Nikon D5200 Key facts

Image sensor

Its 24.1-megapixel sensor has a resolution identical to that of the D7100, and it uses the same EXPEED 3 image processor. However, whereas the D7100 gives you the choice of 12- or 14-bit colour depth for RAW capture, the D5200 is fixed at 14-bit.

Autofocus

Improvements over the D3200 and D3300, as well as the preceding D5100, include a Multi-Cam 4800DX autofocus module with 39 AF-points, nine of them cross-type. It was first used on the D7000, and enables better tracking of moving objects in continuous autofocus mode.

Continuous shooting

Whereas the D3200 and D3300 are limited to 12-bit colour depth in RAW quality, the D5200’s 14-bit colour depth has an effect on continuous shooting in RAW quality mode. It’s pretty quick at five frames per second, but there’s only space in the memory buffer for eight shots.

Metering sensor

The 3D Colour Matrix II metering module takes a step up in resolution from the D3200 and D3300, with a 2016-pixel rather than a 420-pixel sensor. Metering is noticeably more consistent than on the D3200, especially in very bright, sunny shooting conditions.

Construction

With its multi-piece shell, build quality is similar to that of the D3200. However, the D5200 feels marginally more robust, and the articulated LCD adds an extra dimension to handling. The overall design is effective, but relies heavily on menus for changing shooting parameters.

Need to know

It’s often said that articulated screens make it easy to shoot from low angles, using Live View mode. However, they’re also great for holding the camera high over your head. In this case, a bonus is that Live View mode avoids light entering the viewfinder, affecting the metering.