As expected, Nikon has introduced the new Nikon D5200 DSLR. It is a very solid upgrade from the Nikon D5100, bumping the resolution to 24MP, focus points to 39 like the Nikon D7000, and frame rate to 5fps – a little slower than the D7000’s top speed of 6 fps. A new processor chip helps move the larger number of pixels, and a new graphical user interface should make the camera easier for those photographers not comfortable with the current dials and menus. However, the Nikon D5200 will not quiet the clamor for a Nikon D400, as it doesn’t nearly fill-in Nikon’s product line as a Nikon D300 replacement…

While, like the Nikon D3200, the sheer image resolution of the Nikon D5200 is plenty for almost any use, it is missing several key elements to make it a serious contender to replace the Nikon D300 and Nikon D300s. First, it is not as weather resistant as the D300/s – a big issue for anyone shooting on location. It also does not have a 10-pin connector, meaning it won’t work with the large array of GPS, strobe, and pocket remote products that rely on one. There is also no word on a vertical grip, meaning that shooters will be stuck twisting around, and sports or wildlife shooters with a long lens on a tripod can’t rotate the camera around for comfortable verticals.

I’d also expect dual slots on any D300 replacement, although of course the original didn’t have them. Similarly, GPS would be a compelling addition to a Nikon D400, although Nikon seems to have left it off all of its news DSLRs, unfortunately. The camera’s availability in red and bronze in addition to black certainly shows that Nikon is positioning the new model for high-end consumers, not for advanced amateurs who want a nearly pro class body or for pros who need a backup to their full-frame models.

A D400 should also have a higher frame rate capability. Remember that the D300 and D300s can shoot at 8 fps with the vertical grip. Any replacement camera needs to keep this key spec for anyone shooting action.

Without doubt the Nikon D5200 will be a top-selling sub-1K DSLR (Nikon hasn’t announced USA pricing yet, but I’d expect it to be between $700 and $800 for body only, compared with the $500 after rebate the Nikon D5100 is currently selling for). Potential buyers shouldn’t be misled by the high-resolution, though, if they need to replace their D300/s. Nikon still needs to produce either a Nikon D400 or a Nikon D8000 with upgraded pro-level features that builds on the excellent Nikon D7000.

Official Nikon release:

A Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels, extremely precise 39-point AF system, and a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor for superior basic performance
A full-scale entry-level model that enables flexible expression with a side-hinged vari-angle LCD monitor

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D5200. This camera is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.1-million pixels and an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into the D4 flagship camera. It offers the superior basic performance needed for full-scale photography in a compact and lightweight body.

The D5200 offers the same side-hinged vari-angle monitor as the D5100 that enables flexible shooting from any angle, high or low, making even self portraits possible. It is an entry-level model that meets photo enthusiasts' demands for full-scale photography capabilities with its new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24-million pixels as well as an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into high-end Nikon D4, D800, D800E, and D600 digital SLR cameras for superior resolution, and image quality with very little noise at high sensitivities.

The standard range of sensitivities covers a broad range of ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with support for additional expansion to equivalents up to ISO 25600 (Hi 2). It also offers the most focus points available in its class–39–for fast and reliable focus acquisition and tracking. The Scene Recognition System, made possible with the same 2,016-pixel RGB sensor found in high-end Nikon cameras, more accurately analyzes scene brightness and color information, which is then reflected in autofocus, automatic-exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white-balance control.

The D-Movie function supports recording of full-HD 1920 x 1080 60i/50i movies for sharp HD movies exhibiting excellent detail. The D5200 is also equipped with Special Effects mode that enables the application and adjustment of special effects with shooting. Combining a variety of effects with a vari-angle LCD monitor that enables shooting from a wide range of angles significantly broadens imaging expression possibilities with both still image and movie recording.

black

Red

Bronze

What's more, the D5200 is compatible with the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a and the new Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10/WR-T10 (both available separately) for collaboration with smart devices and more possibilities for remote control over the camera, making the D5200 more convenient than its predecessor. When the WU-1a is connected to the camera, images can be transferred to a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet*, and the smart device can also be used to control camera shooting remotely. In addition, the new WR-R10 (transceiver) and WR-T10 (transmitter) enable remote control over the camera from greater distances and broader angles than are possible with infrared remote controls for simple and convenient remote control even through obstacles. The WR-T10 can be used to control the camera to which the WR-R10 is connected. However, it can also control multiple cameras to which WR-R10s have been connected, enabling smooth remote control over a number of cameras.

• *The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device's app store).

D5200 Primary Features

1. A new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels and support for a broad range of ISO sensitivities for superior image quality and definition

   The D5200 is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels. It supports a broad range of standard ISO sensitivities, from ISO 100 at the low end to ISO 6400 at the high end, as well as further expansion to an equivalent of ISO 25600 (Hi 2). This support enables capture of sharp and clear images with very little noise, even at higher sensitivities.
   When used with NIKKOR lenses loaded with Nikon's advanced optical technologies, the roughly 24.1-million effective pixels enable sharp rendering of even the finest details.

2. The EXPEED 3 image-processing engine made faster and more efficient with optimization for digital SLR cameras

   The D5200 is equipped with an image-processing engine equivalent to the EXPEED 3 high-performance image-processing engine built into high-end D4, D800, D800E, and D600 Nikon FX-format cameras. This enables faithful rendering and vivid color reproduction, as well as a broad dynamic range. With capture of still images at high sensitivities, advanced noise-reduction processing effectively suppresses noise to preserve textures and details in images. Noise-reduction processing performed with movie recording results in faithful reproduction of crisp, clear outlines in movies recorded in low-light situations.

3. Excellent basic camera performance and operation for stress-free shooting
   • Equipped with an AF system offering 39 focus points

     Adoption of the Multi-CAM4800DX autofocus sensor module enables certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject with 39 focus points. Utilizing cross-type sensors for the center nine focus points most commonly used ensures reliable focusing performance with certain acquisition of the intended subject and excellent tracking performance. In addition, the number of active focus points can be limited to 11.

   • 2,016-pixel RGB sensor with built-in Scene Recognition System

     The Scene Recognition System detects subject conditions prior to shooting and then analyzes scene brightness and color information that is then used with autofocus, auto-exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white-balance control. The results are most clearly seen with reliable tracking of moving subjects when 3D-tracking is enabled. The system is also able to identify smaller subjects than could the D5100. What's more, when Face-priority AF is enabled with movie recording in live view mode, or when faces are enlarged with playback of still images, up to 35 faces can be recognized.

   • High-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 5 fps*

     With high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 5 fps*, users will never miss the perfect shot, whether framing images using the optical viewfinder or the camera monitor. The densely packed 39 focus points effectively cover the majority of the frame for certain acquisition and tracking of rapidly moving subjects, such as those participating in sporting events. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 3 fps can also be selected for situations, such as capturing natural human expressions, in which a slower frame rate is preferred. This allows for selection of the optimal frame rate according to the scene.

   • *With manual focus, [S] (shutter-priority auto) or [M] (manual) shooting mode, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values.
4. Vari-angle LCD monitor for stress-free shooting from any angle

   The 3-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angle is large and ensures clear viewing. It opens to the left from 0–180°, and can be rotated forward 180° and backward 90° when open. Adoption of a side-hinged vari-angle monitor allows for unobstructed opening and rotation of the monitor when the camera is mounted on a tripod for flexible and stress-free shooting from low angles to high angles, making even self portraits possible.

5. Smooth, cinematic action video with Nikon's D-Movie with superior picture quality : 1920 x 1080 60i/50i

   The D5200 is equipped with the D-Movie function, which enables recording of 1920 x 1080 60i/50i movies exhibiting superior picture quality by simply pressing the movie-record button next to the shutter-release button. The new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels and EXPEED 3 high-speed image-processing engine ensure recording of sharp, clear movies with little noise, jaggies, or moiré patterns. Autofocusing during movie recording is possible using contrast-detect AF. When the focus mode is set to Full-time servo AF (AF-F) and the AF-area mode to Subject-tracking AF, the camera automatically maintains focus on a subject moving throughout the frame. Manual settings* are also available for those who want to specify recording shutter speed and ISO sensitivity according to their own preferences. In addition to the ability to choose the recording frame rate from 50i or 60i (1080), or 24p, 25p, or 30p (1080) per second, the camera is equipped with a stereo microphone for superior audio quality with movie recording. Stereo sound can also be recorded via the optional ME-1 stereo microphone.

   • *Available shutter speeds vary according to the selected movie frame rate. ISO sensitivity can be selected within the range of ISO 200–6400 and Hi 0.3–Hi 2.
6. Special Effects mode for creative imaging expression

   The D5200 offers seven* special effects that can be selected and applied with recording of both still images and movies. Special effects are displayed in the monitor with the view through the lens before shooting or recording begins, allowing users to confirm the results of effect selection or adjustment in real time. Users can easily enjoy dramatic effects like those seen in the movies using special effects. This mode was adopted to respond to the creative intent of users searching for a way to express their own unique style and creativity.

   • *D5200 special effects: Selective Color, Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, Night Vision, Silhouette, High Key, Low Key. Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, and Selective Color can also be applied to images already recorded from the retouch menu.
7. Support for the optional Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a enables wireless image transfer to a smart device

   By simply connecting the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (sold separately), true, high-quality photos and movies recorded with a compatible digital SLR camera can be easily shared with a smart device.* The view through the camera lens (live view) can be displayed on a smartphone or tablet screen to control remote shooting (remote movie recording not supported), and images captured with the D5200 can be transferred to the smart device over a wireless connection. Using the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a expands the ways in which users enjoy the photos and movies they have recorded with the D5200 and a NIKKOR lens by enabling the immediate transfer of images to family and friends, or uploading to blogs or social networking sites, anywhere and anytime.

   • *The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device's app store).
8. Support for the Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10/WR-T10 enables stress-free remote shooting

   
   WR-R10
   
   WR-T10

   Remote control is more convenient with the D5200 due to support for the WR-R10 (transceiver) and WR-T10 (transmitter) that utilize electromagnetic waves. When the WR-R10 is connected to the D5200, the WR-T10 can be used for wireless control over remote shooting. The WR-R10 and WR-T10 enable remote control over the camera from greater distances and broader angles than are possible with infrared remote controls, and obstacles such as trees between the transceiver and transmitter do not impede communications. Not only autofocus is possible with the shutter-release button pressed halfway but also control over operations such as continuous shooting, movie recording and quiet release mode is possible. Naturally, the WR-T10 can be used to remotely control a single camera to which the WR-R10 is connected, but it can also control multiple cameras to which WR-R10s have been connected1,. The WR-R10/WR-T10 makes photography much more enjoyable as it enables varied expression of scenes using multiple cameras, each with a different lens mounted, and each shooting the subject from a different angle using the vari-angle monitor.

Additional D5200 Features and Functions

• The D5200 is available in three colors–black, red, bronze–and the connector cover and power connector cover are the same colors as camera bodies.
• Weighing approximately 555 g*, the compact and lightweight D5200 offers superior operation, functionality, and grip.
• The D5200 is equipped with a new graphical user interface (GUI) for intuitive operation.

• *Including battery and SD memory card; excluding body cap.