Nikon D7200 vs Nikon D500

Nikon D7200 vs D500 : Which Should You Buy?

For several years, it appeared that Nikon had abandoned the idea of a successor to the D300s, with rumors of a D400 materializing into the D7000, D7100, and D7200. Then, almost 7 years after the announcement of the D300s, Nikon surprised us with a new, professional-level APS-C camera: the Nikon D500. Packed with powerful features, a new processor, a remarkable AF system, and a new (but lower resolution) sensor, the D500 also doesn’t come cheap, at about $2000 for the body. In some cases, the higher resolution sensor of the D7200 will provide sharper, higher resolution photos than the D500, and it is lighter, more compact, and almost $1000 less expensive to boot. So which one is right for you? (SKIP to Conclusion)

Nikon D500 vs D7200: What’s the Difference?

Let’s begin by taking a look at where some of the important differences in specs, which I’ll delve into in greater detail below.

Nikon D500Nikon D7200


Price (body)
$1997$1097
Price With Kit Lens$3067 with 16-80mm f/2.8-4E VR$1397 with 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR
Body MaterialMagnesium Alloy and Carbon FiberPartial Magnesium Alloy Frame, Plastic
Dust/Weather Sealed BodyYesYes
Sensor Resolution20.9 Megapixel24.2 Megapixels
(Sony)
Anti-Aliasing Filter [OLP]
(Reduces sharpness, prevents moire)
NONO
ISO Range100 - 51200100 - 25600
Total AF Points153 (55 selectable)51
Cross-Type AF Points99 (35 selectable)15
AF Motor In Body
(For Using Older AF Lenses)
YESYES
AF Light Level Range-4 to +19 EV-3 to +19 EV
Autofocus Fine Tuning
Adjustments
YESYES
Shutter Speed Range1/8000th - 30 sec.
+bulb
1/8000th - 30 sec.
+bulb
Max Frame Rate10 fps6 fps
(7 shots in 1.3x crop mode)
Max RAW Burst
(buffer size)
79 shots 14-bit
200 shots 14-bit compressed
18 shots 14-bit compressed
Max JPG Burst
(fine, Large)
500+100
Flash Sync Speed1/250th sec.1/250th sec.
Wireless Flash With
Built-in Commander
NO (no built-in flash)
YES (with additional equipment)
YES
Nikon RADIO Wireless Flash CompatibleYESNO
Auto FP Flash Mode
(High Speed Sync)
YESYES
Media Slots1 SDXC
1 XQD
2 SDXC
Quick Access User Modes
(Saved U1, U2 programs)
NoYes
LCD Size3.2"
2,359,000 pixels
3.2"
1,228,800 pixels
LCD ArticulatedYESNo
LCD TouchscreenYESNo
Built-in GPS NoNo
BluetoothYES (v4.1)No
Built-in WiFiYESYES
Body Weight760g (no battery)675g (no battery)
Body Size147 mm x 115 mm x 81 mm136 x 106.5 x 76 mm
Battery Life1240
CIPA Standards
1,110 shots
CIPA Standards
Viewfinder Coverage100%
1.0x Magnification
100% Frame
.94x Magnification
Video CodecMPEG-4 / H.264
.mov
MPEG-4 / H.264
.mov
Video Resolutions3,840 x 2,160 (4K: 30, 25, 24 fps)
1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps)
1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps)
640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps)
1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps)
640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
Digital Stabilization
for Video
YES
(Reduces image area; not available for 4K resolution)
NO
Video Length Limit29 min 59 sec.29 min 59 sec.
Headphone JackYesYes
Internal MicStereoStereo
Nikon D500 Magnesium Body with D7100
The magnesium alloy body components of the Nikon D500 (left) and D7100, which is identical to the D7200 for all practical purposes. In both cameras, the top and backs are metal, while the remainder is a lighter material.

Build Quality

Both cameras are solidly built, with partial magnesium alloy frames, finished with carbon fiber or polycarbonate to keep them light weight. Both cameras have weather sealing to protect against raindrops and dust (though many lenses are not weather sealed, so caution is recommended). They’ll both stand up to plenty of travel and rough treatment.

However, the D7200 is still a compact SLR, while the D500 is a standard size SLR.  In more precise terms, this means that the D500 is about 1cm taller and 1cm wider than the D7200, and about a half centimeter thicker, making it feel considerably larger in the hand (it’s the same size as the old D300, a bit taller than the D800). The difference in weight is not dramatic, but it is significant: about 85g. 85 grams, if you don’t have a good feel for it, is about the mass of an average apple (an extra-large chicken egg might be as much as 60-70g).  It’s still less than half the weight of even a small prime lens, like the 35mm f/1.8G, which weighs 200g, but it’s enough weight that you’ll notice the difference.

Nikon D500 and D7200 Weather Sealing
The level of weather sealing of the Nikon D7200 is very similar to that of the D500: yellow lines show sealed seams.

The Sensors : Resolution and Low Light Performance

Some people were surprised to discover that the D500’s sensor has lower resolution (20.9 megapixels) than that of the older, less expensive D7200 (24.3 megapixels). There are a few reasons why Nikon made this choice.

First, and most importantly, is Nikon’s concentration on high-ISO performance with the D500. More pixels on a sensor means smaller pixels1 Technically speaking, these are properly called photo sites or receptors on the sensor, but since we’re talking about the sensors in terms of mega-pixels, it’s fair to be loose with terminology . Smaller pixels collect less light, but the sensor’s electronics still generate background noise. This results in a worse signal to noise ratio (like a quiet voice talking in the car over the road noise), and thus, more digital noise in the image that results, especially at high ISOs (where the sensor tries to get by with even less light).

The D500 has fewer ‘pixels’ on its sensor, so they’re larger. As a result2 At least, in part. New sensor technology all around and signal processing also play an important part. , the D500 has a top native ISO of 51200, compared to the 25600 of the D7200: a full f-stop of difference. We find that the D500’s noise at ISO 6400 is comparable to the D7200’s at ISO3200, when shooting RAW, though the D7200’s noise is slightly less pronounced and the D500 remains slightly more contrasty.

Second, Nikon developed the D500 to compete with the Canon 7D Mark II, which can shoot 10 frames per second. That produces a lot of data for any camera to deal with. At higher resolutions, cameras produce larger files, which are harder to move quickly through the data pipeline to storage. A lower resolution sensor’s smaller files are easier for the camera to deal with at high speeds, making it easier for Nikon to reach that 10 frame per second milestone.

Side view of Nikon D7200 and D500
Side view / connections of Nikon D7200 and D500. (Click to enlarge)

And finally, for most photographers, the difference in resolution between 21 and 24 megapixels just isn’t very significant in real-world use. Remember that most of us use computer monitors that are no larger than 4K resolution (about 8 megapixels), but the vast majority use full HD (1080p is just 2 megapixels), and very few photographers print these days. And if you’re resizing an image from 21 megapixels down to 10% of its original size, all of the fine differences in detail will be thrown out anyway.

But if you do print? Then you’ll have to print LARGE to be able to see these differences… probably 16 x 24 inches or perhaps larger.

And that’s assuming that you are able to capture a difference to begin with. Only the sharpest lenses have high enough resolution to make a difference, and even then, only when shot from a tripod at the lens’ sharpest apertures, with no vibrations from the wind, ground, shutter, etc. A full frame sensor with the same pixel density of the D500’s 20.9 megapixel sensor would hold 46.5 megapixels, and Nikon has already admitted that not many lenses can meet the demands of the D800/D810’s 36 megapixel sensor.

Who works like this, regularly? Landscape photographers often do, and so do some commercial/studio photographers and fine-art photographers. But journalists, event photographers, sports photographers, and hobbyists generally do not.

Nikon D500 and D7200, back view
Rear view of Nikon D500 and D7200

Speed

While the D7200 is no slouch, the D500 takes action photography to a new level for Nikon APS-C cameras: it can shoot at 10 frames per second, and just as importantly, it can shoot that fast for quite a while. The D7200 can shoot at 6 frames per second, but if you’re shooting RAW, it can only shoot 18 shots in a row (3 seconds) before the buffer is full and it needs a break to write to the SD card.  On the other hand, the D500 can shoot the same compressed RAW files for 20 seconds: 200 continuous shots! And while most photographers don’t have any reason to shoot bursts that long, we do frequently shoot many shorter bursts within a few minutes time, which can also cause problems with a small buffer.

Nikon D500 XQD and SD Card Slots
The two memory card slots of the D500.

There is a caveat here, though. The Nikon D500 has an XQD card slot, which supports data transfers beyond 300 MB/s. If you’re using the camera’s SD card slot, you probably won’t get anything like this kind of buffer performance (an older Nikon video shows the difference in write speeds). If you want the XQD performance, you’ll need to budget a couple hundred dollars more for the cost of a fast card (prices seem to range from $100400 for the fastest XQD cards, if you can find them at all).

Of course, if you’re willing to shoot JPG, then the D7200 has no problem, as it is able to shoot bursts of more than 100 shots in that format.

Who needs this? Journalists, action photographers, event photographers, wildlife photographers, and anyone else who needs to capture images in copious quantities very quickly. Travel photographers, maybe.  Portrait, landscape, product and commercial photographers? Probably not.

Nikon D500 and D7200 top view
Top controls of the Nikon D7200 and D500

Autofocus System

The D7200 has had one of the best autofocus systems available in an APS-C camera: the 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX II, which is shared with the flagship Nikon D4s. Not surprisingly, though, the D500 has managed to improve on it with the 153-point Multi-CAM 20K, which it shares with the upcoming Nikon D5.

Though there is a large increase in the overall number of autofocus points, the real improvement in the D500’s system is in the number of cross-type points, which has increased from 15 in the D7200 to 99, though only 35 are can be selected manually. If you’re not sure what cross-type points are, I recommend watching our short video on cross-type points for a quick explanation. In short, they’re much more reliable than standard AF points.

Focusing points on the Nikon D500 and D7200
Not only does the D500 have more focusing points, they cover a wider area of the frame. The square dots in the D500 viewfinder represent non-selectable AF points.

Beyond the number of AF points, the AF system of the D500 has become more sensitive for use in low light; it can focus in light levels of -4EVs (almost too dark for the human eye to see), just half of the light level in which the D7200‘s AF system can focus (-3 EVs). Both are very impressive, but if you’ve ever failed to grab focus in dim light, you’ll understand how important this extra degree of insurance is for event-shooters.

That said, for all but the most hardcore of sports and action photographers, if you have problems getting in-focus images with the D7200‘s AF system, you should probably look at your own technique rather than the camera for problems. If you are like many photographers and select a single AF point to track a subject (or compose your image by selecting the near eye in a portrait, for example), then the additional AF points of the D500 will be of minimal value, since only 55 of them can be manually selected (just 2 more than the D7200‘s 53).

Who will find this useful? Again, sports and action photographers, probably not portrait, landscape, or commercial photographers.

Video

It is tempting to just say “The Nikon D500 can shoot 4K video and the D7200 can’t” and leave it at that. While the fact is true, there are some ugly details.

The D500 shoots Full HD video much as you would expect, using the full width of the frame to capture 16:9, 1920 x 1080 video. You also have the option of capturing that video from a 1.3x cropped section of the sensor (which is, of course, already 1.5x cropped compared to an FX sensor).

However, when the D500 captures 4K video, you are forced to use a cropped section of the sensor that is even smaller than the 1.3x cropped section that is optional at 1080p. It can be seen in our graphic, below:

Nikon D500 4K video area crop
4K Recording Area: The central rectangle is the only recording area available when shooting at 4K resolution. When shooting HD and Full HD, the full width and 1.3x crop areas are available.

This may be perfectly acceptable for those who only shoot telephoto video; it provides remarkably high resolution video and a roughly 1.5x crop, making a 200mm lens perform like a 450mm lens (1.5x crop + 1.5x crop). However, for those times when you want to shoot wide angle, you’ll need to use an ultra-wide angle lens just to get close; while a 16mm lens might normally give you a full-frame 24mm lens’s field of view, you’ll need an 11mm lens to get something almost equivalent if you’re shooting 4k.

So, if you’re looking for a camera just to shoot 4K video, the D500 is hardly ideal.

However, if you’re mostly shooting 1080p or 720p, then the D500 has one more trick up its sleeve: digital image stabilization, which can be used in conjunction with optical image stabilization. You will lose a little bit of the frame, but the sensor has plenty of resolution to spare, so there’s no loss in resolution, and the addition of digital stabilization goes a long way towards giving you smooth, jitter-free video. Nikon has also (finally) added electronic aperture control while shooting video, as well as exposure smoothing capabilities when moving from dark to bright areas (using auto ISO and electronic aperture control).

The Nikon D7200, unfortunately, does not have electronic aperture control, nor digital image stabilization. It does, however, have 1.3x crop mode, like the D500, and both can output video to an external recorder.

Additional Considerations

There are, naturally, several minor differences in the layout and handling of the controls between the two cameras. Most are not very significant. It is worth mentioning, though, that the D500 has an articulating touch-screen, while the D7200’s monitor is fixed position and not touch sensitive.

Nikon D500 swivel screen

The Nikon D7200 does not support the new Nikon radio-controller (WR-R10/WR-A10) and SB-5000 flash system, which can control up to 18 speedlights. However, there are countless 3rd party radio-triggering systems already available on the market, from Pocket Wizards and RadioPoppers to the Nissin Air 1 Commander and the Phottix Odin, so this should be only a minor consideration for most people.

Conclusions

The new features of the Nikon D500 will primarily benefit photographers who shoot events and long bursts of action, particularly those who shoot them in low light with high ISO. Those photographers will get better performance with the D500: better speed, more reliable autofocus, and less digital noise. This all comes at the cost of a larger body with more weight and potentially lower resolution images.

However, if you normally shoot at low ISO, and if your primary interest is not fast moving action, then the D7200 will give you equally good results, and in some cases, it may give you better images. If you shoot with impeccable technique3 This generally means shooting from a sturdy tripod with a remote release or timer, with the camera’s mirror locked up to reduce vibrations, at least. with a top quality lens set in its sharpest aperture range, the D7200’s sensor is capable of capturing more detail than the D500’s.

You Should Buy the Nikon D500 If…

  • you plan to shoot a lot of action like: sports, news events, weddings, wildlife
  • you plan to shoot events in a dark setting: concerts, clubs, weddings, wildlife
  • you need to shoot 4K video, especially telephoto, or digitally stabilized HD Video
  • you want to use Nikon’s SB-5000 flashes and radio trigger system
  • you want a touch-screen and/or articulated rear LCD

You Should Buy the Nikon D7200 If…

  • you shoot landscapes or other detail oriented genres at low ISOs, including: studio portraits, product images, still-life works
  • you hike or travel with your camera and would prefer a lighter weight body that is still weather sealed
  • you shoot action photography but don’t need a full 10 frames per second (the D7200 is a very capable action camera)

If you do decide to buy either one and have found this article helpful, please support us by purchasing your camera from any of the links found in this text, or from the stores listed here: Amazon.com, Adorama Photo, Best Buy (online), or  B&H Photo.

Buy the Nikon D7200: From Amazon.com | From B&H Photo | From Adorama
Buy the Nikon D500  : From Amazon.com | From B&H Photo | From Adorama

Questions? Comments?

I’ve attempted to concentrate on the most important differences between these cameras in practical use for photographers who shoot RAW files, but there are other minor differences. They may or may not be relevant to the way you shoot. However, if you still have any questions about which camera you should buy, please feel free to ask me in the comments section below! I’ll answer as quickly as I can.

Editor-in-Chief
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

53 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mohan K

HI Mathew,

I am looking to upgrade to a higher version from D7200 as I facing burst issue as I shoot birds. Also I facing some issue related to focussing. I use lense 200-500mm f5.6. I am thinking of going for Nikon D500, but I understand d7500 is also similar to D500. Except the 10fps and 153 focus points compared to 51 focus points. I am not finding any difference.
D7200 , I will be using for capturing landscapes and portraits.

Please provide your inputs on whether Nikon d7500 will be sufficient for wildlife. and birds.

Mohan K

Thanks Mathew.

MohanK

I am going for Nikon D500.

Adrian Luca

Hello Matthew,

My name is Adrian, I’m a photographer from Romania. I enjoy taking landscape photos, architecture, travel, but I also do weddings in order to pay for my expenses. I’ve been shooting my D7100 with Sigma 18-35, 50-100 and Tamron 10-24 vr2 (this one I bought recently) and 3 flashes. I find it to be a good combination, the only problem I found in the past years was that some time the camera struggled to gain focus, especially in churches. I would consider moving full-frame but I don’t think I would have enough money to invest in good glass. Do you think that the D7200 or D500 would be a good addition to my kit, or better wait for full-frame and try to sell what I own at the moment?

Thank you for the article.

Jenny

Hi – I’m a bit bewildered by all the choices but I think I’ve narrowed down my choice between the Nikon D500 or D7200. I want to use the camera for wildlife and bird photography, landscapes, city scenes, people, flowers and also the milky way and northern lights. Which one do you think would suit me best or should I look at something else altogether?! Thank you

dennis korabiak

If you have an generous budget, by all means purchase the D500. Remember, it will cost you about $1000 more for the camera plus the expense of the XQD cards. The images will not be that much different, although the auto focus is definitely better on the D500. I have both and my go to is the 500 and I do love using the articulated viewfinder. It is heavier so if you in to street photographer, it will stand out more than the 7200. I would say if you are in to wildlife photography more, choose the 500. If street photography is your thing, go with the 7200.

Travis

Hi Matt
Just searching around for D7200 vs D500 articles and found this one….which is very good btw. I love all the questions / replies….great job! so my question. Is that I currently shoot D7100 with D3200 as backup. I have shot one wedding along / once as second shooter / and less than 10 portrait sessions. I also shoot headshots and event photos at work volunteerily. I also own 3 Yungno flashes with triggers and last year purchased an Interfit S1 monolight for HSS….also acquires some background stuff / stands, etc. basically I am getting setup for more work…. like headshots / portraits sessions / wedding / events. My lenses are 35/50/85 – f1.8 plus kit 18-55 and Sigma 70-300 f4.5. My question – based on my above items – I am debating about a DX wedding / portrait setup. Profits from my last wedding is about $1000, so I thinking about the follow options –
A.) new Sigma 18-35 1.8 – keep current setup
B.) new D7100 or D7200 (refurb) as a backup ( no new lens – just backup camera)
C.) D500 – will become primary
D.) wait……yes, this is an option
I like the D500 mainly because of buffer. When fast shooting with D7100, the buffer is a mood killer.
Also, I think the partner for the 18-35 will be the 50-100 1.8. I have the feeling that this combo will be a DX awesome setup ( D500 / 18-35 / 50-100 ) for weddings.
Thoughts…..

Lokesh

Hi Matthew. I’m using Nikon D5300 since past 2 years. I generally shoot wildlife mainly birds. I’m using Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E. I’m quite happy with the results. But now, I want to use fill flash but due to no hss mode available on my D5300 makes me upgrade to D7200 or D500. Plus the autofocus tends to hunt alot in low light situations. I’m not interested in FX cameras as they are out of my budget. Plus I need better autofocus performance & HSS to use fill flash. I’m certainly confused between D7200 & D500. Since D7200 is cheaper, I can certainly afford it rightnow but for D500 I’d be waiting for my funds to be on par. Sorry I’m still confused between these cameras. I’ve asked many forums but I got mixed replies. Some saying to go for D7200 & rest for D500.
So should I go for D7200 or D500?
Thanks.

Lokesh

Hi Matthew. Thanks a lot. As in particular I want to buy one camera that should last me for more than 4-5 years. Since, I’m planning to pursue Wildlife Photography as career. I’ve saved a lot from past years & I want to spend on gear which remains permanent for buildling a professional career. Though I won’t be selling off my D5300. So, my main concern is that will D7200 would be able to cater my long term needs? Since I can either afford Nikon D7200 or D500.
Thanks.

Hassan Faghihi

i wish i could afford that D500, the larger sensor pixel, more cross focus point, and ability to focus at -4EV… for me, that my journey start mostly at night, is a huge differences… unfortunately it mean a whole year of wage if i don’t eat, spend, … also new processor, sure mean better kind of pre-processing and post-processing(which surely we throw away the post by using raw, noise handling, and etc…

Hassan Faghihi

bigger sensor cell mean less light goes to waste and became noise… i think the low noise ISO for D500 should be greater, also -4ev, mean you have less out of focus image in low light action condition (when you combine strobe), BTW thank you :)

Madan

Hi Matt,

I wish to upgrade from my Canon 700d and wish to shift the body to Nikon. I’m particularly interested in bird (birds in flight & perched birds) and wild life photography. However I’m not away from Portrait & Landscape photography. Please advise a budget friendly Nikon Model that can meet my preferences.

Thank you.

Madan

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the prompt response. Sorry to trouble you again, but will be highly obliged if you may kindly clarify one more doubt…In your opinion, if I opt for the Nikon d5500, will the it be sufficient for bird photography ( I mean clarity wise and sharpness) ??
One again, thanks for sparing your valuable time.

Regards,

Madan

Hi Matt,

I’m very much thankful to you for your quick reply and well explained guidance. Will stick on to 7200. Also wish to upgrade to Nikor 200-500 VR Telephoto Lens. I’m from a small Village in Kerala, India, and very keen to explore the possibilities of Digital Photography. ” Light and Matter” is very interactive and informative. Expecting your valuable guidance and suggestions ahead.

By the way, your photos, especially the birds from Myakka River State Park are remarkable…. Wish you all the very best.!!

With warm regards,
Madan

Lea

Hi Matthew! I have read your comparisons among the Nikon 500, 5500, 7100, & 7200. I would like your advice to help me decide which is right for me. I have held the 5500 & 7100. My goal is to shoot action (horses running) and portraits (horses with their owners). I do like landscapes and macro as well. I have trouble viewing the subject and thus focusing with the 7100 through the viewfinder and LCD screen. I like to shoot in manual but even on auto, I get blurry photos. (I really miss the split screen viewfinder on my old Nikon FE-2.) The 5500 seemed to focus easier for me though I did not take any photos with it. I did like the rotating LCD screen to be able to see better when outside. I would like to buy the cheaper camera that does the job but without any real camera stores nearby, I am unable to try them out. Perhaps, there is a model that would work for me that I haven’t mentioned above.
Regards, Lea

Rosa

Hello, I currently own the D7200 and as I was researching for a lens with a longer focal length for sports photography in low light such as evening/night football/baseball games. I came across a D500 kit that includes the lens I was considering (AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens). Do you feel the D500 and this lens would make a significant difference over shooting with the D7200 and the same lens?

Smaratantra

Hi
Everyday i use nikon d3200. I shoot food, product, landscape (it’s my favorite). I like camping and often shoot at low light condition like camp fire etc. But i can’t get good result with d3200. So, where you recommend between Nikon d7200, d500, or d750? I ‘ve seen reviews on the internet, but still hard to make decision.

Thank you.

Smaratantra

Hi Matthew

Thanks for your advice

Noah

Hello I am debating weather to get the d7200 or the d500 or the canon 80d, I want to shoot landscapes macro some wildlife and macros so basicly everything, what camera do you think I should get? would be great if you answeared

Vilas

Sir,
Request for your advise on whether Nikon D500 would be a correct choice to own as a second additional body when one already owns Nikon D7200.
Thanks!

Ray Paunovich

Does the D500 have the ability to not use the snapbridge connection, or can one turn it off and on when wanted..If its always on I see this as a problem..

BillyBoy

Another offering from Nikon that is no great leap of any kind.
I’ll keep my D7100 thank you.
Nikon, just like Canon are on the fast track to oblivion.
DSLR sales are in the dumps as are big lenses.
Their mirrorless offerings are operationally and technologically obsolete before they even make the store shelves.
They offer 5 year old technologies, semi annual ‘must have’ new models that really do not excite serious photographers.
Travel anywhere today and DSLRs are fewer and fewer to be seen.
Big, bulky and eat up a chunk of your carry on allowance.
Mirrorless cameras eat batteries and the monster lenses offered for them take away from that offer of smaller and better.
I travel with my iPhone, tablet and 3 year old great pocket zoom camera.
My field trips I lug my monster D7100 with its 70-200 2.8 and 1.7tc.
Yes you can see that difference in the field, but I see no reason to rush out and get a D500 that clearly will be replaced by something Nikon and Ken Rockwell will say is better before Christmas.

Tom Wynne-Jones

Hi Matthew,
Nice comparison on these cameras. I also shoot with the d300s and am used to the menus for selection, although I do think it would be easier if the control was on a dial like the d7200. I want to also mention the ‘flicker’ ability for sports photographers that shoot in stadium lighting or gymnasium lighting. Dads and grand dads may have special interest in this also for there kids/grandkids.
Thanks,
Tom

Jerry Friedman

“A full frame sensor with the same pixel density of the D500’s 20.9 megapixel sensor would hold 46.5 megapixels…”
I read on DPReview that a FF sensor with the same density as the 7100 would have 58 megapixels…I guess it would be the same for any APC sensor with the same number of mp’s.

Jerry Friedman

Couple of points…
The touch screen on the new camera is exactly the same as the touch screen on my D800E – The only difference is that when reviewing photos you have taken you can ‘swipe’, ‘scrub’ and ‘pinch’ images you have already shot, in ALL OTHER RESPECTS my D800E and this D500 have the same set of “touch screen interface” actions. It is simply not ‘Touch Screen Control’ – Not even focus point, not even menu selections…Nada. Same as my D800E! Touch functions ONLY during image REVIEW.

Of course the screen is not fully articulated (as it is on my 7 YEAR OLD GH1) either, it merely tilts. Tilting is a little more flexible, but when you look at the Rube Goldberg levers, arms and springs you almost wonder why they bothered, it’s a little comical and does not appear to be a very durable design.

I would go a step further than your comparison did and recommend the D7100 – For <$500.00 unless you need the speed (and buffer depth) or are shooting in very low light…In all other respects (oh yeah, the tilting screen and the 'scrubby Chimping' aside, the 7100 offers about the same capabilities as either the 7200 or the newer 500.
Additionally the D500 will try to make a connection with your phone (and so the internet) EVERY-TIME the two are in proximity – So even as you drive down the highway and your camera is OFF, it may still be getting PUSH sales propaganda to your phone or just telling Nikon Central what, where, how much you have been shooting…
The 'security' of your privacy is put at risk by these new Nikon cameras.

Oman

Who will find this useful?

Again, sports and action photographers, probably not portrait, landscape, or commercial photographers.

I don’t agree with your statement above, lam in the second category here as a also do interiors and low light stuff and still think the D500 equipped with the right lenses, lets say a 12mm Samyang f2.0 Cine lens, Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 lens & the new 50-100mm f1.8 Art lenses, then you have the same depth of field as fullframe! Plus judging from the specs, sensor & processor combo here in the D500, l think we will be on par with the top tier FF cameras like D810, Sony A7rII, closer than any other APSC camera before it & better than nearly all the current FF cameras. Good read otherwise. ;)

Jerry Friedman

“…think the D500 equipped with the right lenses, lets say a 12mm Samyang f2.0 Cine lens, Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 lens & the new 50-100mm f1.8 Art lenses, then you have the same depth of field as fullframe!”

Of course one is always free to have what ever beliefs give them comfort – But the facts, the technical accuracy of your stated position is simply in no respect valid – APC bodies are called “crop sensor cameras” because the sensor is smaller AND the lens FLANGE is closer to the sensor…No thinking or belief system can change physics friend…
Additionally and perhaps more relevant to interior/real-estate shooting, wide angle solutions are easier to come by with a FF body.

Summing up, f1.8 on an APC is not the same (or even similar) to f1.8 on a FF body. But why would you want extra thin DoF for real-estate anyway?

MARIO AGUILA

So, I think you ned to modify your table to include: D500 no U1/U2 and D7200 yes.
The main advantages of the D7200, at least for me (portrait photography in studio with natural light and outdoor), is the resolution of 24 mp, which allows me to do wide shots and then crop, without losing quality; and the ease to define presets in User1 and User2.
There’s many parameters involved when I switch between U1/U2 (outdoors or studio portraits, or in outdoors when the light conditions are too variables), and it would be a pity to go through menus to change each time. Check Google: U1 U2 D500 and it would be possible to see the discussion about this topic

Gramps...

Is there a specific lens or combination of lenses you would recommend for the D7200 for someone who primarily does landscape photography?

I have an 18-200 VRII but it is several years old and perhaps I need something better to go with a new camera?

D7200 is looking attractive as an upgrade from my D5100.

Thank you.

dennis korabiak

Good comparison. Thank you. I would like to know about the custom settings on the D500. There is no U1 and U2 which I have used on my D7100. Does the D500 have a similar option which is easily accessible?