Wednesday 9 January 2013

Nikon D5200, is it an upgrade option for Nikon D300s users?

If you are a Nikon D300 or Nikon D300s user you might have been looking for an upgrade at this time, but so far there isn't any D400 model, so what about the Nikon D5200 is this a valid option?

Here is what you get buy choosing the Nikon D5200:
  • You get a newer sensor that is 24 megapixel vs 12 megapixel in the Nikon D300s. This means a sensor that will give you better image quality and is better in low light.
  • The metering engine in the D5200 is better than the one in the D300s, which will give you a better chance of a correctly exposed picture.
  • The high ISO performance is better in the Nikon D5200 than in the Nikon D300s, which makes it possible to take more pictures without flash in dark situations
  • The video options in the D5200 includes a full HD mode, which isn't available in the Nikon D300s
  • You get a swipe LCD screen which some might like.
  • and the body is lighter in the Nikon D5200
Here is what you have to live without from the D300s:
  • You don't get to autofocus with older non AF-S lenses. So if you have and use old lenses that isn't AF-S, then you should look at the D7000 or wait for what is coming this year.
  • You will only have one card slot. So if you use this feature then you should look elsewhere.
  • You loose a little in frame coverage and the magnification factor in the viewfinder isn't as close to real life as in the D300s, but this shouldn't be a problem. You will get use to the new viewfinder pretty quickly
  • You are going to loose a bit in build quality as the D5200 isn't a pro level body
  • You will loose the option to shoot 1/8000, but then again do you really use this shutter speed? Most don't
  • You don't get the fast flash sync speed, but this again is mainly used by professional photographers
  • You don't get to shoot 7 fps, but only 5 fps. This really doesn't mean much unless you shoot a lot of sport or wildlife
  • and the autofocus system is a step down, but not huge.
The Nikon D5200 isn't the ideal choice for an upgrade. You loose a lot of nice features. Not many of them are deal breakers, but they all add up. If I were to upgrade from the Nikon D300s I would wait to see what comes along this year or move on to full frame with Nikon D600 or Nikon D800.
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