d5200
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Nikon camera users say third-party batteries don't work after firmware update
Nikon released a firmware update for its D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200 and Coolpix P7700 cameras during November, which only seemed to change how battery life was measured for a specific pack (the EN-EL14a, if you were wondering). Well, that's what the patch notes would have us believe, anyway, but according to some owners who've updated, the new version also stops those cameras working with third-party batteries. This isn't the first time a camera maker has used code to block unofficial power packs, and it'll no doubt irritate those who've passed on Nikon's $41 (EN-EL14) or $60 (EN-EL14a) spares in favor of cheaper options missing a logo. There doesn't appear to be any way to roll back the firmware version, so if you hadn't gotten round to updating yet, you might want to reconsider. We've reached out to Nikon for comment, and if we find out exactly what's buried within the unassuming update, we'll fill you in right here.
Nikon D5200 to reach US photographers in late January for $900
Americans wanting to leap into DSLRs with a Nikon D5200 have had no choice but to sit on pins and needles waiting for a release date. As of CES, we know that they'll have a more comfortable seat very soon: the company has committed to bringing the advanced amateur camera to the US in late January for $900 with an 18-55mm lens in the box. Some of the D5200's companion accessories should be available at the same time, including the $95 WR-T10 and $278 WR-10 wireless remotes, the $127 WR-R10 remote transceiver and the $75 WR-A10 wireless remote adapter. The D5200 isn't the cheapest route into interchangeable lens cameras in the wake of these prices, but it potentially hits a sweet spot for those whose love of photography is just slightly more than a casual fling. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Nikon reveals D5200 SLR with D7000-taunting specs: 24MP sensor, 39-point AF, wireless port (hands-on)
The trusty D5100 and D7000 have held sway over Nikon's low-to-mid DSLR range for around 18 months now, but come December and there'll be a new option driving a wedge right between them. The D5200 will still fulfill the role of a lightweight "advanced beginner" model and physically it's the spitting image of the D5100, but at the same time it brings some fundamental and distinctly D7000-like photographic improvements to try to excuse its £720 (body-only) recommended retail price. (Update: that equates to around $1,150, but Nikon tells us that there's no official US pricing or arrival date at this time.) The D5200 offers a 39-point AF system for smarter focusing and tracking of moving subjects (compared to the 11-point module on the D5100), a 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor (whereas the D5100 judged exposure based on just 420 pixels), and a new Expeed 3 processor that permits up to five shots per second (versus the older camera's 4 fps). There's also a brand new main image sensor: a DX-format chip that is the same size as the D5100's and yet somehow squeezes in 8 million more pixels, bringing the effective resolution to 24.1 megapixels. Need more convincing? The camera also has a slightly simpler-looking UI, a stereo internal mic, more choice of h.264 frame rates up to 60 frames per second (in 1080i), and compatibility with Nikon's admittedly flaky WU-1a wireless adapter. Check out our hands-on video after the break plus a review roundup in the next few weeks, and then, if you're still not appeased, don't sweat it: the D5100 and D7000 will continue to be sold for the forseeable, and both with ever-increasing discounts.
