7000: 100%
The D7000 kills the competition
Shutter speed:
D5200: 1/4000th to 30 sec
D5100: 1/4000th to 30 sec
D7000: 1/8000th to 30 sec
The D7000 is one stop faster
LCD:
D5200: 3” 921k dot, articulating
D5100: 3” 921k dot, articulating
D7000: 3” 921k dot, fixed
The D7000 loses
Built-in flash:
D5200: yes
D5100: yes
D7000: yes
Same here, too
Continuous drive:
D5200: 5fps
D5100: 4fps
D7000: 6fps
The D7000's the speed demon
Exposure Compensation:
D5200: +/- stops
D5100: +/- 5 stops
D7000: +/- 5 stops
All tied here
WB settings:
D5200: 12, 5 custom
D5100: 12, 5 custom
D7000: 12, 5 custom
All the same
Video:
D5200: full 1080p HD up to 60fps
D5100: full 1080p HD up to 30fps
D7000: full 1080p HD up to 24 fps
Resolution may be a tie, but the D5200 is far faster
Storage:
D5200: single SD
D5100: single SD
D7000: dual SD
The D7000 is class of the field
Weight with battery:
D5200: 555g
D5100: 560g
D7000: 780g
The D5200 wins by a nose
Needless to say, upon a close examination of the spec sheet, there really aren't all that many differences between the three cameras, at least on paper. In real life usage, though, the old D7000 kills the competition if you're a serious shooter. Amateurs looking for a first dSLR? It's more about what you're willing to spend as a beginner probably won't be able to exploit the vast AF grid and 24 million pixels (the two real advantages of the new camera) to their full potential for awhile at least.
Want a D5200? Unfortunately (and very unlike Nikon), price and availability are TBA.
Want to buy photo gear in the Cleveland area? Well, there's Cleveland-based Dodd Camera, with its downtown superstore. In addition, there are many smaller Cleveland metro area chain stores in the Cuyahoga County area, too. Dodd is an authorized Nikon dealer.
For more info:
Nikon's future lineup (I predicted the D5200 in September)
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