It’s Here! The D7500 review you’ve been waiting for! This in-depth review comes after a solid month of using the camera professionally in the field as my primary body for wildlife photography.
In this video, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the D7500 from a wildlife photographer’s perspective, as well as compare it to the D7200 and D500. Plus, I’ve loaded the video with a bunch of cool tips, tricks, and real world usage examples. If you’re thinking about a D7500, this is the one video you absolutely need to watch. Check it out!
If you purchase any of the cameras in the review using my Amazon links, it helps support this site and is greatly appreciated!
PS…
If you enjoyed this article, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books, Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography and Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System. They’re filled with hundreds of pages of information just like this. Check it out – click here (hey, it’s free to look 🙂 )
Thanks for sharing, It might have been fairer to make a comparison between these and the D5600 and D5500 – which are a little less, but still up there, and have pretty much the same goods inside.
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New to Nikon since May 2019 after using Pentax since 2006. Only birds and som wildlife for me. Started with D7500 and now bought a used D500. So I feel I have a great set-up for my prime camera body (D500) and a great second choice with my D7500. Thanks for great videos!
This all might have made a lot more sense, had you compared apples, instead of apples and oranges. The ProSumer Nikons – D7000, D7100, D7200, and D7500 are all around the thousand dollar mark, whilst the D500 is DOUBLE that. It might have been fairer to make a comparison between these and the D5600 and D5500 – which are a little less, but still up there, and have pretty much the same goods inside, plus Touch Screens, which are also – not only tilting, but fully – what do they call it? … anyway, the flip-out style. Oh, I know… Read more »
I’d actually say the D500 is closer to the D7500 than the D5xxx series. That said, the reason I did the comparison this way was because all the questions I saw and continue to see are the D7500 vs D7200 or D500. I don’t think I’ve seen a single person asking about the D5600 vs D7500 until now. Plus, the D7500 and D500 even share the same sensor.
Have been considering the jump up from the D7100 to the D7200, but since the D7500 is not a whole lot more, it might be worthy of consideration, even though the res is less, and it loses a slot – the two most obvious differences, but, do those losses mean a whole lot in the real world, when one considers the other clear advantages – including a tilting Touch-Screen, and LED lights – right? Like the D500 and the K-1, yes? … But, when it comes down to it – can one really expect better pictures from it over the… Read more »
They are on par – but keep in mind that the D7500 has some advantages as shown in the video that can help you get shots – things like faster FPS, buffer, Group AF, etc.
How well does the Electronic VR in the D7500 work, with non-VR lenses? About how many stops?
Is this (the D7500) the best thousand-buck camera on the market, right now, or does another better it?
Not asking for a recommendation actually… But, I have been going back and forth on a decision between the Nikon d750 and D7500, d7200 I understand the differences between FX and DX. I have been away from Photography for a while so I have no gear at the moment. I plan on buying one of these bodies soon. My main purpose will be Landscapes. The d750 with 24-120 would be one option The D7500 with the new 16-80 would be my other. the d750 has been around a while and still has the AA filter on the sensor. The d7200… Read more »
I ordered the d7500 with the 16-80 and 70-300 af-p dx lens. I would plan on getting the Tokina 11-20 for uwa in the near future. It will be in my hands tomorrow. l am still not sure about this though. I mostly go hiking for Landscapes, so FX for sure… but I also want a camera that is easy to travel with and also a well rounded camera for action/street/landscape/portrait/ handheld or tripod. I am thinking I may have to send this back in exchange for the d750. Looking for anyone here that can comment on this. My budget… Read more »
MARK _
Did you keep the 7500 or return and get the 750? I am curious and I have been in the same boat for a month now – I currently own a d90 and need to higher ISO capabilities. I too do mostly landscapes and nature but also some small gatherings as well.
I just didn’t like the d7500 and sent it back. I now have my d7200 and d750 and I am happy with the combo. Probably the last camera bodies I will purchase
Thanks that is helpful!! Yep at my age, my next purchase may be close to my last ! Happy snapping
22MAY2019. I just bought the exact set you mentioned D7500, 16-80 and 70-300 AF-P DX VR lens, a week ago. I am 57 and “upgraded” from a pair of Nikon D700 Fx bodies with three F2.8 Nikkor Zooms (17-200mm total, you know the ones, AF-D). Upgrade seems like a funny word, going from Fx to Dx, however at 57, and shooting less professionally and more personal work, the upgrade of features to a 10 year newer sensor, 10 year newer auto-focus system, 8FPS (native with no special equipment), and a smaller lighter kit, is now outweighing the Fx advantage. My… Read more »
Forgot to mention, my path was: (worked for a studio and newspaper in the late 1970’s-mid 1980’s), Nikon F and FTn kit 1977, Bronica ETR-S kit 1981, FujiFinePix about 1999, Several Kodak super-zooms in the early 2000’s, Nikon D40 Dx kit about 2006, Nikon D300 kit about 2008, Pair of Nikon D700 bodies about 2010, not to mention an Omega 45 (4×5 film camera), and numerous Nikkor lenses over the decades.
The Nikon D7500 seems to be among the best combination and balance of features to size/weight kit that I have ever purchased.
I’ve pretty much had the same equipment over the years with the exception of the 4×5. Lately, I have missed the d7500 kit with the af-p lenses. the 10-20, 16-80, and the 70-300. I’ve actually considered selling my d750 with the heavier lenses to get the lighter weight. still don’t like the one card feature though. I don’t have my d7200 anymore… I really did like the d700. I think it was probably the best body I have had. paired with the d300s… Anyway, glad you like the d7500. I may have to look at it one more time. Im… Read more »
Mark, thank you for the prompt reply. I have been using digital since the late 1990’s, never owned a dual card camera, but have never had a card failure, regardless of form factor either. Do I miss the aperture feeler? Not really, I think it was more of a self-bragging right to think I could use some older AI manual focus lenses on the D300 and/or D700 bodies, but in reality, I probably only did that once a year (love my 1968 Nikkor 105mm F2.8 which I bought in 1978 and later had AI converted, the sharpest lens I have… Read more »
I grew up in Indy… southeast side.. Wanamaker Acton area.
Use to go to the speedway every year. My dad and I had kodaks and a leica late 60s early 70s. Never really got into the video feature of DSLRs.
Mark, I grew up in Southern Michigan (live in NC now) and my Dad, Brother, and I went to Indy every year in the 70’s, I could probably name a roster from 77 off the top of my head. We would rotate between opening day of qualification and the race each year. Back then, even the time trials were crowded. I had not been to Indy since, except once in the early 90’s when home on leave from Germany. Sadly, last Saturday when I happened to be in Indy for my college graduation, my new wife (married this Spring) and… Read more »
Im wondering if you have noticed how the media has changed? Now it seems that it is discussed thoroughly and more in depth. Frankly it is about time we see a change.
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Hey Steve, nicest comparison video I have ever seen… I am trying to decide between 7200 and 7500 and I can’t seem to ignore the significant price difference between them in my country. I don’t shoot fast moving objects but landscapes and macros plus street. Would there be a reason other than the nice touch screen to choose the 7500 over the 7200? I figured from your review that not really… 🙂 Still in doubt. Btw, what happened to your ISO button on the 7500? Seemed that the O was partially worn off. Any quality issue with camera hardware? Thanks… Read more »
Thanks Steve, I learn a lot watching your videos. I also bought and read your book on Nikon AF system. I am reading it over and over again to internalize the content. Do you conduct any wildlife photography workshops or tours? If not it may be a good idea to consider one. I will be the first person to sign up. I have been wanting to join a wildlife shooting workshop for a while. I know there are others who do these kind of workshops but after looking at some of your pictures I wanted to explore the possibility with… Read more »
Yet another great video! If there is anyone on the Internet who does camera videos as good as Steve I’ve yet to encounter them. Every angle is covered, every question answered, every technical feature fully explained! And there is never a moment of hesitation, never a misstep or misspeak. I don’t believe they give Nobel Prizes for photo videos so that’s out, but certainly Nikon could tequire their design technicians and manual writters to watch all Steve’s videos and read all his excellent eBooks in hopes that their products would be improved as a result. I am assuming that they… Read more »
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your D7500 review, again very clear and profound.
I have D7200 and D750, but I feel I need lighter gear (than FX and a heavy and looong lens) to carry around, so I´m considering a new DX camera body (D7500 or D500, to be mounted with f300 PF and TC in some occasions). Now, I think, I have more substance to consider things, great. New approach could be to have two bodies instead of just changing existing ones to a new one. Sounds to me like D7200 and D7500 well completes each other.
Steve,
Thanks for the review on the D7500. I upgraded from a D3200 and needless to say the difference is incredible. I also picked up a Sigma 150 – 600mm F5-6.3 DG Contemporary Lens based on one of your other reviews. Thanks!!!
Hi Steve,
I watched your review and am now convinced that the D7500 will be a good match for my Nikon 200-500. With the cropped sensor I will get that bit extra length. Also as much as I like that D500, I will save a few bucks and get a new lense.
Thanks
Don E.
I have owned the D500, D750, D7200. Excellent review, I would offer that you spend more time giving opinion on important aspects of quality. e.g. dynamic range, accuracy in color rendition. There are noticable differences in the above models when representing color and contrast at default settings. I am not sure why but it may be because the D7200 uses a Toshiba chip with the others use a Sony ?. The D500 had unseasonably more contrast and I couldn’t match the pleasing range of the D7200 with in-camera picture control adjustments. I’ve seen samples of the D750 and they look… Read more »
Sorry about that… correction: I’ve seen samples of the D7500 (Missed a zero, ouch.).
A very nice review. (As an aside: it was during a holiday in South Dakota, at places like Wind Cave and Custer parks, that I realized that it was finally time to move from film to digital.) I have had a D7500 for a little over a week now. It is a definite step up from the D5300 I was using before. There is a lot to learn in order to use it effectively (sounds like your autofocus ebook is something I could use). That said, I am very pleased with the images that it has produced. The buffer size… Read more »
Yup, it’s an impressive little camera – and I was very pleased with it out in Custer 🙂
I did buy your autofocus ebook, by the way, and have learned valuable things from it.
Great review Steve. A little late for me but it did reaffirm my decision that the D500 was the right purchase for me.
As always an excellent video, full of useful details pertaining to just about every feature the camera contains. Better yet, everythingis placed with a real world context that enables a serious photographer to make an informed judgement as to how well the camera will perform in the context within which he plans to use it! When used to describe Steve’s explainations of technical detail the word “impressive” always seems to fall short so I will describe this detailed test report of the D7500 as “increadibly impressive!”
Steve – great job as usual. I have a 7100 as a backup body (to a D810) and love the way the DX sensor brings me closer to the action – After studying the alternatives, I think the D500 is the right camera for me.
Thanks again for pointing out the key differences.
Paul C.
This is a very comprehensive review. One question, though; does the D7500 have an internal autofocus motor so that ‘D’ lenses can be used, or is it removed like in the D3x00 and D5x00 models?
I’m doing more bird photography now, so I’m giving serious thought to upgrading my D7100 (due to the buffer limit) to either a D500 or D7200. While the D7500 is an interesting camera, I just feel that too much was removed to override the better AF performance, at least in my case.
Yes, the D7500 has the little screw drive for “D” lenses, so no worries there. I can tell you that for birds, I’d take the D7500 over the D7200 all day long – but I’ll take a D500 over either one 🙂
Thank you for the information in regards to the “D” lenses. I’m leaning towards the D500 direction. Take care.