The Nikon D7500

7 reasons for enthusiast photographers to get excited

Nikon has announced the new Nikon D7500, a new APS-C (DX format) DSLR – which utilises some of the same specifications from the top-of-the-range D500. This means that enthusiasts can now get their hands on a camera with the same image quality, but in a smaller and cheaper body... What’s not to like? Here are some of the key similarities between the two cameras.

Sensor

The new Nikon D7500 uses the same sensor as found in the D500 – that’s a 20.9 megapixel APS-C sized device. Not only that, but both cameras also have the same high-end processor – the EXPEED 5. In other words, with this combination, image quality between the two cameras should be exactly the same.

AF

Although the D7500 doesn’t have quite the same advanced AF system as the D500, it has learned some lessons from its bigger brother. There are fewer AF points (51, compared with the D500’s 153), but the D7500 inherits the D500’s excellent Group Area AF function. That’s useful for tracking focus of moving subjects – which should mean the D7500 is a good option for sports and action photography.

Video

If movie recording is your thing, as well as shooting stills, then you’ll be pleased to know that the D7500 is capable of recording 4K video – just like the D500. You can shoot at frame rates up to 30p; or alternatively, you can shoot full HD video at frame rates up to 60p. Creating time-lapse videos on the camera is also possible.

Viewfinder

The D7500’s screen is clearly inspired by the D500’s – tilting, touch-sensitive and 3.2-inches. While it has a lower resolution than the D500’s (922k-dots vs. 2359k-dots), the ultra-slim design makes it very useful for shooting from awkward angles, and the touch-control means you can swipe through images and menus quickly and easily.

Snapbridge sharing

It comes as no surprise that Nikon has equipped its latest model with its innovative Snapbridge technology. This uses Bluetooth to form a low-powered always-on connection with your phone or tablet. Images are automatically transferred across to your other device, making sharing snaps to Instagram, Facebook and other platforms super-easy and with minimum fuss.

Body design

The new Nikon D7500 is nearly 200g lighter than the D500, and its body is also smaller. There are some downsides to this, such as the lack of a control joystick and additional card slot, but overall, it means the camera is much more travel-friendly. Both cameras have weather sealing, which gives you fantastic flexibility when shooting in unpredictable conditions.

Price

Available from the end of June, the Nikon D7500’s price is a good deal lower than the D500’s. Starting from just £1299.