Nikon Coolpix 5200 Digital Camera Review

by James Murray
Published on September 10, 2004

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs

Value (6.5)
With the compact styling and lightweight design and carriage, the 5.1 MP CCD, 1.5-inch LCD, and 12MB internal memory all make the retail price of US $499.95 understandable. However, it is a point-and-shoot camera with some manual controls, and if a user's first concern is money when searching for an automatic camera, rather than size or portability, there are many less expensive cameras out on the market that have most of the same features as the Nikon Coolpix 5200, though lacking some of the aesthetic aspects.

Comparisons
Olympus Camedia C-60 This camera by Olympus is a perfect example of a camera priced at slightly less than the Nikon Coolpix, but equipped with a larger 6.1 MP CCD. It admittedly has a larger size and a more traditional construction based upon older film cameras. However, if the first thing to be considered isn’t size or style, then this camera may make more sense. It also has a larger, 1.8-inch LCD screen. Its movie mode rate, however, is only 15 fps, as compared to the Nikon’s 30 fps.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-F88 This camera fits into the sleek style department with the Nikon Coolpix, emphasizing compact and transportable design as one of the key features of the camera. Unlike the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T1, it has a viewfinder as an option besides the LCD screen. It retails for US $449.95, making it slightly less expensive than the Nikon, and comes with a 5.1 MP CCD, 3x optical/2x digital zoom, and a 1.8-inch LCD screen. It’s primarily a point-and-shoot camera, and like the Olympus, has a slower fps movie rating than the Nikon, registering at approximately 16 fps.


Nikon Coolpix 5400 By featuring this US $599.95 camera here, it allows for a comparison to be made between related Coolpix models and shows the prospective consumer what slightly more money can buy. With a 5.1 MP CCD like the 5200, the 5400 has a 4x optical zoom paired with a 4x digital zoom. It has a slightly larger build, and an advanced point-and-shoot style. There are more manual features and presets available, such as focus, with the 5400, along with external flash ports. However, it still has the same small 1.5-inch LCD screen — an oddity in a market driven by increasing LCD size.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-V1 This model by Sony features a 5.0 MP CCD, a 4x optical zoom, video and audio recording, some manual control, a memory stick, and a 1.5-inch LCD screen. It retails for the same price as the Nikon Coolpix 5200, but does not have Direct Print Capabilities. This camera can however support an external flash, along with the internal flash of the camera.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters-- This camera is wholly intended for the point-and-shoot user, with the preset Scene modes, and other built-in features. This camera doesn’t even have a manual setting on the mode dial, making it instantly identifiable as a product for this type of consumer.

 

Budget Consumers-- The Nikon Coolpix 5200 retails for about US $499.95, making it a fairly expensive point-and-shoot camera. Although its 5.1 MP CCD is nice, less expensive models are available in a slightly larger format and with the same controls.

 

Gadget Freaks-- This camera is fairly straightforward without a lot of add-ons such as an included optional memory card. It’s sleek and pretty, but it’s functional, and standard.

 

Manual Control Freaks-- Manual control within Automatic mode is possible; however, there is really no way to have entire control over any of the images. The Auto mode is friendly to manual control, which is an appreciated gesture.

 

Pros/Serious Hobbyists-- There would really be no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to buy this camera, due to its point-and-shoot sensibility and structure.