One of the most interesting aspects of the DSLR market is that there is almost always a middle model between what we consider our ceiling and our floor. For example, the Nikon D500 is one of the best in its category, but on some days its 1,800 euros feel a bit distant, while the Nikon D7200 is an excellent introduction to the mid-end space, as long as we accept some minimum compromises. The alternative between the two is the Nikon D7500, the best of the D7000 series in the Japanese manufacturer's portfolio.
It is quite common to fall into the idea that the photography world is governed by an arms race. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The most expensive camera on the market is not necessarily the best for us, and if there is something we must recognize in manufacturers, it is a greater attention to balance. Here at NeoTeo we have always prioritized the price-performance ratio. That means I have some resistance to covering the most extreme models of the spectrum, but there are cameras with four digits in their price tag that are worth the effort. One of them is the Nikon D7500, current leader of the D7000 series.
Nikon D7500: 'Action' is its second name
Officially announced in April 2017, the Nikon D7500 features a 20.9 effective megapixel sensor (a value aligned with the Nikon D500), backed by an Expeed 5 image processor. ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 51,200 with an impressive boost of 50-1,640,000 in both directions, and a shutter speed between 1/8000 and 30 seconds. Its main screen is 3.2 inches with 922,000 dots, includes touch support, and is tiltable. While the Nikon D7200 has a panel with higher resolution, the Nikon D7500 manages to present an even clearer image, and the touch is definitely welcome. The optical viewfinder is based on an eye-level pentaprism, with 100 percent coverage.
The Nikon D7500 inherited its autofocus system from the D7200, and received some optimizations along the way. Its 51-point basis (15 of them cross-type) is still there, and when combining this with a new 8 FPS burst and a buffer that exceeds one hundred JPEG shots, the idea is that nothing escapes us, even in the most chaotic frames. The '3D tracking' works very well, and shows its brilliance in sports or concert situations.
Of course, the Nikon D7500 is a more than solid unit if we prefer travel or landscape photography (image stabilization is a great ally), although we should not ignore the weight factor under casual use. Another detail in this camera is the absence of the second card reader that we had with the D7200. It's not a deadly cut by any means, but it requires us to organize well if we take hundreds of shots per day.
The trained eye will have no difficulty detecting the physical differences between the D7200 and the D7500, but they are virtually identical in terms of controls. In fact, the mode dial brings the same ten main functions: Full Auto, Programmed Auto 'P', Shutter Priority 'S', Aperture Priority 'A', Manual 'M', Flash Off, Effects menu, Scene menu, and the programmable modes 'U1' and 'U2' (explained in the manual).
When it comes to recording video, the Nikon D7500 is compatible with 4Kp30 at 144 megabits per second with a 1.5x crop, or 1080p60 without restrictions. I admit that video is not its strongest point, but the quality delivered is high enough to cover the vast majority of cases. If you are interested in wireless connectivity, you should know that the Nikon D7500 comes with WiFi and Bluetooth, however, there is no NFC and GPS is optional.
The entire D7000 series from Nikon is a true wonder in terms of accessories. Batteries, backpacks, tripods, lenses... everything you need and much more is within reach. The Nikon D7500 costs around 1,600 euros with a kit that includes a more than decent 18-140 lens, but you can optimize your setup by saving about 350 euros by purchasing just the body, and putting that budget towards greater customization.
Batteries and power
Fortunately, Nikon refuses to reinvent the wheel here. The Nikon D7500 extends the use of the EN-EL15a modules, which enables access to compatible batteries like the Gloxy 1900mAh, and to the Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car. The average is about 950 shots per unit, but we calculate that you can get more than that, and if we consider the total price of the package, it's not a bad idea to add an additional battery. (SKU: DI622,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-87)
Flash units
The performance of the Nikon D7500 in low-light situations is excellent, and some enthusiasts even recommend underexposing a bit to preserve more detail and compensate with digital editing, but sooner or later we will need to go beyond what the built-in flash can do. That limit allows us to bring back two of our favorite flashes, the Gloxy GX-F1000N of professional quality with 20 color gels, case, stand and diffuser, and its younger brother Gloxy TR-985, lighter and more economical. (SKU: 0713633212,DI3992)
Tripods and supports
Once we add lens, memory card and battery, the Nikon D7500 becomes a relatively heavy camera, although it keeps the line against its direct competitors. In other words, with a traditional selection of tripods it will be more than enough. On one side we have the Professional Tripod Gloxy GX-T6662A, with a load of 10 kilograms, secondary hook in the central column, 1.6 meters maximum height and double bubble level. If you need a more compact solution, you should not look beyond the Clampod Takeway T1. A robust grip system, 40 kilograms of maximum load and a price of just 50 euros close the deal. (SKU: 0713869670,0712163592)
Bags and cases
The sealing of the Nikon D7500 has nothing to envy its older sisters, however, it would be a big mistake to ignore its protection during transport. When looking for a backpack for the Nikon D7500, the Gloxy Pro AW continues to dominate the scene thanks to its availability of models, its customizable padded interior, and a very reasonable price. The direct alternative is to jump to the Manfrotto Gear Backpack M, with a more sober exterior design, without compromising its volume. (SKU: GloxyPRO,IM712002453)
Lenses
I will insist that the 18-140 that accompanies the Nikon D7500 is not bad at all, and if you want to start working with that lens you will have no problem, but a semi-pro DSLR like this deserves to develop its full optical potential, and for that you will need to add more lenses. Among the wide angles we maintain our recommendation of the Irix Firefly and Blackstone 11 and 15 millimeters, with an impressive price-performance ratio. If you have only bought the body, the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II VC is an excellent wildcard to add to your arsenal, and among telephoto lenses we will make room for the Gloxy 500-1000mm f/6.3 with manual control. (SKUs: 0713043558,0713043556 and 0712710392,0713562038)
And that's it for today. The Nikon D7500 is a worthy heir to the D7200, and takes the exact resources of the Nikon D500 to become an extremely competitive DSLR. Its speed is formidable, and the video modes are acceptable (although there are more accessible options for 4K, like the mirrorless Sony Alpha A6300), but if your priority is action and sports, you won't go wrong with it. Good luck!
