Nikon
D5200
Mid-range 24MP DX DSLR with 39-point AF, articulating vari-angle LCD, 1080p60 video, and no OLPF sensor.
$799
Launch priceReleased Nov 2012
Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 10.8 years newer.
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Wins
D5200
Wins
Zf
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 25,600)
- BZf has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 6 fps)
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- AD5200 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 273)
- AD5200 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 380 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD5200
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
D5200 is 6mm narrower and 5mm shorter than Zf but it is also 39mm thicker.
D5200 is 190 g lighter than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D5200 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D5200
138 × 98 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D5200
138 × 88 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D5200
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Zf
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D5200
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Zf
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D5200
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
AF points / zones
493 vs 273 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Weight
520 g vs 710 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -8.5 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
ISO max (native)
64,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only Zf supports it
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D5200
Pros
- ✓39-point AF (9 cross-type)
- ✓Articulating vari-angle LCD
- ✓24.1MP no OLPF sensor
- ✓1080p60 video
- ✓Good step-up from D3xxx
Cons
- –Single SD slot
- –No 4K
- –Superseded by D5300/D5500/D5600
- –DSLR platform declining
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D5200 and Zf at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, D5200 or Zf?
D5200 scores 9.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for Zf — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the D5200 and Zf?
D5200 is 24.1 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D5200 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
D5200 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D5200 or the Zf?
D5200 reaches 15 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D5200 and Zf?
D5200 weighs 520 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the D5200 is 190 g lighter.
Do the D5200 and Zf record 4K video?
D5200: 4K up to 60p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D5200 and Zf weather sealed?
D5200: Yes. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D5200 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the D5200 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D5200 launched at $799 and Zf at $2,049. The D5200 is $1,250 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D5200 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.