• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5200 advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $750*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,284 vs 1,164 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.30 vs 0.58 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.9 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.0 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Nikon D5200

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    40 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5200

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Coolpix A

Review Excerpt

  • Captures sharp, detailed photos with its new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, even at higher ISOs; Features a familiar (D5100) but refined body design; Records Full HD video with full-time autofocus tracking; Packs a ton of advanced features into a consumer-friendly body at a great price.

  • Autofocuses a little slowly for its class and struggles at times in low light; Changing some basic settings takes more time and effort than it should; Mediocre kit lens.

  • Solid alloy body with true twin-dial design; Smaller, lighter, and cheaper than most direct competitors; Excellent image quality, even when compared to interchangeable-lens cameras; Numerous accessories expand upon its capabilities.

  • Fixed prime lens is not for everybody; Ergonomics could be better; Performance is spotty; Built-in flash is rather weak; Battery life is quite modest.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A65

Nikon D5200
Sony A65
  • $590
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Coolpix A
Sony A65
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Nikon D3200

Nikon D5200
Nikon D3200
  • $590
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer
Nikon Coolpix A
Nikon D3200
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A58

Nikon D5200
Sony A58
  • $590
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Coolpix A
Sony A58
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Ricoh GR

Nikon D5200
Ricoh GR
  • $590
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Integrated ND filter
Nikon Coolpix A
Ricoh GR
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Nikon D5200
Fujifilm X70
  • $590
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
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