What are the new features on Nikon D7200 – Are they worth the upgrade?

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When Nikon announced its new flagship APS-C  DSLR – Nikon D7200, I was wondering what  it can improve on over the already highly regarded D7100. The new Nikon D7200 is not a huge upgrade to the Nikon D7100, but it has added some important features that make it looks even more like the Nikon D400 if it ever get released. While the resolution has remained at 24MP,  the autofocus system in low light has improved, a much larger buffer is added for continuous shooting, 60p HD video is possible in 1.3x crop mode, Wifi with NFC and a slightly better battery life. The ISO range has also been extended to 102,400 but with a catch that both ISO 51,200 and 102,400 are black and white only. Isn’t that a downgrade since you can do colours at ISO 51,200 with the D7100. Regardless, this is not going to affect anything since we rarely going to use ISO 51,200 and 102,400 on an APS-C camera.

Order your Nikon D7200 here

Here is a summary of the new features on the Nikon D7200 :-

EXPEED 4 Image Processor – 30% faster image processing than its predecessor EXPEED 3, deliver even better image quality.

Multi-CAM 3500DX II 51-point AF system, all sensitive to –3EV – the same Advanced Multi-CAM 3500 II autofocus sensor module built into the D750, offers the same 51 focus points available with the D7100 while achieving a broader detection range that begins at just -3 EV.

Large Buffer Depth – A larger buffer enables capture of up to 100 shots with a single burst of continuous shooting at approximately 6 fps. That’s more than 15 seconds of continuous shooting at 6fps.

ISO 100-102,400 – with ISO 51,200 and 102,400 in black and white mode only.

60p Video – 1080/60p video in 1.3x crop only with clean output over HDMI and Flat Picture Control

Wi-Fi with NFC – users can easily transfer images to smart devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition, as the NFC is supported, a Wi-Fi® connection can be easily established by simply touching the D7200 to an NFC-compatible smart device, enabling remote shooting from a smart device using the camera’s live view display shown in the smart device’s screen

Nikon D7200 image sample

These new features are  targeted to improve overall responsiveness of the camera. One of the biggest improvement on the Nikon D7200 is the larger buffer depth which allows the camera to continuously shoot for 15 seconds in JPG or 3-4 seconds in RAW. Compare this to the D7100 which only capable of continuously shooting for about 5 seconds in JPG and 1 second in RAW, the new buffer size in the D7200 is significantly larger. The new buffer size is similar to what the Nikon D750 has which is understandable since both cameras offer similar resolution, image processor and fps.

Here is a  buffer size comparison between some of the Nikon cameras.

Another new feature that also improves the responsiveness of the D7200 is its latest Multi-CAM 3500 II autofocus system that works in low light as dark as –3EV. This means the auto focus in the D7200 will focus better than the D7100 in low light condition. The Wifi with NFC  is a welcome feature, which makes sharing and transferring images much easier, but Nikon is still neglecting a GPS on its cameras.

Nikon D7200 image sample

So here is the question – Is the Nikon D7200 worth the upgrade?

Personally, I think the new features with the increase of buffer depth and auto focus detection to –3EV are welcoming additions. The increased buffer depth seems to hit the right spot, allow 3-4 seconds of continuous shooting in RAW. Previously the buffer size of the D7100 is a bit ridiculous. The improved low light AF system is also nice to have in certain situation. But if you are a user that doesn’t shoot at fast fps and doesn’t shoot in ridiculously low light (probably 80% will fall in this category), you probably won’t see much of a difference between the D7100 and D7200. For those that are still using the D7000 for whatever reason, the D7200 is a significant upgrade for you. The D7000 is so much behind compare to the D7100 and D7200.

If you are looking to upgrade your camera and you are using anything older than the D7000, definitely get the D7200. But if you are a D7100 user who doesn’t need the burst power, wait for the next model or consider the D610 it is about $300 more than the D7200 but you are moving to the full frame territory. Order your Nikon D7200 here

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