Outstanding Nikon D5200 vs Nikon D7100 Features...

      

NIKON D5200

Weight: D7100 200 grams (8 ounces) heavier due to more robust construction and weather sealing. If by outside you mean taking it on adventure travel, I'd go for the D7100. If you mean by outside you will simply be taking more pictures outside than inside, then the 200 gram difference will be felt in your shoulder if you carry a camera all day, so the D5200 is an easier camera to just carry with you.


Image sensor: The two cameras use the  same 24 megapixel sensor, so all else being equal, they will take the same pictures. If you're looking at the D7000, it has an earlier 16 megapixel sensor, however do not be deceived by the difference, it's unlikely you will ever notice any real difference in picture quality unless you are making very very large blow ups. Example: I recently had some 4 metre (4 yards) wide prints made for a commercial job that were originally shot on a D700 (12 megapxiel sensor) and they looked really good.

                                                                 NIKON D7100

Other considerations: The swing out screen on the D5200 is actually very useful for shooting video, so if you intend to record movies, I think the convenience of the articulated screen is a useful plus for the D5200, although the screen on the D7100 is slightly larger. If you are going to shoot a lot of high speed activity like sports or racing, then the D7100 has a more sophisticated 51 point auto-focus system and slightly higher flash sync and top shutter speeds. Again, at the margin, won't make a lot of difference unless you are shooting motor racing or the the finish line of the 100 meters sprint.