• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon D5200 advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,284 vs 1,061 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 20.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    39 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 20 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Nikon D5200

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.52x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.4 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5200
Kit with 18-55mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-105mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-140mm Lens
All D5200 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-S1
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses
All K-S1 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Captures sharp, detailed photos with its new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, even at higher ISOs; Features a familiar (D5100) but refined body design; Records Full HD video with full-time autofocus tracking; Packs a ton of advanced features into a consumer-friendly body at a great price.

  • Autofocuses a little slowly for its class and struggles at times in low light; Changing some basic settings takes more time and effort than it should; Mediocre kit lens.

  • Read our Nikon D5200 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A65

Nikon D5200
Sony A65
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5200 vs Sony A65

Pentax K-S1
Sony A65
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Sony A65

Compared to Nikon D3200

Nikon D5200
Nikon D3200
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer

Compare Nikon D5200 vs Nikon D3200

Pentax K-S1
Nikon D3200
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • External Mic Jack
  • More pixels

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Nikon D3200

Compared to Sony A58

Nikon D5200
Sony A58
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5200 vs Sony A58

Pentax K-S1
Sony A58
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Sony A58

Compared to Pentax K-500

Nikon D5200
Pentax K-500
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5200 vs Pentax K-500

Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-500
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax K-500

Compared to Pentax K-S2

Nikon D5200
Pentax K-S2
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5200 vs Pentax K-S2

Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-S2
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax K-S1 vs Pentax K-S2

Compare Other Cameras?