If I get the D7200, will I regret NOT getting the D500?

Peeb · Dec 8, 2018

I can comfortably afford a used D7200, and with some stretching I could just swing a used D500 instead if I was convinced that it was worth the extra dough. I just not (yet) convinced. I figure I can get the D7200 used for around $600 USD and the D500 for about $1,100 USD.

The function would be for wildlife/action shots, and perhaps macro work. I would continue with my full frame D610 for most other uses. I figure the autofocus on the D500 would most certainly be superior, as would the build quality, with amazing high ISO performance. The D7200 would have a few extra pixels (24M versus 20.9M) and I've heard that the image quality is perhaps a smidge better, but very close.

Who has shot both- what would you do?

Braineack · Dec 9, 2018

IMHO the D7200 sensor is a smidge better. But the overall camera body of the D500 is much better for sports shooting (and everything else): The AF module, the processor, the buffer, the meter sensor, the lcd screen, af-on button...

ac12 · Dec 9, 2018

For general purpose/GP work I would get the D7200.
But for sports/action, I would get the D500.

While I shoot a LOT of high school sports, I do not shoot enough to justify spending the extra for a D500. It is a "non-revenue" hobby.

tirediron · Dec 9, 2018

Man up, sell a kidney and get both!

The D500 will definitely be superior for you stated purpose, BUT... how critical is that superiority? How many shots are you missing now? The real world gain is likely to be very small indeed in most cases. I'm not altogether sure it's worth busting the budget for!

DarkShadow · Dec 9, 2018

The D7200 is a fantastic Camera with a brilliant sensor but if your really serious about sports or wildlife and dedicated more towards that side then auto focus tracking, FPS and Buffer depth the D500 is the way to go.if not get the D7200.

astroNikon · Dec 9, 2018

I've had the D500, D600 etc. Use a D7200, D750 now. Tried a D7500.

hard question to answer for wildlife and fast action.
hmm ...
get the D500.

You'll forever be wondering what capabilities you didn't buy if you had the chance to buy it. Then if you ever get your hands on a D7500 wonder why you didn't get a D500.

With buying the D500 you won't have to worry about worrying what you didn't get.

The D500 AF is amazing. The seemingly unlimited buffer; and shutter speed is amazing (even the sound over the lower bodies) even if you set it for low fps. Flippy screen (on D7500 too); the WiFi stuff came in handy.

The only downside is if you use some USB type connectors with your D610 as the D500 prefers the round type connector up front (for lighting). The D500 also does not have a flash if you think that would be needed. I always kept a SB-700 handy for throw on the top flash work.

I always used a UHS-II high speed SD card versus spending more for a XQD. The UHS-II have awesome speed and were just fine and even the regular 95mbs cards were okay with that massive buffer.

ISO though, you'll find your D610 a good match for it. Before I bought my D500 I went to the store and ran all the nikons there through all the ISO selections for comparison. I think that was the D500, D7200, D750, D810, D5600. I had them posted on my Flickr for a while and maybe made a posting comparing them. But the "awesome high ISO" is too high and not so awesome. It's better than the D7200 by a little. If you check DxO mark you'll find the real comparison. I'm pretty sure my D750 stomped on it on low light, high ISO but about a stop or 1-1/2 stops. I did an indoor soccer shootout of my D500 and D750 a couple years ago on here.
D500 vs D750 Indoor Soccer Shootout

Here's a few images of that in-store ISO test not yet deleted (by me or Flickr).
D500 ISO Test

You won't regret the D500. Save up a little more to get it.

DarkShadow · Dec 9, 2018

Well for me there was or is no wondering why i didn't get the D500 for the following reasons. several hundred dollars more,A bunch of focus points i will never need or use when i only need single point and group focus, not a fully functional touch screen. Expensive XQD card or cards and then there is the reader thing. Those are all things to consider when the thought of buying the D500 comes in so your initial out of pocket is going to be much greater then getting a D7200 thats more then capable of action and birds. The only down side is the smaller Raw buffer of the D7200 but still better then the D7100 was is..Time your shots and don't spray and pray then there is no issues with the buffer or shouldn't be. Having said that, there is no denying the cool factor and bragging rights of the D500. The biggest thing that bothered me the most getting the the D7500 was the no grip, one card big deal not a issue at all never had any issues with a card yet but no contacts for a optional grip is dumb but other then the D7500 is amazingly fast to lock on fast action a stick like glue with the group focus really good focusing in the dark night photography the smallest amount of light the camera sees it and locks on. i can barley see it so don't know how the camera can even focus but it does.

astroNikon · Dec 10, 2018

One thing I mentioned was that I used UHS-II ( TWO ) cards and not the more expensive XQD cards. This eliminated having to get anything else to connect and read to my computer. UHS-I card slots which are on many laptops and desktops can read the data just fine; no additional hardware needed.

These UHS-II are *NOT* the same cards you use in a D7200, D610, etc. They are UHS-I compatible but at a reduced speed. If you use a UHS-II card in a UHS-I slot it goes into compatibility mode as they are not able to use the second row of contacts. The "compatibility" mode is much slower and you'll have to read the card specific documentation to know what speed it is in compatibility mode.

This link has speed tests of XQD, UHS-II and the Extreme Pro UHS-I cards:
Nikon D500 XQD and SD UHS-II Card Performance comparison test for continuous shooting, buffer and write speed - Camera Memory Speed Comparison & Performance tests for SD and CF cards

With the D500 buffer the UHS-II is a very good fast alternative to the XQD.
I believe the D7500 is still UHS-I as is the D7200, D610, etc.

Of course, I only used one card slot, the UHS-II and never bought a XQD.

Also, the full 256 tracking is pretty awesome tracking a flying eagle across the sky. There's a lot to test and learn with the D500 if you get it. Otherwise the D7500 is awesome too along with the D7200. They all are, just depends upon budget and needs.

Keep in mind, you can always just use your existing UHS-I cards too. The deep buffer will keep them going.

You still have the D610 and it would make a great combo like my D750/D500 combo I had.

Peeb · Dec 10, 2018

UPDATE- Nikon emailed me with a 15% off on all refurbs- the net cost of a manufacturer refurbished D7200 was just $594.97 and I couldn't resist.

Having carefully thought through both options, I Just wasn't ready to drop $850.00 more than that for the D500 refurb. It's not an unreasonable premium to pay, but I just couldn't justify it right now. If I ever go all-in for wildlife shooting as the primary goal of my photography, I'll pull the trigger at that time for whatever the existing D500-type of camera is out there, but for now, sports/wildlife is probably only 30% of what I enjoy shooting.

Other considerations: the form factor, battery, button layout, memory cards, and handling of the D7200 appear to be near identical to the existing D610, so the learning curve should be shallow. Also, I'm happy to do business directly with Nikon, as they need to keep afloat to make more cameras in the future!

astroNikon · Dec 10, 2018

Yup. It's a lot of money.
Cameras tend to be.
Glad you got what you liked though as that is what is important.

Derrel · Dec 10, 2018

It sounds to me like you made a sound financially-based decision for your needs, and also that the new camera ought to dovetail well with the existing D610 that you own. $594.97 directly from Nikon USA for a refurbished D7200 is what I consider a fantastic deal.

DarkShadow · Dec 10, 2018

Sounds like smart and wise decision to me to. D7200 its a fantastic camera you should be happy and the few refurbished i have purchased where like brand new with super low shutter counts. I use to be afraid of refurbished stuff but thats no longer the case and a great way to save money.

Peeb · Dec 10, 2018

BTW, for those who were suggesting the D500- you were not wrong! I didn't break that way, but your analysis and logic were quite solid. Thanks for kicking this around with me!

Braineack · Dec 11, 2018

I almost want to buy one for that price. Was the 15% off a one-time-use code?

Peeb · Dec 11, 2018

Braineack said:
I almost want to buy one for that price. Was the 15% off a one-time-use code?

Fine print seems to say no. Appears that it was a one-day deal.

*Save 15% offer on all products from the Nikon Store Refurbished Products section is subject to applicable taxes and shipping charges, if any, and is available to Nikon Store retail customers only. Save 15% offer is off regular prices. Product availability is subject to Nikon Store Refurbished Products section inventory and is limited. Save 15% offer may be discontinued at Nikon Store's sole discretion. Save 15% offer is subject to all applicable Nikon Store Terms and Conditions of Sale. Save 15% offer valid December 10, 2018 at 12:00 A.M. ET through December 10, 2018 at 11:59 P.M. ET. Save 15% offer valid only in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Save 15% offer not valid on previous purchases. Void where prohibited by law.

PS- love that 'void where prohibited by law' disclaimer. Apparently it is illegal to save money, somewhere!