Nikon D7200 Review
The Nikon D7200 is Nikon’s newly released top-of-the-DX-line DSLR. With the D7200, Nikon is holding firm in their conviction that their flagship DX model should cost $1200, the same price as the D7100 at its introduction. Compared to the D7100, the D7200 has nearly three times the buffer, an improved AF-system, the latest EXPEED 4 processor and a bunch of other nice features, especially for video shooters. Let’s check some specs, but first a warning – Nikon released the D7200 right at prime mating season in Arizona. Birds and bees were being birds and bees. This could be our sexiest review yet.
1) Key Features and Specifications
- DX-format DSLR – 1.5x crop factor
- 24 MP CMOS sensor without an optical low pass filter
- Up to 5 fps continuous shooting in 14-bit RAW
- Up to 6 fps continuous shooting in 12-bit RAW or JPEG
- 1.3x crop mode gives 13.5 MP images and up to 6 fps in 14-bit RAW or 7 fps in 12-bit RAW
- Buffer: 13-22 shots in 14-bit lossless (as tested – Nikon advertises 18 shot 14-bit lossless buffer), 97 shot large fine JPEG (as tested)
- New Multi-CAM 3500 DX II AF system with TTL phase detection, 51 points with 15 cross-type sensors. Center sensor is capable of focusing f/8 lenses
- ISO Range: 100 – 25,600 (full color), boost to 51,200-102,400 (black and white only)
- Metering Sensor: 2,016-pixel RGB (3D Color Matrix) sensor
- EXPEED 4 processor and 14-bit A/D Conversion
- Twin SD Card Slots with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory card compatibility
- Eye-level Pentaprism Single-Lens Reflex Viewfinder with 100% frame coverage
- Full 1080p HD video recording at up to 30p (1x mode) and 60fps (1.3x mode)
- Up to 9999 shot in-camera time lapse with exposure smoothing
- Detection Range: -3 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
- Body Type and Shutter: Magnesium-alloy body, superior weather/moisture and dust seals and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system
- LCD: 3.2 Inch, 1,229K-dot LCD Monitor
- Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
- US Price: $1,199 – body only
2) Build and Handling
If you shoot with a D7100, D810 or D750, the D7200 will feel familiar. I like how it fits my hands and I always feel like I have a secure grip on it. Most of the key buttons are in the same location and I found I could go back and forth between my D810 and the D7200 almost seamlessly. The biggest difference would be the rear-AF button placement on the D810 that has always driven me nuts. I much prefer having just one button there like on the D7200. I shoot in manual a lot and by assigning the video record button to adjust ISO in still mode, I have shutter speed, aperture and ISO controls all quickly adjustable with my right fingers. In comparison, my D7000 is much slower and clumsier to set the ISO on, requiring that I take the camera away from my face. A check of the D7100 owner’s manual and firmware updates indicates that the D7100 doesn’t allow this either.
Nikon D7200 + 800mm f/5.6 @ 1000mm, ISO 800, 1/2000, f/8.0
The D7200 is better weather-sealed than the D7000, but seeing as my D7000 has lasted 200K+ shots and I usually shoot in very dusty outdoor locales, build quality wasn’t an issue there. At 674 grams (23.9 ounces) the D7200 is reasonably light and balances well with lighter lenses, but not as well with heavier lenses like a 24-120mm, 18-300mm or 150-600mm. The D7200 lacks the crappy low-res plastic LCD cover found on the D7000. It does however have the same eyepiece cover that snaps off way too easily and wants to get lost, just like on the D7000, D7100, D600 and D750. Lastly, my pet peeve about all Nikon DSLRs; the D7200 comes with the painful D-Kapitator neck strap, except this time it doesn’t even have “D7200” embroidered on it. WTF? How will I know how many Nikon’s I’ve owned if I can’t look in my box full of discarded straps and read off all the model numbers?
Nikon’s D7200 is a dynamite machine and a pleasure to shoot. It’s nimble, responsive and has good ergonomics.
The D7200 sensor is a terrific performer. If DX sensors get much better could FX and those heavy FX lenses be in danger? If a camera manufacturer decided to produce a full line of DX primes, which would be much lighter than their FX counterparts, it could really shake things up. DX is starting to stand for Darned Exceptional.
The D7200 has the most capable AF system I’ve used with any Nikon DSLR. My D4s is jealous.
For all-around photography it’s a winner. The major changes from the D7100 to the D7200 mainly benefit video and timelapse shooters, with a slight nod to the action shooters with a bigger buffer. It’s the first Nikon DSLR with built-in wi-fi and NFC for those who want to share images on the go. For wildlife and other action photography it’s compromised by a low frame rate and skimpy buffer, making it no match for Canon’s 7DMkii.
Nikon D7200 + 50mm f/1.8 @ 50mm, ISO 250, 1/400, f/4.0
Would I buy the D7200? I guess I’ll find out if I yearn for it after returning the review copy. I feel it would be a worthy upgrade to my trusty, but aging D7000. I dig the reach, the detail and the AF performance, but I still foolishly hold out hope for Nikon to answer Canon’s 7DMKii challenge with a pro-DX body of their own.
thank you
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