Nikon D7500
When I first knew about the launch of Nikon’s new semi-pro DSLR camera D7500, I thought I was being time-skipped to the future. Did I miss the launch of D7300 and D7400? If not, why did Nikon decide to shift the number forward to 7500 After testing the device for a while, I finally realized that Nikon D7500 is actually not a direct descendant of D7200. It rather inherits a DNA from the top-of-the-range model like Nikon D500. In a nutshell, Nikon has intended to position D7500 as a multi-purpose DX-format camera suitable for image shooting and video recording.
Design
My first impression toward Nikon D7500 is that it substantially weights lighter than D7200. Nikon has decided to replace the Magnesium-alloy material with a single monocoque construction of Carbon-fiber material. Nikon D7500 weights 640 g or 1lb 6.6 oz. while its predecessor Nikon D7200 tips the scale at 765 g or 1lb 11 oz. Despite using a new body material, Nikon D7500 is still a weather-proofed camera which you can enjoy shooting in every weather condition.
Nikon d7500 enlists the F-mount lens format with built-in 3 axis VR (Vibration Reduction) and also works in correspondent with e-VR (Electronic Vibration Reduction) system in video recording mode. The Vibration Reduction system can be fully optimized when used in conjunction with VR Nikon lens.
Nikon D7500 equips with 3.2” tilting touch-screen LCD display but the screen resolution is downgraded from 1,299,000 dots of D7200 to only 922,000 dots. The display in Live View mode offers 100% of image coverage. The same level of image coverage is also applied to camera’s viewfinder
Now let have a look at the layout. Starting from the rear, the placement of control buttons and a display screen is almost identical to those of D7200. We’ve got Live View button nesting on the right edge of touch-screen display along with image/video switching button. A slightly upper area rests the AE-L/AF-L button to control and adjust metering mode. However, I’d rather prefer tapping the touch-screen to access the camera’s functions. Nikon has made a bold move to include touch-screen display in D7xxx series.
I usually use my thumb to spin a dial mode on the top left to select the shooting mode (Auto, Programmed, Shutter, Aperture, Manual, SCENE, and customizable use1 and user2).
Like other Nikon DSLR cameras, Nikon D7500 has a built-in pop-up flash equipped but it also provides a HotShoe port for connecting the external flash and other accessories. On the top right, you will find an info screen while the upper area is dedicated to nest ISO sensitivity, video recording, and exposure compensation buttons respectively. The power switch is placed under a shutter button just like any other models from Nikon.
Nikon has done an amazing work for redesigning the camera’s grip to be more solid when handling. Thanks to a slightly larger grip that fully fit in the palm. However, for an unknown reason, Nikon decided to take away a dual SD card slot and now I have to rely heavily on a SnapBridge function to transfer images to another device. Unlike D500, the SD card slot on D7500 doesn’t support XQD format.
Nikon D7500 is run by 1,500 mAH EN-EL15a battery with an external charging station. When fully charged, it is capable of shooting up to 900-950 images depending on the image format.
Specification and Special Features
Nikon D7500 has employed DX-format CMOS APS-C sensor with 20.9 MP resolution. The omission of low-pass filter has resulted in improving color rendition, sharpness, and detail of the image. The new EXPEED5 processor has noticeably showcased its processing power in noise reduction which, in turn, enables the camera to capture the image in a relatively high ISO sensitivity. Nikon D7500 features the highest ISO sensitivity at Hi5 or equivalent to 1,640,000 and the lowest at Lo1 or 50. The standard ISO range is 100 – 51,200.
As mentioned earlier, Nikon D7500 has borrowed various features from DX format top model D500. Therefore, we have 180k RGB metering sensor installed inside the camera but, unfortunately, Nikon still sticks its nose with 51-points Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500II as the main autofocus system.
In contrast to 10 fps burst shooting of D500, Nikon D7500 comes up with 8 fps burst shooting with the buffer of 100 JPEG and 50 RAW images. The camera also has image processing software preinstalled that I can process or convert 14-bit RAW files directly without transferring those images to my laptop. Additionally, D7500 provides options to whether to retain the full DX sensor image or to convert to 1.5x crop factor which is very useful when applying a dynamic range of video function.
Finally, Nikon has brought D series camera to the 4K/ UHD video threshold since Nikon D7500 can record a 4K/UHD video resolution at 30 fps with maximum 29 minutes continuous recording. The video stabilization is supported by 3 Axis Electronic Vibration Reduction (e-VR). No tripod is needed. Besides 4K/UHD, the camera also captures a standard HD video at 60 fps and you can opt for MOV or MP4 format video.
I kinda like Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) which allows me to easily connect the wireless external flash with a tip of my finger. You can either access a SnapBridge function via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Bottom Line
Nikon D7500 has performed incredibly well in a low light condition. Most images could be taken with ISO sensitivity not over than 6,400 which is considered excellent for me. In a nutshell, Nikon D7500 is an economically friendly version of Nikon D500. You can have a decent camera designed for both novice and pro with much more affordable price tag than D500. With carbon fiber monocoque body, I can even vertically hold the camera with a single hand without any hassles. Well, I bet you wouldn’t do the same with a magnesium-alloy body like D500.
Of course, Nikon D7500 is still pretty far from being called perfect. D7500 is still suffering from the delay in autofocus when the camera is in Live View mode. By positioning itself as a mini D500 with an affordable price, Nikon D7500 would definitely become one of a Nikon’s flagship camera.
Pro
- Light and comfortable carbon Fiber monocoque body, easy to handle.
- Excellent image quality even in a low light condition.
- Weather-proofed body.
- Tilting touchscreen, the first in D7xxx series.
- Easy-to-use functions for both novice and pro.
- Fine quality video recording up to 4K/UHD.
Cons
- Autofocus delay in Live View mode.
- Lack of dual SD card slots.
