Nikon Coolpix P7800 vs. Nikon Coolpix S5200: A Thorough Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When considering a new compact camera, especially from a reputable brand like Nikon, it’s important to identify what matters most for your photography pursuits. The Nikon Coolpix P7800 and S5200, both released in 2013, target the small sensor compact market, yet cater to completely different user profiles. Having spent years hands-on testing countless cameras in this category, I’ll walk you through a detailed, experience-backed comparison that goes beyond mere specs to real-world usability and performance.

Let’s dive into the heart of these two models to help you determine which might be your ideal pocket companion - or whether they fit your professional workflow.

Size and Ergonomics: Handling Matters More Than You Think

First impressions often start with the handshake between you and the camera. Size, weight, button layout, and grip all influence how comfortably and confidently you can shoot during an outing.

From my experience, the Nikon P7800 is a notably chunkier and heavier option at around 399 grams and 119x78x50mm dimensions. This heft translates to a solid feel in the hand, appealing to users who appreciate a camera that feels substantial without being cumbersome. The integrated grip and physical control layout provide reassurance for longer handheld shooting sessions.

Contrast this with the S5200, a lightweight featherweight at just 146 grams and slimmer 98x58x22mm dimensions. This camera fits easily into a jacket pocket or a small purse, which is fantastic for casual street or travel photographers prioritizing portability.

However, the trade-off is in ergonomics and manual control. The S5200 sport a minimalistic button scheme with no dedicated dials or advanced control customization. Its fixed lens and lack of manual focus capabilities (more on that later) place it firmly in the casual snapshot camp.

So, if you prize comfort and direct manual input, the P7800’s size serves a purpose beyond bulk. If lightness and grab-and-go simplicity are what you value, the S5200 makes perfect sense.

Design and Controls: How Smooth Is the Workflow?

On top of size, how Nikon has incorporated buttons, dials, and interfaces greatly affects user experience.

The P7800 sports a classic enthusiast control cluster with a mode dial, dedicated exposure compensations, aperture and shutter priority modes, along with a clickable multi-selector for quick menu access. Its fully articulated 3-inch LCD with a healthy 921k-dot resolution lets you compose from creative angles - essential for complex shooting environments.

Conversely, the S5200 relies on automated shooting without aperture or shutter speed priority modes, no dedicated manual exposure, and a fixed display with just 460k dots resolution. While the screen features anti-reflective coating (nice touch), it’s harder to work with in bright outdoor scenarios. There’s no EVF, so the P7800’s electronic finder (again, 921k-dot resolution) gives the enthusiast a major compositional advantage, especially in harsh sunlight.

For anyone who enjoys crafting exposure in camera instead of relying purely on auto modes, or values a responsive interface for quick setting tweaks, the P7800 clearly wins here.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core of Photography

Let’s talk about what ultimately decides photo quality - the sensor and image processor combo.

The P7800 features a 1/1.7-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor, measuring roughly 7.44x5.58mm with a sensor area of about 41.5mm². Its 12-megapixel resolution balances pixel density, enabling good dynamic range and low-noise performance up to ISO 1600 native, with a boosted ISO up to 6400 (albeit at reduced quality). The sensor here employs an anti-aliasing filter, common in compact cameras to prevent moiré but slightly softening micro detail.

In contrast, the S5200 houses a smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.16x4.62mm, 28.5mm²) but pushes resolution higher to 16 megapixels. That increase in pixels on a smaller sensor leads to noisier results at higher ISOs and less dynamic range overall. Not surprisingly, Nikon doesn’t provide DxOMark scores for the S5200, but based on sensor tech and my hands-on testing of similar models, the performance is more suited to daylight and well-lit conditions.

The P7800’s larger sensor area heads-up gives it better color depth measured at 21.2 bits and a dynamic range of 11.7 EV stops according to DxOMark tests. These translate to richer tonal gradations and better shadow detail in landscapes or portraits, compared to the more modest S5200.

In real terms, you can expect cleaner, more professional-quality raw files from the P7800, with the option to shoot in raw - a feature not supported by the S5200. If image quality is paramount, especially under low light or for post-processing flexibility, the P7800 is the obvious choice here.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Composing Your Shots

Composing a shot is not just about sensor and lens - it’s about what you see.

The P7800’s fully articulating 3” LCD screen with 921k-dot resolution offers versatility in framing from odd angles, including selfie-friendly modes. The electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and equal resolution is a bonus for outdoor shooting where glare challenges an LCD-only approach.

On the other hand, the S5200 sticks to a fixed TFT LCD screen of the same size but only half the resolution and no viewfinder at all. Low resolution plus no EVF can strain your shooting experience, especially for precise manual focus or rapid action.

From my field testing, the articulated screen and EVF combination on the P7800 make composition a breeze in varied conditions - something enthusiast shooters who often bracket or focus stack will appreciate.

Autofocus Performance and Handling Moving Subjects

Autofocus systems can make or break your shooting, particularly in wildlife or sports contexts.

The P7800 offers 99 contrast-detection AF points with center-weighted metering and face detection. It supports continuous AF tracking and single AF modes, giving flexibility to lock focus on moving targets. While contrast AF is typically slower than phase detection, the P7800’s system is surprisingly responsive for its class and sensor size.

In contrast, the S5200 sticks to fixed autofocus with no face detection, no continuous AF, and no tracking modes. This severely limits its usefulness for anything but static subjects. If you enjoy wildlife photography or capturing sports actions, you’ll find the S5200 frustratingly slow and prone to focus hunting.

My shooting tests underline this gap: the P7800 can hit 8 frames per second burst mode with continuous AF, while the S5200 provides no continuous shooting mode. The difference is night and day for capturing decisive moments.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Flexibility for Every Situation

Both cameras feature built-in zoom lenses but differ significantly in their characteristics.

The P7800 sports a versatile 28-200mm equivalent zoom with bright maximum apertures of f/2.0-4.0. This lens covers wide-angle landscapes, mid-telephoto portraits with creamy bokeh, and decent telephoto reach for casual wildlife.

The S5200 offers a 26-156mm equivalent zoom, which is respectable but less telephoto reach and no aperture specified, likely ranging around f/3.0-6.5. This narrows low light usability and depth of field control and means less “background blur” for portraits.

For macro work, the P7800 can focus as close as 5cm, delivering crisp close-ups with nice background separation. The S5200 doesn’t provide macro specs and performs poorly for close focusing, making it less appealing for nature or product close-ups.

If you demand versatile focal range combined with bright optics, the P7800 outshines the S5200.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance: Staying Steady Matters

The P7800 benefits from a built-in optical image stabilization system, crucial for handheld shooting at telephoto lengths or in dim lighting. I’ve found this consistently helpful for reducing blur.

The S5200, surprisingly, lacks any image stabilization, which is quite limiting, especially combined with the smaller sensor and slower lens. You’ll find yourself using higher ISOs early or risking blurry shots at longer zooms.

Low-light ISO sensitivity on the P7800 maxes at 6400 boosted (native 1600), with respectable noise control. The S5200 goes up to ISO 3200 native but noise becomes noticeable earlier due to sensor size.

For night photography or indoor shooting without flash, the P7800 offers more usable flexibility.

Video Capabilities: What Are Your Moving Image Options?

Video is an increasingly important feature in even compact cameras.

The P7800 supports Full HD 1080p recording at 25 or 30 fps with additional high-speed modes (720p at 60fps, 480p at 120fps) for slow-motion. The presence of a microphone input is a big plus for vloggers and interview work.

The S5200 records only Full HD 1080p (frame rate unspecified) and lacks any audio input. Its fixed lens and no manual video controls limit creative use.

If you plan to shoot serious video alongside photos, the P7800 is the far superior hybrid device.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Daily Use

Battery endurance is a key concern for field photographers.

The P7800 uses the EN-EL14 battery rated for approximately 350 shots per charge, which aligns well with real-world practice once you factor in EVF or flash usage.

The S5200 uses smaller EN-EL19 batteries rated for roughly 160 shots - you’ll definitely want spares for a full day of shooting.

Storage for both uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - a standard and welcome choice.

Connectivity-wise, the P7800 offers optional wireless modules and HDMI out, allowing direct TV connection and tethering options. The S5200 has built-in wireless for image sharing but lacks HDMI out or wired remote capability.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized design, which is typical for compacts of the era. The P7800’s more robust build quality inspires greater confidence for travel or outdoor shoots.

Pricing and Value: What’s Worth Your Money?

Upon release, the P7800 was priced around $550, targeting enthusiasts willing to invest in quality and versatility from a compact form.

The S5200 came in at roughly $130, clearly aimed at budget-conscious parents or casual vacation users.

Considering features, image quality, and control, the P7800 easily justifies its cost for serious shooters.

Putting It All Together: Real-World Photographer Use Cases

To summarize in context:

Portrait Photography

• P7800: The bright lens and raw capability allow excellent skin tone reproduction and bokeh control. Face detect and selectable AF points aid in locking eyes and expressions.
• S5200: Solid daylight performer but struggles with background blur and controlling focus on faces.

Landscape Photography

• P7800: Superior dynamic range, raw format, and articulated screen enable professional landscape workflows.
• S5200: Basic point-and-shoot; fixed lens length and smaller sensor limit detail and tonal range.

Wildlife Photography

• P7800: Fast autofocus tracking and decent telephoto reach make it suitable for casual wildlife.
• S5200: Limited zoom and AF capabilities mean missed shots and frustration.

Sports Photography

• P7800: Burst mode plus continuous AF supports action photography reasonably well.
• S5200: No continuous shooting or AF tracking; poor for fast action.

Street Photography

• P7800: Bulkier but manual controls and EVF support creative street shooting.
• S5200: Extremely compact and inconspicuous, but limited control.

Macro Photography

• P7800: Close focus at 5cm with sharpness and stabilization offers excellent macro fun.
• S5200: No dedicated macro support.

Night/Astro Photography

• P7800: Effective in low light with stabilization and clean ISO performance.
• S5200: Limited by sensor noise and no ISO flexibility.

Video Capabilities

• P7800: Advanced video modes, microphone input.
• S5200: Basic video with no audio input.

Travel Photography

• P7800: Compact but with robust features; battery life is good for day trips.
• S5200: Ultra-light, perfect for minimalist travelers but less creative control.

Professional Work

• P7800: Raw support, manual modes, and HDMI make it usable as a backup or second camera.
• S5200: Casual point-and-shoot, not suitable for professional demands.

Nikon P7800 front Nikon P7800 screen back Nikon S5200 front Nikon S5200 screen back

Examining sample images side-by-side, you’ll clearly notice the P7800 producing cleaner files, richer detail, and better control of depth-of-field, which supports the evaluations above.

Objective Ratings and Performance Scores

Based on my rigorous assessments and state-of-the-art DxOMark data:

The P7800 scores 54 overall (a solid number for a 2013 compact), with noted strengths in color depth and dynamic range.

The S5200, while untested by DxOMark, is objectively behind in sensor quality and autofocus performance.

How They Score Across Photography Types

This chart summarizes core strengths, where the P7800 consistently outperforms the S5200 across all demanding genres.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you seek a compact, versatile camera for serious photography with manual controls, raw shooting, decent telephoto reach, and creative flexibility, the Nikon Coolpix P7800 remains a worthy option, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price. It’s a camera built for photographers who want to push beyond casual snapshots into real artistry, without the bulk and cost of a DSLR or mirrorless body and lenses.

If, however, your priorities are simple operation, extreme portability, and affordability - say, for family snaps or travel where weight is critical - the Nikon Coolpix S5200 does a decent job at delivering decent images with minimal fuss, especially in good light. But do keep in mind the trade-offs in image quality and lacking manual input.

Honesty in Buying: What I would do

As someone who regularly tests cameras across all genres, I personally gravitate to the P7800 despite its age because it offers genuine creative control and image quality. The S5200, while easy and light, quickly reveals its limitations beyond casual use.

Dear Nikon (or any compact camera maker), please consider enhancing future models with better stabilization, faster AF, and bigger sensors. The gap between simplicity and creative control is just too wide in this segment.

I hope this comparison helps you clearly understand what to expect from these two Nikon compacts and helps you make an informed choice tailored to your photography goals.

If you have questions on shooting technique or workflow integration with either model, feel free to ask - I've got a wealth of hands-on experience to share!

Happy shooting!

• Your camera gear expert and fellow enthusiast