On November 6th Nikon announced the D5200, the mid level DX offering to replace the 16MP D5100. Unsurprising to many I am sure, the D5200 sports a 24MP sensor like the entry level offering of the D3200. After all, pixel count is an easily marketed feature and the consumer would expect the mid-level and advanced offerings to match the entry level version in presumed image quality. It will be interesting to see any side by side comparisons of the image quality of the two cameras, as judging by the published specifications on Nikon's site they are not the same 24MP sensor.
Besides the boost in resolution, the D5200 also gets an upgraded auto focus system borrowed from the D7000 while retaining the articulating LCD screen and many of the D5100's features. With this announcement (and subsequent release of the camera) the stage is set for all of Nikon's DX DSLR's to offer 24MP sensors, provided the D7000 replacement follows suit. At that point the biggest (at least on the specification sheet) difference will be the features of the individual camera bodies. Not a bad plan as it simplifies the DX line beautifully, but what I am wondering is how they will name the D7000 replacement. Do they skip D7100 and go straight to the D7200 which would make the current line up read D3200, D5200 and D7200? Or do they just stick with the current trend and the D7100 will be one numeral behind in convention? Time will tell for sure.
Either way, I am looking forward to seeing the usual magazine tests of not only the D5200 - but the D3200 as well. I am especially interested in how they are reviewed in performance compared the D5100 I own (what can I say, I am a gear junkie in the fact that I like to see and know what is out there - even when I am not planning on upgrading anytime soon).
On thing is for sure though - its hard to imagine a better time to be a photography enthusiast. Today's technology is making better and better equipment available at more affordable prices every year. And when these new models come out, the older ones go on sale, become available as factory refurbished models at noticeable savings and find there way on to the secondary market at even better prices as people play the must have game and upgrade to the latest offerings.
Blessings,
Jesse
