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The Nikon d5200 came out in 2013 while the Nikon d7000 was released in 2010. These cameras are well known for their high-quality images. A Nikon d5200 vs d7000 comparison will show how the Nikon d5200 performs better.
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Nikon D5200 vs D7000 General Overview
The Nikon d5200 and the Nikon d7000 are great entry-level DSLRs and they have many features such as their APS-C sized sensors and high image resolutions. You can get all this at very affordable prices.
Nikon D5200
The Nikon d5200 was released in 2013. Although it is a nine-year-old camera it has very interesting features. It sports a plastic body which makes it very light to handle. It has high image and video resolutions of 24 MPs and a 1080 60i/30p movie mode.
It also has an CMOS-sized sensor which gives amazing image quality. The articulating screen that comes with it allows you to capture images in complicated angles.
Nikon D7000
This camera came out in 2010 and still gives several DSLRs a run for their money. It has a Magnesium alloy body, which although is a bit heavy, comes with a weather shield. It has an optical viewfinder with 100% coverage, allowing you to capture the most accurate pictures.
The camera comes with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds and a frame rate of 6 pictures per second and hence you can capture fast-moving objects with it.
Nikon D5200 vs D7000 Comparison
These cameras have a lot of differences due to constant technological advances. However, the fact that they were both released by Nikon means that some of their features, especially their sensors and processors, will be similar.

Similarities
The Nikon d5200 and d7000 have similarities such as their focus points, screens and much more! Some of these similarities include:
- Starting off, these cameras have a CMOS sensor. Although the size is not as big as the advanced DSLRs on the market, it still has great image quality and low light performance that beats many.
- Both the cameras come with 39 focus points. These are the points in the camera which you can choose to focus on. The more focus points, the clearer picture you can take.
- These cameras are equipped with a three-inch screen. These screens have a resolution of 921k dots which allows you to review your pictures on the screen easily.
- Moreover, the cameras have optical viewfinders. An optical viewfinder has no time lag and it works better in low light conditions as opposed to electronic viewfinders.
- These cameras have a similar ISO range which can be increased up to 25600. ISO refers to the sensitivity of the camera to light. A large ISO level allows you to take pictures in low light while compromising on the quality of the picture.
- When it comes to video tools, these cameras have cinema tools as well as time-lapse functions. These features give a new meaning to videography, allowing you to capture aesthetic effects.
- Both these cameras also have hot shoes. These hot shoes allow you to add additional functionality to your cameras. These tools include external flash, video accessories, etc.
- On the issue of connectivity, these cameras do not have WIFI or NFC compatibility and can only be connected to external devices through wires.
Differences
The Nikon d5200 and the Nikon d7000 have several differences such as their shutter speeds, viewfinders, and much more. The fact that the Nikon d5200 is priced slightly higher, and it offers more in terms of image and video resolutions.
Shutter Speed
Like it sounds, the shutter speed refers to the speed with which the shutter of a camera closes. A faster shutter speed is able to counter motion blur and capture fast-moving objects. While a slow shutter speed is used in low light conditions.
These cameras have differing shutter speeds. The Nikon d5200 has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds compared to the Nikon d7000’s 1/8000 seconds.
Screen and Continuous Drive
Although these cameras have similar-sized screens, the Nikon d5200 has an articulating screen while the Nikon d7000 does not. An articulating screen allows you to take pictures from complicated angles and get better results overall.
When it comes to continuous drive or how many pictures per second, the Nikon d5200 can shoot five frames per second. Compared to that, the Nikon d7000 is able to capture six frames per second.
Viewfinder and LCD Panel
Even though both the cameras sport optical viewfinders, their coverage rates are different. The Nikon d7000 has a viewfinder coverage of 100%. On the contrary, the Nikon d5200 has a coverage of 95%.
A 100% coverage signifies that you can see exactly what image the camera would capture. While a lower coverage means that you will have to crop your pictures to get what you actually wanted.
Coming to LCD panels, only the Nikon d7000 has a top LCD panel. This LCD panel gives information about the current settings of the camera.
Battery and Dimensions
The Nikon d7000 has a battery power of 1900 mAh which is able to capture 1050 shots in one charge. On the other hand, the Nikon D5200 can capture only 500 shots with its 1030 mAh battery.
Due to its plastic body, the Nikon d5200 weighs only 555 grams. Whereas, the Nikon d7000 has a weight of 780 grams thanks to its Magnesium alloy body. A light camera makes a lot of difference if you are looking to take pictures all day.
Auto Focus and Protection
The Nikon d7000 has weather shield protection. This means it is protected against weather conditions such as rain, dust, etc. The Nikon d5200 does not have this feature.
Moreover, the Nikon d7000 has an in-built focus motor. It is thus compatible with all types of lenses, even the ones that do not have their own focus feature. On the contrary, the Nikon d5200 does not have one.
Most Differentiating Feature
This is one of the most important things in a camera and hence the most differentiating feature in these cameras. The Nikon d5200 has a resolution of 24 Megapixels whereas the Nikon d7000 has a 16 Megapixels camera.

A higher resolution signifies that the image will be more detailed and of better quality. However, it also results in bigger-sized images.
Coming to video capabilities, here the Nikon d5200 takes the upper hand with a resolution of 1080 x 60fps compared to d7000’s 1080 x 24fps. A higher video resolution allows you to capture better quality videos with more details and better dynamics.
When to Use the Nikon D5200?
Each camera has the ability to perform well in certain situations. The Nikon d5200 has 24 Megapixels that you can use to capture better details and image quality. This coupled with 39 autofocus points makes it the perfect camera for capturing high-quality and detailed portraits.
If you are looking to capture vlogs, then the Nikon d5200 should be your preferred camera. It has a high video resolution of 1080 x 60fps along with features such as a cinema tool and time-lapse. Also, the articulating screen is just a cherry on top!
When to Use the Nikon D7000?
If you are a fan of sporting events and want to capture some of the moments, then the Nikon d7000 should be your go-to camera. It has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds enabling it to shoot fast-moving events. It also has a frame rate of six pictures per second, allowing you to capture every action.
Someone who loves traveling must have the Nikon d7000. Although it is slightly heavier than the other camera, it is still quite light. It also has a battery that can run all day and thus you do not have to stop and charge. The high ISO levels and in-built autofocus allow you to capture in low light too.
Which Is the Better Camera?
The answer is not so straightforward here. Both the cameras were released at least around 10 years ago so the price is quite similar in both options. If we look at that, the Nikon d5200 takes the upper point.
The Nikon d5200 has a higher image and video resolutions which allow you to capture high detailed images. These are the factors that matter the most when purchasing cameras.
On the contrary, if detail is not your priority, and you instead want to capture fast-moving objects or are looking for a long-lasting battery then the Nikon D7000 is a good choice for you. Still, the Nikon d5200 performs well in those areas too, and hence, you can still choose that.
Conclusions
The higher image and video resolutions allow you to capture highly detailed images on the Nikon d7000. Hence, in the d5200 vs d7000 debate, the Nikon d5200 comes out on top. Also, if you are looking to capture portraits and vlogs, the Nikon d5200 should be your go-to!