Nikon D7500

Published on Author Yean Wei Ong

Last month, Nikon introduced its new mid-range D7500 camera body. This is the latest in the line that extends back to the Nikon D70. The D7500 uses the same sensor as the more expensive D500.

Nikon D7500
Nikon D7500 image © Nikon 2017. Used under Copyright Act 1968, Section 41.
  • Viewfinder coverage: approx. 100% of image frame (0.63x magnification relative to full frame).
  • Autofocus (AF) points: 51 (15 cross type).
  • Base sensitivity range: ISO 100–51200.
  • Maximum frame rate: 8 frames per second (fps).
  • Buffer size: 100 frames JPEG, 50 frames RAW.
  • Sensor resolution: 20.9 megapixels (MP).
  • Battery: EN-EL15a (approx. 950 frames per full charge).
  • Card slot: Secure Digital (SD).
  • Introduced: April 2017.

Let’s compare that to its predecessor, the Nikon D7200, which I’d included in my Nikon DSLR overview from 2015.

Nikon D7200
Nikon D7200 image © Nikon 2015. Used under Copyright Act 1968, Section 41.
  • Viewfinder: 100% (0.63x).
  • AF points: 51 (15 cross).
  • Base sensitivity: ISO 100–25600.
  • Frame rate: 6 fps (7 fps with some limitations).
  • Buffer size: 56 JPEG, 18 RAW.
  • Sensor resolution: 24 MP.
  • Battery: EN-EL15 (1,110 frames).
  • Card slots: 2x SD.
  • Introduced: April 2015.

We get an extra stop of sensitivity from the new sensor (ISO 51200 instead of ISO 25600), but this is already far beyond what most low-light action photographers will need. There is a slight boost in frame rate, and a significant boost in buffer capacity, so shooting action sequences in RAW mode should present no problems at all for the newer camera.

The sensor resolution is slightly lower, but the practical difference between 20 MP and 24 MP will not be noticeable. Battery life looks slightly worse on the newer camera, despite a newer model battery—but 950 frames is still plenty of capacity to work with. The D7500 loses one SD slot compared to the D7200, which is not ideal, but probably will not be a problem for amateur photographers. (Professional photographers will want a higher-end body with dual card slots.)

The D7200 was already a very capable camera, and the arrival of the D7500 will probably push the price of the D7200 down a bit. This is probably a good time to keep an eye out for D7200 sales; that older model will still be more than capable enough for most low-light action photographers.