Posted by Photo-John on March 1, 2015
It’s been nearly two years since Nikon introduced the D7100. Tonight, on the eve of the WPPI tradeshow in Las Vegas, the Nikon D7200 DSLR is announced. The D7200 is Nikon’s new top-of-the-line, Wi-Fi-equipped DX-format (APS-C sensor) enthusiast digital SLR. At first glance the D7200 may appear to just be a warmed over version of the D7100. The 24-megapixel non-OPLF CMOS imager is a tweaked version of the D7100 sensor, and the speed and AF system also appear to be unchanged. But if you take a closer look, the D7200’s subtle updates actually add up to a significantly better camera.
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The key to the D7200’s improved performance is the updated EXPEED 4 processing, which Nikon says is 32% more efficient and increases battery life allowing up to 1200 shots per charge. Although the camera features and specs look the same as the D7100 at first glance, the new processing means better performance for nearly all critical systems and components. The D7200 increases sensitivity over the D7100 by two stops, topping out at ISO 25,600. Of course, we’ll have to see if the image quality actually improves. But an increase in native sensitivity is usually indicative of improved low-light performance. The D7100 was no slouch in the image quality department, anyhow. With useable image quality all the way up to ISO 6400, I think the D7100’s 24-megapixel sensor is the best of all the available APS-C sensor cameras – it didn’t really need any improvement. But if the D7200 image quality is even better, I certainly won’t complain. Nikon also added two new high-ISO black-and-white settings, Hi-1BW and Hi-2BW, which offer B&W shooting at ISO 51,200 and ISO 102,400.
One of the main complaints I heard about the D7100 from my action sports photographer friends was the buffer was too small. Even though it could shoot as fast as 6 frames per second, after 3 or 4 RAW photos the buffer would be full and the camera would stop shooting. So one of the most exciting improvements, for me and my action-shooting buddies, anyway, is a much bigger buffer. According to Nikon, the D7200 can capture up to 18 14-bit RAW photos, 27 12-bit RAW photos and 100 JPEGs before it has to stop to clear the buffer. That will make a huge difference for capturing fast action where 3 or 4 shots in a burst just doesn’t cut it.
The D7200 has a new auto focus system, as well. Once again, on the surface the auto focus appears to be the same 51-point array they used in the D7100. However, Nikon says the D7200 uses a new 51-point “Advanced Multi-CAM 3500II DX high-density AF” system with 15 cross-type sensors. It’s one stop more sensitive than the previous Multi-CAM 3500DX AF system, allowing it to work in light as low -3 EV. The D7200 also has one AF point that’s sensitive even at f/8, making it possible to use 1.4x tele-converters with even f/5.6 lenses; or a 2x tele-converter with f/4 lenses.
Video performance also benefits from the EXPEED 4 image processing. Video speed has been increased from 60i to 60p at 1920×1080 full HD resolution. Other video improvements are auto ISO in manual mode for video, making exposure changes smooth and seamless. The D7200 also offers a “Flat” Picture Control setting for better color and contrast control when editing video.
The built-in Wi-Fi is a very important addition. If you haven’t used a camera with integrated Wi-Fi, you don’t know what you’re missing. I don’t think there should be any cameras without built-in Wi-Fi, anymore. It’s been a very important feature for me, allowing me to transfer and share my high-quality DSLR images from my Smart Phone, from nearly anywhere. I’m very happy Nikon included Wi-Fi in the D7200.
The Nikon D7200 should be available in stores and from online dealers in early April of 2015. The suggested retail price for the body alone is US $1199.95. It will also be available in a kit with the AF-S DX 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom lens for $1699.95. Along with the D7200, Nikon is also introducing a Bluetooth wireless microphone system for video. The new ME-W1 wireless microphone will be available in March and will sell for $249.95.
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