Nikon Coolpix S5200 Review: Capturing Life's Precious Moments Has Never Been Easier

Find out why the Nikon Coolpix S5200 is one of the most popular point-and-shoot cameras on the market today. This compact camera offers outstanding features that help you capture memories with ease, all while delivering high-quality images that you'll treasure for years to come.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S5200 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 29 2013

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight146g
MSRP$179USD

Other similar cameras

Nikon Coolpix P520 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix P520

Released Jan 29 2013 | 18MP resolution

Nikon Coolpix S3500 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix S3500

Released Feb 21 2013 | 20MP resolution

Nikon Coolpix S5100 thumbnail

Nikon Coolpix S5100

Released Aug 17 2010 | 12MP resolution

Overview of the Coolpix S5200

As technology advances, the world of photography continues to evolve. The days of bulky cameras and complicated settings are long gone, replaced by sleek, compact devices that can capture stunning images with just a click of a button. One such device is the Nikon Coolpix S5200 point-and-shoot camera. This camera has quickly gained a reputation among amateur and professional photographers alike for its flexibility, intuitive handling, and impressive image quality. Join us as we explore the features of the Nikon Coolpix S5200 and discover why it's become one of the most sought-after cameras on the market.

Nikon Coolpix S5200 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S5200 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution (16 megapixels)
6x optical zoom
WiFi and NFC connectivity
Good low light performance
Compact and lightweight design
Affordable price point

Cons

Limited manual controls
Mediocre battery life
No viewfinder
No manual focusing option
Limited video recording capabilities
Small and low quality LCD screen.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S5200

Weather sealed
Dimensions98 x 58 x 22mm
Weight146g
Thickness22mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix S5200 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix S5200 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S5200 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S5200 has a 16MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S5200 has a native ISO range of 125 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 29 2013

Announced

125 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix S5200 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix S5200 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life160 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL19
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 uses the EN-EL19 model of battery pack. This is rated for 160 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

Nikon Coolpix S5200 does not have autofocus (AF)

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix S5200?

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S5200 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix S5200 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S5200 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S5200 was announced on Jan 29 2013

Does the Nikon Coolpix S5200 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix S5200 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix S5200?

The Coolpix S5200 has a native ISO range of 125-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Nikon Coolpix P520 article cover photo

Capture Stunning Photos with the Nikon Coolpix P520: A Comprehensive Review

Looking for a high-performance camera that is perfect for capturing stunning photos? Then, you might want to check out the Nikon Coolpix P520. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at this camera's features and capabilities so that you can determine if it's the right fit for your photography needs.

Nikon Coolpix S3500 article cover photo

Unleash Your Inner Photographer with the Nikon Coolpix S3500

Are you on the hunt for a camera that provides top-notch image quality at an affordable price? Look no further than the Nikon Coolpix S3500. Its slim body, impressive zooming capabilities, and easy-to-use features make it the perfect accessory for photography enthusiasts everywhere.

Nikon Coolpix S5100 article cover photo

Exploring the Amazing Features of Nikon Coolpix S5100: A Comprehensive Review

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 is a popular digital camera that has gained attention for its top-notch image quality, impressive features and easy-to-use interface. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the features of Nikon Coolpix S5100 and evaluate its performance, giving you an in-depth understanding of all its top features and benefits.