Nikon D5100 vs D5200 Comparison
Nikon D5100
Nikon D5200
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Brand | Nikon | Nikon | |
Model | D5100 | D5200 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2011 | 2012 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 05, 2011 | November 06, 2012 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon D5200 emerges as the winner with a score of 56/100, while the Nikon D5100 scores 49/100. Both cameras are DSLR models, announced in 2011 and 2012, respectively. They share similarities in size and weight, with the D5100 measuring 128 x 97 x 79mm and weighing 560g, and the D5200 measuring 129 x 98 x 78mm and weighing 555g.
The D5200 has a higher score due to its superior features and performance. However, the D5100 is not without its merits, as it initially launched at a lower price of $799 compared to the D5200’s $897. In terms of affordability, the D5100 has an advantage.
Taking all factors into account, the Nikon D5200 is the better camera, offering more advanced features and capabilities. The Nikon D5100 is a good alternative for those seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
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Optics
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Nikon D5100
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Nikon D5200
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.2 MP | 24.1 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4928 x 3264 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.6 mm | 15.7 x 23.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 4 fps | 5 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 2 | Expeed 3 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 6,400 | 6,400 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 25600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 11 | 39 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Nikon D5100 vs D5200 Video Performance
When it comes to video capabilities, the Nikon D5100 does not have any video functionality. This means that if you are looking for a camera that can capture video, the D5100 would not be a suitable choice. On the other hand, the Nikon D5200 offers video capabilities that are worth considering.
The Nikon D5200 has a video score of 70 out of 100. This camera can record videos in Full HD, with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080. This high resolution ensures that the videos captured are of excellent quality. Moreover, the D5200 can record videos at a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second, allowing for smooth and clear footage. Additionally, the D5200 has a built-in time-lapse functionality, which enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.
Taking into account the video capabilities of the Nikon D5200, it is evident that this camera is a solid choice for those who require video functionality. The D5100, lacking video capabilities, would not be suitable for users with video recording needs. It is important to consider your specific requirements when selecting a camera, and in this case, the Nikon D5200 stands out as the better choice for video recording.
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Video
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Nikon D5100
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Nikon D5200
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD | Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV, H.264 | MOV |
Nikon D5100 vs D5200 Features and Benefits
The Nikon D5100 and Nikon D5200 both have a feature score of 41 out of 100, making it a tie in this aspect of the comparison. These cameras share several specifications, such as screen size, screen resolution, flip screen, and the absence of a touchscreen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth.
Both cameras have a 3-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 921,000 dots, providing users with a clear and crisp display of their images. Additionally, the flip screen feature in both cameras allows for more flexibility in capturing images from various angles, making them suitable for different shooting situations.
Since the feature scores are equal, it is important to examine the individual features to determine if one camera is better than the other. However, as mentioned earlier, the Nikon D5100 and Nikon D5200 have identical specifications in this regard. Therefore, it is not possible to claim that one camera is better than the other based on these features.
To conclude, the Nikon D5100 and Nikon D5200 are evenly matched in terms of features, with both cameras scoring 41 out of 100. They share the same screen size, screen resolution, flip screen, and lack of a touchscreen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth. As a result, neither camera can be considered superior to the other based on these specifications.
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Features
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Nikon D5100
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Nikon D5200
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Nikon D5100 vs D5200 Storage and Battery
The Nikon D5100 outperforms the Nikon D5200 in storage and battery, scoring 51 out of 100 compared to the D5200’s 27 points. Both cameras share some common specifications: they each have one memory card slot, accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, use the EN-EL14 battery type, and lack USB charging capabilities.
The D5100’s superiority lies in its impressive battery life, offering 2200 shots per charge, while the D5200 only provides 500 shots. This significant difference makes the D5100 more reliable and convenient for extended shooting sessions.
On the other hand, the Nikon D5200 does not have any advantages over the D5100 in terms of storage and battery. Both cameras share the same storage capabilities and battery type, but the D5200 falls short in battery life.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D5100 is the clear winner in storage and battery performance, making it a more reliable choice for photographers who require longer battery life. The Nikon D5200 does not offer any benefits in this area, making it less appealing for those prioritizing storage and battery capabilities.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon D5200
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 2,200 shots | 500 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon D5100
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Nikon D5200
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.5 bits | 24.2 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.6 EVs | 13.9 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1183 | 1284 |
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Scores
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Nikon D5100
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Nikon D5200
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Nikon D5100 vs D5200 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D5100 or the Nikon D5200:
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User Scores
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Nikon D5100
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Nikon D5200
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B&H photo video |
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