Nikon Camera D5200 Reference Manual

							
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Troubleshooting
If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below 
before consulting your retail er or Nikon representative.
Battery/Display
Shooting (All Modes)
The camera is on but does not respond : Wait for recording to end. If the problem persists, turn the 
camera off.
 If the camera does not turn off, remove and reinsert the battery or, if you are using 
an AC adapter, disconnect and reconnect the AC adapter.
 Note that although any data 
currently being recorded will be lost, data that have already been recorded will not be affected 
by removing or disconnecting the power source.
Viewfinder is out of focus : Adjust viewfinder focu s or use optional eyepiece correction lenses 
( 0 17, 209).
Displays turn off without warning : Choose longer delays for Custom Setting c2 ( Auto off timers; 
0 160).
Information display does  not appear in monitor: Shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
 If 
information display does not appear when yo u remove your finger from shutter-release 
button, confirm that  On is selected for  Auto info display  (0 171) and that battery is charged.
Viewfinder display is unresponsive and dim : The response times and brightness of this display vary 
with temperature.
Camera takes time to turn on : Delete files or folders.
Shutter-release disabled :
• Memory card is locked, full, or not inserted ( 015, 18, 20).
• Release locked  is selected for Custom Setting f4 ( Slot empty release lock; 0 166) and no 
memory card is inserted ( 015).
• Built-in flash is charging ( 023).
• Camera is not in focus ( 022).
• CPU lens with aperture ring attached but  aperture not locked at highest f-number ( 0200).
• Non-CPU lens is attached bu t camera is not in mode M (0 201).
Only one shot taken each time shutter-release button is pressed in continuous shooting mode : Continuous 
shooting is not available if built-in flash fires ( 030, 45).
Final photo is larger than area shown in viewfinder : Viewfinder horizontal and vertical frame coverage 
is approximately 95%.
Photos are out of focus :
• AF-S or AF-I lens is not attached: use  AF-S or AF-I lens or focus manually.
• Camera unable to focus using autofocus: use manual focus or focus lock ( 034, 38, 40).
• Camera is in manual focus mode: focus manually ( 040). 
						

							
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Focus does not lock when shutter-release button is pressed halfway: Use A (L ) button to lock focus 
when live view is off and  AF-C is selected for focus mode or when photographing moving 
subjects in  AF-A mode ( 038).
Can not select focus point :
• e (Auto-area AF ; 0 36) is selected: choose another AF-area mode.
• Press shutter-release button ha lfway to start standby timer (023).
Can not select AF-area mode : Manual focus selected ( 040, 95).
Image size can not be changed : An NEF (RAW ) option is se lected for image quality (043).
Camera is slow to record photos : Turn long exposure noise reduction off ( 0153).
Noise (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright  pixels, fog, or lines) appear in photos:
• Choose lower ISO sensitivity or turn high ISO noise reduction on ( 0153).
• Shutter speed is slower than 1 s: us e long exposure noise reduction (0153).
• Turn  Active D-Lighting  off to avoid heightening the effects of noise ( 070).
No photo taken when remote control shutter-release button is pressed :
• Replace battery in remote control ( 0210).
• Choose remote control release mode ( 031).
• Flash is charging ( 023).
• Time selected for Custom Setting c4 ( Remote on duration (ML-L3), 0 161) has elapsed.
• Bright light is interfering with ML-L3 remote control.
Beep does not sound :
• Off  is selected for Custom Setting d1 ( Beep; 0 161).
• Camera is in quiet shutter-release mode ( 029), or movie is being recorded ( 0101).
• MF  or  AF-C  is selected as the focus mode or subject moves when 
AF-A  is selected ( 033).
Smudges appear in photographs : Clean front and rear lens elements.
 If problem persists, perform 
image sensor cleaning ( 0214).
Date is not imprinted on photos : An NEF (RAW ) option is selected for image quality ( 043, 163).
Sound is not recorded with movies : Microphone off  is selected for Movie settings  > Microphone  
( 0 103).
Flicker or banding appears during  live view or movie recording: Choose an option for Flicker reduction 
that matches the frequency of the local AC power supply ( 0172).
Menu item can not be selected : Some options are not available in all modes. 
						

							
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Shooting (P, S, A, M)
Playback
Shutter-release disabled:
• Non-CPU lens is attached: rotate camera mode dial to  M (0 201).
• Mode dial rotated to  S after shutter speed of “Bulb” or “Time” selected in mode  M: choose 
new shutter speed ( 057).
Full range of shutter speeds not available :
• Flash in use ( 048).
• When  On is selected for  Movie settings  > Manual movie settings  in the shooting menu, 
the range of available shutter speed varies with the frame rate ( 0104).
Colors are unnatural :
• Adjust white balance to match light source ( 076).
• Adjust  Set Picture Control  settings (086).
Can not measure white balance : Subject is too dark or too bright ( 080).
Image can not be selected as source for preset white balance : Image was not created with D5200 (082).
Effects of Picture Control differ from image to image : A  (auto) is selected for sharpening, contrast, or 
saturation.
 For consistent results over a series of photos, choose another setting ( 088).
Metering can not be changed : Autoexposure lock is in effect ( 063).
Exposure compensation can not be used : Choose mode P,  S, or  A ( 0 55, 65).
Noise (reddish areas or other artifa cts) appears in long time-exposures : Turn long-exposure noise 
reduction on ( 0153).
NEF (RAW) image is not played back : Photo was taken at image quality of NEF (RAW )+JPEG ( 043).
Some pictures are not displayed during playback : Select All for  Playback folder .
 Note that Current is 
automatically selected after photograph is taken ( 0148).
“Tall” (portrait) orientation photos are displayed in “wide” (landscape) orientation :
• Select  On for  Rotate tall  (0 149).
• Photo was taken with  Off selected for  Auto image rotation  (0 174).
• Photo is displayed in image review ( 0149).
• Camera was pointed up or down when photo was taken ( 0174).
Can not delete picture :
• Picture is protected: remove protection ( 0126).
• Memory card is locked ( 018).
Can not retouch picture : Photo can not be further edited with this camera ( 0178). 
						

							
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Miscellaneous
Can not change print order:
• Memory card is full: delete pictures ( 020, 127).
• Memory card is locked ( 018).
Can not select photo for printing : Photo is in NEF (RAW ) format.
 Create JPEG copy using NEF (RAW) 
processing  or transfer to computer and print us ing supplied software or Capture NX 2 ( 0134, 
186).
Picture is not displayed on TV :
• Choose correct video mode ( 0172) or output resolution ( 0147).
• A/V ( 0145) or HDMI ( 0146) cable is not correctly connected.
Camera does not respond to remote control for HDMI-CEC television :
• Select  On for  HDMI  > Device control  in the setup menu ( 0147).
• Adjust HDMI-CEC settings for the television  as described in documentation provided with 
the device.
Can not transfer photos to computer : OS not compatible with camera or transfer software.
 Use card 
reader to copy photos to computer ( 0133).
Photos are not displayed in Capture NX 2 : Update to latest version (0209).
Image Dust Off option in Capture NX 2 does not have desired effect : Image sensor cleaning changes the 
position of dust on the low-pass filter.
 Image Dust Off reference data recorded before image 
sensor cleaning is performed can not be used with photographs taken after image sensor 
cleaning is performed.
 Image Dust Off reference data record ed after image sensor cleaning is 
performed can not be used with photographs taken before image sensor cleaning is 
performed ( 0171).
Date of recording is not correct : Set camera clock (016, 173).
Menu item can not be selected : Some options are not available at certain combinations of settings 
or when no memory card is inserted ( 015, 178, 221). 
						

							
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Error Messages
This section lists the indicators and error messages that appear in the viewfinder and 
monitor.
AWarning Icons
A flashing  d in the monitor or  s in the viewfinder indicates that a warning or error message 
can be displayed in the monitor by pressing the  W (Q ) button.
Indicator
Solution0MonitorViewfinder
Lock lens aperture ring at 
minimum aperture (largest 
f/-number). B
 
(flashes) Set lens aperture ring to minimum aperture 
(highest f-number). 19, 
200
Lens not attached F
/s  
(flashes) •
Attach non-IX NIKKOR lens. 199
• If non-CPU lens is attached, select mode  M.59
Shutter release disabled. 
Recharge battery. d
/s  
(flashes) Turn camera off and recharge or replace 
battery.
2, 14
This battery cannot be used. 
Choose battery designated 
for use in this camera. d
(flashes) Use Nikon-approved battery. 209
Initialization error. Turn 
camera off and then on 
again. d
/k  
(flashes) Turn camera off, remove and replace battery, 
and then turn camera on again.
2, 14
Battery level is low. 
Complete operation and turn 
camera off immediately. —
End cleaning and turn camera off and 
recharge or replace battery. 217
Clock not set — Set camera clock. 16, 
173
No SD card inserted S
/s  
(flashes) Turn camera off and confirm that card is 
correctly inserted.
15
Memory card is locked.
Slide lock to “write” position. (
 
(flashes) Memor y card is locked (write protected).
 Slide 
card write-protect switch to “write” position. 18
This memory card cannot be 
used. Card may be damaged. 
Insert another card. (
/k  
(flashes) •
Use approved card. 211
• Format card.
 If problem persists, card may 
be damaged.
 Contact Nikon-authorized 
service representative. 168
• Error creating new folder.
 Delete files or 
insert new memory card. 127
• Insert new memory card. 15
• Eye-Fi card is still emitting wireless signal 
after  Disable  has been selected for  Eye-Fi 
upload .
 To terminate wireless transmission, 
turn the camera off and remove the card. 176 
						

							
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Not available if Eye-Fi card is 
locked.(
/k  
(flashes) Eye-Fi card is locked (write protected). Slide 
card write-protect switch to “write” position. 18
This card is not formatted. 
Format the card. T
 
(flashes) Format card or turn camera off and insert new 
memory card. 15, 
168
Card is full j
/A /s  
(flashes) •
Reduce quality or size. 42
• Delete photographs. 127
• Insert new memory card. 15
— ●
 
(flashes) Camera can not focus using autofocus.
 
Change composition or focus manually. 22, 
34, 40
Subject is too bright s 
(flashes) •
Use a lower ISO sensitivity. 49
• Use commercial ND filter. 209
• In mode:
S  Increase shutter speed 57
A  Choose a smaller aperture (higher 
f-number) 58
% Choose another shooting mode 3
Subject is too dark •
Use a higher ISO sensitivity. 49
• Use flash. 45
• In mode:
S  Lower shutter speed 57
A Choose a larger aperture (lower 
f-number) 58
No Bulb in S mode A
 
(flashes) Change shutter speed or select mode 
M.57, 59
No Bulb in HDR mode A
(flashes) •
Change shutter speed. 59, 60
• Turn HDR off. 71
Interval timer shooting —Menus and playback are not available while 
interval timer photography is in progress.
 Turn 
camera off. 51
— N
(flashes) Flash has fired at full power.
 Check photo in 
monitor; if underexposed, adjust settings and 
try again. —
— N
/s  
(flashes) •
Use the flash. 45
• Change distance to subject, aperture, flash 
range, or ISO sensitivity. 48, 
49, 58
• Lens focal length is less than 18 mm: use a 
longer focal length. —
• Optional SB-400 flash unit attached: flash is 
in bounce position or focus distance is very 
short.
 Continue shooting; if necessary, 
increase focus distance to prevent shadows 
from appearing in photograph. —
Flash error s
 
(flashes) Error occurred updating firmware for optional 
flash unit.
 Contact Nikon-authorized service 
representative. —
Indicator
Solution0MonitorViewfinder 
						

							
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Error. Press shutter release 
button again.O 
(flashes) Release shutter. If error persists or appears 
frequently, consult Nikon-authorized service 
representative. —
Start-up error. Contact a 
Nikon-authorized service 
representative. Consult Nikon-authorized service 
representative.
—
Metering error
Unable to start live view. 
Please wait for camera to 
cool. —
Wait for the internal circuits to cool before 
resuming live view or movie recording. 99, 
102
Folder contains no images. —Folder selected for playback contains no 
images.
 Insert another memory card or select 
a different folder. 15, 
148
Cannot display this file. — File can not be played back on camera. —
Cannot select this file. —Images created with other devices can not be 
retouched. 179
No image for retouching. —Memory card does not contain NEF (RAW ) 
images for use with 
NEF (RAW) processing .186
Check printer. —Check printer.
 To resume, select 
Continue (if 
available). —*
Check paper.
—Paper is not selected size. Insert paper of 
correct size and select  Continue. —*
Paper jam.
— Clear jam and select Continue.—*
Out of paper. —Insert paper of selected size and select 
Continue
. —*
Check ink supply.
—Check ink. To resume, select Continue.—*
Out of ink. — Replace ink and select  Continue.—*
* See printer manual for more information.
Indicator
Solution0MonitorViewfinder 
						

							
231
Specifications
❚❚Nikon D5200 Digital Camera
Type
Type Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mountNikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Effective angle of viewNikon DX format; focal length equivalent to approx. 1.5× that of lenses 
with FX format angle of view
Effective pixels
Effective pixels24.1 million
Image sensor
Image sensor23.5 × 15.6 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels24.71 million
Dust-reduction SystemImage sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional 
Capture NX 2 software required)
Storage
Image size (pixels)•6000 × 4000 (Large) •4496 × 3000 (Medium)
•2992 × 2000 (Small)
File format •NEF (RAW) : 14 bit, compressed
• JPEG : JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 
1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression
• NEF (RAW)+JPEG : Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW ) and 
JPEG formats
Picture Control System Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected 
Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls
MediaSD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards
File systemDCF (Design Rule for  Camera  File System) 2.0, DPOF ( Digital  Print  Order 
F ormat), Exif ( Exchangeable  Image  File Format for Digital Still Cameras) 
2.3, PictBridge
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverageApprox. 95% horizontal and 95% vertical
MagnificationApprox. 0.78 × (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0 m–1)
Eyepoint17.9 mm (–1.0 m–1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens)
Diopter adjustment–1.7 – +0.7 m–1
Focusing screenType B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen
Reflex mirrorQuick return
Lens apertureInstant return, electronically controlled 
						

							
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Lens
Compatible lensesAutofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not 
available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses 
for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses.
 Non-CPU lenses can be 
used in mode  M, but the camera exposure meter will not function.
The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a 
maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Shutter
Type Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Speed1/4000 – 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2EV; Bulb; Time (requires optional ML-L3 
remote control)
Flash sync speed X=1/200s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200s or slower
Release
Release mode8 (single frame),  !(continuous L),  9(continuous H),  E(self-timer), 
 (delayed remote; ML-L3),  #(quick-response remote; ML-L3),  J(quiet 
shutter release); interval timer photography supported
Frame advance rate Up to 3 fps (!) or 5 fps ( 9) (manual focus, mode  M or  S, shutter speed 1/250s or faster, and other settings at default values)
Self-timer 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1–9 exposures
Exposure
Metering modeTTL exposure metering using 2016-pixel RGB sensor
Metering method•Matrix metering : 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color 
matrix metering II (other CPU lenses)
• Center-weighted metering : Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center 
of frame
• Spot metering : Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on 
selected focus point
Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 
lens, 20 °C/68 °F) •
Matrix or center-weighted metering : 0 – 20 EV
• Spot metering : 2 – 20 EV
Exposure meter 
coupling CPU
Mode
Auto modes (iauto;  jauto, flash off ); programmed auto with flexible 
program ( P); shutter-priority auto ( S); aperture-priority auto ( A); manual 
( M ); scene modes ( kportrait;  llandscape;  pchild;  msports;  nclose up;  onight 
portrait;  rnight landscape;  sparty/indoor;  tbeach/snow;  usunset;  vdusk/dawn;  wpet 
portrait;  xcandlelight;  yblossom;  zautumn colors;  0food ); special effects modes 
( % night vision;  gcolor sketch;  (miniature effect;  3selective color;  1silhouette;  2high 
key;  3low key )
Exposure compensationCan be adjusted by –5 – +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV in P,  S,  A , and 
M  modes
Bracketing• Exposure bracketing : 3 shots in steps of 1/3 or 1/2EV
• White balance bracketing : 3 shots in steps of 1
• Active D-Lighting bracketing : 2 shots
Exposure lockLuminosity locked at detected value with  A (L ) button 
						

							
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ISO sensitivity 
(Recommended 
Exposure Index)ISO 100 – 6400 in steps of 1/3 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, 1, or 
2 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400; auto ISO sensitivity control 
available
Active D-Lighting Auto, extra high, high, normal, low, off
Focus
AutofocusNikon Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus se nsor module with TTL phase 
detection, 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensor), and AF-assist 
illuminator (range approx. 0.5 – 3 m/1 ft 8 in. – 9 ft 10 in.)
Detection range –1 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F)
Lens servo•Autofocus (AF) : Single-servo AF ( AF-S); continuous-servo AF ( AF-C); auto 
AF-S/AF-C selection ( AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated 
automatically according to subject status
• Manual focus (MF) : Electronic rangefinder can be used
Focus point Can be selected from 39 or 11 focus points
AF-area modeSingle-point AF, 9-, 21-, or 39- poin t dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, auto-
area AF
Focus lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-
servo AF) or by pressing  A (L ) button
Flash
Built-in flash i, k , p , n , o , s , w , g : Auto flash with auto pop-up
P ,  S,  A , M , 0 : Manual pop-up with button release
Guide Number Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F)
Flash control TTL : i-TTL flash control using 2016-pixel RGB sensor is available with 
built-in flash and SB-910, SB-900, SB-8 00, SB-700, SB-600, or SB-400; i-TTL 
balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighted 
metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering
Flash mode Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with 
red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with 
red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with  slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off
Flash compensation–3 – +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV
Flash-ready indicatorLights when built-in flash or optional  flash unit is fully charged; flashes 
after flash is fired at full output
Accessory shoe ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting 
System (CLS)Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or 
SB-700 as a master flash or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color 
Information Communication supporte
d with all CLS-compatible flash 
units
Sync terminal AS-15 sync terminal adapter (available separately)
White balance
White balanceAuto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, 
shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning.
Exposure