RicJ Loc: Des Moines, Iowa

I am agonizing over the choice between buying a used D7200 vs a new D7500. My current D5100 has several issues (Flash won't pop up, can't enter video recording mode and most critically I find myself having to switch to live view to take a shot at all. After a shot in live view I'll get to use the viewfinder mode once or twice before having to switch to live view again to take the next shot). Sadly Nikon has told me they no longer repair the D5100 and none of the local shops are willing to work on it either so rather than risking sending it off to an unknown repair shop I've decided I'm better off stepping up. I've loved the D5100 but at 31,115 actuations I can't say I didn't get my use out of it. In addition to the 18-55 and 55-300 AF kit lenses I also have some lenses from my F2/FM film days; a 16mm f 2.8 full frame fisheye, a 50mm f1.8, a 25-50mm f4.5 and a 100-300mm f5.6 (all manual focus) that I'd like to use more often. A good amount of my shooting is various motorsports events so quick and accurate autofocus is a must although I do also do quite a bit of static car photography as well as just general photos. My budget is somewhat limited as I'm a retired senior and Social Security doesn't give me the income I'd need for a D500 or 850. I'd love some input as to how I should proceed.

Thanks in advance,

Ric Johnson
Des Moines, Iowa

Bill_de Loc: US

I have and regularly use my D7200. The only thing that stood out as a negative on the D7500, for me, is the single card slot. I'm sure the D7500 has other features that make it a popular choice. Some of those added features may be things you'll love or things you will never use. If money is an issue, it always is, make sure you aren't paying for features you will never use.

Good Luck!

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CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

They're both fine cameras. You've only had 1 card slot, so you won't miss it. The D7200 has more pixel resolution at 24MP vs 20MP for the D7500. Pick the one that best fits your budget.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Ric I shoot the Nikon D7200 on commercial gigs... it's more than up to the task.
And it has the same resolution as my Nikon D3x (24MP) so it's parody there.

I looked seriously at the D7500 until I discovered it lacks an OEM Grip... What was Nikon thinking?
Nope, it's a non starter for me... I need the extra size/weight of a Grip to balance my Pro Grade DX glass...
i.e. the Sigma AF 50-150mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM (DX) and the Tokina AF 50-135mm f/2.8.
Both these Third Party optics are far too heavy to balance elegantly on the diminutive sized D7200.

"...A good amount of my shooting is various motorsports events so quick and accurate autofocus is a must..."
Ric there is no other choice here but the Nikon D500 since you are invested in DX glass. Can't afford a D500? That's not a valid inference, with the Z9 and Z8 causing high end shooters to dump their D500's look to mpb who actually posts the Shutter Counts of Camera (unlike B&H or KEH)... You will find a D500 in your price range if you simply wait a while... It's market value/worth is falling faster than the Fed is raising Prime Rate!

The lack of an OME grip for the D7500 removes it from serious consideration for my client's needs... Your mileage may vary. And not having a second card is living too close the edge for a commercial shooter.

How Good is the Sigma AF 50-150mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM (DX)?
Good enough for an Agency Model's Portfolio... See Heather in the Image Below

Fashion Editorial (Model: Heather; Makeup and Hair: Heather; Wardrobe: Sweater by Melrose and Market (Nordstrom))

(Download)

Bill_de Loc: US

Good point on the grip. I use the D7200 with no grip when using the Nikkor 300pf lens. If feels great to me. When I switch to the 70-200 F/2.8 or the 500 F/5,6 PF, the added weight make the grip seem to balance things better.

There are so many variables, which just might add to the fun of photography.

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SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

I have both and love them both...they do a great job so which ever you choose I'm sure you'll be happy with it....

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

Thomas, certainly have talent! Your shots are always outstanding!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I do not own a Nikon D7200 but I am familiar with it.
You cannot go wrong if you buy one.

Mau

The D7200 is a more robust camera, can handle some knocking about.
The D7500 is more delicate and has more plastic, and one card slot.
I'd go for the D7200.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Ric, I just did a little homework for you and went to see what Ken Rockwell had to say and here is his recommendation. Hope it helps. And then I went to B&H for the price of a new D7500 which was $996 new and then to MPB for a price on a used LN D500 which was $1189. That 7500's looking pretty good! And if you're really strapped for cash MPB has an LN 7500 for $859, which is the way I would go. I've had dealings with MPB and they're top shelf in my book. When they say like new, you can rest assured that you won't be able to tell it from new AND they warranty it for 6 months. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

What an absolutely beautiful image! Perfection…

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Very nice shot Thomas!

dsnoke Loc: North Georgia, USA

I have both a D7100 and D7500 and use them both regularly. Both do an excellent job. The key differences for me are that the D7500 has a newer processor, faster burst rate, and more multiple exposures. The D7xxx cameras are all larger and heavier than the D5xxx line. I have never worried about having only one card slot since that was not an option on my film camera. The D7500 is a few year newer, so maybe Nikon will keep parts for a few more years. I doubt Nikon will make another crop-sensor DSLR, so you might also consider the Z50 or Zfc, both newer than the D7500.

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

Unless you absolutely need 2 card slots geet the D7500

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

The D7500 has an improved sensor compared with the D7200. It is the only model in the D7xxx line that accepts pre-Ai lenses. I have a number those from the Nikon F days that I still use with a D3300. The fewer pixels means only 7% less resolution which rarely matters. I would go for the D7500.