Originally Posted by
jacknyoc
I was hoping you'd respond to this. MP difference is not important to me. difference in the number of focus points might be of some importance. processor is the one key difference that has me pondering the decision. that's a key reason I'm awating the d5200 release and price info...I have read that it will have the Expeed 3 (but so does the d3200).
so, all things considered, and given my objectives, what would you do???
Thank you.
IMO it depends entirely on your financial situation. The D5200 will likely be in the ~$800 range initially. With the various rebates out there the D5100 can be had for ~$450.
The sensor in the D5200 is supposed to be a new part and an improvement over the sensor in the D3200 - which was itself a significant upgrade. Even though you may not want or need the extra MPs of the D5200's 24MP sensor, there are still enough additional IQ improvements [ISO performance, increased dynamic range, etc.] to make it a significant upgrade.
How critical is the work you are going to be doing? Is it going to be mostly social media uploads, 3x5 prints from Walgreen's, or meticulously Photoshopped and enlarged prints for framing or display?
The D5100 is still a very capable camera with very good IQ and will handle all of the situations above, but if you can afford the extra bucks then IMO there isn't any good reason to not get the D5200
*. Consider also that you will get a good bit of that difference back when you go to upgrade next time. Two, three, four years from now the D5100 won't be worth very much.
*One significant caveat to this is if the additional cost of the D5200 forces you into choosing a significantly lower quality lens.