Nikon D5100 or D5200?

[bandi]

I wanna purchase my first DSLR . After a lot of web research I have narrowed down my options to Nikon D5100 /5200 . After reading the specifications for both models i could figure out that D5200 has few advances over D5100 (i) 39 AF points (compared to 11 in D5100) (ii) 9 cross type sensors(compared to 1 in D5100). Would the extra AF points and cross type sensors actually stand out and make an impact, for which i should invest some extra bucks(which is to some extent crossing over my budget) in D5200 over D5100?

 

[blastingcap]

what would you be using the camera for?

 

[jhansman]

I had the D5100 for about a month before I realized it lacked features I was *ready* for, namely true mirror lockup (as opposed to the live view method -I never use live view, for anything), customizable user settings on the Mode Dial (LOVE these; one for landscapes, the other for closeups), and the ability to use buttons on the body that to change critical settings (ISO, bracketing, focus points, etc.), so I sold it and got a refurb D7000. Best decision I ever made. Now, if you are just getting started with a dSLR, the 5200 is probably a great choice, but if this is not you first time out, then think about what you may want/need in a body once you are beyond the basics. Good luck!

 

[iGas]

From what I have read, the D5100 is a very capable camera that the D5200 doesn't offer much over it beside having higher megapixels and a few more cross type focus point that may help with low contrast focusing (IMHO, 99% of the time you are not going to notice the AF different).

A D7000 is a great camera that come with chock full of features if you must have a Nikon, other wise the used classic Canon 5D offer just as much or more features for much less cash.

 

[biostud]

I went with the 5100 because of the price difference, and I haven't regretted it. It has all the features you need as a beginner. Maybe some day I would want more features, but then it will be on a D7xxx body.

 

[Mgz]

D5200 for sure, better sensor, better chip (Expeed 3 vs Expeed 2), I am having this one and you can check out a few pics that I took recently https://www.flickr.com/photos/27138197@N08/

 

[AViking]

Having more AF points is nice, especially with more cross type sensors, if you think you're going to be photographing lots of moving subjects.

The D5200 has the same AF system as the D7000.

The D5100 has the same AF system as the D3000/D3100

I owned the latter. I wasn't impressed.

I would get the D5200. If you can swing it something in the D7x00 range for some of the additional features like AF fine tuning.

 

[blastingcap]

D5200 for sure, better sensor, better chip (Expeed 3 vs Expeed 2), I am having this one and you can check out a few pics that I took recently https://www.flickr.com/photos/27138197@N08/

D5100 sensor is just as good as D5200. You get more pixels with the latter, giving it the edge in good light, but low-light performance is equal. Furthermore, the D5100 does NOT have the banding issues of D5200/D7100 sensors.

 

[xiansuo]

Agree with blastingcap.

 

[bandi]

Thanks for the inputs . I've decided to purchase NikonD5100.

 

[jhansman]

Thanks for the inputs . I've decided to purchase NikonD5100.

Have fun! Good camera to learn on, and it will give you good results. Now, start studying exposure and composition, and practice, practice, practice