Nikon D7100 vs D7200: Pros & Cons and Verdict

Nikon is one of the top companies associated with DSLR cameras and we have to come to expect a certain standard from Nikon’s products.

This expectation is good for not just the company, but also for all users because when customers have certain expectations, companies try to exceed that expectation to remain competitive in their respective markets.

Now, when the expectations are high, companies like Nikon have to work harder to exceed that, so the end result is always fantastic. This idea probably explains why Nikon’s products are of excellent quality and come with a host of features that make usability a great experience by itself.

Keeping with this line of thought, we are going to look at two camera models, namely D7100 and D7200, to see which of the two is better and why.

Both these cameras are Semi-Pro DSLR cameras and they come with many features that make them popular among users.

Nikon D7100 vs D7200 – A Detailed Comparison of Features

Nikon D7100 and D7200 are similar in many aspects, but at the same time, there are quite some differences between them too.

Out of the two, D7100 was released on April 25, 2013, whereas D7200 was released on March 2nd, 2015. So, there is almost a one and a half year gap between the two releases.

In this section, we will be comparing the two cameras on different aspects to see their common strengths and weaknesses as well as what differentiates them.

We will also rate the cameras for each aspect, so you know which camera is better in the aspects that matter the most to you.

Size

The size of both the cameras is identical. Both D7100 and D7200 have a height of 107mm and a width of 136mm in the front, and 76mm in height and 136mm in width from behind. The weight is also identical as both weigh 765 grams.

So, from the design perspective, both the cameras are identical in every aspect. But one thing to note is the portability part. The above weight of 765 grams is only the camera, and this weight will increase when you add the lens. So, the weight and type of lens also impact the overall weight of the camera and the resultant portability.

Obviously, there is no better choice in terms of size and design because they are identical.

Features

The feature set that each camera offers determines to a large extent the final image quality of your photographs. These features also have an impact on the overall usability and functionality of the camera.

For these reasons, we will look at the common strengths and weaknesses of both the products and the unique features that distinguish one from the other.

Common Strengths

There are many common strengths that make both the cameras ideal in certain conditions. The overall image quality is excellent too. So, here is a look at the most important strengths present in both the cameras.

• Built-in flash – This feature helps to give good quality images even when you take photographs in low light. The flash turns on automatically to help you get the right focus.
• External flash shoe – Both the cameras have an external flash use that works well for flash photography. Generally speaking, the built-in flash has some limitations that can be overcome with an external flash shoe. For example, these external flashes have more power than built-in ones and can help to illuminate objects that are more than 10 meters away. Also, external flashes can cover a wider flash angle when compared to built-in flashes.
• Viewfinder – This is another useful feature that gives better framing and control over your shots. The viewfinders are optical ones in both the cameras.
• RAW images – Since both the cameras support RAW file format, the picture quality is likely to be excellent because it contains minimally processed data from the image sensor. In other words, the picture will tend to be natural and less processed.
• Face detection focus – Face detection helps to ensure that your focus is more on the person than the background. Identifying the face is important as it can set the focus and the appropriate exposure to the shot automatically. In addition, face detection focus removes the possibility of red-eye effect while using a flash. It is also very handy for portraits.
• Resolution size of 24 MP – Both the cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This is quite impressive because many other cameras in this range offer only about 20MP. The obvious advantage of 24MP is that it is possible to include more pixels in the same area, so the quality of the image will be clear and precise.
• LCD screen size – The LCD screen size of 3.2″ in both the cameras is large enough to help you identify the right angles and shots. Also, a larger display puts less stress on the eyes, and you can look at them for a longer period of time.
• LCD screen resolution – It is not just the size that matters, but also the resolution of the screen. At 1.229k dots, these screen resolutions are high and make for a comfortable viewing experience. Also, they increase the accuracy of your shots because you can see the images clearly.
• Continuous shooting – Nikon d7100 and d7200 support continuous shooting with a speed of six frames per second. This is a good speed and makes both these cameras ideal for shooting outdoors, especially during sports events. With continuous shooting, they can capture players in motion and this makes the whole idea of photography more exciting and challenging to every enthusiast.
• Microphone port – Having the option to connect to a microphone is a big advantage because you can talk into it directly while shooting images. This high-quality audio recording option can give more flexibility to your shoots and can help to tap into your creative side.
• Headphone port – Other than a microphone, there is also an option for headphones, and this sure to give you the highest levels of control over your videos. You’ll know precisely what is happening and what you should do, thereby giving you better control over your videos.
• Environmental dealing – Since both these cameras come with an environmental sealing, you can shoot them even under the toughest weather conditions. Imagine how cool it can be to take a shot in the rain or capture the snowflakes as they pour down in a blizzard. These are some things you can do with both the cameras and this again can be a huge plus for those who love to take photos in nature.
• Time-lapse recording – This is a creative technique often sued in photography to give a fast moving effect and thus a time lapse. In this technique, frames are captured at a much slower rate than normal, so when played at normal speed, they appear to be fast. This feature greatly appeals to the creative side of many photographers.
• Automatic Exposure (AE) bracketing – This feature is most essential when you are shooting in tricky light conditions or when you have to move between light and dark areas. In both these scenarios, it is difficult to have the right exposure setting. Also, doing them manually is time-consuming and it can even cause you to miss the “moment” you were waiting for. This is where AE bracketing helps, as the camera automatically changes settings to match the environment and surrounding light.
• AF Micro adjustment – This feature helps to adjust each lens for accurate focus, so you can capture the images you want.
• Shutter life expectancy – The shutter life expectancy, as the name suggests, determines how long the shutter will last. In both the cameras, the shutter value expectancy is 150000 cycles, which means, you can expect it to last for a long time.
• Storage slot – There are two storage slots that make it handy for you.

Thus, these are the common strengths present in both the cameras.

Common Weaknesses

Just like how every product comes with its own set of pros and cons, these two cameras also have a few weaknesses associated with them. These weaknesses are common in both the models.

• Image stabilization – Both the cameras have no built-in image stabilization, so there is always a possibility for the images to look blurred. With still cameras, shake is a particular problem especially when the shutter speeds are low. Many cameras come with built-in stabilization that adjusts this camera shakes. But unfortunately, both d7100 and d7200 do not have this feature.
• Articulating screens – Articulating screens is a screen that can be pivoted or repositioned to give more flexibility in viewing angles. It can be particularly helpful when you want to attach your camera to a tripod. When you do that, you can adjust the screen automatically and even have it 90 degrees down to get the shots you want without having to crouch. Such a flexibility is missing in both these models.

Besides these two weaknesses, there is nothing that is common to both the models.

So far, we have seen the features that are present in both these cameras as well as some essential features that are not present in them. Now, let us compare the features that D7200 has which are not present in D7100, and vice-versa to get an idea of which camera scores better in what areas.

Nikon D7200 Advantages

Before we go into this comparison, it makes sense to keep one aspect in mind. Nikon D7200 was released a good one and a half years later than D7100 and this means, the later model is likely to have more advanced features built into it. At the rapid pace at which technology is moving, changes happen so quickly.

So one and a half years is fairly long time by these standards, so it makes sense for D7200 to have those latest advancements as a part of it. This is why the feature set of D7200 is better than that of D7100. Let us now see in which areas does Nikon D7200 scores over D7100.

Wireless Connection

In Nikon D7200, the wireless connection is built into it, so you can have better connectivity. You can even consider clicking images and uploading them directly to your social media page or send it to someone as an email attachment. The choices are plenty because of this built-in wireless connectivity.

In addition, D7200 comes with NFC connection as well, which means, you can use Bluetooth to transfer images from one device to another. This can be particularly useful when you want to transfer images from your camera to your smartphone for sharing with others or even for using different editing apps.

This convenience can be a big game changer in today’s connected world.

ISO Sensitivity

Generally speaking, ISO sensitivity is a factor that determines how much light should come into the camera for the best possible shot. This value sets the amount of light needed for good exposure.

When this number is low, more light is required and it also means, that the images will not come out too well in dark environments. A normal range is anywhere between 200 to 1600.

The max ISO is a value that tells the camera not to exceed this maximum value. In Nikon D7200, this max ISO value is 25600 while in D7100, it is only 6400.

When you compare, the max ISO value is almost 400% higher in D7200, and this can prove to be a big advantage when you want to shoot under different light conditions.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important aspect, especially when you want to take it outdoors for shooting. Nikon D7200 has a higher battery life as it can click 1110 shots with a single battery charge whereas D7100 can shoot only around 950 shots. This is a big difference in battery life and can prove to be a crucial aspect while shooting outdoors.

Color Depth

Color depth is the number of bits used to indicate the color of a single pixel. It is no brainer that the higher the color depth, the richer will be the colors you see on the photograph.

In Nikon D7200, the color depth is 24.5 while in D7100, the color depth is 24.2. Though the difference is not so huge, it can still make a reasonable difference in the final image quality.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is the difference between the darkest and the lightest parts of a focused object or person. In low light conditions, this dynamic range tends to be small but in bright conditions, this variation is much higher. This is why some parts of your image will be underexposed or overexposed depending on the angle.

A rule of thumb is the dynamic range of the subject should not exceed the dynamic range of your camera, and for this, it is always a good idea to have a camera that comes with a really big dynamic range to get a perfectly exposed photograph.

When you compare Nikon D7200 with D7100 for this dynamic range capability, you’ll see that the former has a dynamic range of 14.6 as against the value of 13.7 for D7100. Though you may think this is not such a big difference, in reality, it can make a big difference, especially if you are likely to take more shots in daylight.

In fact, when you compare the photos taken on both the cameras, you’ll see that the images taken with D7100 will have some parts more exposed than others. You’ll not be able to see the same overexposure levels in D7200. That’s the difference this value can make to your final output.

Overall, you can see that D7200 has more features and capabilities when compared to D7100, and much of it can be attributed to the fact that D7200 was released one and a half years later than D7100, and this means, it will include the technological advancements that took place during this time.

But from a user perspective, D7200 is the better choice simply because it comes with more features.

Cost

Cost is one area where D7100 scores over D7200. The price of the D7100 is lower whereas the price of D7200 is a little higher. You may even get them at better deals on sites like Amazon as they constantly have some sale or the other going on.

There is a big difference in the price of both the cameras and this difference in price is justified by the features available in D7200. In other words, D7200 gives a good value for your money even if it is more expensive than D7100.

That said, if you are on a tight budget or if you want to experiment with Semi-Pro DSLR cameras before moving on to a professional camera, then go for D7100. The choice simply depends on what you want and how much you are willing to spend on it.

Bottom Line

Now that we have examined the different features, it is time to decide which of the two is better.

As we have seen from the feature set above, D7200 is the better choice because it comes with more features and as a result, gives you more flexibility in shooting and better quality images. But then, it is more expensive than D7100 and this one important aspect to keep in mind.

Overall, go for D7200 if you do not mind spending the extra money because you are sure to get a good deal.

There are not many cameras with such impressive features priced under a grand, so this is definitely a good value for your money. But if you are on a tight budget, go for D7100 by all means as it not a bad choice at all.

As far this comparison is concerned, the winner of the two is Nikon D7200 because it has more features and incorporates more technological advancements that took place.