UPDATE: We received news that the Nikon D5200 will retail for R10 000 with the 18 – 55 VR lens kit lens.

 

It has been a busy past few months for Nikon, not only introducing the entry-level D3200 DSLR, but also its smallest full-frame yet – the D600.
 

Today the Japanese imaging company is adding to their line-up with the introduction of the D5200. Nikon’s D5000 range falls between the amateur D3000 range and its pro-sumer cameras, the likes of the D90 and D7000.   
 

Certainly the most attractive features are the D5200’s new 24.1 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (Nikon uses FX for their full frame cameras, DX for its APS-C sized cameras), while there is also a new image processing engine which the company states is equivalent to the EXPEED 3 built into high-end Nikon D4, D800, D800E, and D600 digital SLR cameras. 
 

This should deliver image quality with very little noise at high sensitivities, in the D5200’s case covering ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with support for additional expansion to equivalents up to ISO 25600 (Hi 2)  ? pretty much the same as Nikon’s previous version in this range, the 16.2 MP D5100.

 

 

The D5100 sported an 11-point autofocus system, and now the D5200 ups the ante, coming with 39 focus points, which the company believes is the highest amount available for its class. It also steps up on the frames per second, delivering 5 fps, up from 4 fps on the D5100. It does not look as if anything has changed to the vari-angle monitor at the back, still offering a decent 3" screen with a 921k resolution.
 

On the video front the D5200 comes equipped with the D-Movie function, which enables recording of full HD (1920 x 1080) 60i/50i movies. As with many DSLRs and compacts, there’s a separate movie-record button next to the shutter-release button.

With a little bit of luck we could see the D5200 in South African stores come December, with Nikon mentioning that, apart from the standard black version, it will also look to bring in both the red and the new bronze version of this camera.

  

• DX-format, 24.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor with EXPEED 3 for exceptional quality

• Vari-angle LCD monitor: View life at a unique angle with a high resolution, 3.0", 921k dot vari-angle screen

• Compatible with Wireless Mobile Adaptor WU-1a to transmit images from the camera to Apple or Android smart device and remote shooting

• High ISO (100 - 6 400) extendable to 25 600: keeps the detail with low noise in low-light situations

• Razor-sharp 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors in the centre. Offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame

• 2 016 pixel RGB metering sensor delivers highly accurate metering for exact exposures and provides precise data to the camera's Scene Recognition System

• Scene Recognition System optimises exposure, autofocus and white balance immediately before the shutter is released

• Continuous shooting at 5 fps: so you do not miss that fast-moving action shot

• High dynamic range (HDR): Gives detailed shots of high-contrast scenes by combining two shots taken within a single shutter release

• Active D-Lighting: Retains details in highlights and shadows for well-balanced images, even if the subject is moving

• D-Movie: Full (1080p) HD movies with smooth (up to 60i/50i) recording and a built-in stereo microphone

• D-Movie AF modes: Live View autofocus works when shooting movie clips, keeping subjects in sharp focus

• In-built stereo-microphone for improved sound quality

• Updated new generation GUI Design

• 16 Scene modes: Automatically adjusts camera settings, including Picture Controls and Active D-Lighting, for optimal results.

• Effects mode – seven effects including Selective Colour and Miniature, which can be applied in pre-shoot, for more creative movies and stills

• Compatible with WR-R10 Wireless Remote transceiver and WR-T10 Wireless Remote transmitter that let you control key camera functions from a distance

• GPS compatible: Records the exact location of the camera when a picture is taken by using the optional GP-1 unit

• NIKKOR lenses: take advantage of Nikon’s legendary NIKKOR lenses and make the most of the camera’s 24 megapixel resolution. Capture photos with vivid colour and striking contrast. Shoot movies with crisp detail or experiment with cinematic effects.

• Available in three colours: black, red and bronze

• Lightweight body (505 g) with an intelligent design and superior ergonomics