Nikon announced its new flagship DX-format (APS-C) DSLR, the D7200. While these announcements are often lacking in the excitement that their big brothers command with new releases, this one has two new tricks up its sleeve. Aside from the largely expected 24-megapixel sensor, added built-in Wi-Fi, and more powerful EXPEED 4 image processor, the D7200 features TWO stops of extra low-light performance, letting in four times as much light with a native ISO of 25,600.
Advancing with two extra stops of performance is almost unheard of in a single generation jump. D7200 owners can look forward to less money spent on glass (or simply better image quality) with the ability to more confidently choose lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4 as opposed to f/2.8 while still gaining a stop in performance. Interestingly enough, that range can be expanded to ISO 51,200 for color shooting, or even ISO 102,500 in monochrome only.
Nikon stays the course with something it (as with almost every other major manufacturer) has started implementing across its lineup -- the lack of an optical low-pass filter, which will undoubtedly continue to provide the sharpest image possible from the D7200's 24-megapixel APS-C sensor.
Other features include the new Multi-CAM 3500 II autofocus sensor module (from the D750) for a wider spread and focusing at up to f/8, shooting at six frames per second, 1080p at 60p (up from 30p/60i in the D7100) video recording, and a number of video recording options/features like in-camera time-lapse capabilities that trickle down from Nikon's higher-end full-frame cameras. The D7200 also features a near field communication (NFC) chip compatible only for Android devices.
In addition to the D7200, Nikon also announced a new ME-W1 water-resistant wireless microphone and View NX-i software for viewing/organizing images or for publishing images on various social media sites.
The D7200 will be available in early April 2015 body-only or as a kit with the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens for $1,196.95 and $1,696.95, respectively (although the kit currently goes for $1,496.95 with $200 in instant rebates). The ME-W1 wireless microphone will ship in mid-March 2015 for $249.95. Nikon's View NX-i software will be available March 17th as a free download.
A good update of a good camera system with not to much screaming of innovative new spec's. I like it, I always thought the D7100 was a really nice camera.
That ISO combined with a 16-35mm ART sounds like a killer combination!
Not a big enough upgrade from my d7100! Nikon you missed the boat! No flip/touch screen and no 120fps video in dx never mind 1.3 crop. Or can we hope for that in a replacement for the d300s? If you want us to upgrade try dangling a bigger carrot and not just a few welcome improvements in firmware and a better processor.
I'm happy with my D7100, although for anyone not already on the D7100 it's a great step forward.
None of the requested "missing" features would be a deal breaker for me. (video I don't care about at all really)
You mention the D300s and want the flip/touch screen? I think it would be a great replacement for the D300s with just the increased buffer alone (everyone's favourite complaint about the D7100).
And it will have built in Wifi and NFC which I think quite a few should like over a flipscreen.
120fps in a primarily stills camera is unheard of. You need an FS700 for that.
Also, the 1.3x crop doesn't help the problem of high frame rate shooting for video in DSLRs. You're still asking it to process 1080p video (I'm assuming that's what you're asking for...even 720p, same thing) at those high frame rates. At some point, it just can't do it without a huge step-up in power. It's still the same number of pixels to process...
On another note, two stops of ISO performance is just huge. I don't care what anyone else says. I'd pay $1,000 per stop of light...and that's pretty much the way it is currently, give or take. That's about what it costs once you get up into the pro-camera levels....
If the sensor is better, I will upgrade from my D7100. I do have the Sigma 18-35mm art and the combination is really good. However, my real complaint is the Low-ISO noise banding on contrasty scenes which at times is a real pain for me when I postedit my wedding shots.
When I read the headline "Native ISO 25,600 I thought you were referring to the lowest, or base, native ISO, which I, along with many others I think, expect to be 100 or 200.
A quick web search shows Fstoppers to be the only site using this terminology, while a few others are saying "native ISO up to 25,600"
Native ISO is not the same as base or lowest ISO. The former refers to the manufacturer recommended range, as opposed to the extended range many cameras offer as an expandable option. The latter two refer to the lowest sensitivity offered, typically 100 (or 50 in extended, or 200 in some mirrorless cameras, particularly Fujis). I think it's clear that no camera is going to have a base ISO of 25,600.
Yes. I think this is also confusing for those who shoot video more, as native ISO for video cameras is completely different (well, not completely...but what that means and what people look out for is quite different when it comes to video vs. still photography -- and the range of acceptability and usability is also quite different between the two formats).
When can we get ISO 25 (native)?
The bluetooth wireless mic is a cool idea, but only if the camera is properly configured in the video recording control and production capabilities.
One thing that amazes me is how Nikon makes better use of Sony's sensors then Sony themselves. Nasim Mansurov over at Phography Life recently did a review of the A7 II and compared it's output to various cameras, and you could see the APS-C D7100 outperforming the full frame Sony. Pretty embarrassing!
Not anymore... Sony is blowing out of the water all manufacturers that use their sensors ... the Sony FF lineup is mentally better above Nikon (I am a Nikon Fan boy) and the functionality and performance they get out of those sensors is nothing short of amazing!
Don't take my word for it, have a look for yourself:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/sony-a7-ii/6
I bet iso 3200 and 6400 look exactly the same as the d7100, nikon just changed the firmware to let you choose higher isos.
Nikon has an excellent track record when it comes to keeping their recommended ISOs accurate in terms of what's useable, etc. The final, highest setting is always "barely useable" in SOME scenarios if you really need it, while everything below that ranges from superb to "useable considering how high it is." I don't think they'd compromise the trust their photographers have in them on this front in order to simply market a new camera for a year. There's no way they JUST changed the firmware. The new EXPEED 4 processor in combination with sensor tweaks probably both contribute to the new ISO performance.
I still wonder how crucial it is to upgrade camera body. Like for most of the people commenting that they have a Nikon D7100 and now they want to jump to latest release. Is your current camera that bad? Doesn't meet your needs or your client's needs? Because when the D810 and D4s are reigning, not to mention the D750 and D610, I still get the results I want from my Nikon D700. Even now I am using Canon, though I have a 5DM3, I still use my 1DM3 for daylight events and sports.
Bottom line, should we just focus on what we need and not go upgrading year by year. Because for me, Nikon (or "insert camera company here") are just updating their products for people who want to enter the field of photography or for people who's upgrading based on their needs.