Nikon D5200 Vs Sony A6000: Battle Of The Budget Dslrs must-read Comparison
What To Know
- The Nikon D5200 uses a 39-point autofocus system, while the Sony A6000 features a 179-point autofocus system.
- The Nikon D5200 has a battery life of approximately 500 shots per charge, while the Sony A6000 has a battery life of approximately 360 shots per charge.
- After comparing the Nikon D5200 and Sony A6000 in various aspects, it’s clear that the Sony A6000 is the better choice for most photographers.
The Nikon D5200 and Sony A6000 are two of the most popular entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras on the market. Both cameras offer a range of features that make them ideal for beginners and experienced photographers alike. But which one is the better choice for you? In this detailed comparison, we’ll pit the Nikon D5200 against the Sony A6000 to help you make an informed decision.
Image Quality: Megapixels and Sensor Size Matter
Megapixels: The Nikon D5200 features a 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the Sony A6000 boasts a 24.3-megapixel Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor. While the difference in megapixels is negligible, the Sony A6000’s larger APS-C sensor provides better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Sensor Size: The Sony A6000’s APS-C sensor is larger than the D5200’s DX sensor. This gives the A6000 an advantage in terms of image quality, as the larger sensor can capture more light and produce less noise.
Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy
Autofocus System: The Nikon D5200 uses a 39-point autofocus system, while the Sony A6000 features a 179-point autofocus system. The A6000’s more advanced autofocus system is faster and more accurate, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Speed: The Nikon D5200 can shoot continuously at 5 frames per second (fps), while the Sony A6000 can shoot at 11 fps. This makes the A6000 a better choice for sports and wildlife photography, where you need to capture fast-paced action.
Video Capabilities: Full HD vs 4K
Video Resolution: The Nikon D5200 can record full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 30 fps, while the Sony A6000 can record 4K (3840 x 2160) video at 30 fps. The A6000’s 4K video capability gives it a clear advantage over the D5200 for videographers.
External Microphone Input: Both the Nikon D5200 and Sony A6000 have an external microphone input, allowing you to connect an external microphone for improved audio quality.
Design and Ergonomics: Handling and Comfort
Weight and Size: The Nikon D5200 is slightly heavier and larger than the Sony A6000. The D5200 weighs 555 grams (1.22 pounds) with the battery and memory card, while the A6000 weighs 453 grams (1 pound) with the battery and memory card. The A6000’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable to hold and carry around.
Grip and Handling: The Nikon D5200 has a larger grip than the Sony A6000, which makes it more comfortable to hold. The A6000’s grip is smaller and less pronounced, which can make it difficult to hold for extended periods of time.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and NFC
Wi-Fi: Both the Nikon D5200 and Sony A6000 have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer images and videos wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet.
NFC: The Sony A6000 also has built-in NFC (Near Field Communication), which allows you to connect to compatible devices with a single touch.
Battery Life: How Long Can You Shoot?
Battery Life: The Nikon D5200 has a battery life of approximately 500 shots per charge, while the Sony A6000 has a battery life of approximately 360 shots per charge. The D5200’s longer battery life makes it a better choice for long photo sessions.
The Final Verdict: Which Camera is the Clear Winner?
After comparing the Nikon D5200 and Sony A6000 in various aspects, it’s clear that the Sony A6000 is the better choice for most photographers. The A6000 offers superior image quality, faster autofocus, 4K video recording, a more compact design, and better connectivity. While the Nikon D5200 has a longer battery life, the A6000’s advantages outweigh this single drawback.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q1. Which camera is better for beginners, the Nikon D5200 or the Sony A6000?
A1. Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the Sony A6000 is generally considered to be the better choice due to its more user-friendly interface, faster autofocus, and 4K video recording capability.
Q2. Which camera is better for low-light photography, the Nikon D5200 or the Sony A6000?
A2. The Sony A6000 is better for low-light photography thanks to its larger APS-C sensor, which can capture more light and produce less noise in low-light conditions.
Q3. Which camera has better video capabilities, the Nikon D5200 or the Sony A6000?
A3. The Sony A6000 has better video capabilities than the Nikon D5200. The A6000 can record 4K video at 30 fps, while the D5200 is limited to full HD (1080p) video recording.
