When Nikon launch the D5200, they will be hoping that its stops the opposition in their tracks. But that is a very tall order these days. The speed of technological change means that today's innovation is tomorrow's ' so what?'. The D5200 can be expected to use the 24Mp sensor of its sibling the D3200, which will make it a class leader. The burst speed can also be expected to improve, perhaps to 8FPS, to give the action photographers something to smile about. And for those who want to push the boundaries in low light or still photography, A higher ISO setting and more focal points is a must. Video is a big selling point in this market and whilst the D5100 has an excellent Movie mode, the D5200 would be expected to at least offer a greater range of frames per second and possibly an out channel for head phones to go with the the external mic socket. All these improvements might well put the D5200 out ahead of it's rivals, but there are still some superb cameras out there that need to be checked out before you decide to buy the D5200.
THE NIKON D5100 - There is no reason to think that the arrival of the D5200 will lead to the immediate demise of the D5100. After all, it is a great camera. The image quality is superb, especially in the detail and the way it handles noise issues.16 megapixels is now regarded as a smallish file, but shot through nikon lenses they will stand up well against anything in this class. The innovative articulated viewing screen has been a great success and is very useful when shooting video or at odd angles. The ISO, which is extendable to 25,600, beats many of it's rivals. The HD video is excellent ad the external Mic records in stereo. The only slight downside is the slow-ish 4FPS, but not something that everybody really needs. For the price, this is a great piece of kit.
THE NIKON D3200 - This camera, recently upgraded from the D3100, has made a huge impact, not least because of the 24 Megapixel sensor, which rivals cameras in more expensive classes. The image quality is excellent, as might be expected, and the external stereo Mic now allows the HD video Mode full rein. The decent ISO range (up to 6400) and versatile shutter speed makes this an impressive performer in low light. Only the burst speed seems a little slow at 4FPS. However, nobody can ignore this top quality camera that is currently leading the field.
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 - Whilst the 650D is stealing all the glory at the moment, the 600D/rebel T3i is still an excellent camera. Remember, we are talking about the beginner-level market. The 600D has some great functionality and the same 18MP sensor as the 650D and is much more reasonably priced. Like the D5100, it has an articulated back screen and HD video modes with stereo sound. However the burst speed is on the slow side at 3.7 FPS and there are only 9 focus points. Despite now looking a little jaded, it is a great introduction to D-SLRs and the Canon 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 - Of course the big two dominate the D-SLR classes, but for those who aren't tied to either Nikon or Canon, it's worth while looking at other manufacturers. The Pentax K-30 is an excellent camera that sits at the upper end of this class, both in price and functionality. It offers a 16 MegaPixel file size and, unusually, has 100% view through the viewfinder, which makes cropping much easier. 6 Frames per Second burst speed is pretty good, and the buffer has good capacity (allowing 30 frames per burst). The HD video is impressive and offers 24,25 or 30 FPS. Pentax also offer the option to power the camera with normal AA batteries which can be very useful. Designed for the outdorrs, it is made of toughened plastic and is completely weather-sealed. Price with 18-55mm lens $900/650
THE PENTAX K-r - This camera is small and light and has some great functions for its class. It is quite robustly built and offers a shutter speed up to a blistering 1/6000 and a wide ISO range, up to 25,600, which makes it very useful in low light. Whilst it can shoot HD video, it does so at 16:9 which is a little restrictive, and the internal Mic only records in Mono. There are various Modes to help the beginner, which are intuitive and accessible. It can operate 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 - The newly launched Alpha 37 offers similar technology to the A57, but at a lower price. it replaces the poor A390 and boasts a16 megapixel sensor and 5.5 frames per second burst speed at full frame. If you are prepared to cut the file size, this can be increased to 7FPS. It too is not a D-SLR but a SLT and so image quality at low light can be troublesome. However, it shares the 16,00 ISO setting and in-camera zoom with the A57 and shoots HD video, which makes it a good all-round camera at a low price. price 400/ $500
THE NIKON D5100 - There is no reason to think that the arrival of the D5200 will lead to the immediate demise of the D5100. After all, it is a great camera. The image quality is superb, especially in the detail and the way it handles noise issues.16 megapixels is now regarded as a smallish file, but shot through nikon lenses they will stand up well against anything in this class. The innovative articulated viewing screen has been a great success and is very useful when shooting video or at odd angles. The ISO, which is extendable to 25,600, beats many of it's rivals. The HD video is excellent ad the external Mic records in stereo. The only slight downside is the slow-ish 4FPS, but not something that everybody really needs. For the price, this is a great piece of kit.
THE NIKON D3200 - This camera, recently upgraded from the D3100, has made a huge impact, not least because of the 24 Megapixel sensor, which rivals cameras in more expensive classes. The image quality is excellent, as might be expected, and the external stereo Mic now allows the HD video Mode full rein. The decent ISO range (up to 6400) and versatile shutter speed makes this an impressive performer in low light. Only the burst speed seems a little slow at 4FPS. However, nobody can ignore this top quality camera that is currently leading the field.
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 - Whilst the 650D is stealing all the glory at the moment, the 600D/rebel T3i is still an excellent camera. Remember, we are talking about the beginner-level market. The 600D has some great functionality and the same 18MP sensor as the 650D and is much more reasonably priced. Like the D5100, it has an articulated back screen and HD video modes with stereo sound. However the burst speed is on the slow side at 3.7 FPS and there are only 9 focus points. Despite now looking a little jaded, it is a great introduction to D-SLRs and the Canon 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 - Of course the big two dominate the D-SLR classes, but for those who aren't tied to either Nikon or Canon, it's worth while looking at other manufacturers. The Pentax K-30 is an excellent camera that sits at the upper end of this class, both in price and functionality. It offers a 16 MegaPixel file size and, unusually, has 100% view through the viewfinder, which makes cropping much easier. 6 Frames per Second burst speed is pretty good, and the buffer has good capacity (allowing 30 frames per burst). The HD video is impressive and offers 24,25 or 30 FPS. Pentax also offer the option to power the camera with normal AA batteries which can be very useful. Designed for the outdorrs, it is made of toughened plastic and is completely weather-sealed. Price with 18-55mm lens $900/650
THE PENTAX K-r - This camera is small and light and has some great functions for its class. It is quite robustly built and offers a shutter speed up to a blistering 1/6000 and a wide ISO range, up to 25,600, which makes it very useful in low light. Whilst it can shoot HD video, it does so at 16:9 which is a little restrictive, and the internal Mic only records in Mono. There are various Modes to help the beginner, which are intuitive and accessible. It can operate 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 - The newly launched Alpha 37 offers similar technology to the A57, but at a lower price. it replaces the poor A390 and boasts a16 megapixel sensor and 5.5 frames per second burst speed at full frame. If you are prepared to cut the file size, this can be increased to 7FPS. It too is not a D-SLR but a SLT and so image quality at low light can be troublesome. However, it shares the 16,00 ISO setting and in-camera zoom with the A57 and shoots HD video, which makes it a good all-round camera at a low price. price 400/ $500
About the Author:
Jeremy Bayston has worked in the Photo industry for over two decades and has written about cameras and photography on various photographic websites. Check out his site devoted to the Nikon D5200 for the latest news from Nikon. Sign up for his newsletter about the D5200 D-SLR.
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