DSLR Slugfest

Canon EOS 700D
Price: Rs 59,995 (with EF S18-55 IS STM kit lens)

In terms of image quality, the 700D is almost at par with its archrival from Nikon. The touchscreen (absent on the D5200) means mitigated fumbling with buttons and greatly enhanced ease of use. Add to that the higher resolution (1,040k dots against 921k dots) of the flip-out screen and a marginally larger viewfinder.

The built-in motor here means that you can use the camera with all types of autofocus lens. If shooting video is priority, the 700D scores higher than the Nikon because of its faster autofocus abilities. Officially it is also rated for slightly better battery life. It does better than the D5200 in continuous shooting performance speed.

Specs: Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera with built-in flash, touchscreen, 17.9 MP, 22.3 by 14.9mm CMOS sensor, 1920 by 1080 max. resolution, ISO 100-6400, 30-1/4000 shutter speed (seconds),  5fps burst mode, 3-in LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, Digic 5 image processor, JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG Large simultaneous recording possible, 133.1 by 99.8 by 78.8mm dimensions, 580 gm weight.

Nikon D5200
Price: Rs 46,950 (with AF-S 18-55mm VR kit lens)

The Nikon D5200 with a larger sensor and wider dynamic range brings with it excellent image quality with amazing colour depth. In its class, this camera excels in low-light conditions, producing lower noise elements even at higher ISOs.

To top all that, it has very good autofocus capabilities which are admirably accurate and fast. It offers better control with a greater number of focus points (39 versus the 9 on the 700D). If a higher resolution matters to you, the Nikon here gives you 24MP against 17.9 MP of the 700D. It has a slightly smaller body and is a just wee-bit lighter than the Canon.

Specs: Digital, single-lens reflex, built-in flash, 24.1MP, 23.5 by 15.6 mm CMOS sensor, 1920 by 1080 maximum resolution, ISO 100-6400 ISO, 30-1/4000 shutter speed (seconds), EXPEED 3 image processor, 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensor), NEF (RAW), JPEG file formats, 129 by 98 by 78 mm dimensions, 555 gm weight

Final Picture
All said and done, both the Nikon 5200 and a 700D come with their own stockpile of distinct advantages. At first glance, what gives Nikon an edge is the more attractive pricing along with image output that's better by a whisker or two, especially in hostile lighting conditions.

However, don't forget that the Canon additionally brings to the table touchscreen usability and a built-in focus motor. A touchscreen will make things a lot easier if this is your first DSLR - more so if you are upgrading from a touchscreen compact camera. And if you intend to add lens to your shutterbug repertoire, the Canon's focus motor will widen the scope and help reduce costs.

However, if you are not looking at the future, but are planning an outlay close to 60K on your camera, logic dictates that you go in for the Nikon with the AF-S 18-105mm VR Kit Lens for Rs 57,950. (To buy something better than the 18-55 lens on the Canon 700D you will have to go for the EF S18-135 and fork out as much as Rs 77,995.)

To sweeten the deal further, Nikon is currently throwing in D-SLR bag as well as as 4GB SD memory card in the kitty.