Discussion
Hi all,
Does anyone own and have experience of a Nikon D7200? Basically, I've owned a Nikon D40x for a number of years as my first DSLR. It's been a great camera and I've learned (through attending a few courses) how to use all the settings and now regularly shoot in full "Manual" mode.
I'd now like to upgrade to a top end amateur / low end professional DSLR and want to stick to the Nikon brand to ensure compatibility with the lenses I already own.
I've read good things online and in the photography press about the D7200 and think it could fit the bill perfectly as my next step up. What do you think? Would you recommend this?
Cheers.
Does anyone own and have experience of a Nikon D7200? Basically, I've owned a Nikon D40x for a number of years as my first DSLR. It's been a great camera and I've learned (through attending a few courses) how to use all the settings and now regularly shoot in full "Manual" mode.
I'd now like to upgrade to a top end amateur / low end professional DSLR and want to stick to the Nikon brand to ensure compatibility with the lenses I already own.
I've read good things online and in the photography press about the D7200 and think it could fit the bill perfectly as my next step up. What do you think? Would you recommend this?
Cheers.
I agree with the logic of staying with Nikon but what part of the D40x isn't cutting the mustard for you any more?
As an alternative, how about a D300? A bit older but a step up the amateur/pro ladder. <£200 now!
Nikon rather messed the hierarchy up. After the D300 they decided to scrap the semi-pro Dxxx range, extending the Dxxxx range up and the FX range down to cover the gap. Then that particular markting wizz must have bailed out and the Dxxx range sensbly re-emerged with the D500 - but there's no D400.
As an alternative, how about a D300? A bit older but a step up the amateur/pro ladder. <£200 now!
Nikon rather messed the hierarchy up. After the D300 they decided to scrap the semi-pro Dxxx range, extending the Dxxxx range up and the FX range down to cover the gap. Then that particular markting wizz must have bailed out and the Dxxx range sensbly re-emerged with the D500 - but there's no D400.
I have a D7200 and love it. It’s a brilliant camera imo.
That said - I’d consider a used D300 (s) and save a load of money. I’m actually considering one as a second body.
Even used, the D7200 is still quite spicy - it’s good, but I’d argue that as an upgrade from the d40x, the D300
Is better value. If you want video, then go for the D300S.
That said - I’d consider a used D300 (s) and save a load of money. I’m actually considering one as a second body.
Even used, the D7200 is still quite spicy - it’s good, but I’d argue that as an upgrade from the d40x, the D300
Is better value. If you want video, then go for the D300S.
I don't think the D300 would be remotely in the same league for things like AF, ISO performance, detail and image processing etc? the D300 has the same sensor as the D90, which is ancient in technological terms.
Ergonomically, if you like the bigger heavier body then yes the D300 has that, and I expect it is built tougher too.
IIRC the D40x was the basic model of the same generation as the D80/D200 - based on my experience of going from D80 to D7000 and having heard how much the 7200 has moved the game on from there, I would expect a D7200 to be light years ahead of the D40x in practically every way.
I know people get nostalgic over the old pro bodies and I'm sure they're nice to use, but sensors and AF systems have come a long way in the last 10 years.
Ergonomically, if you like the bigger heavier body then yes the D300 has that, and I expect it is built tougher too.
IIRC the D40x was the basic model of the same generation as the D80/D200 - based on my experience of going from D80 to D7000 and having heard how much the 7200 has moved the game on from there, I would expect a D7200 to be light years ahead of the D40x in practically every way.
I know people get nostalgic over the old pro bodies and I'm sure they're nice to use, but sensors and AF systems have come a long way in the last 10 years.
Edited by GravelBen on Friday 9th March 10:19
But there's more to it than simply when the tech was invented. The xxx series is better ergonomically, more controls on buttons where you can get at them quickly and not buried in menus. Newer doesn't automatically mean more suitable for one's needs... and we don't know what part of the D40x is the problem for the OP. Maybe the D7200 is best for him, maybe it isn't.
I’ve had a D7200 for a couple of years as my first ‘serious’ camera. I’ve just put it up for sale (for £500) as have upgraded to a D500. I mainly shoot sport and so the 10fps of the D500 with its more modern touch screen, newer sensor and top notch focus system etc is even better for my use. The D7200 though is still massively impressive and still recent (I think launched in mid 2015) even though there is the D7500. No hesitation in recommending it as a great DX Nikon camera.
^ I shoot sport too - in fairness, the D7200 does an excellent job as an all round ‘affordable’ camera. I prefer it to the D7500 - you can’t add a grip to that body! The D7200 you can, af is very good and the jpeg images straight from the camera can be excellent.
It comes down to cost really, you can buy a used D300 for circa 170 from a dealer, I including a warranty, the D7200 is approx 600-700 which is a lot more.
I do like the dual cards in the D7200 and I like the build quality. Mine gets used a lot and only shows minor wear to the grip runner, the main body is holding up really well.
It comes down to cost really, you can buy a used D300 for circa 170 from a dealer, I including a warranty, the D7200 is approx 600-700 which is a lot more.
I do like the dual cards in the D7200 and I like the build quality. Mine gets used a lot and only shows minor wear to the grip runner, the main body is holding up really well.
I've just made the move from a D40X to the D7200, my main reason was the lack of low light performance from the D40x.
The D7200 is a complete different animal. I am totally blown away by how much better it is. It feels much heavier, and much better put together. It feels almost professional. Early days, but I'm very chuffed.
The D7200 is a complete different animal. I am totally blown away by how much better it is. It feels much heavier, and much better put together. It feels almost professional. Early days, but I'm very chuffed.
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