When Nikon launch the D5200, they will, of course, hope to blow the opposition away. However, Nikon's rivals have a lot to offer and shouldn't be ignored. Even if the D5200 satisfies current wish lists and more, there are other cameras out there that should be considered before you make your choice. File size is going to be important, and if the D5200 gets a 24Mp sensor, then it will lead its class, sharing the top spot with the D3200, which must now be considered as a rival stablemate. It will also be expected to increase it's burst speed from 4FPS to something more sporty, but not all photographers care about that - some preferring a camera that can provide quality images in low light, or wanting a more competent focussing system. Movie mode is an important consideration when buying a new camera, especially if you are a professional looking for a good back up body. The D5200 will be expected to offer a range of frames per second options at least, to go with the external stereo mic and HD quality video. However other cameras in this range offer good value on the movie front. These are the other D-SLR cameras you should consider before buying the new D5200.
THE NIKON D5100 - It is quite likely that the main rival to the D5200 will be it's predecessor. It will still be available and is a formidable camera in it's own right. The 16 MP sensor still produces great quality images, with very little noise, even at moderately high ISO. and the high dynamic range helps you to capture detail even in high contrast shots. The video functions are superb - the HD video is clean and crisp - and the external stereo Mic is a real plus. the articulated viewing screen helps videographers and stillsmen to shoot at difficult angles. With a top ISO of 25,600, this camera can still cut it with the best in its field. And for the price, it is outstanding value.
THE NIKON D3200 - Nobody can ignore this great upgrade the the D3100. Nikon have really thrown down the gauntlet to their rivals with this entry-level camera that challenges many cameras that are considered prosumer or even semi professional cameras. The 24MP file size is astonishing and other features, like the HD video with an external stereo Mic and the decent ISO range mean that it is currently to front runner in its class.
THE CANON 650D/ Rebel T4i - Another recent launch, the 650D is a quality camera that shows that Canon take the entry-level market seriously. The 18MP sensor, which has also graced the more expensive EOS 7D, can produce immaculate imagery and with a 5FPS burst speed and ISO maximum of 25,600, the 650D/Rebel T4i makes a formidable adversary. Videographers will be enticed by the full Hd video options and stereo sound and the articulated touch screen takes it one step beyond the D5100. The contrast autofocus has been something of a success on the CSC cameras, and Canon take only a small risk in introducing here. It may look the same, but it is a big step up from the EOS 600D/ Rebel T3i.
THE CANON EOS 600D/ Rebel T3i - Up until the arrival of the 650d/ Rebel T4i, this was canon's flagship model in this market. It does offer a good range of features at a fair price. The 18 Megapixel file size was the largest around until matched by the the 650D and beaten by the D3200, and it is quite big enough for almost any requirement. The Canon lenses ensure that the image quality is superb. Like the D5100, it too has an articulated viewing screen, which is handy for shooting the HD video. The 9-point autofocus lets the camera down slightly and the 3.7 Frame Per Second burst speed seem quite pedestrian these days. All together though, this is a very competent camera from an excellent brand.
THE CANON 1100D/ Rebel T3 - This is Canon's basic beginner-level D-SLR. As a step up camera, it offers an easy transition from a compact or bridge camera, but these days much more is expected even at this level. The 12MP files are pretty good, however and stand up to scrutiny. The video is not HD quality, though good enough for internet use and the 9-point autofocus is competent. The on-screen feature guide is really useful for beginners feeling their way around. This shouldn't pose much of a threat to the D5200, but might tempt someone moving up from, say, the Canon Powershot range.
THE PENTAX K-30 - This is a weather-proofed camera designed to survive tough handling. The image quality produced by the 16MP sensor is excellent and it has a number of autofocus options to track your subject. Viewfinder coverage is the full 100% and ISO can extend to 25,600. The impressive 6FPS can capture 30 images in one burst. An adapter will allow you to use AA batteries. It can shoot Hd video and has a choice of 24,25 or 34 Frames per second. Price with 18-55mm lens 650/$900
THE PENTAX K-r - This is a much smaller and lighter camera than it's sibling the K-30, but offers some excellent functionality for an entry-level D-SLR. It's a tough little camera which offers a class-leading shutter speed of 1/6000 and can push ISO up to 25,600. This makes it a good performer on low light conditions and at freezing the action. However, the video function, whilst HD, shoots at 16:9 ratio, which can restrict your options and there is not external mic function, recording in-camera and in mono. There are some good modes for the novice and they are easy to follow in the camera. It can run on AA batteries. Price with lens 400/ $760
THE SONY ALPHA 57 - Whilst the D-SLR is a well established format, it isn't the only one available. For those who want to take a walk on the wild-side there is the SLT. Instead of bouncing the light off a mirror, the SLT is semi transparent and allows some of the light through. this effectively splits the light available between the sensor and the viewfinder/back screen. Although this sounds odd to the single reflex purists, the technology is well established in the Sony range and can produce pretty good image quality. The 16 Megapixel files are fairly robust, though do seem to suffer slightly in low light and sometimes need some work. However, the A57 has a terrific burst speed of 10 frames per second - more with smaller files - and offers either 25 or 50 FPS when shooting Hd video. ISO of 16,00 and a very clever digital zoom function make A57 a very competent camera. Price 500/ $700
THE SONY ALPHA 37 - This recent launch aims to put Sony back on the beginner level map again. It is fairly basic, but has some innovative functionality. It also is a SLT camera and has a maximum ISO of 16,000. Burst speed can get up to 7FPS, though for full size frames, is set to 5.5FPS. The in-camera zoom function can double your lens length with hardly any quality loss. It has a useful tiltable screen and HD video. Price $550/ 400
THE NIKON D5100 - It is quite likely that the main rival to the D5200 will be it's predecessor. It will still be available and is a formidable camera in it's own right. The 16 MP sensor still produces great quality images, with very little noise, even at moderately high ISO. and the high dynamic range helps you to capture detail even in high contrast shots. The video functions are superb - the HD video is clean and crisp - and the external stereo Mic is a real plus. the articulated viewing screen helps videographers and stillsmen to shoot at difficult angles. With a top ISO of 25,600, this camera can still cut it with the best in its field. And for the price, it is outstanding value.
THE NIKON D3200 - Nobody can ignore this great upgrade the the D3100. Nikon have really thrown down the gauntlet to their rivals with this entry-level camera that challenges many cameras that are considered prosumer or even semi professional cameras. The 24MP file size is astonishing and other features, like the HD video with an external stereo Mic and the decent ISO range mean that it is currently to front runner in its class.
THE CANON 650D/ Rebel T4i - Another recent launch, the 650D is a quality camera that shows that Canon take the entry-level market seriously. The 18MP sensor, which has also graced the more expensive EOS 7D, can produce immaculate imagery and with a 5FPS burst speed and ISO maximum of 25,600, the 650D/Rebel T4i makes a formidable adversary. Videographers will be enticed by the full Hd video options and stereo sound and the articulated touch screen takes it one step beyond the D5100. The contrast autofocus has been something of a success on the CSC cameras, and Canon take only a small risk in introducing here. It may look the same, but it is a big step up from the EOS 600D/ Rebel T3i.
THE CANON EOS 600D/ Rebel T3i - Up until the arrival of the 650d/ Rebel T4i, this was canon's flagship model in this market. It does offer a good range of features at a fair price. The 18 Megapixel file size was the largest around until matched by the the 650D and beaten by the D3200, and it is quite big enough for almost any requirement. The Canon lenses ensure that the image quality is superb. Like the D5100, it too has an articulated viewing screen, which is handy for shooting the HD video. The 9-point autofocus lets the camera down slightly and the 3.7 Frame Per Second burst speed seem quite pedestrian these days. All together though, this is a very competent camera from an excellent brand.
THE CANON 1100D/ Rebel T3 - This is Canon's basic beginner-level D-SLR. As a step up camera, it offers an easy transition from a compact or bridge camera, but these days much more is expected even at this level. The 12MP files are pretty good, however and stand up to scrutiny. The video is not HD quality, though good enough for internet use and the 9-point autofocus is competent. The on-screen feature guide is really useful for beginners feeling their way around. This shouldn't pose much of a threat to the D5200, but might tempt someone moving up from, say, the Canon Powershot range.
THE PENTAX K-30 - This is a weather-proofed camera designed to survive tough handling. The image quality produced by the 16MP sensor is excellent and it has a number of autofocus options to track your subject. Viewfinder coverage is the full 100% and ISO can extend to 25,600. The impressive 6FPS can capture 30 images in one burst. An adapter will allow you to use AA batteries. It can shoot Hd video and has a choice of 24,25 or 34 Frames per second. Price with 18-55mm lens 650/$900
THE PENTAX K-r - This is a much smaller and lighter camera than it's sibling the K-30, but offers some excellent functionality for an entry-level D-SLR. It's a tough little camera which offers a class-leading shutter speed of 1/6000 and can push ISO up to 25,600. This makes it a good performer on low light conditions and at freezing the action. However, the video function, whilst HD, shoots at 16:9 ratio, which can restrict your options and there is not external mic function, recording in-camera and in mono. There are some good modes for the novice and they are easy to follow in the camera. It can run on AA batteries. Price with lens 400/ $760
THE SONY ALPHA 57 - Whilst the D-SLR is a well established format, it isn't the only one available. For those who want to take a walk on the wild-side there is the SLT. Instead of bouncing the light off a mirror, the SLT is semi transparent and allows some of the light through. this effectively splits the light available between the sensor and the viewfinder/back screen. Although this sounds odd to the single reflex purists, the technology is well established in the Sony range and can produce pretty good image quality. The 16 Megapixel files are fairly robust, though do seem to suffer slightly in low light and sometimes need some work. However, the A57 has a terrific burst speed of 10 frames per second - more with smaller files - and offers either 25 or 50 FPS when shooting Hd video. ISO of 16,00 and a very clever digital zoom function make A57 a very competent camera. Price 500/ $700
THE SONY ALPHA 37 - This recent launch aims to put Sony back on the beginner level map again. It is fairly basic, but has some innovative functionality. It also is a SLT camera and has a maximum ISO of 16,000. Burst speed can get up to 7FPS, though for full size frames, is set to 5.5FPS. The in-camera zoom function can double your lens length with hardly any quality loss. It has a useful tiltable screen and HD video. Price $550/ 400
About the Author:
Jeremy Bayston has worked in the Photo industry for over twenty years and has written about cameras and photography on various photographic websites. Check out his site devoted to the Nikon D5200 for the latest news about this new D-SLR. Sign up for his newsletter about the D5200 to be the first to know about the launch date.
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