What is the most important factor that shapes one decision when choosing a new camera? We are sure we’ll have a myriad of different answers. Nevertheless, we know of a certain that a camera’s brand is an important factor. Hence, in this article, we compare the Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D.
These cameras are manufactured by the topmost brands in the camera business. You simply can’t go wrong with these two.
However, not all cameras are suitable for you. When it comes to cameras, it is not a case of what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Therefore, allow us to walk you through this comparison as we help you make up your mind on these amazing amateur cameras.
Comparison Overview – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
“Black or red?” This is a question you can only be asked if you’re going for the Nikon D5200. It can be obtained in either black or red body colors. Instead of the common black in which the Canon 70D is restricted, you can paint the town red with the D5200.
Both cameras offer impressive imaging for their category and level. However, the Nikon D5200 does better than the Canon 70D.
The Canon camera still has its strength thanks to its ability to connect wirelessly. This grants it access to many functions which the D5200 cannot perform.
Another area wherein the Canon 70D has an edge is its display screen. Incorporating the touch screen feature with better resolution makes this camera’s screen on par with certain semi-pro cameras out there.
The Nikon D5200 is more convenient to carry about as it has a smaller body as well as lighter weight.
A final decision will depend on one’s preference regarding some special features which we discuss in detail in the main article.
Price/Value Ratio – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
Which camera offers more value for money?
The 70D offers more value for money than the D5200 even though it is a bit more expensive. The reason behind this is because the Canon 70D has more unique features than the Nikon D5200.
The 70D has a touch screen, built-in Wi-Fi, smartphone remote control, built-in environmental sealing, top LCD, AF micro-adjustment (Fine tune), and on-sensor phase detect.
While the D5200 might lack these features, it is still valueable for its pice.
Comparison Table – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
| Nikon D5200 | Canon 70D | |
| Announcement Date | 6th November 2012 globally (7th January 2013 for North America) | 2nd July 2013 |
| Size Dimensions | 129 x 98 x 78mm | 139 x 104 x 79mm |
| Weight | 555g | 755g |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.1 megapixels | 20.2 megapixels |
| Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 22.5 x 15mm |
| ISO | 100 – 6400 (expands to 25600) | 100 – 12800 (expands to 25600) |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentamirror viewfinder | Optical pentaprism viewfinder |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5 fps | 7 fps |
| Screen Resolution | 921,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots |
| Built-in Environmental Sealing | No | Yes |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Time-Lapse Recording | Yes | No |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Focus Points | 39 | 19 |
| Cross Type Focus Points | 9 | 19 |
| Top LCD | No | Yes |
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | Buy Yours Now | ||
| Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera with 18-135mm STM Lens | Buy Yours Now |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
What Situation is Each Best For? – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
| Nikon D5200 | Canon 70D |
| The Nikon D5200 is a better portrait photography than the Canon 70D. Anyone familiar with this kind of photography knows that having a detailed image is important. The D5200 has the advantage in this regard thanks to its larger sensor and its higher sensor resolution. | Sports photography involves capturing subjects that move very fast. Certain features make a camera capable of capturing such subjects. These features include shutter speed, continuous shooting speed, and cross focus points. The Canon 70D has a better performance level in all these than the Nikon D5200. It also has environmental sealing, longer battery life, and wireless connection. All this further enhances the camera’s ability when capturing sports photography. |
| Both cameras seem evenly matched when it comes to choosing a better street photography camera. This is because the features relevant for this kind of photography are found in both cameras. However, the Nikon D5200’s larger sensor gives it the edge over the Canon 70D. Hence, the D5200 is a better street photography camera. | The 70D isn’t too shabby when capturing street photography. |
| Three features give the Nikon D5200 the advantage when it comes to daily photography. They are its lighter weight, smaller size, and larger sensor. The lighter weight and its smaller size make the D5200 suitable for moving around. | Folks with larger hands might prefer the Canon 700D instead of the Nikon D5200. |
| Landscape photography just like portrait photography requires detailed-images. Once again, the larger sensor and higher sensor resolution of the Nikon D5200 makes it a better landscape camera. | Second place after the D5200 in terms of landscape photography. |
In the video below, the Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D are compared in terms of image quality production.
Common Features – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
In this section, we draw our attention to those features that are found in both cameras.
The D5200 and the 70D have the following similarities:
i. Sensor Format and Type
ii. Anti-Aliasing Filter
iii. Screen Size and Type
iv. Viewfinder Type
v. Maximum Video Resolution
vi. Built-in Flash
vii. Hot Shoe (External Flash Shoe)
viii. Microphone Port
ix. Storage
x. HDMI Port
xi. USB Port
xii. Bulb Shutter
Sensor Format and Type
The cameras in this comparison possess the same sensor format and type. They are both fitted with an APS-C CMOS sensor.
The only difference is that their sensors are made by different manufacturers. While the D5200’s is made by Toshiba, Canon manufactured that of the 70D.
The importance of the sensor in image production cannot be downplayed. The sensor is responsible for detecting and capturing light into the camera. Without adequate light, the image quality will be poor.
The format and type of sensor employed by a camera have a huge impact on the quality of the image produced by the camera. While the sensor format refers to the sensor’s size, the sensor type deals with the technology used in making the sensor.
The APS-C sensor format also known as the DX-format among Nikon circles is regarded as a medium-sized sensor. This sensor format is commonly used in amateur cameras such as the ones in discussion.
The sensor size has an important function which we will discuss later on. This is because although two cameras might possess the same sensor format, it does not mean the sensor size dimensions are completely the same. The sensor format can be said to be a category whereby certain sensor sizes fall under.
Another thing that one must consider is that the sensor format dictates to an extent the type of lens that a camera can use. Both cameras, therefore, will make use of lenses with the same size and weight because of this.
Both cameras make use of the CMOS sensor type, which is majorly found in newer cameras and amateur cameras. Unlike the CCD sensor type, the CMOS allows the camera to conserve battery power.
Furthermore, they are not expensive to manufacture. This is why cameras fitted with the CMOS sensor are cheaper when compared to those that make use of the CCD sensor.
Anti-Aliasing Filter
The anti-aliasing filter also known as the low-pass filter is found right before a sensor in a DSLR camera. Although not all cameras have this filter, the Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D do.
The job of the AA filter is to prevent the occurrence of moiré. Moiré is the distinct repetitive pattern of lines and spots that appear in a captured image.
Moiré occurs when the resolution of these patterns on the captured subject is higher than the sensor resolution. Hence, cameras with low sensor resolution are bound to experience this than those with high sensor resolution.
The D5200 and the 70D might possess exceptional sensor resolutions for their camera category, however, they are still low. This makes these cameras prone to moiré appearing in captured images. Therefore, the manufacturers of both cameras fitted them with the AA filter to combat this occurrence.
Like many things that have both advantages and disadvantages, the AA filter also has its downside.
The anti-aliasing filter works by reducing the amount of light that passes through to the sensor. Hence, the resultant image is somewhat blurred which is how it gets rid of the patterns known as moiré.
What this means is that although moiré is dealt with, cameras with this filter produce images that are not so-detailed and somewhat blurry.
Screen Size and Type
Accessing and navigating through your camera’s menu will be a daunting task without the presence of a screen. One would not even be able to view captured images without this important feature.
The presence, size, and type of the screen make it easier for the user to carry out the necessary functions this feature offers. The Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D are fitted with a 3 inches articulated LCD screen.
This screen size makes viewing much easier than cameras with smaller screens. It also comes in handy during editing. Angles and areas that need editing can be easily detected with a larger screen.
An articulating screen is one that can be tilted, rotated, turned and swiveled. This screen sported by these cameras gives them an edge when it comes to capturing an image. Apart from viewing purposes, the screen can be used as a viewfinder to make sure the image is well-framed.
It is a common occurrence that certain angles can be somewhat difficult to capture especially when a camera’s screen is fixed. However, with an articulating screen, those angles can be easily captured.
Street and wildlife photographers know the importance of this feature in their line of work. Also, vloggers benefit significantly from this screen feature.
Since it is selfie-friendly, both cameras are great for capturing selfies with friends and family. You don’t always have to be behind the camera with this feature; you can be in front of it.
Viewfinder Type
We stated when discussing the screen feature that it can be used as a viewfinder. Nevertheless, the viewfinder feature is solely designed for that function.
The viewfinder is found behind the camera and it is used to frame and control shots. Using the viewfinder ensures that your captured shot will be within the frame and not out of it.
These cameras possess the same viewfinder type, however, other aspects of their viewfinders are different. The Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D make use of an optical viewfinder.
An important benefit these cameras get from this viewfinder type is that it saves battery consumption. How does it do this? Unlike the digital viewfinder that requires power to function, the optical viewfinder does not.
Maximum Video Resolution
These cameras can capture still images as well as motion images (video-recording). This is a quality most users today seek when choosing a camera.
The D5200 and the D70 have the same maximum video resolution of 1920 x 1080 full HD.
Built-in Flash
Remember when we said that lack of adequate light will lead to a poor image? Well, there are situations where you’ll need to capture a shot in inadequate/poor lighting conditions. How does one get a quality image out of such situations?
For starters, it will be quite helpful if your camera had a built-in flash. A built-in flash is designed to illuminate your subject and its surrounding thereby providing the required light for image capture and production.
The Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D have a built-in flash with a flash range of 12.0m. The flash range is the distance that the light from the flash can cover.
Hot Shoe (External Flash Shoe)
The hot shoe feature is found on the top of the D5200 and the 70D. It is a platform that allows the attachment of certain accessories to the camera.
One of the frequently used accessories is the external flash. The frequency of its usage has caused many to refer to the hot shoe as the “external flash shoe”
The external flash is the second option available when one finds himself/herself stuck in a low light condition. It might add to your camera’s overall weight, but it will add more flash power than your built-in flash.
Need a recommendation for a good external flash? The ESDDI Camera Flash Speedlitewill most likely do the trick.
Learn how to sync an external flash with the Canon 70D in the next video.
Microphone Port
Since both cameras can record video, it is only fitting that they record audio as well. They carry this out thanks to their built-in microphones.
However, many have observed that these microphones do not do justice to the sound produced as one would desire. Therefore, certain cameras like these in comparison still have a microphone port.
The microphone port allows the user to connect an external microphone to the camera. These external microphones might add some weight to the camera, but they produce high-quality audio than the built-in microphones.
Storage
Advancement in camera technology has allowed digital cameras to store images internally. However, cameras like the Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D have storage card slots instead of internal memory storage.
The single card slot storage in both cameras allows them to make use of
SDXC cards for storage purposes. These cards can be changed when they are filled up and can be used to transfer new images from other devices to the camera.
Some cameras possess dual card slots that allow the use of two SD cards instead of one. However, since both cameras in comparison are amateur DLSRs, it is not so much of a big deal.
Apart from having a card slot storage, these cameras also support the use of UHS cards (UHS-I precisely). This is impressive as these cameras can read, write, and transfer files at ultra-high speeds with these cards. A maximum speed of 104MB/s can be attained when transferring files with these cards.
HDMI Port
The Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D are fitted with a mini HDMI port. This port allows these cameras to connect to a larger screen using an HDMI cable.
Hence, the images viewed on the camera’s screen can also be viewed on these larger screens.
Just like a large camera screen enhances viewing; larger screens do much more. Watching a movie, viewing captured images, and editing can be better enjoyed with a larger screen.
USB Port
Another port found in both cameras is the USB 2.0 port. One can connect these cameras to other devices with the use of a USB cable.
File transfers can be carried out from the camera to such devices and vice versa. It can also be used to sync the camera with these devices.
Bulb Shutter
The bulb shutter is used to manually hold the shutter open for longer exposures. This also aids in enhancing the image’s overall quality.
Both cameras in comparison have this feature.
Unique Features – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
What features does the Nikon D5200 possess which the Canon 70D lacks and vice versa? We address that in this section.
Nikon D5200 Unique Features
The following are unique features found in the D5200 that are missing in the 70D:
i. Time-Lapse Recording
ii. Slow Motion Videos
iii. Nikon F Lens Mount
iv. EXPEED 3 Image Processor
Time-Lapse Recording
The Nikon D5200 is equipped with a built-in intervalometer. Thanks to this, the camera can create time-lapse videos.
A time-lapse recording is a combination of different images of a particular subject that has been captured at different time intervals. It is then used to show the changes that have occurred as time progressed.
Examples of time-lapse videos include sunrise, sunset, moving traffic, growing plants, change in age, etc.
Slow Motion Videos
Not only can the Nikon D5200 record videos, but it can also do so in slow motion which is something the Canon 70D can’t.
Nikon F Lens Mount
The lens mount is found between the camera’s body and the lens in use. It is used to attach the lens to the camera and hold it in place.
The lens mount which is used by the Nikon D5200 is the Nikon F lens mount. This lens mount is exclusive to Nikon cameras. The Nikon company makes use of exclusive lens mounts for all its cameras.
The number and type of lenses a camera can make use of is majorly decided by the lens mount it uses. We shall discuss that later on.
EXPEED 3 Image Processor
Another exclusive Nikon feature is the image processors used by its cameras. Nikon cameras make use of the EXPEED image processors.
The Nikon D5200 is fitted with the EXPEED 3 which is the third generation of the EXPEED processors. This processor is responsible for the D5200’s performance speed and image production.
- 24 Megapixels DX-format CMOS image sensor
- 39 Autofocus (9 cross type) points
- 5 FPS continuous shooting
- 1080/30p HD video
- 100-6400 ISO (can be expanded to 25,600)
- 3 vari-angle LCD scren with 921,000 dots
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Canon 70D Unique Features
The following are unique features found in the 70D that are missing in the D5200:
i. Touch Screen
ii. Built-in Wi-Fi
iii. Smartphone Remote Control
iv. Built-in Environmental Sealing
v. Top LCD
vi. AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
vii. On-Sensor Phase Detect
viii. Canon EF/EF-S Lens Mount
ix. DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
Touch Screen
An advantage that the Canon 70D has over the Nikon D5200 in terms of the screen is the touch screen feature.
The touch screen allows the user to access and control the camera. All you need to do is swipe, tap, and pinch the screen to operate it. This feature allows for easy and faster control.
The presence of the touch screen in most cameras reduces the need for many buttons just as it has done with our mobile phones. Hence, the body design of such cameras is sleeker.
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wireless connection is pretty much a big deal in our world today. A feature that ensures this is constant even with cameras is the Wi-Fi feature.
The 70D is fitted with a built-in Wi-Fi that allows this camera to connect and perform many wireless functions. We’ll mention some below.
You can transfer files to your PC or smartphone from your camera and vice versa thanks to this feature. Even printing of images can be done wireless with the aid of a Wi-Fi-enabled printer.
Do you want to share your images directly to your social media platforms? No problem. Using the Canon Image Gateway, you can do so easily.
Smartphone Remote Control
With the EOS remote app, you can control the 70D with your smartphone just like you would your television. This is possible thanks to the camera’s Wi-Fi feature which allows both devices to connect wirelessly.
Built-in Environmental Sealing
The Canon 70D has an environmental sealing feature that makes it splash and dust resistant.
Although it is not water-resistant, it can be used in situations where little drops of water might splash on it. Also, being dust-resistant allows you to use this camera in dusty environments.
Top LCD
The Top LCD is a small screen found at the top of cameras like the Canon 70D that gives users faster access to basic camera settings. This is better employed when using a tripod stand.
AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
This feature allows the 70D to adjust and fine-tune its autofocus which enhances image quality.
On-Sensor Phase Detect
This feature enhances live view and video autofocus performance.
Canon EF/EF-S Lens Mount
Just like its competition, the Canon 70D employs a lens mount that is exclusive to Canon cameras. It is fitted with the Canon EF/EF-S lens mount.
DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
The Canon company also makes use of exclusive image processors known as the DIGIC. The Canon 70D is run by the DIGIC 5+ which is an upgrade on the already impressive DIGIC 5.
- 20.2 Megapixels APS-C CMOS image sensor. DIGIC 5+ image processor
- 19 points cross-type AF System
- 7 frames per second shooting
- 100-12800 ISO (can be expanded to 25600)
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- 3 inches articulating LCD touchscreen; 1,040,000 dots
- 1080 and 720 HD video (MOV/H.264/MPEG-4)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Check out this Canon 70D review below.
Unique Pros – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
In this section, we examine the features found in both cameras but with different performance levels. In other words, we discuss which camera has the upper hand in terms of features found in both.
Nikon D5200 Unique Pros
Which has a Higher Sensor Resolution D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 has a higher sensor resolution than the 70D. It has 24.1 megapixels while the Canon 70D has 20.2 megapixels. With 19% more megapixels the Nikon D5200 will produce better-detailed images than the 70D.
The sensor resolution of a camera refers to the number of details a senor can detect and capture. It is measured in megapixels. A higher sensor resolution will translate into a better detailed image.
The user can also crop and print images without being afraid of blur or grain when the sensor resolution is high.
The difference in sensor resolution also accounts for the difference in the pixel pitch of both cameras. the pixel pitch is the distance between an individual pixel’s center to that of the closest individual pixel.
The Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D have a pixel pitch of 3.91µm vs 4.11µm respectively.
Which has a Larger Sensor D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 has a larger sensor than the 70D. The Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D have a sensor size of 23.5 x 15.6mm and 22.5 x 15mm respectively. This means the D5200 is larger by 9%.
The format factors of both cameras are also different with 1.5 for the D5200 and 1.6 for the 70D. Meanwhile, both have a 3:2 native aspect ratio.
We stated that both cameras have the same sensor format. However, it does not automatically mean their sensor sizes are the same.
A larger sensor has more advantage over a smaller one because its larger surface area allows it to capture more light: More light means better image quality.
It also improves the sensor’s performance which includes the color depth, dynamic range, and low light ISO. We discuss sensor performance better after this.
With a larger sensor, one can better control the camera’s depth-of-field. The subject can be easily isolated from its background provided a shallow depth of field is used.
Which has a Better Sensor Performance D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 has a better sensor performance than the 70D. It has an overall score of 84 while the Canon 70D has 68.
When the color depth of these sensors was tested, the results were 24.2 bits for the Nikon camera and 22.5 bits for the Canon camera. The Nikon D5200 did better. Since the color depth is the measure of the number of individual colors a sensor can capture, the D5200 will produce richer colored images.
The dynamic range test shows that the Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D have a dynamic range of 13.9 and 11.6 respectively. Once again, the D5200 does better. With a higher score, the Nikon camera can detect details within the lightest and darkest points within a frame better than the 70D.
The final test which is the low light ISO revealed the Nikon D5200 to have a score of 1284 while the Canon 70D had 926. With a better score, the D5200 can capture clearer images in low light than then 70D.
The sensor performance of a camera is determined by three major aspects. These are the color depth, dynamic range, and low light ISO. The aggregate of these three gives the overall performance of a sensor.
These results are not gotten by guesswork but by tests carried out by the DXO mark company.
Which is Smaller D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 is smaller than the 70D. 129 x 98 x 78mm and 139 x 104 x 79mm are the size dimensions for the Nikon D5200 and the Canon 70D correspondingly. Being 10mm narrower, 6mm shorter, and 1mm thinner, the D5200 is about 13% smaller.
Size is important when choosing a camera. It is known that many prefer smaller-sized cameras that deliver quality images. This is because they are more convenient to carry about.
On the flip side, when using larger lenses, smaller cameras can be somewhat unbalanced as some have come to notice.
Which has a Better Video Recording D5200 or 70D?
The Nikon D5200 records video better than the Canon 70D. It records at a faster frame rate of 1080p/60fps versus the 1080p/30fps which the latter offers.
Furthermore, the D5200 can shoot in both MPEG-4 and H.264 video formats. The 70D, on the other hand, can only shoot in the H.264 video format.
Which has a Larger JPEG Buffer D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 has a larger JPEG buffer than the 70D. Unlike the Canon 70D that has 65 shots of JPEG buffer, the Nikon D5200 has an unlimited capacity. In other words, you can shoot as many JPEG pictures as you want in this mode with the D5200.
The cameras in comparison can shoot in burst mode also known as continuous shooting. Burst mode allows you to shoot continuously non-stop for a while.
How long you can keep shooting in this mode is dependent on your camera’s buffer capacity. The buffer is temporary storage that keeps the images stored in burst mode before moving them to the main storage.
The larger the buffer space you have, the longer you get to shoot. Once your buffer gets filled, continuous shooting stops. Your images are then transferred to the main storage. After that, you can continue again until it is full again.
The buffer capacity for JPEG and RAW images might be the same or might be different. In most cases, they are different and the buffer will accommodate more JPEG images than RAW images. Want to know why? We answer that in the common pros section.
Which has More Focus Points D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 has 20 more focus points than the 70D. It has 39 focus points while the 70D has 19.
The autofocus of a camera is enhanced by the number of focus points it possesses as well as their positions. When many focus points are used at once, the overall image is enhanced as a result of better-defined autofocus.
The focus point accuracy is determined by the aperture of the lens in use.
The next video will teach you how to manually focus the Nikon D5200.
Which is Lighter D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 is lighter than the 70D by 200g (26%). The Nikon weighs 555g while the 70D weighs 755g.
If a camera is too heavy, it becomes a burden. Therefore, lighter cameras are more preferred and advantageous.
Which has a Faster Startup Delay D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 has a faster startup delay than the 70D. It has a 500ms startup delay while the Canon 70D has 700ms startup delay.
The camera’s startup delay is the period between when the power button is pressed and when the camera is functional.
During this period, you’ll have to wait while your camera boots. This can cause one to miss some important shots. Wildlife photographers understand this better than most.
Which is Cheaper D5200 or 70D?
The D5200 is cheaper than the 70D. It is three times (38%) cheaper than the Canon 70D because it was introduced into a lower market category.
We all know how important this is. If the price of a camera is beyond our budget, we opt for an alternative. If push came to shove in such a situation, many will opt for the Nikon D5200 over the Canon 70D.
Canon 70D Unique Pros
Which has a Higher Maximum ISO 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a higher maximum ISO than the D5200. It has an ISO range of 100 – 12800 while the Nikon D5200 has an ISO range of 100 – 6400.
Both cameras have the same minimum ISO but different maximum ISO. This is where the Canon 70D has the advantage with twice the maximum ISO value of the D5200.
However, both cameras can be expanded to a maximum ISO of 25600. The Nikon D5200 made a major leap in this regard.
The ISO measures the sensor’s sensitivity to light. The ability of the sensor to capture images irrespective of how low or high the lighting condition depends on the camera’s ISO.
Which has a Better Viewfinder 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a better viewfinder than the D5200 although both cameras make use of the same type of viewfinder. It is made from a pentaprism material while the D5200’s is made from a pentamirror.
The advantage this offers the Canon 70D is that the images are brighter and clearer than that produced by the pentamirror.
The 70D’s viewfinder has a wider coverage of 98% compared to the 95% coverage of the Nikon D5200. Furthermore, the Canon 70D’s viewfinder has a 0.60 magnification while the D5200’s viewfinder has 0.52 magnification.
Which has a Larger RAW Buffer 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a larger RAW buffer than the D5200. It can take up to 14 RAW images before getting filled up. The D5200, on the other hand, can capture just 7 RAW images before its buffer is full.
Hence, the 70D offers you a better RAW format shooting experience in burst mode
Which has a Faster Continuous Shooting Speed 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a faster continuous shooting speed than the D5200. It has a shooting speed of 7 frames per second for both JPEG and RAW images. With 2 fps less, the Nikon D5200 has a shooting speed of 5 frames per second for both image formats.
Apart from the buffer size, another feature that makes burst mode shooting pleasurable is the continuous shooting speed of the camera.
The continuous shooting speed measures how many images can be captured in one second. The faster the speed the more images you can capture within a second.
Which has a Better Screen Resolution 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a better screen resolution than the D5200. The Canon 70D and the Nikon D5200 have a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots and 921,000 dots respectively. Hence, the 70D will display better-detailed images of about 12% than the D5200.
Screen resolution is the number of details a camera’s screen can effectively display. It is measured in dots.
The cameras in this comparison may possess the same screen size, however, their screen resolutions are different.
Which has More Cross-Type Focus Points 70D or D5200?
The Canon 70D has 10 more cross-type focus points than the Nikon D5200. It has 19 of such while the D5200 has 9 cross-type focus points.
Cross-type focus points make up the total number of focus points that a camera possesses. They are only different because they, unlike the normal focus points, they can detect details in horizontal and vertical lines.
Which has a Longer Battery Life 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a longer battery life than the D5200. It is fitted with an LP-E6 battery that allows it to capture 920 shots after being fully charged. This is impressive for an amateur camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon D5200 can capture 500 shots with its EN-EL14 power pack. This battery life falls within the standard range of most amateur cameras.
Hence, the Canon 70D offers 420 shots more than the D5200.
Which has More Available Lenses 70D or D5200?
The 70D has more available lenses than the D5200. It has 17 native lenses and 3 optical stabilization lenses more at its disposal.
The Canon EF/EF-S lens mount allows the Canon 70D to make use of 319 native lenses and 91 optical stabilization lenses. While the Nikon F lens mount makes 302 native lenses and 88 optical stabilization lenses available for the Nikon D5200 use.
Since both cameras make use of different lens mounts, the number and type of lenses available for use are also different.
Which has a Farther Telephoto Lens Reach 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a farther telephoto lens reach than the D5200. With a telephoto lens, the Canon 70D can cover a distance of 216mm while the Nikon D5200 will only manage 83mm.
Which has a Faster Shutter Speed 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a faster shutter speed than the D5200. The Canon 70D and the Nikon D5200 have a shutter speed of 1/8000s and 1/4000s respectively. With twice the speed of the D5200, the 70D enjoys the benefits this feature offers better.
With faster shutter speed, you can shoot wide open in bright light. It also reduces the occurrence of having a blurred image.
The video below has more explanation on shutter speed.
Which has a Longer Shutter Life Expectancy 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a longer shutter life expectancy than the D5200. It has a shutter life of 150,000 cycles while the Nikon D5200 has 100,000 cycles. Therefore, the 70D is expected to last 50,000 cycles more than the D5200.
Shutter life expectancy is a mark of how long you can use your camera before there is a need to replace the shutter mechanism. In other words, it gives you a guarantee of how long the shutter will last before encountering a fault.
Which has Less Shutter Lag 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a shutter lag than the D5200. With 75ms shutter lag, the Canon 70D leaves the Nikon D5200 lagging with its 302ms shutter lag. So, your wait will be lesser with the Canon camera.
Shutter lag refers to the waiting period between when the shutter button is pressed to capture an image and when the image is saved.
This period of inactivity can cause a photographer to miss out on important shots. Hence, a camera with less shutter lag is generally preferred.
Which has a Wider AE Bracketing Range 70D or D5200?
The 70D has a wider AE bracketing range than the D5200. It has a range of ±3 EV. The Nikon D5200, on the other hand, has a bracketing range of ±2 EV.
Which is Newer 70D or D5200?
The 70D is newer than the D5200. The 70D was announced on the 6th of November 2012 while the Nikon D5200 was announced on the 2nd of July 2013.
The age difference between these cameras is just about 6 months and some days with the 70D being the newer of the two. However, it does not account for much except maybe in terms of image processors. This is why the Canon 70D has a faster performance rate.
Newer cameras tend to benefit from technological advancements that weren’t available to older cameras. This is why many folks keep upgrading their cameras.
Unique Cons – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
Nikon D5200 Unique Cons
i. No touch screen.
ii. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi.
iii. It does not have environmental sealing.
iv. The top LCD is absent.
v. It cannot fine-tune its autofocus.
vi. It cannot be remotely controlled with a smartphone.
vii. No On-sensor phase detect feature.
Canon 70D Unique Cons
i. It cannot time-Lapse recording.
ii. It cannot make slow-motion videos.
Common Pros – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
| Nikon D5200 | Canon 70D | |
| Supports RAW Format | There are two major formats wherein DSLR cameras capture images: These are the JPEG and RAW formats. The latter is of better quality than the former. This is because they are left in their uncompressed, unaltered state. Apart from its better quality, photographers prefer the RAW format because it is easier to edit. RAW images are larger which means they’ll take up more of your storage. This is why you can only store fewer RAW images in your buffer when in shooting in burst mode. The Nikon D5200 shoots in JPEG and RAW formats. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| Has Face Detection Focus | With the face detection focus, the camera can automatically detect the human faces within a frame. It then places the right amount of focus on them. The result of this is a well-detailed and expressive image. The Nikon D5200 has this feature. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| AE Bracketing is present | The AE bracketing feature allows the user to shoot in HDR and tough lighting conditions. When shooting in tough lighting conditions, this feature automatically adjusts the camera’s settings to suit the condition. The D5200 enjoys these benefits. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| Uses Phase-Detection Autofocus | Cameras make use of the phase-detection autofocus system or the contrast-detection autofocus system. However, some make use of both AF systems. The Nikon D5200 makes use of the phase-detection AF system. This gives the camera certain advantages which include continuous autofocus and subject tracking. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| Has HDR Mode | HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode allows the user to enhance the image’s dynamic range. Three images are shot at different exposures and are combined into a single image. This picture highlights the image’s finest parts. The D5200 has this feature which makes it particularly useful for landscapes and portraits. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| Live View Mode | Live view mode allows you to make use of the screen as a live viewfinder. The Nikon D5200 has this feature. With the live view mode, one can view the focus points directly and make changes thereby enhancing the camera’s overall quality. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
Common Cons – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
| Nikon D5200 | Canon 70D | |
| No Built-in Image Stabilization | The built-in image stabilization feature prevents the camera from producing blurred images. This happens when the subject or the photographer shakes during image capture. The occurrence of blurred images is predominant with cameras that possess a slow shutter speed. The Nikon D5200’s shutter speed cannot be categorized as fast and it does not have this feature. Nevertheless, this camera can still make use of any of the 88 optical stabilization lenses at its disposal. | Same as Nikon D5200 except, the Canon 70D has 91 optical stabilization lenses at its disposal. |
| No Built-in GPS | The built-in GPS feature is also absent in the D5200. This feature would have provided users with the geotagging function. Geotagging allows you to add the precise current location to your captured image. This function is employed most by wildlife and landscape photographers. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| No Built-in Focus Motor | The built-in focus motor allows a camera to carry out autofocusing with all the available lenses. Hence, not all of the lenses available to the Nikon D5200 would be able to autofocus since it lacks this feature. Some newer Nikon lenses though are designed with the ability to autofocus independent of the camera. Therefore, such lenses can be used to overcome this limitation. | Canon cameras lack this feature because most of the lenses used by Canon cameras have independent autofocus. |
| No Panorama | The Nikon D5200 cannot stitch pictures together to form a panoramic photo because it does not have the panorama feature. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| No Focus Peaking | The focus peaking allows the camera to highlight what is in focus. With the D5200, one cannot do that. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| No NFC | The NFC (Near Field Connection) feature works in sync with the Wi-Fi. It makes pairing with supported phones much easier. Since the Nikon D5200 lacks the Wi-Fi feature, including this feature won’t be of much use. | Same as Nikon D5200 except it has Wi-Fi. |
| No Built-in Bluetooth | Bluetooth is a feature we are familiar with thanks to our mobile phones. When fitted into a camera, the Bluetooth allows the camera to connect with other Bluetooth devices. This way, files can be shared from the camera to these devices and vice versa. The D5200 is not fitted with Bluetooth, therefore, it cannot perform those functions. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
| No Headphone Port | The Nikon D5200 cannot make use of a headphone. This is because it does not have a headphone port that would have allowed for such a connection. A Bluetooth headphone would have been the alternative, but it also lacks the Bluetooth feature as we mentioned above. | Same as Nikon D5200 |
Check out these other interesting comparison articles below:
Nikon D3200 vs D60 – In-depth Comparison
Nikon D3200 vs Canon 650D – Extensive Comparison
Nikon D7000 vs Canon 600D – Detailed Comparison
Nikon D3100 vs Canon T3i – Which is Better For You?
Nikon D3100 vs D300 – Which Should You Buy?
Nikon D3100 vs D3000 – Extensive Comparison
What Users Think About These Cameras – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
| Nikon D5200 | Canon 70D |
| The imaging of the Nikon D5200 was praised by its users. Even when used at higher ISOs, the images were said to be sharp and detailed. | Some folks who upgraded from the D60 (D70’s predecessor) said the image quality is improved upon; albeit slightly. |
| The body design of the D5200 was praised by a good number of users. | Users of the Canon D70 were okay with the camera’s body design. |
| Many users applauded the camera’s video recording ability. | The D70 got the same response as the D5200 from its users concerning its video recording ability. |
| The price of the Nikon D5200 is pretty affordable and users were thrilled about this. | Not everyone was enthusiastic about the price of this camera. |
| Certain users complained about the camera’s slow autofocus, especially in low light. | The Canon D70 was commended for its amazing autofocus ability. |
| “Changing basic settings takes more time on the D5200”, a certain user reported. | Such a complaint was not gotten concerning the D70. |
| The absence of the Wi-Fi feature generated a huge outcry from most users. | The Wi-Fi remote shooting of the camera was praised. |
Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D – FAQs
Is the Canon 70D good for photography?
The Canon 70D is very good for photography. It works well for landscape, wildlife and sports photography. A major reason for this is its incredible 20.2 megapixels sensor resolution that allows you to capture incredibly detailed images.
The articulating screen makes the 70D capable of capturing difficult landscape especially when used with a tripod stand. Hence, it is a trustworthy camera for landscape photographers.
And if you are into wildlife or sports photography, the Canon 70D has you covered. It has 19 AF points that allows you to track and lock and track your subject. It also has a continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second so that you don’t miss any moment.
Does the Canon 70D shoot 4K?
The Canon 70D does not shoot 4K video. It does not even shoot full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution at 60 frames per second (fps).
The 70D is capable of shooting Full HD video resolution at 30 fps and 24 fps (for NSTC mode, and 25 fps for PAL mode). It can also shoot HD (1280 x 720) resolution at 60 fps (50 fps for PAL mode).
The Canon 70D uses the DUAL Pixel CMOS AF system which allows the camera to acquire focus at a faster rate.
Is 1080p better than 4K?
1080p is not better than 4K. The primary reason is because 1080p resolution is lower than 4K resolution.
1080p video also known as Full HD video has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. The 4K video, on the other hand, also known as UHD (Ultra High Definition) Video has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
As a result, 4K video is capable of producing intricately detailed images which is 4 times what the 1080p video will produce.
How do I clean my Canon 70D?
The steps below will guide you on how to clean your Canon 70D:
i.Remove the lens.
ii. Turn on the camera.
iii. Display the menu by pressing the Menu button.
iv. Select Sensor Cleaning under the 4th set-up tab.
v. Press Set.
vi. Select Clean manually.
vii. Press Set.
viii. Press the left navigation key to Ok.
ix. Press Set.
x. Your camera’s reflex mirror will then lockup and the shutter will be opened. You will see “CLn” blinking on the screen.
xi. Blow out surface dust using a commercial blower. Do not allow the blower to touch the sensor directly.
xii. Turn off the camera after cleaning.
xiii. Replace the lens.
How do I set my Canon 70D to Raw?
The steps below will guide you on how to set your Canon 70D to RAW:
i. Turn on the camera using the power switch.
ii. Display the menu by pressing the Menu button.
iii. Select Image quality under the shooting tab 1.
iv. Press Set.
v. Rotate the main dial to choose a RAW setting.
vi. Press Set.
RAW images are useful when you need to alter the captured image by yourself or you are shooting a subject that is important.
Conclusion – Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D
| Nikon D5200 | Canon 70D |
| The Nikon D5200 does far more than an average amateur camera. It delivers detailed-imaging that is somewhat akin to that produced by older semi-pro cameras. It will work great for amateur and even enthusiast photographers. | The Canon 70D is an amateur camera that hits you with a truckload of features you weren’t expecting. Apart from delivering great images, it also has features that make shooting more convenient and fun. |
