Nikon D5200 vs d5600: I have a D3400 with the kit lenses (18-55mm, 70-300mm) but use a 18-140mm f/3.5-5.3, 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/1.8 most of the time. I feel that by upgrading I can...

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

I have a D3400 with the kit lenses (18-55mm, 70-300mm) but use a 18-140mm f/3.5-5.3, 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/1.8 most of the time. I feel that by upgrading I can take my photos to another level with some of the features offered on these cameras opposed to my D3400. Also, I am not opposed to used/refurbished.

The 5200 is much less expensive that the D5600 but will be on tight budget. The 5200 has been discontinued, so does that mean it will not be supported if it needs repair?

Thank you in advance for your constructive information.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If NFC and Bluetooth connectivity aren't important, don't ignore the D5500 as a possibility. Lighter and slightly better low light performance. Plus I believe that the D5500 is still the cheapest ISO-invariant camera that you can get.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D5500-vs-Nikon-D5600

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You're talking about replacing one Nikon 24MP DX camera with another Nikon 24MP DX camera, neither having an internal focus motor. Beyond spending money, what feature do you envision is going to change in your image results by this move?

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

foggypreacher wrote:

I have a D3400 with the kit lenses (18-55mm, 70-30... (show quote)

The D3400 is a very good entry-level level camera. I would prefer the D3300, but both are good. The D3400 has the same 24 megapixels sensor as the D5500/D5600, so there is no resolution minuses. You have a very good choice of lenses for that DX camera. A friend bought that same two lenses camera kit for his Teenage son last Christmas. At a bargain price then. If you can live without an articulating LCD screen, and touch screen, you'll be just fine with what you have. Unless you want to later upgrade to a DX camera with an internal focus motor. Such as the D7100/D7200/D7500. Those cameras are an upgrade to the D3400. Good luck.

exakta56 Loc: Orford,New Hampshire

I have used a D5200 for years now. The articulating screen allows me to frame shots otherwise difficult or impossible. Decent low light capability. Used, pretty cheap today, I suspect. I have a D300 which is languishing due to the lack of the articulating screen, despite all its rugged features.

uhaas2009

I used for a long time lower end dslr’s. Than I got the d7000 later I jump to the 810. When I use now the 7000 I feel the weakness. I would get least the 7100-7500 even used from b&h or other company. I wish I would had least the d300 10 years ago. My first camera is a Minolta xg1 where everything was Manual....

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

I did not realize about the internal focus motor. I have some difficulty with hands and arms, thinking the articulating screen might make it easier for me to take certain photos.

Thank you all for your help.

BebuLamar

If you most of the time use the screen to take picture then don't buy a DSLR. When you use the screen to take pictures you waste the parts that make up the SLR part of a DSLR.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

foggypreacher wrote:

I did not realize about the internal focus motor. I have some difficulty with hands and arms, thinking the articulating screen might make it easier for me to take certain photos.

Thank you all for your help.

I went through your prior posts along with your list of lenses, all great choices. An articulating screen is useful, but only in a minority of situations, unless maybe, you plan to always use the screen and no longer the view finder. You really have all the tools you need today to be successful with no need for more investments beyond time and practice and effort. You had some issues with sharp focus and RAW processing in the past. These are two areas that can really have an impact on taking your photography to a next higher level.

Silverrails

foggypreacher wrote:

I have a D3400 with the kit lenses (18-55mm, 70-30... (show quote)

Yes, I have a used D3300 and love it for many reasons, have the same Lens as yourself.
My next choice is a used D5600, whenever I can find a good deal online.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

Pretty sure the 5200 has been discontinued because it's 7 or 8 years old. I had a problem with my 5200 last year where I had a piece of dust under the glass on top of the sensor. I didn't have any problems when I called Nikon to ask about sending it in to be looked at. In the end, it could have taken them months to get around to looking at and fixing my camera. I chose to have a repair shop do the work, especially since it wasn't under warranty any longer. So, no I don't think you would have problems getting it repaired if you needed to. However, everyone else has made some valid points. What features does it have that your current model doesn't that you feel will exponentially increase your photography?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some comparisons -

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D5600-vs-Nikon-D5200
https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/nikon/d5200/vs/nikon/d5600/
https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/nikon-d5200-vs-nikon-d5600
https://versus.com/en/nikon-d5200-vs-nikon-d5600
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D5200-vs-Nikon-D5600/detailed

Looking on Amazon, the D5600 is cheaper than the D5200.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

CHG_CANON wrote:

You're talking about replacing one Nikon 24MP DX camera with another Nikon 24MP DX camera, neither having an internal focus motor. Beyond spending money, what feature do you envision is going to change in your image results by this move?

ELNikkor

The focus motor is only necessary if you are buying 10-20 year old lenses. A D5300 would make more sense as it can also be used with the new, lightweight, reasonably priced AF-P lenses. The fully articulating screen is why I chose the 5xxx line over the d7xxx line, and I do use it, though not often. It is good to have it, and has made the difference between a great shot/video or none at all. I played around with a D5600 at Best Buy and didn't like it as much as my D5100.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Save your money and upgrade to a d7200 or d7500 in a year or so. Nikon runs specials on the d7500 for 699 several times a year. I have a 7200 and will use it forever unless I can justify full frame but being a crazy hobbyist it will probably never happen.