The recently announced Nikon D5200 looks almost identical to the D5100 it follows, but looks can be deceptive. Inside, the new DX-shooting mid-range DSLR has received several substantial upgrades including the addition of a 24MP CMOS sensor, a significantly upgraded auto-focus system which now boasts 39 AF points, and a new-look user interface.
The headline features of the D5200 are undoubtedly its new 24.1-MP DX-format CMOS sensor and its auto-focus system, which was previously used in the prosumer D7000 series. The 39-point AF system has nine cross-type sensors and should offer precise focusing and better tracking of moving subjects. A 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor has also been included to improve white balance and scene recognition performance.
Another feature which has made its way from Nikon's professional DSLRs is the EXPEED 3 processor. This enables the D5300 to have an ISO range of 100-6400 (extendable up to 25600) and continuous shooting at 5 fps (frames per second). While this might not appear much of an increase over the 4 fps of the D5100, it's worth remembering the increased resolution and therefore increased data being processed.
A new-generation graphical user interface gives users an overview of camera settings, with onscreen dials for shutter speed, aperture and ISO. However, it could result in getting fingerprints all over the side-articulating 921K dot 3.0" tilt/swivel LCD ... because it looks like it should be a touch-screen interface.
Videographers will be pleased to see a built-in stereo microphone. That said, while there's also an audio-in socket, the D5200 is lacking an audio-out for for monitoring sound while filming. Full HD (1920 x 1080) video can be recorded at 50i/60i or 24p/25p/30p, and 50p/60p joins the party at 1280 x 720.
While the D5200 is compatible with the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter for transmitting images or controlling the camera remotely with an iOS or Android device, Nikon has also announced the WR-R10 and WR-T10 wireless remote control devices. The optional wireless remote controllers let users control key camera functions from a distance up to 20 m (66 ft).
The Nikon D5200 will be available in December in three colors, black, red and bronze – yes it's as weird-looking as it sounds – for a price of £720 (that's around US$1,150) body only, or £820 ($1,315) with a 18-55mm VR lens. However, it's interesting to note Nikon has not officially announced the D5200 in the U.S.
Source: Nikon
