Canon 750D vs Nikon D5200: The Practical DSLR Face-Off for Today’s Shooter

When entry-level DSLR cameras arrived, they opened the door to professional-grade image quality for aspiring photographers who didn’t want to break the bank. Two popular models often mentioned in this category are Canon’s EOS 750D (or Kiss X8i outside the US) and Nikon’s D5200. Both debuted within a couple of years of each other and have remained stalwarts for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Having put both through their paces extensively, I’m excited to share a deep dive comparison reflecting real-world shooting experience, technical analysis, and practical recommendations. Whether you’re chasing luscious portraits, epic landscapes, or just want a versatile travel companion, this assessment should shed some light on which DSLR best suits your style.

Getting to Know the Players: Canon 750D and Nikon D5200 in Perspective

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, let’s place these two cameras on the timeline and market spectrum.

• Canon EOS 750D (announced February 2015): The successor to Canon’s 700D, the 750D features the DIGIC 6 image processor and 24MP APS-C sensor. It’s designed to appeal to entry-level DSLR buyers aiming to step up their photography seriously without moving into full-frame territory.

• Nikon D5200 (announced May 2013): A couple of years older, but still firmly in the entry-level DSLR camp. It boasts a 24MP APS-C sensor and Nikon’s Expeed 3 processor, pushing image quality and usability ahead of its predecessor, the D5100.

Both are compact DSLRs with fully articulated rear LCD screens and optical pentamirror viewfinders - classics that still appeal to photographers who prefer optical over electronic viewfinders. Let’s dig in first with how these two machines feel in the hand.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Up and Control Layout

If you’re going to spend hours behind the viewfinder - or crafting compositions while sipping a latte in the park - the feel and control placement matter. Both DSLRs weigh in at 555g, showing the industry trend for lightweight construction in entry-level bodies.

Physically, Canon’s 750D measures 132×101×78 mm, slightly larger than Nikon’s 129×98×78 mm form factor. It’s a subtle difference and mostly ruled by grip shape and button placement rather than raw dimensions. The Canon’s hand grip feels a bit more sculpted, lending a confident, secure hold, especially useful when wielding heavier lenses.

Peering down at the top panel, Canon neatly balances control dials and buttons, including dedicated ISO, exposure compensation, and drive mode keys. Nikon’s D5200 keeps it simple with a mode dial and fewer top-button controls, meaning you’ll do more in the menus. Canon’s added touchscreen LCD - we’ll get into that more later - adds another layer for intuitive adjustments.

In practice, if you’re a fan of quick tactile access without menu diving, the Canon 750D feels like a slight ergonomic upgrade. The Nikon D5200’s smaller, leaner body will appeal to those who prioritize a lighter rig and prefer a less complex control surface.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The Canon 750D and Nikon D5200 both boast 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensors - a significant resolution bump compared to earlier entry-level models. But dive a little deeper, and there are some fascinating differences impacting image quality.

Nikon’s sensor is slightly larger at 23.5 x 15.6 mm, compared to Canon’s 22.3 x 14.9 mm, giving Nikon a sensor area advantage (366.6 mm² vs Canon’s 332.27 mm²). This translates to a modest edge in light-gathering capabilities, especially beneficial in low-light conditions and maintaining image detail in shadows.

Trusted lab tests from DxOMark quantify this well:

Nikon’s sensor wins on color depth and dynamic range - a boon for landscape photographers who want to preserve subtle tonal gradations and retrieve details in shadow and highlight simultaneously. The Canon sensor is still respectable, but in side-by-side tests, Nikon often produces cleaner high-ISO shots with less noise.

On paper and in real shooting:

• Portrait photographers will appreciate both cameras’ crisp detail and pleasant color rendition - though Nikon’s slightly wider color gamut may edge skin tones towards a more natural look.

• Landscape shooters benefit from Nikon’s superior dynamic range - especially when pushing RAW edits in challenging lighting.

• Low-light shooters, such as night or event photographers, will note that Nikon’s sensor lets you push ISO a step higher before noise becomes intrusive.

More on how this translates below.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Eye on the Action

Sharp focus is non-negotiable for capturing fleeting moments or exquisite detail. Here is where these mid-teens DSLRs reveal subtle but crucial differences.

• Canon EOS 750D: Features 19 autofocus points - all cross-type - giving it solid precision across the frame. It employs hybrid AF combining phase detection and contrast detection in Live View. Importantly, Canon incorporated touchscreen AF, letting you tap to focus quickly or track subjects intuitively.

• Nikon D5200: Boasts a higher count with 39 AF points, including 9 cross-type sensors centered in the field. AF coverage extends wider, potentially improving tracking for erratic subjects. In Live View, it relies on contrast detection AF, which is slower than phase detection but acceptable for static subjects.

Both cameras offer continuous AF, face detection, and tracking modes, but Canon’s touch-enabled AF system often feels more responsive when shooting via Live View or video.

Continuous shooting speed is pegged equally at 5 fps on both cameras, which is adequate for everyday wildlife, street, and casual sports photography but may leave action shooters wanting.

The Viewfinder and LCD Experience: Composing Your Shot

Optical viewfinders remain beloved by DSLR shooters for immediacy and true-to-life colors. Both cameras use pentamirror designs with 95% frame coverage and approximately 0.51-0.52x magnification - roughly standard fare in this class.

But the rear LCD experience is where Canon stands out:

• The 750D sports a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1,040k-dot resolution. This makes composing from awkward angles, selfie-style shooting, and touch menu navigation a breeze. For video creators and vloggers, this flexibility is golden.

• The Nikon D5200 also has a fully articulated 3-inch screen but with slightly lower 921k-dot resolution and no touchscreen. It’s perfectly functional but lacks the immediacy and smooth interface Canon offers.

Overall, the Canon 750D’s user interface feels fresher and more intuitive, especially for beginners or photographers accustomed to smartphone-like touch controls.

Lens Ecosystem: Expanding Creative Horizons

Both Canon and Nikon boast formidable lineups of lenses - a major advantage for DSLRs.

• Canon’s EF and EF-S mounts offer over 320 compatible lenses, including affordable primes, professional-grade L-series glass, and a range of fast apertures and focal lengths.

• Nikon’s F-mount supports approximately 309 lenses, spanning vintage glass, modern AF-S lenses with built-in motors, and premium options.

Each brand’s APS-C crop factor affects lens selection - Canon’s 1.6x vs Nikon’s 1.5x crop means Nikon gains a slight telephoto reach advantage for the same focal length lens - a modest but relevant factor for wildlife and sports shooters.

Choosing between these platforms often comes down to lens availability, cost, and personal comfort. That said, Canon’s current market focus and prolonged popularity arguably give it a marginal edge in new lens introductions adapted for APS-C.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Taking It Outside

Despite being entry-level models, durability remains important.

• Neither Canon 750D nor Nikon D5200 feature weather sealing or professional-grade robustness. Both bodies are plastic-bodied with metal mounts.

• Their compact design makes them travel-friendly but not ruggedized for harsh environments.

Prospective buyers aiming at outdoors or adventure photography should invest in protective gear or pause for more weather-resistant models.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying in the Game Longer

In extended shooting sessions, battery life can make or break your day.

• Canon 750D’s LP-E17 battery delivers approximately 440 shots per charge, aligning with typical DSLR stamina at this tier.

• Nikon D5200’s EN-EL14 battery impresses with 500 shots, a noticeable edge for those who prefer less frequent battery swaps.

Both cameras offer a single SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC formats, supporting UHS-I speeds (750D explicitly notes compatibility).

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing and Workflow Integration

Shooting a zillion images is fun until you want to transfer them.

• Canon 750D shines with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. My experience transferring photos instantly to smartphones was seamless, perfect for social media enthusiasts.

• Nikon D5200 lacks built-in wireless but offers optional Wi-Fi adapters and GPS units - a bit old-school and less convenient.

Both cameras have HDMI outputs and USB 2.0 connectivity for file transfers and tethered shooting.

Video Capabilities: Motion Picture Performance

If video is on your agenda:

• Canon 750D records full HD 1080p at up to 30fps and offers touchscreen focus control during video capture. The inclusion of a microphone port is a plus, though no headphone jack limits advanced sound monitoring.

• Nikon D5200 pushes full HD 1080p at up to 60fps, offering smoother motion capture. It too has a microphone input, but lacks touch controls.

While neither shocks with 4K or advanced video features, the Nikon’s higher frame rate options favor action videography, and Canon’s touchscreen usability edges out ease of use.

Image Gallery: Real-World Shots From Both Cameras

Seeing is believing. Here’s a side-by-side sample gallery showcasing the Canon 750D’s and Nikon D5200’s output under different scenarios - portrait, landscape, macro, and wildlife.

Canon 750D screen back Nikon D5200 screen back

Notice the Nikon’s images show slightly richer shadow detail and less noise at elevated ISOs. The Canon images tend to have slightly warmer skin tones and smoother skin rendering. Both perform admirably for their price tiers.

How They Score Overall and by Photography Genre

For a snapshot summary, here are their overall and genre-specific performance ratings compiled from lab tests and real-world feedback:

The Nikon D5200 generally scores higher overall, particularly shining in low light, landscape, and wildlife genres. The Canon 750D holds its own in portraits and video usability.

Who Should Consider the Canon 750D?

• Beginners craving intuitive touchscreen controls and ease of use
• Portrait photographers who favor warm, inviting skin tones
• Travelers needing articulated touchscreen for versatility in composition
• Entry-level video creators seeking simple AF control during recordings
• Users invested in Canon’s extensive EF/EF-S lens ecosystem

It’s a camera that encourages exploration with friendly UI and solid image quality without overwhelming with complexity.

Who Should Opt for the Nikon D5200?

• Photographers prioritizing highest image quality and dynamic range at this price
• Outdoor enthusiasts wanting slightly better battery life and rugged, lightweight design
• Wildlife and sports photographers who need more autofocus points and faster AF tracking
• Landscape shooters valuing superior shadow retention and low noise
• Users comfortable navigating menus for deeper control without touchscreens

While a bit older, the D5200 remains a powerhouse for those who want robust image performance on a budget.

Wrapping It Up: Making Your Entry-Level DSLR Choice Real

After hundreds of hours of side-by-side use, the Canon EOS 750D and Nikon D5200 emerge as excellent cameras - each with focused strengths.

If you want a user-friendly, intuitive DSLR with solid all-around performance and a sleek touchscreen interface, Canon’s 750D wins points for accessibility.

If your priority is maximizing image quality, dynamic range, and you want more AF points - especially for action or landscape - then Nikon’s D5200 offers better pure photographic muscle.

Neither camera offers professional weather sealing or cutting-edge video, but they’re powerhouse tools for enthusiasts, hobbyists, and anyone wanting to learn solid DSLR craft without burning a hole in your wallet.

Don't overlook what your planned usage is: prioritize sensor and AF prowess for wildlife and sport, or choose ergonomic, interface comfort for portraits and travel.

For more detailed specs or where to buy, check manufacturer and trusted retailer sites, but rest assured: either camera can deliver wonderful photos and learning experiences - and that’s what counts most at this level.

Happy shooting!

Summary Table at a Glance:

Images used in this article were sourced from publicly available camera specification sheets and hands-on testing sessions.

If you’re still on the fence or have questions about specific genres, drop me a line or check out in-depth reviews and sample galleries online. Both Canon 750D and Nikon D5200 offer genuine DSLR value packed into accessible bodies.