prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK

Greetings all. Over the last 6 months I have done a series of upgrades. I had previously been using a D3300 body with a AFP Nikkor 70-300mm lens. I then acquired a Tamron 100-400mm followed by a Nikon D7200 which in turn I followed with a Sigma 150-600 contemporary lens. At this stage I am in the process of enjoying my D7200 and the improvements I have found using it. The Nikon D3300 I seldom use now and am thinking of buying either a D750 or a D500- this is where I need your advice. Given that I shoot mainly birds - which would be a good buy?

CO

I have a D7500, D750, and two D500's. The D500 has a better autofocus module. It would be the best for birds in flight. When I got my D500's, I could tell that all of my lenses focus just a little faster. The D500 autofocus also works in lower light than the D7200 or D750. (-4EV as opposed to -3EV). The D500 also has far more cross point AF sensors.

Bill_de Loc: US

If I had to choose today I would choose the D500. But, I already chose the D500 the year it was released and have no regrets. I did keep my D7200 that I use when I want to carry something really light or may want to take advantage of the little built in flash.

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steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

I love my 750, but for what you’re shooting I think the 500 is the better choice. No shortage of camera comparison websites to use to compare the two. Some will even tell you the best lenses to pair with them.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some comparisons -

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Nikon-D750
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/features/nikon-d500-vs-nikon-d750
https://www.dpreview.com/news/1419516967/nikon-d500-versus-d750-which-one-is-right-for-you
https://photographyspark.com/nikon-d500-vs-d750/
https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/nikon-d500-vs-nikon-d750

And more -
https://photographylife.com/nikon-d500-vs-d7500
https://digitalrev.com/2017/09/01/nikon-d500-vs-d7500-which-dslr-should-you-choose/
https://www.dpreview.com/articles/9940701740/nikon-d7500-vs-nikon-d500-which-is-better-for-you
https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/nikon-d500-vs-nikon-d7500
https://backcountrygallery.com/nikon-d7500-review-d500-d7200-comparison/

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Jerry you never disappoint!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You're having a GAS attack.

There's two ways to look at it:

1) You already have the equipment you need for successful wild-life photography, especially a 24MP cropped sensor camera in the D7200, exceeding the 'reach' and resolution of these two ideas: the 20MP D500 and the full-frame (un-cropped) 24 MP D750.

2) Rather than buying-up in incremental and expensive steps, just buy the ultimate top-end for the next change, leaving no more incremental steps. That camera is the 45MP D850 and some general purpose and full-frame zoom that replaces the 18-400mm DX lens.

Bill_de Loc: US

Jerry,

Which link do you recommend?



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steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

I merely addressed the asked question, but since GAS has been brought in to the discussion, it leads me to ask:

- What is it that you wish to do that your 7200 is unable to do? Is the 500 going to be able to do these things? The 500 seems to be a great camera, but the 7200 is no slouch.

- Since you say you mainly shoot birds, and your progression of acquired lenses keeps getting longer and longer, why would you be considering moving to full frame with the 750? This will cost you with reach.

Not trying to discourage you from making a purchase. Just asking you to consider if spending your money the way you're suggesting will prove advantageous. As for me, I wish I had the 7200 or 500 rather than my 7100, but I don't use it enough to justify the upgrade. The 750 is my workhorse; I shoot a lot in dim light.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes

Actually, they all seem to prefer the Canon.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I believe that there could be justifiable reasons for the upgrade you are looking at. And I believe that there are some considerations beyond what ever get discussed here that are worth considering. By the way...it does not surprise me that your D3300 is not getting much use now. Despite having a capable sensor and being capable of capturing good images, I know from experience that it is a problematic camera from several standpoints.

I have shot a D500 for several years. I've not used a D750, nor have I played one on TV, but I have friends with that camera. They have done nice photography with it. Some like it for its low light performance, which I believe is somewhat overrated against some other camera choices, but at the same time is quite good.

The difference in the 24 MP of the D750 and the 21 (yes, 21) MP of the D500 is pretty trivial. And if it is managed and shot properly, the low light capability of the D500 is about one stop or so less than that of the D850. (I know this for a fact...I have and use both cameras.) My guess is that you will see little difference in a well-executed image from a D500 and a well-executed image from a D750 if you take the time to really learn how top optimally use either camera. One possible exception is that the D500 has some operational capabilities that might favor it for your bird photography. BUT...do not listen to anyone who claims that the D500 is not suitable for anything beyond sports and wildlife. That is simply not true.

If I were you, I would focus on the big difference in the operating systems and control formats of these two cameras. The D500 has Nikon's professional control system, which provides for direct adjustment of just about all key exposure and operating parameters by accessing various control dials and buttons on the body of the camera. The D750 uses a much more consumer-level control system. There are important differences between the two, with less flexibility on the D750. A quick comparison of photographs on the NikonUSA website will provide you with a quick taste of the differences, and you can download the manuals for more detail. You have to decide if this difference is important to you. I have found that it is very important to me.

One thing I have learned is that there is much less important difference between a really good DX camera and a full frame camera than is preached here. If you do or think you may do a lot of really wide-angle photography, the D750 may provide you with some advantage. Otherwise choose knowing that either will most likely do a great job for you.

prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK

Ordinarily I try to reply to everyone individually but I would just like to thank all of you who have given advise. There are many consideration that have cropped up during the course of this post! I will probably be giving this a bit more thought before I make a decision. Thank you so much for your individual inputs!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I personally would buy a Nikon D500 with the Nikon 200-500 mm lens. I would shoot in Group Auto Focus, continuous auto focus, 10 fps.
But, personally I am about to go Nikon Mirrorless when the Nikon 200-600 mm zoom is released.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

You already have a good combination with the D 7200 and Sigma both of which I have used in the past. I still have the sigma and use it on my D850. The D750 is full frame, so to get the benefits of FF you'd need new len's. I think if practice with the combo you'll be alright. By the way the Sigma you have is a FF lens. So if you get a D750 or D850 your al set for birding.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

The D7200 is perfectly fine as long as you don’t mind hitting the buffer limit at about 8 shots. If OP wants to shoot BIF, then D500 is the choice, hands down. CO and larrypage offer compelling analysis in this thread so I won’t be redundant, but both replies are spot on.