Nikon CoolPix 5200

Color (6.44)
To test the camera’s color production, we expose a series of images of our GretagMacbeth color chart and run the images through Imatest imaging Software. The software measures the accuracy of each hue produced and determines the degree of variance from color’s ideal. The image below is composed of 24 color tiles; for each tile the outer square is the actual tone produced by the camera, while the inner square is that color corrected by the software, and the smallest, inverted rectangle is the ideal tone.

Below is a graph representing the color reproduction of the Nikon Coolpix 5200 and the degree of error from the color’s ideal. The circles represent the colors produced by the camera, while the squares represent the ideal. The distance between them is the extent of variance.

From the graph above, it is apparent how much the Coolpix 5200 relies on over-saturated tones to gain depth in its imagery. While most cameras exaggerate some tones a bit for richness and vibrancy, most do not  do so to the extent of the 5200. In particular, the blue, green, red, yellow, and orange tones all have difficulty registering in a naturalistic rendering. There is some consistency in both the degree and direction of error (moving towards the edge of the page is over-saturation, towards the center is dulled), however, many of the tones produced by the 5200 stray from the ideal. The degree of error is not extreme in any one hue; however, all in all color rendition is not a particular strength for the Coolpix 5200.

Still Life Scene
Below is a shot of our dazzling still life scene taken with the Nikon Coolpix 5200.

Click on the image above to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked file is very large!)

Resolution / Sharpness (3.72)
We test the resolution of each camera we review using an ISO resolution chart and Imatest Imaging Software. To identify the camera’s peak capabilities, we take multiple test shots at the camera’s optimal settings. The software produces a "real resolution" value, reporting the actual pixels of resolution within the image. Often these values vary from the resolution marketed by the manufacturer. Therefore, it is important to get a different understanding of these values as they pertain to the camera’s produced resolution, not based solely on the image size available. In these terms, cameras that produce images containing 80-89% of the marketed resolution is believed to be a "good" performance while 90% or above is considered "excellent."

While Nikon states the resolution of the Coolpix 5200 to be 5.1 megapixels, our tests reported 3.7 megapixels of resolution produced in the tested images. While this may seem meager in comparison, the 73% actual resolution is an acceptable score. While 80% and above is desired, a score exceeding the 70% mark is respectable and should not detract from the camera’s appeal. If it's pure resolution you're after, perhaps another alternative is necessary; however, if you're intrigued by the camera, the image clarity will not be much of a disappointment unless large prints are made.

Noise Auto ISO (4.22)
Unfortunately, the Nikon Coolpix 5200 did not fair too well in terms of noise production. With a point-and-shoot camera, automatic ISO control is crucial for image clarity as well as illumination. While the 64-400 ISO range available on the Coolpix 5200 is reasonably flexible for a point-and-shoot camera, images recorded in extreme brightness (on low ISO settings) appear washed out while images taken in lower light (ISO 200, 400) are extremely noisy and distorted. With difficulties on both ends of the spectrum, the Coolpix 5200 user does not have any opportunity to attain clean, visible images. This is extremely disappointing and follows our testing conducted on the Coolpix 3700. While there is no questioning Nikon imaging prowess on higher-end products, they do not appear to utilize the same technique or knowledge on lower-end models.

Noise Manual ISO (5.48)

Unlike some lower Coolpix models, the 5200 does contain manual ISO controls. This is necessary given the difficulties the Coolpix cameras seem to have controlling noise in automatic ISO mode. Unfortunately, only manual ISO can provide the user with the opportunity to get the best image the camera is capable of. It seems most of the Coolpix cameras have trouble controlling noise across the board. Even in an abundance of light, noise levels are still distracting, plaguing the images with distortion. When there is less light available, it only deteriorates image quality further. By comparison, look at how Sony point-and-shoot cameras handle noise, both in manual and automatic ISO modes. The equitable Sony DSC-W1 and P100, which are both 5 MP imagers, maintain moderate levels of noise even in far less illumination. This does not speak highly of Nikon’s imaging performance among the point-and-shoot ranks and paints them more as a specialized manufacturer.

Speed Timing
Startup/First shot (5.76)
Like an old car, the Coolpix 5200 takes a while to get started. Once moving, it speeds up a bit, but if it’s an instant shot you desire, better charge the battery and leave the camera on because the Coolpix 5200 is not quick enough to catch any fleeting scene from the off position.

Shot to shot (5.99)
Once the camera is on and ready to shoot, the Coolpix 5200 can record images pretty rapidly. While shot-to-shot timing is not stellar once the shutter has been fully released (taking nearly 5 seconds between shots), if held down, the Coolpix 5200 will record subsequent images within 1/2 of a second of each other. This shows a bit of the speed that is so unique on the D70.

Shutter to shot (7.18)
From the time the shutter is depressed, the Coolpix 5200 needs .91 of a second to capture the image. This is fairly quick but may not be enough to prohibit all unwanted motion on many occasions.