The Canon EOS 60D and the Nikon D5200 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2010 and November 2012. Both are DSLR [Digital Single Lens Reflex] cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 60D and the Nikon D5200? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The physical size and weight of the Canon 60D and the Nikon D5200 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The D5200 can be obtained in two different colors [black, red], while the 60D is only available in black.
If the front view area [width x height] of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D5200 is notably smaller [18 percent] than the Canon 60D. Moreover, the D5200 is markedly lighter [26 percent] than the 60D. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 60D is splash and dust resistant, while the D5200 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Yet, since both cameras are based around an APS-C sensor, their respective lenses will tend to have similar dimensions and heft. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog [60D] and the Nikon Lens Catalog [D5200].
Concerning battery life, the 60D gets 1100 shots out of its LP-E6 battery, while the D5200 can take 500 images on a single charge of its EN-EL14 power pack.
The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
Body Specifications # Camera Model Camera Width Camera Height Camera Depth Camera Weight Battery Life Weather Sealing Camera Launch Launch Price [USD] Street Price 1. Canon 60D 145 mm 106 mm 79 mm 755 g 1100 Y Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com2. Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 n Nov 2012 749ebay.com3. Canon 80D 139 mm 105 mm 79 mm 730 g 960 Y Feb 2016 1,199ebay.com4. Canon G3 X 123 mm 77 mm 105 mm 733 g 300 Y Jun 2015 999ebay.com5. Canon 7D II 149 mm 112 mm 78 mm 910 g 670 Y Sep 2014 1,799ebay.com6. Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 Y Jul 2013 1,199ebay.com7. Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com8. Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 Y Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com9. Canon 50D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 800 Y Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com10. Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699 amazon.com11. Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com12. Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com13. Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com14. Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com15. Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com16. Sony RX10 II 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 400 Y Jun 2015 1,299ebay.com17. Sony RX10 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 420 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D5200 was launched at a markedly lower price [by 46 percent] than the 60D, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider , and richer than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the D5200 is 11 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 [60D] and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio [sensor width to sensor height] of 3:2.
With 24MP, the D5200 offers a higher resolution than the 60D [17.9MP], but the D5200 has smaller individual pixels [ of 3.91μm versus 4.31μm for the 60D]. Yet, the D5200 is a much more recent model [by 2 years and 2 months] than the 60D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.
The resolution advantage of the Nikon D5200 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D5200 for good quality output [200 dots per inch] amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality [250 dpi] 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality [300 dpi] 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 60D are 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Canon EOS 60D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D5200 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS [Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor] sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ["DXO Landscape"], color depth ["DXO Portrait"], and low-light sensitivity ["DXO Sports"]. Of the two cameras under consideration, the D5200 offers substantially better image quality than the 60D [overall score 18 points higher]. The advantage is based on 2 bits higher color depth, 2.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
Sensor Characteristics # Camera Model Sensor Class Resolution [MP] Horiz. Pixels Vert. Pixels Video Format DXO Portrait DXO Landscape DXO Sports DXO Overall 1. Canon 60D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.5813662. Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.91284843. Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.21135794. Canon G3 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.3521635. Canon 7D II APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.411.81082706. Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.6926687. Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.01320748. Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.7854669. Canon 50D APS-C 15.1 4752 3168none21.811.46966310. Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.013068411. Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.014388412. Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.913388313. Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.211318114. Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.611838015. Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.911678016. Sony RX10 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.65317017. Sony RX10 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.912.647469
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the D5200 provides a faster frame rate than the 60D. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 60D and the D5200 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the 60D offers a wider field of view [96%] than the one in the D5200 [95%], so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the 60D has a higher magnification [0.59x vs 0.51x], so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 60D and Nikon D5200 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
Core Features # Camera Model Viewfinder [Type or 000 dots] Control Panel [yes/no] LCD Specifications [inch/000 dots] LCD Attach- ment Touch Screen [yes/no] Max Shutter Speed * Max Shutter Flaps * Built-in Flash [yes/no] Built-in Image Stab 1. Canon 60Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/8000s 5.3/s Y n 2. Nikon D5200optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 3. Canon 80Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n 4. Canon G3 Xoptional n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y 5. Canon 7D IIoptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s Y n 6. Canon 70Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n 7. Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n 8. Canon 7Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n 9. Canon 50Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 6.3/s Y n 10. Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 11. Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 12. Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n 13. Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n 14. Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n 15. Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n 16. Sony RX10 II2359 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 14.0/s Y Y 17. Sony RX101440 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y Note: *] Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
One feature that is present on the 60D, but is missing on the D5200 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.
The Nikon D5200 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 60D and the D5200 write their files to SDXC cards. The D5200 supports UHS-I cards [Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s], while the 60D cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D5200 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras [and selected comparators] provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Input-Output Connections # Camera Model Hotshoe Port Internal Mic / Speaker Microphone Port Headphone Port HDMI Port USB Port WiFi Support NFC Support Bluetooth Support 1. Canon 60DYmono / monoY-mini2.0- 2. Nikon D5200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0- 3. Canon 80DYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY- 4. Canon G3 XYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY- 5. Canon 7D IIYstereo / monoYYmini3.0- 6. Canon 70DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y 7. Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0- 8. Canon 7DYmono / -Y-mini2.0- 9. Canon 50DY- / ---mini2.0- 10. Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY 11. Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y 12. Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-- 13. Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0- 14. Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0- 15. Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0--- 16. Sony RX10 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY- 17. Sony RX10Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 60D [unlike the D5200] features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the 60D and the D5200 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 60D was replaced by the Canon 70D, while the D5200 was followed by the Nikon D5300. Further information on the features and operation of the 60D and D5200 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 60D Manual [free pdf] or the online Nikon D5200 Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 60D or the Nikon D5200 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Advantages of the Canon EOS 60D:
- More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view [96% vs 95%].
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification [0.59x vs 0.51x].
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen [1040k vs 921k dots].
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed [1/8000s vs 1/4000s] to freeze action.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots [1100 versus 500] on a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer [launched in August 2010].
Arguments in favor of the Nikon D5200:
- More detail: Has more megapixels [24 vs 17.9MP], which boosts linear resolution by 16%.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher [18 points] in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors [2 bits more color depth].
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details [2.4 EV of extra DR].
- Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions [0.7 stops ISO advantage].
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates [1080/60i versus 1080/30p].
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- More compact: Is smaller [129x98mm vs 145x106mm] and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight [by 200g or 26 percent] and is thus easier to take along.
- Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category [46 percent cheaper at launch].
- More modern: Reflects 2 years and 2 months of technical progress since the 60D launch.
If the count of individual advantages [bullet points above] is taken as a guide, the D5200 emerges as the winner of the match-up [12 : 9 points]. However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
60D 09:12 D5200
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 60D and the Nikon D5200 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 60D or the D5200 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites [amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]]. As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
Expert Camera Reviews # Camera Model AP score CL score DCW score DPR score EPZ score PB score Camera Launch Launch Price [USD] Street Price 1. Canon 60D5/5+..79/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com 2. Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 749ebay.com 3. Canon 80D4/5+ +4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 1,199ebay.com 4. Canon G3 X3.5/5+....4.5/54/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com 5. Canon 7D II4.5/5+3.5/584/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 1,799ebay.com 6. Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 1,199ebay.com 7. Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com 8. Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com 9. Canon 50D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com 10. Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699 amazon.com 11. Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com 12. Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com 13. Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com 14. Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com 15. Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com 16. Sony RX10 II5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2015 1,299ebay.com 17. Sony RX105/5+..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com Note: [+ +] highly recommended; [+] recommended; [o] reviewed; [..] not available.
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1D Mark II N vs Canon 60D
- Canon 1D Mark III vs Nikon D5200
- Canon 550D vs Canon 60D
- Canon 60D vs Canon 77D
- Canon 60D vs Canon M100
- Canon 60D vs Panasonic GX1
- Canon 60D vs Panasonic LX10
- Canon 90D vs Nikon D5200
- Canon RP vs Nikon D5200
- Leica V-LUX 4 vs Nikon D5200
- Nikon D5200 vs Nikon Z fc
- Nikon D5200 vs Panasonic TS7
Specifications: Canon 60D vs Nikon D5200
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.