Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200 – Detailed Comparison

If you are reading this, it is our guess that you are in the market for a camera, but you are not sure what camera would be the best choice to make. Well, this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison article is the right place to be.

In this article, we’re going to be pointing out all the features that make one better than the other, and better for you in particular.

Before we get into the details of the article, it is important to note that the two cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison are quite different.

The Sony alpha a6000 is a Semi-pro level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the Nikon D5200 is an Entry-level Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera.

The information stated above is very important, as it will be a determining factor for many of the features of the cameras in comparison, which is in turn going to determine whatever choice you will be making.

One last thing before getting into the meat of the article. If you are in a hurry to make a decision and do not have the time to go through the length of this article, you can find your way to our comparison overview and comparison table sections.

These two sections contain a rundown of all the information you would need on the two cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison. So, let us dive right in!

Table of Contents

Comparison Overview — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, this section is targeted at helping make the best decision in the shortest space of time. We’ll be doing a quick rundown of all the features these two cameras possess.

Overall Rating Of The Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

First, we would like to say that both of the cameras in comparison are good cameras. Looking at the features of the two cameras, we see that they beat each other in different categories.

This is a very big point for the Nikon D5200 seeing as it is tagged an entry-level camera. However, other features really differentiate the two cameras and place the Sony alpha a6000 in front.

Rating Of The Features Of The Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

First off, looking at the features you can find in both of these cameras, they both have an articulating LCD screen. The LCD screen of the Sony alpha a6000 is designed to only tilt, while that of the Nikon D5200 is fully articulated – both tilts and swivels.

Apart from being articulated, the LCD screens of these two cameras have a very impressive display resolution.

Furthermore, both of these cameras have viewfinders. However, they are of different types; the viewfinder of the Sony alpha a6000 is electronic, while the viewfinder of the Nikon D5200 is optical.

Furthermore, these two cameras have built-in flash and are both compatible with external flashes. They also have the same values for their sensor resolution (24 megapixels), video resolution (1080p), and maximum shutter speed (1/4000 second).

Both the Sony alpha a6000 and Nikon D5200 shoot in RAW and they have the Auto Exposure Bracketing feature.

Looking at the features that differentiate the two cameras, the major difference between the two cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison is the wireless features the Sony alpha a6000 has.

The Sony alpha a6000 is Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication compatible. It can also be controlled from a connected smartphone. These wireless features cannot be found in the Nikon D5200.

As for the Nikon D5200, it is designed with a microphone port and can shoot time-lapse videos. These features are not in the Sony alpha a6000.

Now, there are some features that these two cameras have but one camera does better than the other. The Sony alpha a6000 has a higher number of focus points (140 more focus points) and a higher maximum ISO value.

In continuous shooting mode, the Sony alpha a6000 shoots more frames per second. It is also the lighter and thinner in weight and size of the two cameras in comparison.

As for the Nikon D5200, it has a longer battery life, longer flash coverage range, and a higher color depth and dynamic range.

It is also important to note that the two cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison are not designed with built-in image stabilization and environmental sealing.

Which Has The Better Price-Value Ratio — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

The price tags on the Sony a6000 and Nikon D5200 are very attractive and budget friendly. However, the a6000 will give you better value for your money as it costs a little less than the Nikon D5200.

Comparative Brand Strengths — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Sony

Sony is already a very popular brand in other fields outside optics and imaging. However, in the optics industry, Sony is most popular for its exceptional line of mirrorless cameras. These mirrorless cameras are very popular in the European market and are gradually creeping into the American market.

Sony cameras are also known for their low light capabilities, amazing sensor resolutions and not very impressive battery life.

Nikon

Nikon is one of the world’s biggest DSLR brands. It shares the top spot in the world with Canon and has been producing optics right from the film days.

When it comes to variety in accessories and lenses, Nikon is on top of the game; there is just so much to select from, and this makes them a very interesting brand.

Comparison Table — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

 

Sony Alpha a6000

Nikon D5200

Built-in Wireless Connection Yes No
Number Of Focus Points 179 39
Continuous Shooting 11 Frames Per Second 5 Frames Per Second
Weight 344 grams 555 grams
Battery Life 360 Shots 500 Shots
Microphone Port No Yes
Time-Lapse Recording With Optional app Yes
Flash Coverage 6 meters 12 meters
Color Depth 24.1 24.2
Dynamic Range 13.1 13.9
NFC connection Yes No
Smartphone Remote Control Yes No
ISO Range 100 to 25600 can be expanded to 51200 100 to 6400 can be expanded to 25600
 

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

What Situation Is Each Camera Best For? — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Sony Alpha a6000

Nikon D5200

Looking at the features of the Sony alpha a6000, it is safe to tag this camera a multipurpose camera. Using it for any form of photography, it will serve with an impressive performance.

In addition, the lightweight and small size of this camera ensure that it will not be a burden to carry around neither will it consume a lot of bag space. Therefore, if you do travel or daily photography, this camera would be the better choice.
The Nikon D5200 is also a fantastic multipurpose camera. This camera has the face detection focus, making it a great choice if you’ll be shooting portrait or street photography. Also, this camera will provide an outstanding performance for shooting sports photography, thanks to its fantastic ergonomics and handling.
As multipurpose as this camera might seem, it does lack a particular feature that will really determine what form of photography you can do with this camera. This camera is not designed with environmental sealing, so, using it in some weather conditions exposes it to damage. Like the Sony alpha a6000, this camera also isn’t designed with environmental sealing, thereby, crossing out the option of using the camera in some weather conditions.
Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

A Sony a6000 Demonstration Video — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Common Features — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Here are the features that make the Sony Alpha a6000 and Nikon D5200 similar:

i. Articulating screen

ii. Viewfinder

iii. Built-in flash

iv. RAW support

v. Face detection focus

vi. 24 mega pixel APS-C CMOS sensor

vii. Full HD video

viii. 921/922k dots LCD screen resolution

ix. 1/4000 maximum shutter speed

x. Auto exposure bracketing

xi. No image stabilization

xii. No environmental sealing

Let us now discuss each of them…

Articulating Screen

This is a feature that is unique to the LCD screen of the camera. When a camera has an articulating or articulated screen, it simply means that the screen of the camera can be moved in different directions.

This movable screen can be very important for shooting in some particular situations; for testing different shooting positions, and taking selfies and self-videos, this feature is a plus for such purposes.

There are three (3) different kinds of articulating screens; tilting or tiltable screen, fully articulated, and cross-tilt or flex-tilt articulated screens.

The tilting or tiltable articulated screen is of a design that is allowed to be moved about just one axis. This gives it the ability to just tilt slightly upwards and downwards.

The next being the fully articulated screen is designed to move about two axes that are at right angles to each other. This kind of screen can both tilt and swivel. With this type of articulated screen, taking selfies and self-videos becomes much easier as you can get a preview of yourself before shooting.

The last and certainly not the least is the cross-tilt or flex-tilt articulating screen. This screen has a design that allows it move in various angles. It can tilt horizontally, vertically and also rotate in certain angles while staying aligned to the axis of the camera lens.

As for the two cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison, they both have articulating screens, but of different types. The Sony alpha a6000 has a tilting articulated screen, while the Nikon D5200 has a fully articulated screen.

Viewfinder

This feature is a small yet very important component of the camera. The viewfinder is what allows the photographer get a view of the scene or subject being shot for proper composure.

This gives the hands balance on the body, thereby, providing better stability. This feature is also designed in different types, just two actually.

The first is the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), while the second is the Optical Viewfinder (OVF). The electronic viewfinder is one that is common to mirrorless cameras, although some DSLR cameras have incorporated this viewfinder type into their design.

The electronic viewfinder is basically a small screen that displays the image captured by the lens, which is electronically projected by the sensor of the camera.

On the other hand, the optical viewfinder functions with the mirror mechanism of DLSR cameras. Looking through this viewfinder is almost the same as looking through the lens of the camera.

This OVF functions with sets of reflex mirrors and a pentaprism, which help you, avoid parallax error while shooting.

For some DSLRs that are built with electronic viewfinders, instead of having reflex mirrors, they have translucent mirrors.

That said, not all mirrorless cameras are built with viewfinders. Cameras like these make use of the LCD screen as the tool for framing and composing the image before shooting.

As for this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison, both cameras have a viewfinder each. However, while the Sony alpha a6000 has an electronic viewfinder, the Nikon D5200 has an optical viewfinder.

Flash

When it comes to shooting low light situations or dark scenes, it is sometimes necessary to make use of some light enhancement tools.

Here, we’ll be looking at the light enhancement features that the two cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 possess.

First off, there is a basic light enhancement feature that cameras usually have (although not all cameras). This feature is the built-in flash.

The built-in flash is a light enhancement tool that is designed as a part of the body and system of the camera. What this means is that even the exposure settings applied to the image will also affect the way the flash will operate.

This feature will almost always give you the right light enhancement that your image requires. Almost? Yes, there are some dark or low light situations that the built-in flash might not serve to maximum satisfaction.

Now, for situations like this where the built-in flash isn’t strong enough to give the perfect light enhancement required, an external flash becomes necessary.

The external flash is an extra light enhancement feature that is mounted on the body of the camera in other to provide the light enhancement required and also for flash photography.

In order to mount the external flash to the camera, the camera must have the feature called the External Flash Shoe. This feature is what shows that the camera is compatible with an external flash.

We would also like to mention that some cameras are designed with just one of these features – that is some with only built-in flashes, while some with only external flash shoe. That said, both cameras in this review have an inbuilt flash and an external flash shoe each.

Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

RAW Support

When it comes to photography, the most important thing to the photographer is the quality of image the camera produces. This feature is one quality-determining feature.

RAW is a file format that the camera saves images in. This file format is usually large, thereby, consuming a lot of storage space.

What this format really offers is an untouched, unedited, format of the image shot by the camera. This file format contains all the information and detail exactly the way the image was received from the sensor. However, not all devices and cameras support the RAW format of images.

The alternative format to save images in would be the JPEG format. This file format is more popularly supported across various devices.

Photos shot in this format are usually smaller in size and have lesser detail than images shot in RAW. When the camera is set to save in the JPEG format, it automatically edits the detail in the image before saving which is what results in the smaller size.

With the RAW format images are saved as they are, allowing you to manually edit your photos if you need to.

For this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison, both cameras support the RAW format of images.

Face Detection Focus

This feature is basically self-explanatory; it detects faces and focuses on them. The human face has many individual features like the eyes, nose and ears. By detecting these facial features, the camera is able to find human faces and then focus on them.

When the camera detects the face in the scene, it locks down on the face in order to keep it as the main subject in the photo even if there is movement from the subject. Looking at the important role this feature plays, it is obvious that for taking portraits (especially of children) this feature is essential.

High Max Resolution

Sensor resolution is another feature that is important in determining the quality of images a camera will shoot. We shall now see quality factors that the sensor resolution of the camera influences.

Print/Display Size

The sensor resolution is mainly popular for its influence on the potential print size of the images shot by the camera. The higher the sensor resolution of a camera, the larger one will be able to print the photos shot without compromising quality.

In addition, the sensor resolution of the camera determines the size of display the images shot by the camera can be shown on. So, if the display or print size exceeds the limit of the resolution of the image, the image will lose its quality.

Heavy Cropping

Another function that the sensor resolution of the camera influences is cropping. Many photographers try as much as possible to avoid cropping as it reduces the quality of the image.

For photographers who shoot actions they cannot get close to, cropping is the only option they can resort to in order to take out other objects in the scene and keep the eyes of the viewers on the main subject they intended to shoot.

This is where shooting with a camera that has a higher sensor resolution comes in handy. This is because, if the resolution of the image is very high, after the cropping has been done the image will still have just about enough quality.

Downsampling

The final popular function that the sensor resolution of the camera influences is downsampling. This term is used to describe the process of reducing the resolution of an image.

High resolution usually equals high quality. Therefore, it follows that a reduction in said resolution is an invariable reduction in quality. This now begs the question, “why would anybody want to do that?”

Well, images shot at high resolutions are usually very large in size and in order to use such images for certain purposes it might be necessary to reduce the size.

Reducing the resolution of the image is one way of reducing the size of the image. So, for images shot at high resolutions, after having been downsampled, will still retain some level of quality.

That said, both the Sony alpha a6000 and the Nikon D5200 have a 24 megapixel sensor resolution which is really impressive.

Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

Video Resolution

Have you ever seen a video on a screen and the video appears blurry and has a very poor quality? Well this usually happens because videos of a low resolution are displayed on screens with a high definition.

Video resolution is the number of horizontal pixels stacked on top of each other from top to bottom that a video possess. This determines the quality of videos a device can record and, invariably, what size of screen such videos can be displayed without compromising quality.

There are two resolutions that are common to most modern digital cameras. They are in a resolution category known as High Definition display resolution.

The first is the 1080p videos resolution. It is a full High Definition display resolution. This resolution has 1080 horizontal pixels stacked on top of each other from top to bottom that are 1920 pixels wide (that is 1920 by 1080).

The 1080p resolution is restricted to the screen size of High Definition TV screens, HD monitors and computer screens to retain its quality.

On the other hand is the 4K resolution also known as the 2160p. It is an Ultra High Definition display resolution. This is one of the highest display resolutions modern digital cameras offer.

It has 2160 horizontal pixels stacked on top of each other from top to bottom. That said, this resolution comes in two major dimensions. The first is 3840 by 2160 pixels (this 4K resolution is popularly used in television and consumer media) while the second 4096 by 2160 pixels (this display resolution is known to be used in the movie projection industry).

That said, both the Sony alpha a6000 and the Nikon D5200 have a 1080p video resolution.

A Sony a6000 Video Recording Demonstration Video — Sony a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

A Nikon D5200 Video Recording Demonstration Video — Sony a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

https://youtu.be/KhBJZ9c1w4Y

High LCD Screen Resolution

There are situations that require that you shoot with the LCD screen of the camera, this shooting form is known as shooting in Live Mode.

If you’re shooting in live mode or recording videos, it is almost impossible to use the viewfinder in framing. You most likely will have to use the LCD screen to for those purposes.

In those situations, you’ll come to appreciate having an impressive screen resolution. This is because the better the LCD screen resolution, the better your previewing pleasure. We have to add, though, that the sensor resolution doesn’t influence the actual outcome of photos or videos.

That said, both cameras have an impressive screen resolution. The Sony a6000 has a 922k dot screen resolution while the Nikon D5200 has a 921k dot screen resolution.

Maximum Shutter Speed

If you have seen photos of objects in very fast motion, like speeding cars or waterfalls, there are two effects that this kind of images usually have.

Sometimes these speeding objects might appear to have a form of motion blur that shows how fast they are moving, other times the speeding objects might seem frozen in time.

These effects are created by a feature called the shutter speed. The shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter of the camera stays open, thereby, determining how long it will take the camera to take the shot. It is measured in fractions of a second.

Now, this feature also determines, to an extent, the exposure of the image shot. How? The longer the shutter speed stays open, the more light gets to the sensor, thereby, making the image brighter.

For objects in motion, to achieve the first motion blur effect, the shutter speed value of the camera is slowed down, that is the shutter is left open a little longer than usual. Then, in order to freeze the objects in motion, the shutter speed is sped up as high as it can go.

The two cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison have the exact same values for their maximum shutter speed. They have a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second which is pretty impressive.

Auto Exposure Bracketing

When shooting scenes that have a lot of shadows or variation in lighting, a major challenge a photographer might face is figuring the proper exposure settings to apply to get a properly exposed image.

In some cases, the best option might be to test out different settings while taking shots one after the other till you get the perfect one. Where this becomes a problem is if the intent was to capture a moment, in the process of testing different settings the moment might pass you by.

It is in such situations that the Auto Exposure Bracketing comes in. What this feature does is to take multiple shots rapidly at different exposures.

With this feature you don’t have to worry about anything when it comes to the exposure of the image, as it will provide you with the perfectly exposed image from the collection of images shot. Both the Sony alpha a6000 and Nikon D5200 have this feature.

No Image Stabilization

One of the most painful experiences a photographer can go through is having blurry photos in the process of trying to capture a moment in a hurry.

In order to avoid such things some photographers place the camera on a tripod stand to keep the camera stable. However, not all forms of photography permit the photographer to make use of the tripod stand.

So, the feature added to cameras to help photographers avoid blurs while shooting is the image stabilization feature.

This feature works to calculate the magnitude and direction of whatever shake or movement the camera has undergone while the shutter is open and adjusts to counter the shake and remove any blur that could have appeared on the image.

Both of the cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison lack the image stabilization feature.

No Environmental Sealing

The most popular cause of damage to cameras exposure to weather elements such as moisture and dust. Looking very closely at the camera body, you’ll notice some slight openings on the body of the camera.

These openings are access points for these elements to gain entrance into the inner components of the camera, thereby, causing damage.

The environmental sealing or weather-sealing feature is what protects the camera from these elements. Environmental sealing components are usually made of rubber or silicon material and are positioned at spots on the camera where there are spaces or openings and also parts that move.

This feature cannot be found in both cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison.

Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

Unique Features — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Which comes with built-in Wi-Fi: Sony a6000 or Nikon D5200?

The Sony a6000 comes with built-in Wi-Fi, meanwhile with the D5200, it is only optional. With this feature, the camera can connect to the internet and share files to other devices and even straight to your social media account.

Which has near field communication: Sony a6000 or Nikon D5200?

The Sony a6000 comes with near field communication (NFC) which is another wireless file transfer feature that modern digital cameras have. To make use of the NFC feature all that is required is for the smartphone or NFC enabled device to be close by or have a contact with the camera, and files will be shared; easy as A-B-C.

Which can be remote controlled with a smartphone: Sony a6000 or Nikon D5200?

The Sony a6000 is designed with the feature that lets you create a wireless connection with your smartphone and then, with it, remotely control the camera. There are a lot of remote control methods and tools in the market. However, the interesting thing about the smartphone remote control is that you most likely already have a smartphone, so, there is no need to spend on any other tool.

Another interesting thing about this is the preview it also offers while shooting. With the smartphone remote control, you get to see the scene you are shooting, adjust settings, and access menus, without even being around the camera.

Now, not all modern digital cameras are designed with all these wireless features, for some it is optional. This is the case for the cameras in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison. So, while the Sony a6000 has all the wireless features mentioned, the Nikon D5200 has none.

Which offers better audio quality: Sony a6000 or Nikon D5200?

The Nikon D5200 comes with an external microphone jack, which means that you can always connect an external microphone and get much better audio quality than the built-in mic offers. People who shoot videos know it is not enough for the camera to just produce great video quality; audio also matters a lot.

Now, the internal mic of the camera records any sound it can detect in the environment. So, if you’ll be shooting your video indoors – in air tight rooms or studios – you might actually be able to make do with the internal microphone.

However, if you are shooting a video in public – probably a documentary or an interview – with the internal microphone of the camera, the audio in that video will most likely be noisy as the mic is unable to pick just your voice.

Well, this is the function of the external microphone. When you have an external microphone connected to the camera, the microphone records and amplifies only the sound from whatever direction it is pointed, leaving out, as much as possible, any sound coming from the environment.

So, for shooting videos in public or noisy places, it is essential that you make use of the external microphone. Only Nikon D5200 in this Sony alpha a6000 vs Nikon D5200 comparison has the microphone port feature.

Which can record time-lapse videos: Sony a6000 or Nikon D5200?

Actually, both the Sony a6000 and Nikon D5200 can record time-lapse videos, the only difference is that, while the D5200 has the feature built in, with the a6000, you will need an optional app to be able to record time-lapse videos. Time-lapse recording is a very creative video shooting technique. It is basically messing with time.

When shooting in time-lapse, the frame rate at which the video is captured is much more spread out than the rate it will be viewed in. What this does is that, when the video is now played back at normal speed the time will appear to be moving faster than usual.

It is used in recording mostly natural phenomena – like the movement of clouds, sunrise/sunset, or blooming of flowers – such that, activities that would normally take days or weeks in reality will happen in seconds in the video.

Not all cameras have this feature as a part of their programming; some cameras have apps that are added to them in order to shoot in time-lapse.

Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

A Nikon D5200 Time-Lapse Video Demonstration Video — Sony a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Unique Pros — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Pros Of The Sony Alpha a6000

  • First off, we like that this camera has a number of different wireless features. Doing things (transferring files, going on the internet and remotely controlling) wirelessly is just easier.
  • Also, the Sony alpha a6000 has more focus points, offering different options for focusing on a scene.
  • Furthermore, the Sony a6000 is the lighter and more portable of the two cameras making it the more travel-friendly.
  • Also, the maximum ISO value of the Sony alpha a6000 is double that of the Nikon D5200, so, it will perform better in low light conditions.
  • Finally, this camera shoots more frames per second when in continuous shooting mode than the Nikon D5200.

Pros Of The Nikon D5200

  • Firstly, the Nikon D5200 takes over one hundred more shots per single charge than the Sony a6000. With the Nikon D5200, you can get 500 shots before it needs to be charged while the Sony a6000 only offers 360.
  • Also, the microphone port of this camera makes it a better choice for shooting videos, especially in public.
  • Furthermore, this camera has a shooting technique called time-lapse recording built into its system, creating room for creativity in shooting videos.
  • Also, the flash coverage of the Nikon D5200 reaches a farther range (12 meters) than that of the Sony alpha a6000 (6 meters).
  • This Nikon D5200 has a slightly higher color depth (24.2) than the Sony alpha a6000 (24.1). What this means is that the camera will pick out more distinctive colors from the scene being shot.
  • Also, the Nikon D5200 has a slightly higher dynamic range (13.9) than the Sony a6000 (13.1).
  • Finally, the LCD screen of the Nikon D5200 makes it easy to take perfect selfies with the camera.
Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

Unique Cons — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Cons Of The Sony Alpha a6000

  • First off, the battery life of the Sony alpha a6000 isn’t very impressive, so, it might be necessary to carry extra batteries if you are going a long way.
  • Also, this camera might not be the best option for shooting videos as it isn’t equipped with an external microphone port.

Cons Of The Nikon D5200

  • The first major con of the Nikon D5200 is that it isn’t designed with in-built wireless transfer features.
  • Also, the number of focus points of this camera isn’t very impressive.

Check out these other articles:

Common Pros — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

 

Sony Alpha a6000

Nikon D5200

Articulated Screen This LCD screen can be angled which offers you flexibility with shooting positions. The articulated screen of this camera is the tiltable articulated screen. Same as the Sony alpha a6000. However, that of the Nikon D5200 is fully articulated.
Viewfinder This is a feature that the photographer looks through to get a preview of the scene for proper framing and composure. It is of the electronic type in the Sony alpha a6000. Performs the same function, but is of the optical type in the Nikon D5200.
Built-in Flash This is a light enhancement feature that is built as a part of the camera’s system. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
External Flash Shoe This is a provision for you to attach an external flash. The external flash is a more powerful light enhancement tool and is also used for flash photography. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
Face Detection Focus This feature detects faces in the scene and keeps them in focus. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
High Max Sensor Resolution The high maximum sensor resolution of a camera offers you better chances at larger prints and larger display sizes. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
Video Resolution The video resolution of a camera determines the size of screen the video can be displayed on. And the Sony alpha a6000 has a full high definition display resolution. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
High LCD Screen Resolution This offers you quality display on the LCD screen of the camera. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
Max Shutter Speed This feature is important for shooting objects in motion. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
AE Bracketing This feature makes it easier to shoot scenes with complicated lighting conditions Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
 
Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

Common Cons — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

 

Sony Alpha a6000

Nikon D5200

No Image Stabilization This feature helps the photographer take out the possibilities of having blurry photos as a result of slight shakes while shooting hand-held. The Sony alpha a6000 lacks this feature. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.
No Environmental Sealing This functions as a protection against exposure to weather elements that could damage the camera. This camera is also not designed with this feature. Same as the Sony alpha a6000.

What Users Think About Both Cameras — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Sony Alpha a6000

Nikon D5200

A lot of users love this camera for the image quality it offers. Users are also very much in love with the size and weight of this camera and how it feels in the hands while shooting. The articulated screen of this camera also gets a lot of mentions for the convenience it provides for shooting in tough spots. As for the Nikon D5200, this camera is majorly appreciated amongst various users as a beginner camera. Most users used it as their first DSLR and these users are very much impressed with its performance and functionalities. Also, a lot of users are generally impressed with the sensor resolution and kit lens in its package.
The major unsurprising issue users have with this camera is the battery life. It drains very quickly. Also according to users,  this camera perform to maximum satisfaction when shooting video. The first notable issue users have is the noise that shows up in photos and videos at slightly high ISO. The autofocus system of the camera is also a major issue users have.
Get the Sony alpha a6000 now! Get the Nikon D5200 now!
Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

Our Take — Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200

Sony Alpha a6000

Nikon D5200

The Sony alpha a6000 is a great camera; it has many features that would make it a great pick for any occasion.   While this camera has its pros and cons, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons on this one. We also love the Nikon D5200; it is quite hard not to. This camera is tagged an entry-level camera, yet placed side-by-side a semi-pro camera it poses a worthy competition. Unfortunately, we really can’t call this camera perfect due to some features it lacks. Still, the features it has make up for those it doesn’t.
Click here to get the Sony Alpha a6000 now!
Click here to get the Nikon D5200 now!

Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200 — FAQs

What is the difference between the Nikon D5200 and D5600?

Nikon D5200Nikon D5600
Built-in Wi-FiNoYes

ISO range100 – 6400 (expandable to 25600)100 – 25600
Screen size3 inches3.2 inches
LCD screen resolution921k dots1.037k dots
Near field communicationNoYes
Battery capacity500 shots per full charge820 shots per full charge
BluetoothYesNo
Touch screenNoYes

Is the Nikon D5200 a good camera?

The Nikon D5200 is a good camera. It has a 24 mega pixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a screen resolution of 921k dots. The D5200 comes with a built-in flash with a 12 meter coverage and also has a hot shoe on which you can mount an external flash in case you need to improve on the results you are getting from the built-in flash.

The Nikon D5200 also has a decent battery life, is good in video mode, easy to use, and to cap it all off, it is affordable, so, it won’t hurt your pocket at all.

Does the Nikon D5200 have Wi-Fi?

The Nikon D5200 does not come with built-in Wi-Fi. However, you can still attain wireless connectivity through some other optional means, which, we have to say, is not as convenient nor is it as much fun as using built-in Wi-Fi.

What this means for users of the D5200 is that transfer of files away from the camera will be old school and not very fast. And we say this because, apart from Wi-Fi, this camera also does not come with Bluetooth, neither is it compatible with ultra high speed memory cards.

Is the Nikon D5200 good for vlogging?

The Nikon D5200 is a camera vloggers will really enjoy using. It shoots full HD which is adequate quality for YouTube and other social media. More interestingly, it has a fully articulated screen, which means the LCD screen can be rotated such that it becomes really easy for you to self-record.

Furthermore, the D5200 allows you use external microphones, so, you can always improve on the audio quality of your recordings. More so, this camera is easy to use, so, you do not have to be a pro to use it. Not to forget its affordability, for vloggers who are starting out small.

Is the Nikon D5200 good for beginners?

The Nikon D5200 is a good camera for beginners. As a matter of fact, it was made to meet the needs of the amateur photographer. Usually, the most basic things a beginners requires of a camera are: ease of use, light weight and compactness, and affordability; and the D5200 ticks all those boxes.

It weighs 555 grams, and for a DSLR camera, that is lightweight. Users have said that it is an easy camera to find your way around. Also, costing less than 400 dollars, this camera is a very budget-friendly one.

Does the Nikon D5200 shoot 4K?

The Nikon D5200 does not shoot 4K, and that is not much of a problem, as it shoots full HD which is very adequate video quality for any beginner photographer out there.

As a matter of fact, 4K in the hands of a beginner photographer might even be overkill. For example, post production of a 4k video will require really complex software and an advanced laptop, which may not be available to a beginner photographer.

1 thought on “Sony Alpha a6000 Vs Nikon D5200 – Detailed Comparison”

Comments are closed.