• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon D5200 advantages over Nikon J3

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    24.2 vs 20.4 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,284 vs 420 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.9 vs 11.0 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/200 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon J3 advantages over Nikon D5200

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    359g vs 827g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5200

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.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A65

Nikon D5200
Sony A65
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon J3
Sony A65
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Nikon J1

Nikon D5200
Nikon J1
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
Nikon J3
Nikon J1
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D3200

Nikon D5200
Nikon D3200
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer
Nikon J3
Nikon D3200
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon D5200
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
Nikon J3
Nikon J2
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A58

Nikon D5200
Sony A58
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon J3
Sony A58
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
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