Is the D7200 the best APS-C sized camera ever made? Matthew Higgs puts Nikon’s brand new enthusiast model through its paces to find out...
Straddling the line between affordability and professional features, the enthusiast-level market is one of the most competitive sectors of the DSLR industry. Nikon’s new D7200 is the brand’s highest specced APS-C model, sitting between the advanced beginner level D5500 and the FX-format D610. It’s designed to tempt experienced photographers looking for excellent handling and outstanding image quality, but who don’t require a full-frame sensor. While its body looks identical to that of its popular predecessor, the D7100, internally the camera has seen some major changes. Most notably a new 24.2MP sensor has been fitted alongside a new AF system based on that found in Nikon’s flagship D4S. On paper these features firmly place the camera towards the top if its class, where its main rivals are the Canon 7D MkII and Sony A77 MkII. Add Wi-Fi, NFC, a bigger buff er size, a wider ISO range and improved video capabilities into the mix, and it’s clear that while this camera doesn’t deviate too much from its forbear’s winning formula, nearly all important features have received a healthy boost. Whether these changes have gone far enough to push Nikon ahead of the pack though, is more open for debate...
Main features
While the D7100’s 24.1MP CMOS sensor was rightly applauded for its excellent noise handling at higher ISOs, some users did complain of image banding in deeper shadows. The D7200 has been given a new 24.2MP CMOS sensor that brings its resolution in line with that of the recently released D5500 and D3300. This resolution, combined with the omission of an optical low pass filter, means that this camera is able to produce detail-rich images suitable for printing at sizes that will be beyond the needs of most users.
The camera’s processor has also received an upgrade, in the form of the EXPEED 4 engine found in many recent Nikon models. An increased native ISO range of 100-25,600 brings the camera’s previously upper level of 6400 up to that offered by most of the competition, with a full 2-stop increase. A much larger buff er size of 18 RAW files or 100 JPEGs answers one of the most frequent criticisms of the D7100, which would quickly slow down when capturing several images in succession. Though at 6fps, the camera’s continuous shooting mode is still a long way off matching the _77 MkII’s 12fps, or the 7D MkII’s 10fps. This could be of serious concern for those who shoot sports or wildlife, but is unlikely to worry others.
As previously mentioned, one of the most notable improvements to the camera is the inclusion of a Multi-CAM 3500 II autofocus system. Comprised of 51 phase detection points, of which the centre 15 are the most accurate cross-type, this system is rated to an excellent -3EV for fast focusing in low light conditions. These points off er a pleasingly wide coverage of the frame, while the central cross point continues to operate right up to f/8, allowing excellent focus accuracy even when using teleconverters. We found the system finds focus almost without fault, though on the kit lens focusing speed wasn’t always the quickest. A very reliable 3D tracking mode sits alongside all of the standard focusing options. The D7200 is also the only current Nikon DSLR with an APS-C sized sensor to feature a screw drive, enabling the use of the brand’s AF and AF-S lenses. An AF assistant lamp is present.
The D7200 is available with the Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens, providing a perfect focal range for most day-to-day shooting. This lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.45m, and features an in-built vibration reduction system which Nikon claims offers 4 stops of compensation for camera shake.
Other features & video
When we reviewed the D5500 last month we applauded Nikon for finally producing a camera with a touchscreen, and atiltable one at that. So it’s slightly disappointing to find the D7200 monitor offers neither of these features, and the 3in 1229k-dot display remains unchanged from that in its predecessor. It’s not exactly an essential feature, but a tilting screen like that found on the D750 would have been a welcome addition. The monitor does still look great though, holding its own against the displays offered by rivals. The D7200 features a bright optical pentaprism viewfinder that gives approximately 100% frame coverage and a diopter for adjustment.
As has seemingly become an essential addition for every new release over the last 18 months, the camera has Wi-Fi for remote shooting and wireless image transfer via the Nikon Wireless Mobile utility app. With NFC (Near Field Communication), a connection with a smart device takes only moments to establish. It should be noted that this app’s functionality during remote shooting is more limited than that of some similar apps, as it enables the shutter to be triggered or the self-timer to be set, but doesn’t allow for control of the camera’s key settings.
While the camera’s video functionality has been improved, the D7200 is still unlikely to be the camera of choice for videographers. Full 1080p HD video is now possible at 60fps when the camera is in its 1.3x crop mode for smooth slow motion, but only 30fps is possible with no crop. The camera has Picture Control 2.0, as found on the D5500 and D750, and features a fl at picture profile option to maximise dynamic range for flexibility during processing. As well as the camera’s in-built stereo microphones there’s a 3.5mm input for an external mic. Video footage can either be saved to an SD card or sent to an external recorder via the camera’s HDMI output. A headphone output is present for audio monitoring during recording.
The camera has a pop-up flash and the standard Nikon ISO hotshoe. Two SD card slots provide the option for image back-up and increased storage capacity, something not found on lower-level Nikon models. While the D7100 was capable of 950 shoots from one full charge, the D7200 now boasts an excellent 1100 shot life.
Handling
With the same size, the same weight and the same button layout, the D7200’s design remains unchanged from the D7100. Thankfully for Nikon it got a lot right the first time round. This camera feels comfortable in the hand and keeps all important settings a button push away. When it comes to the body the only real change I would have liked to have seen is a switch to the thinner, deeper grip found on the D750 and D5500. This would have allowed a stronger purchase on the camera and a more comfortable handling experience. The D7200 feels well built, has sturdy magnesium alloy top and rear covers and is dust- and weather-sealed. The camera’s shutter unit is tested to 150,000 releases.
The menu layout again features few changes, so should seem familiar to users who already shoot Nikon. Users new to Nikon DSLRs should also find the controls fairly intuitive. Many of the buttons found on the camera can be set to control a customised setting, or work in a customised way, as expected of an enthusiast-aimed model.
The verdict
There’s no denying that the Nikon D7200 is an excellent camera. Like its forebear, the image quality it produces is brilliant for an APS-C model, and the addition of the new AF system makes this a very attractive offering for those looking for the next step up from an entry-level DSLR. However, in my opinion, Nikon hasn’t quite gone far enough with this release. Compared to the competition its capacity to shoot bursts of images is still poor, its video capabilities are still slightly limited, and when placed next to Nikon’s own lower-level D5500 a couple of desirable features are lacking. While performance has definitely been improved in lots of areas, it’s just not been to a particularly groundbreaking extent. The camera feels like an update to keep the D7100 competitive for the time being, as opposed to a serious push to keep the brand’s rivals on their toes. That’s not to say that this camera isn’t worth buying, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, it’s just not the APS-C game changer that some may have been hoping for.
For those who often find themselves shooting in low light this camera would be a great choice, and it’s more than capable of producing excellent image quality. However, with Nikon’s own D610 available for £1200 and Sony’s A7 available with a lens for less than £1000, the D7200 faces stiff competition from some very tempting full-frames, as well as other enthusiast APS-Cs.
Specs
Camera: Nikon D7200
Lens: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR
Price: £1119 (£939 body only)
Effective resolution: 24.2MP
Sensor: 23.5x15.6mm APS-C CMOS (Nikon DX format)
LCD: 3.2in 1229k-dot fixed TFT
Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism with 100% coverage
Autofocus: 51-point phase detect including 15 cross-type points
ISO: 100-25,600
Shooting speed: 6fps in RAW
Video: Full HD (1080p) at 60fps
Pop-up flash: Yes
Other features: Wi-Fi, NFC, dust- and weather-sealed, headphone and microphone inputs, HDMI output, Picture Control 2.0 with Flat option
Battery life: 1110 shots
Card type: Dual card slots for SD, SDHC and SDXC
Size (WxHxD): 136x107x76mm
Weight: 765g
Web: nikon.co.uk