Nikon D5200 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
      68
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      64
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D5200 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D5200 was introduced in May 2013 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 was introduced in April 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D5200 Highlights

      • 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 39 Focus Points (39 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Highlights

      • 24.6 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D5200
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D5200 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.

      PROS

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 84
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots

      Advantage of Nikon D5200

      Nikon D5200
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D5200 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.

      Nikon D5200 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
      Video Capture vs
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Higher Boosted ISO 25,600 vs 6,400
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 39 vs 9
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Built-in Flash vs
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.2 vs 23.8
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.9 vs 12.2
      Higher DxO Overall Score 84 vs 79
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz) vs 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D5200.

      Nikon D5100
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D5600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5000
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Nikon D100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D3400
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Fujifilm S5 Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony NEX-5
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      APS-C

      14 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.3 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 over Nikon D5200.

      Nikon D5200 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Full Frame
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixel vs 24.6 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 vs 6048 x 4032
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 922k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 98%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.52x vs 0.74x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/200 sec vs 1/250 sec
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1284 vs 1415
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 500 shots vs 880 shots
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D5200 Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D5200 Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Optional
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D5200 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 have 3.0" screens with 921k dot and 922k dot resolutions respectively. Nikon D5200 has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has a Fixed screen

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      Nikon D5200 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D5200 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderSony Alpha DSLR-A850 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. Nikon D5200 has 95% coverage with 0.78x (0.52x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has 98% coverage with 0.74x magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D5200 features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 features a 24.6 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 576 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D5200 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 6048 x 4032 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4400 x 2936, 4400 x 2936, 3024 x 2016, 6048 x 3408, 4400 x 2472, 3024 x 1704, 3924 x 2656, 2896 x 1928, 1984 x 1320 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D5200 has Nikon F lens mount and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has Sony A lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D5200 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Full Frame sensor in Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D5200 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D5200 comes with EN-EL14 battery pack with battery life of 500 shots and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 880 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D5200 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has two card slots - one for Slot1 : Compact Flash (Type I or II, UDMA) and one for Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D5200 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D5200, and up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. Nikon D5200 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D5200 has 39 (9 cross-type) focusing points and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has 9 focusing points. Nikon D5200 has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D5200 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D5200 and ±3 EV range on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D5200 and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.


      Flash

      Nikon D5200 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Yes. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Nikon D5200 and 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D5200 body has dimensions of 129 x 98 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 3.07") and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 body has dimensions of 156 x 117 x 82 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 3.23"). Nikon D5200 weighs 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 weighs 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz).

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      129 mm

      98 mm

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      156 mm

      117 mm

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      98 mm

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      117 mm

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      78 mm

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      82 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D5200 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Nikon D5200 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      72
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      79
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   Large Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      82
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D5200 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and give them scores of 68 and 64 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      OVERALL
      68
      OVERALL
      64

      Sensor

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 84
      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79

      Photo

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      GOOD
      74
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      82
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      80
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D5200

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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