Editorial Review:

Product Description:
5.1-megapixel effective recording * 12MB of built-in memory * 1-1/2' color LCD * optical viewfinder * 5-point autofocus with AF Assist illumination *

Amazon.com Product Description:
Introducing the first digital camera to remove redeye in the camera--the Nikon Coolpix 5200. This metal-bodied compact digital camera features a thinner body and more stylized feature than its predecessors (the Coolpix 2200 and 3200). It offers a resolution of 5 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, and image storage in the 12 MB built-in memory or Secure Digital memory cards.

Optics and Resolution
The 5.0-megapixel CCD lets you capture spectacular images at resolutions up to 2,592 x 1,944 (a 15 MB file) and print enlargements at sizes up to 16 x 20 inches. It also features 2,048 x 1,536 (3 MP), 1,600 x 1,200 (2 MP), 1,280 x 9,600 (1 MP), 1,024 x 768 (PC), and 640 x 480 (TV) resolution modes. The retractable 3x Nikkor zoom lens has a focal range of 7.8 to 23.4mm (equivalent to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format), and features aspherical elements and an ED glass element. The Coolpix 5200 also has a 4x digital zoom.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at three different settings: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120 pixels. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand (either in internal memory or on external memory cards).

Enjoy in-camera red-eye reduction

More Features
Nikon's exclusive in-camera redeye fix function analyzes image data and corrects typical instances of redeye in less than 3 seconds. It's activated when the camera is set to redeye-reduction flash mode, where the typical preflash first minimizes the redeye effect. The camera then analyzes the picture using powerful image processing and analysis technology, which is completely automatic and transparent.

The 5200 features a 3x optical and a 4x digital zoom

You have a choice of automatic, preset, and seven manual white balance modes. Additionally, the Coolpix 5200 divides the shooting area into segments to determine the most appropriate setting for the faithful capture of colors. There's also a white-balance bracketing function, which takes a series of three shots at different white-balance settings with just a single press of the shutter release.

Other features include:

• 1.5-inch, 110,000-pixel LCD and real-image zoom viewfinder
• Built-in flash with redeye reduction, auto, anytime flash, flash cancel, and slow sync modes
• 15 scene modes, including four with Scene Assist (Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Sports); others include Sunset, Close Up, Museum, Beach/Snow, Fireworks Show, Back Light, Party, Copy, Dusk/Dawn, and Night Landscape
• Best Shot Selector (BSS) takes a series of shots, then automatically picks and records the clearest one
• Macro shooting capability as close as 1.6 inches

Printing

Get as close as 1.6 inches in macro mode

The Coolpix 5200 is PictBridge-compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to your printer without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages in case something goes wrong.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored in either the internal 12 MB flash RAM memory (with a capacity of approximately 10 high-resolution images) or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. Images can be downloaded to either Macs or PCs via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based PC running Windows Me/2000/XP or Mac running OS 8.6 or later without your having to install any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL5), which has an approximate battery life of 150 frames. It measures 3.5 by 2.3 by 1.4 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 5.5 ounces without the battery or memory card.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Nikon Coolpix 5200 digital camera, a hand strap, USB and A/V cables, a lithium-ion rechargeable battery (EN-EL5), a battery charger (MH-61), a quick-start guide, and an instruction manual. The CD-ROM features PictureProject photo management software, VideoImpression to edit QuickTime video files, and Panorama Maker to stitch together a number of images captured using the Panorama Assist Scene Mode.



Accessories:
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Accessories:

• PhotoPlus X2 Digital Studio
• Corel Photo Album 7 Deluxe
• Adobe Photoshop CS4 Upgrade
• Adobe Photoshop CS4
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 7

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Related Items:

• Nikon Coolpix Camera Case for 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3 & P4 Digital Cameras
• Nikon Case & Battery Kit for Coolpix 4200, 5200, 5900 & 7900 Digital Cameras
• SanDisk SDSDB-1024-A10/11 1 GB Secure Digital Card (Retail Package)
• Nikon EN-EL5 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for Coolpix P3, P4. P5000, S10, 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900 & 7900 Digital Cameras
• SanDisk SDSDB-512-A10/A11-512 MB Secure Digital Card (Retail Package)
• see more

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Rating: - just really bad pictures
After my last Nikon, which I really liked, had some problems with the zoom lens opening, I set out to find another camera. I really don't like change, so I looked for another Nikon with which I could use my rechargeable ion batteries and SD card. I chose the Nikon 5200. Bad choice. Maybe I just got a lemon? Not sure, but what I do know is that this camera takes the worst pictures. Practically impossible to get a clear, focused picture inside, and when I do get a picture that is technically focused, it just isn't very sharp. I recently took it on a beach vacation and got all my pictures back with an aura around the white things in the pictures (hair bow, sunhat, etc.). Let's see... bad inside, bad outside. Verdict? Just bad.

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Rating: - Awesome Camera!! Best Compact Digital Quality!
I purchased this camera over two years ago, and have never had a single problem with it! It takes professional quality photos, without the hassle and bulk of extra lens and such. I would highly recommend this camera!

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Rating: - Nikon Coolpix 5200 5MP
An easy to use and carry camera for those special moments. The
quality of photos is far superior to any other Digital Camera of
the same quality. It's small and packs easily for those vacations
that are near and far.

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Rating: - Eh, it's okay...
I've had this camera for a little over 2 and a half years. It has lots of features, and I have taken some decent pictures with it, but I have also been very frustrated trying to get a nice clean picture. (It is always blurry, or slightly out of focus)

For a little while now, the door to the battery has been half broken. Now it is completely broken and won't stay shut. Not by my doing, the plastic that would hold it closed wore down and broke off. It isn't a very good design for longevity.

I just recently got myself a Kodak Easy Share. I love it. Great pictures EVERY TIME!! Sooo much easier to use. So I gave this camera to my husband...haha...sucker! :)

In conclusion, it is a decent camera. It has seen me through some times. But for the price, you can get a much better camera for much less. I would have to say that I was disappointed with this camera in the long run, and I am very happy with the one I have now.

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Rating: - Awesome Pictures! After 2 years I'm on my 3rd one & Happy!
I've owned a few cameras since the digital age submerged the photo world in a sea of memory cards, megapixels and jpegs. I went from a horrible 1 MP Vivitar, to a great but really slow 4MP Minolta/Konica Camera, then to this Nikon 5200 in 2004. Initially, I was weary about buying a 5MP camera, since the technology advances and becomes cheaper within the space of a few months, but the 5200 was not the case. After the first year my first one was stolen and I decided to try out the really slim 6MP Casio Exilim s500 and I was quickly disappointed with picture quality, durabilty and start up speed, before exchanging it for my 2nd Nikon 5200. Last month after 1 year and half of consistently rough usage the battery door came loose and then stopped connecting at all. Even though the battery is still secure without the door there I wanted a new camera and was planning to upgrade to the $1700 Canon 30D, but after playing with the 30D instore, I decided I wasn't ready for that kind of commitment and realized I was genuinely happy with the Nikon 5200. I played around with newer models as well and found that the Nikon 5200 is still a top camera for taking awesome pics in a wide variety of settings and delivering sparkling prints. So I just purchased another Nikon 5200.

PROS: 1. Above all, this camera is really fast. That is my favorite feature. With other cameras I find that the start up and picture to picture speed is slow enough that you can miss many great picture opportunities whiles waiting for the camera to warm up.
2. Great Pictures in all ranges & conditions. I used this camera outdoors whiles on backpacking & mountaineering trips and always came back with great pics. Macro/Micro/close-up pics are awesome as well. I mainly use that mode for taking pictures of stuff I'm selling on eBay and I've gotten many of compliments from bidders on the quality of the pictures.

3. Long battery life. I usually fill up 1GB worth of pictures before the battery meter flashes that 50% power is remaining. After 2 years of lots of use the battery's stamina does dimish some like all electronics using lithium batteries.
4. Durable; I've dropped my 2nd one many times, used it in rain, snow, sleet, at the beach and it looks like it been thru war but works like new.
5. The Auto Picture mode actually works because the base of the camera is wide & flat enough to sit on ledges, tables, etc... so you can take many self pics where ever you go. I find slim style cameras (which is now the style of about 90% of mainstream cameras) fail at this unless you tote around a tripod.
6. Dynamic Flash Modes actually work. Also the Scene modes are easy to use once you understand what does what.
7. Video Mode has really loud sound recording and you can take unlimited length clips depending on you memory card'c capacity.
8. Nice package in box. Comes with alot a good stuff, software, cables etc.

CONS:
1. Weak battery door clip-in points. Most cameras have this weakness and its not inherent to any one brand. Most cameras' battery door have weak hinges which is alot worse than the weak clip-in points for the 5200's battery door that eventually wears down or break off after a few years of rough use. But in the 5200 defense the battery has its own internal sliding lock that holds it in place so the door in not even necessary to begin with. Also the way the door clip in points breaks is better than having the hinge break because its easier to fix with tape (or glue if you are skilled).
2. Learning the various camera modes and figuring out what does what takes some time only because the modes actually work (meaning every mode will give a different picture), and there are a lot of scene modes.
Especially when it comes to taking nighttime pictures, unless you are a genius with cameras expect to spend a few weeks to a month perfecting night pics on this camera. They are a few modes for night where you have to determine if you are in normal, party, fireworks, or dusk night then you have to figure out if you want the flash or not, then after that if you choose flash you have to figure out what flash mode you want(party, sunset, fill-in, macro) . The positive thing is when you learn the sweetspots you will find that this camera takes really good night pictures a big positive that is lacking in many reviews.
3. Battery Charging. Not really a con as much as it is my griping. I just wished the battery charged like a cellphone/iPod instead of having to travel with the separate charging plug cable & battery charger-block.
4. No Sepia or BW filter modes! However the software that comes with the 5200 enables conversion to these filters.

BOTTOM LINE: If you getting a 5 megapix camera that you want to last a long time and take great dymnamic pictures get this one!
It is also on Steve's Digicams ultimate "BEST Camera" list
(On the list it is refered to as the Nikon 5600
which is a European version that uses 2 regular AA batteries instead of the lithium ones that the 5200 has, other than that they are the same cameras.)