Nikon D7200 Preview
This is a preview of the just announced Nikon D7200. This camera is replacing the Nikon D7100 though I suspect you will still see the 7100 on the market for a while. I am going to run down the main specs that I think are important as well as helping you figure out who this camera is for.
Right off the rip we have a 24.2 megapixel sensor with no OLPF. If you are wondering how many the D7100 had it had 24.1, so the difference is a .1. Keep in mind that that may seem like nothing but there are always other advances in sensors from generation to generation. Don’t be one of those people who says it’s the same sensor though its 18 months newer.
You will be shooting at 6FPS in DX and 7FPS in 1.3x crop mode. That means you do gain one more FPS when you crop down the sensor. I personally say don’t use the crop mode for stills, if you need the “extra” reach just crop at that point. The reason I say that is 1.3x cropped on a DX makes your photos more susceptible to cutting off important things in your images.
There are 51 auto focus points with 15 of them being of the cross type variety. I asked Nikon why they can’t do all cross type like Canon does in the 7D Mark II and I really don’t have a quotable answer. What I can tell you from experience with the 7D Mark II is you may have all cross type sensors but that doesn’t mean you will be getting things in focus all the time.
The ISO now goes from 100 to 25,600 which is up one stop from the 12,800 that the D7100 did. One new thing for this camera is the H1 and H2 modes will only capture Black and White even in RAW Files. Remember expandable modes are not considered native because their quality is much lower.
For video you can shoot 1080 at 60 FPS but only in the 1.3x crop mode. Some people may think this means less quality but in reality you are still capturing 1920×1080. It also does 24/25/50 FPS that you are used to. They have added zebra stripes though I would rather see focus peaking for my money.
New to this camera is the exposure smoothing with Auto ISO for video. This is one of my favorite features for video. To be able to set your shutter speed and aperture but let the camera smoothly transition ISO in changing light situations is amazing.
There is still a 3.2 inch screen though I would have preferred to see 3.2 inch touch screen which I have really enjoyed using with the D5500. Maybe one day they will decide that touch screen is important to pros.
Something new in this camera is that it added NFC connection along with WIFI. The D7100 already had WIFI but adding NFC as an option is nice for people that have that ability.
The biggest question I had for Nikon on the phone was “Will it be recalled?” I can tell you that all I got on the other end was silence.
So who is this camera for? If you already have a D7100 there is no need to upgrade to this as the smart step for you would be to a full frame camera like the D750. If you are taking a step up from an entry level DSLR you can not go wrong with a camera like this. If you are trying to decide between this and a Canon 7D Mark II you have to decide will you be sticking with Canon or Nikon. I always suggest once you go with one you invest in glass and stick with it.
Both cameras will be fantastic and with the price drop of the 7D Mark II recently it’s only a few hundred bucks more than the D7200 which will be $1,199 body only.
NIKON’S NEW DX-FORMAT D7200 DSLR WILL HELP PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHERS CONQUER THEIR NEXT CHALLENGE WITH INCREDIBLE SPEED AND IMAGE QUALITY
The Nikon D7200 is a Lightweight yet Powerful Option for Enthusiasts Eager to
Create, Capture and Share Incredible Images and HD Video
MELVILLE, NY (March 1, 2015 at 11:01 P.M. EST) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the Nikon D7200, a powerful DX-format DSLR built for enthusiasts ready to conquer the next challenge in their photographic journey. Featuring a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter (OLPF) and the EXPEED 4 image processing system, the D7200 is capable of incredibly fast performance and capturing phenomenally detailed, sharp images and HD video. Nikon’s newest lightweight DSLR also adds increased buffer capacity compared to the D7100, includes new Picture Controls and offers the experience of Nikon Snapbridge, whereby users seamlessly shoot and share stunning photos from the camera to a compatible smartphone or tablet via built-in Wi-Fi®1 and Near Field Communication (NFC2). Additionally, Nikon introduced the new ME-W1 wireless microphone, a simple solution to DSLR videographers’ wireless sound needs, as well as the new View NX-i imaging software.
“Those passionate about photography are constantly looking for the next challenge and Nikon is committed to providing the tools necessary to take that passion to the next level,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The new DX-format Nikon D7200 offers the next level of performance for the enthusiast photographer that wants to creatively capture exceptional images and HD video that can be easily shared with friends and family.”
Incredible Image Quality
Nikon’s newest DSLR features a powerful 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor with no OLPF capable of producing stunning images and maximum sharpness in nearly any shooting scenario. Combined with the new EXPEED 4 Image Processing engine, the Nikon D7200 renders sharp images and HD video with wide dynamic range, with the added benefit of extremely precise autofocus and metering. Whether on assignment or photographing the next family gathering, the D7200 is the ideal tool to capture important moments with incredible quality. For when available light is scarce, the camera also features a wide ISO range from 100-25,600 to help minimize noise in low-light situations. As always, the Nikon D7200 maintains compatibility with the legendary line of NIKKOR lenses and DSLR accessories which adds even more reach and versatility to any photographer’s kit.
Powerful Performance for Serious Photographers
Enthusiast photographers need a DSLR that can keep up with their passions. The Nikon D7200 sports a host of features designed to provide the power and precision needed to take on the next photographic challenge. Courtesy of EXPEED 4, the D7200 features 30% faster image processing than its predecessor, the Nikon D7100, and provides an increased buffer capacity that now allows the camera to shoot 18 consecutive RAW 14-bit lossless compressed images, 27 12-bit compressed shots or 100 JPEG frames. Additionally, this powerful DX-format DSLR offers users the versatility to shoot at 6 frames-per-second (fps) continuously or up to 7 fps in 1.3x crop mode, a popular shooting mode for both sports and wildlife photographers.
Photographers in need of a versatile, powerful yet lightweight DX-format DSLR need look no further than the Nikon D7200. When shooting fleeting moments or fast action, photographers will appreciate the camera’s pro-caliber 51-point autofocus array powered by a new Advanced Multi-CAM 3500II DX high-density system. The AF points cover a wide DX-format area, and nearly the entire frame using 1.3x crop mode. Even in low-light, the D7200 utilizes 15 cross-type sensors to achieve incredible focus on moving subjects, while the center point works down to f/8, making it great for use with compatible teleconverters. The Nikon D7200 also features a 2,016 RGB metering sensor alongside Nikon’s Scene Recognition System to help achieve the perfect exposure and focus in a variety of shooting scenarios.
Create, Capture and Share with Incredible Versatility
The Nikon D7200 is the first Nikon DSLR to feature both built-in Wi-Fi®1 and NFC2 that allow for seamless connectivity and sharing via compatible smart devices. Via NFC, users can simply touch their device to the camera for easy connectivity, while built-in Wi-Fi also allows the user to utilize their smartphone for simple playback and sharing, as well as a remote shutter and monitor.
In addition to robust performance and incredible image quality, the D7200 also sports a feature set designed to foster creativity in any level of photographer. Nikon’s newest DX-format DSLR features the next generation of Picture Controls, now including Flat and Clarity settings, to help users craft each individual image to their intended expression. These controls have been expanded for use in Live View, while artistic effects can be applied to both stills and video in real time, offering the user the ultimate in creative control. Ergonomically designed and ready to endure the elements, the Nikon D7200 features a durable yet lightweight magnesium alloy body and is ready to tackle the next photographic challenge. Users can also take advantage of a 3.2-inch ultra high-resolution (1,229k dot) LCD monitor and a low-power consumption organic EL (OLED) display element in the optical viewfinder that improves visibility when shooting.
Impressive Video Capabilities
The Nikon D7200 inherits many of the high-end video capabilities of Nikon’s latest full frame DSLRs, the Nikon D810 and Nikon D750. Ready to capture top-quality HD video at a moment’s notice, users can take advantage of a robust video feature set that allows videographers to record uncompressed and compressed Full HD 1080 footage at 30/25/24p and 1080 at 60/50p in 1.3x Crop Mode. Additionally, Auto ISO sensitivity is now available in manual mode, helping create smooth exposure transitions without changing shutter speed or aperture, while “zebra stripes” highlight display is available to confirm exposure. Video controls are available through a dedicated movie menu for quick access, while aspiring videographers can also utilize a built-in stereo microphone with 20 step adjustments to record smooth DSLR audio. The D7200 is also the first Nikon DX-format DSLR to feature a built-in Time Lapse Mode with exposure smoothing, making capturing a beautiful sunset time-lapse easier than ever.
ME-W1: A Simple Solution to Wireless Sound in DSLR Video
Nikon has also introduced a versatile new wireless lavalier microphone for Nikon users, the ME-W1, capable of capturing crisp and detailed audio wirelessly. Weather resistant and powered by two AAA batteries, users can wirelessly record audio in mono or stereo (when connected to the ME-1 stereo microphone) from up to 50m (164 ft.) away. Great for bloggers, aspiring videographers or even professionals, the ME-W1 makes recording audio for DSLR video simple, without sacrificing quality sound.
View NX-i: New, Innovative Software for Photographers
For photographers that wish to take control of their images after capture, Nikon also announces new View NX-i browsing software that allows for more intuitive control of images than ever before. View NX-i allows users to browse RAW files adjusted by Capture NX-D software and provides the easy upload of images to social networks.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D7200 will be available in early April 2015 either body only or kitted with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $1,199.95* and $1,699.95*, respectively. The ME-W1 wireless microphone will be available in March 2015 for $249.95* SRP, while Nikon’s View NX-i software will be available on March 17, 2015 as a free download. For more information about the Nikon D7200 and other Nikon cameras and products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.