Nikon D7200 vs Canon 80D: Pros & Cons and Verdict

At first glance, these two cameras might not seem that different. So why go through all the trouble of finding their differences? The answer is simple; they are not the same.

There are some key differences that you need to know before you buy the product. Not everyone can by two cameras at once, and after reading this guide, you won’t feel the need to.

We will be looking at the features that both cameras have to offer, where their strengths and weaknesses are and which one of them is better. At the end of it all, we will reach a verdict that will help you find your ideal camera.

Nikon D7200 vs Canon 80D: Pros & Cons and Verdict

The Nikon D7200 is a vast improvement on the Nikon D7100 with a better range of features. These features are especially helpful if you like to shoot video.

The Canon 80D is a mid-range DSLR camera that was released a few years ago as an improvement on the entry-level Canon Rebel series. Both cameras have their merits, but they also have a few flaws that need to be investigated.

Design

The Nikon D7200 will feel familiar to you if you have used the D7100, D810 or D750 in the past. The models are built similarly but there are a few key differences.

Most of the buttons are in the same place, so if you stay in this Nikon range, it won’t feel like much of a difference. If you don’t like a change, or like the feel of your D7100, D810 or D750 models, then you will enjoy the D7200.

One big difference is that it is easy to assign controls so that you can make changes without moving the camera away from your face. The rear AF-button is especially useful and well placed.

The D7200 has a decent weather-seal on it, which means that you can take your camera out where you need it. It is also a reasonably light camera that balances well with lighter lenses but will have difficulty with heavier lenses.

Weighing about 23.9 ounces (674 grams), it fits comfortably in most hands. The eyepiece cover tends to snap off at the slightest pressure. You need to keep an eye on it; otherwise, you’ll never see it again.

As with all Nikon DSLRs, the D7200 also comes with a neck strap, although we can’t reasonably say that it’s a comfortable neck strap.

The Canon 80D is not a bulky camera, and most people will be able to grip it comfortably. Most of the control buttons are found on the right side of the camera, but there are a few that can be found on the top plate.

The controls are still within reach, and once you get used to the build, you won’t have to take the camera away from your face to find the control you’re looking for.

The camera also sports a more than decent touch menu. You can select different options with a light tap and scroll. The 80D is weather-sealed so that you can get that perfect shot no matter what. This camera is slightly heavier than the Nikon D7200, but that does mean that it will balance well with most lens sizes.

Autofocus System

The Nikon D7200 autofocus system is basically the same as the system found in the D7100, but with a few enhancements that focus on better low-light performance. Its improved Multi-CAM 3500II DX autofocus module means that it is rated as good down to -3EV. This new system features up to 51 autofocus points, most of these in a 9×5 grid spanned by three points per column on each side.

The middle three columns of five points are cross-types that are sensitive to detail on both axes (horizontal and vertical). Teleconverter fans will be happy to know that a single point in the center of the array can work all the way down to f/8.

The autofocus sensor can also work with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II sensor which means that it has better focus tracking since this information helps to identify subjects better. Autofocus fine tuning is also available which will help you to make up for lenses that front-or back-focus. You can also choose to shoot in-focus priority or release-priority.

The difference is that while shooting in in-focus priority, the shutter won’t be released until you get a lock, but release-priority means that the shutter will be released as soon as possible no matter what.

The Canon 80D boasts an incredible Dual Pixel CMOS Af, and it also upgraded a few elements of its through-the-view-finder autofocusing. It features 45 all cross-type AF points, which is a good number to have.

The coverage area was expanded both horizontally and vertically to cover more of the frame, which is a vast improvement when compared to the 70D. Teleconverters and those who use super-telephoto lenses will be able to use 27 AF points that can autofocus down to f/8.

The lowlight system is able to lock in down to – 3EV. The 80D is not the quickest DSLR available, but it is still fast enough to capture clean action shots, which should thrill sports photographers.

The camera also has the improved 7,560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor which works with the Al Servo AF II autofocusing system. This provides better skin tone and color detection for improved subject tracking and facial recognition.

At the same time, the camera has an improved anti-flickering function which was first introduced by the 7D Mark II. The system detects flickering by artificial light and adjusts the shutter timing to catch the best and brightest light.

Sensor & Processor

There are no surprises when it comes to the sensor on the Nikon D7200. The digital SLR is based on the APS-C sized CMOS image sensor. Effective resolution is 24.2 megapixels and the total resolution is 24.72-megapixels.

These numbers are higher than what the D7100 offered, which means that there must be tiny changes to the sensor which cause these slight differences since both the D7200 and its predecessor use the same sensor. Nikon also included a sensor cleaner to avoid the problem of a dusty sensor.

The cleaning function uses piezoelectric vibration at four different frequencies. This shakes off the dust and keeps the sensor dust-free. Unfortunately, the D7200 doesn’t have a low-pass filter, which increases resolution but may lead to moire and false color artifacts. On the bright side, the D7200 boasts a Nikon EXPEED 4-series image processor which was the first of its kind.

If nothing else, the Canon 80D can say that it has better resolution than its predecessor. A 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS imaging sensor is responsible for the 80D’s resolution. The camera’s all-new sensor technology works with a DIGIC 6 image processor.

Like the Nikon D7200, this is a considerable leap from the technology that the Canon D70 model. The native maximum ISO got a boost as well, now at 16,000 instead of 12,500. The video ISO also got a nice boost for a crisper video effect.

Connectivity

Before Nikon Snapbridge, Nikon cameras relied heavily on SD cards and external accessories to provide wireless networking capability. The D7200 supports Wifi and near-bridge communications, this system was branded as Nikon Snapbridge, and now with the touch of a button, you can upload all your favorite pictures to your Android or iOS device.

Aside from wireless connectivity, the Nikon D7200 also includes a wide array of wired connectivity options including Type-C mini HDMI high-def video, microphone, headphone, USB 2.0 High-Speed data, GPS/wired remote/wireless remote connectors.

It supports the Consumer Electronics Control Standard for remote control by a connected high-def television remote. The accessory port also works with the GP-1 and GP-1A GPS receivers and the MC-DC2 remote cord. It is also possible to change camera configurations remotely if you have the Nikon WR-R10 and WR-T10 radio remotes.

You can also find Wifi connectivity in the Canon 80D which allows for simple video and picture transfers as well as remote control capabilities. The camera also uses NFC (near field communication) for pairing with other compatible devices. All you need to do is use the EOS app for Android and iOS users and you will be able to pair your device to the camera and quickly transfer the files you want.

The app will also let you connect to your camera remotely and access certain functions. With this app, you will be able to control shooting modes, exposure adjustments, and tap-to-focus.

The camera itself does not have a built-in GPS, but you can buy a compatible GPS receiver add-on. If you use the GP -E2 accessory, you will be able to add location data to your images.

The built-in Wifi system is a great way to streamline connectivity. You can store all your photos or videos in a safe place and share them on your social media pages or with your friends and family by tapping a few buttons.

Battery Life

According to CIPA standards, the Nikon D7200 has a longer battery life than its predecessor despite using the same battery system. The EN-EL 15 lithium-ion charge rechargeable battery pack allows for 1,110 shots per charge. This is a slight improvement on the D7100’s 950 shots per charge.

This might not seem like much of a charge, but every shot counts when you’re running low on battery life.

If you want or need to enhance the battery life, you could always use the MB-D15 portrait/battery grip which supports either one EN-EL 15 or six AA batteries.

You also get to choose which one should be drained first, the internal pack or the external batteries. The external pack is composed of an EH-5b AC adapter connected to an EP-5B Power Connector.

The 80D uses and upgraded LP-E6N rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. According to CIPA standards, the 80D lasts for about 960 shots which is a healthy upgrade from its predecessor’s 920 shots per charge.

If you decide not to use the flash then Canon estimates that you will be able to fit a more than healthy 1,390 shots per charge.

Should you decide to use Live View shooting, the battery life will decrease noticeably, only fitting about 300 shots on a full charge. The camera is compatible with the same external grip as the 70D with dual LP-E6N batteries.

When paired with the external grip, the 80D should offer about 2,780 shots without the flash while using the viewfinder. This significant upgrade should allow you to stay out shooting for a long time.

Video

Despite lacking a full sensor readout, the D7200’s features a decent movie-capture set. It is capable of shooting a full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) videos at progressive scan 50/60 fields per second with a 1.3x focal crop length or 24,25 and 30 frames per second.

The system also includes a built-in stereo microphone, a 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring audio levels, and a 3.5 stereo mic jack for external microphones. Levels can be adjusted within a 20-step range and movies are saved with MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.

The maximum length of all videos are about 29 minutes and 59 seconds, although this does depend on the quality settings. There is a zebra-striping function that helps you to confirm the correct exposure. You can also shoot videos in the Manual exposure mode using automatic ISO sensitivity control.

The 80D puts a strong emphasis on video quality. Thanks to the DIGIC 6 processor, the camera offers full HD video capture up to 60p  which makes it brilliant at capturing live-action video.

There are still 30 and 24p as well as PAL-specific 25p and 50p framerates (for 1080p footage) to add a little variety to the proceedings. It also features Canon’s HDR movie and in-camera time-lapse video modes.

There are a variety of real-time movie filters to let your creativity run wild. According to Canon, you will be able to shoot for 29 minutes and 59 seconds, this time will be impacted by the quality settings. There are a headphone jack and a 3.5mm mic input jack which boosts the 80D’s audio capabilities.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Now that we have seen some of the more outstanding features from both cameras, we will take a look at their advantages and disadvantages.

Every product has a few features that make it stand out from the crowd, but with these enhanced capabilities comes a few strings that might make the camera hard to work with.

We will list some of the more outstanding pros and a few pressing cons so that you can decide what you can and cannot live with.

Product Summary:

This is a workhorse camera. It will work for thousands of shots and you will be able to take it anywhere you go. The battery life is exceptional and you will be able to take your camera out for a couple of hours while you are looking for that perfect shot.

Fans of nighttime shooting will be happy to note that the camera handles higher ISO very well. The camera easily competes with more expensive full-frame cameras ensuring that you get your full money’s worth out of it. The camera also scores well when users were asked to rate the camera.

Picture quality got a full score, while battery life and material quality got near perfect scores. It is difficult to find a camera with such overwhelmingly positive reviews.

There are a few minor setbacks that make some users a little wary but considering what you pay for the camera, they really aren’t worth any serious concern.

Canon 80D Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the infamous Canon 80D. It’s important to know all the strong sides and shortcomings of this camera.

Product Summary:

This camera is comfortably built. It sits well in most hands and the buttons are nicely pronounced which makes it a little easier to handle. A lot of people decide not to buy this camera because it lacks 4K.

This would be a mistake since it is a capable camera that takes focused and cinematic photographs. Many users have found that the lack of 4K is not a massive problem and have gone on to use it well.

The functions and settings might take a while to get used to, but the camera will definitely step up your photography game. The device is definitely a little heavy, but you will get used to it soon enough.

Nikon D7200 vs Canon 80D: Verdict

The time has come to select the best product. We have looked at the features, pros, and cons that each camera has to offer. Going through all this information might already have cemented a winner in your mind. If that is the case, then feel free to go out there and get what you need.

In the end, there is only so much information you need before personal preference grabs you. Before we announce our choice, let’s finish up with a nice summary.

The Canon 80D is classic Canon at its finest. It is well-built and well-rounded with comfortable ergonomics and controls that are easy to get used to and work with.

Although the camera has wonderful image quality and improvements to lower and higher ISO’s thanks to the improved processor, the image quality does not match up to the 80D’s closest competitor. It performs well thanks to better buffer depths, good burst speeds, incredible battery life, and an enhanced 45-point AF system.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology ensures that the Canon 80D is ready for general use as well as more challenging scenarios such as wildlife and sports photography. When looking at the overall picture, the Canon 80D is a decent camera.

The Nikon D7200 has enhanced video capturing capabilities, but if shooting videos is your main priority then it might not be the camera for you. It does have a few decent features, but it is primarily designed to take good photos. Videos look great, but there are other cameras with better video capabilities.

That being said, the pictures produced by the D7200 are out of this world.  When you buy the D7200 you are getting value for money. Considering all the features and software packed into the D7200, the price is more than fair. The optical viewfinder will give you a new connection to your subjects and if you are already a Nikon enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with upgrading to this camera.

This workhorse camera will help you to take high-quality pictures no matter the weather and will last in the wild for almost as long as you do. We do wish that there was better Wifi, but there are near-constant updates to this system so we do not have to keep wishing for too long.

With all that in mind, we do have to choose the Nikon D7200 as our favorite pick. The price is unmatched and the image quality might just blow you away. Despite not being the best camera for shooting videos, it still does a very good job.

While the Canon 80D is comfortable, it falls short in a few areas. The Nikon D7200 has a few more features and a packs more camera in for your money. With the D7200 you will be capturing perfect moments for years to come.