DSLR News

Nikon launched the 24.2-megapixel D7200 DSLR for photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers tonight. The D7200 uses an APS-C-sized “DX-format” CMOS sensor that’s essentially the same chip as the one in the previous model though it has been “slightly optimized” for the new DSLR, according to Steve Heiner, a Nikon USA spokesperson.

The D7200 is the successor to the only very slightly lower resolution 24.1MP Nikon D7100 from 2013. Like the previous model, the new Nikon D7200’s sensor has no optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in an effort to increase the detail and sharpness in photos captured with the camera. (OLPFs are used to prevent the incidence of moiré in images where there is a preponderance of converging lines, such as in a suspension bridge or a building.)

We got some hands-on time with a prototype of the D7200 and have included some images we shot of the camera in this story.

The Nikon D7200 is powered by Nikon’s Expeed 4 processor, where the previous model used an Expeed 3 processor. The Expeed 4 has increased the D7200’s image processing speed by 30% over its predecessor, according to Nikon.

This translates into an increased buffer capacity that lets the camera shoot 18 consecutive 14-bit lossless compressed Raw images, 27 12-bit compressed shots, or 100 JPEGs. While the D7200 has the same 6 frames-per-second (fps) burst shooting speed as the previous model, it can now shoot up to 7fps in a 1.3x crop mode, which should make it popular for sports and wildlife photographers who need to capture close-up images more quickly.

The Nikon D7200 features an expanded ISO range from 100-25,600 natively, and Hi-1 ISO 51200 and Hi-2 102400 modes that only shoot in black-and-white.

Otherwise though, the new Nikon D7200 is not drastically different from the previous camera from two years ago. “It’s more evolutionary than revolutionary,” Heiner admitted about the new DSLR, which will be on display at the WPPI show in Las Vegas this week.

Here’s a rundown of the features of the D7200, some of which were also available, in slightly different forms, on the D7100.

• 51-point autofocus array powered by a new Advanced Multi-CAM 3500II DX high-density system

• A 2,016 RGB metering sensor that works alongside Nikon’s Scene Recognition System

• First Nikon DSLR to feature both built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless connectivity and sharing via compatible devices.

• Picture Controls now including Flat and Clarity settings

• A durable yet lightweight magnesium alloy camera body with basic weather and dust sealing.

• Uncompressed and compressed Full HD 1080 footage at 30/25/24p and 1080 at 60/50p in 1.3x Crop Mode

• 150,000-cycle shutter

• 1/800^th second maximum shutter speed

• 1/320^th second flash sync speed

• Dual SD card slots

• Battery offers 1200 shots per charge

• Auto ISO sensitivity now available in manual video mode, which is designed to help create smooth exposure transitions without changing shutter speed or aperture, while “zebra stripes” highlight display is available to confirm exposure.

• Video controls are available through a dedicated movie menu for quicker access.

• Built-in stereo microphone with 20 step adjustments to record smooth DSLR audio.

• First Nikon DX-format DSLR to feature a built-in Time Lapse Mode with exposure smoothing to make capturing sunset time-lapses easier.

New ME-W1 Microphone: Wireless Sound in DSLR Video

Nikon has also introduced a new wireless lavalier microphone, the ME-W1, which is capable of capturing audio wirelessly. The mic is weather resistant and powered by two AAA batteries. Users can wirelessly record audio in mono or stereo (when connected to the ME-1 stereo microphone) from up to 50m (164 ft.) away. The ME-W1 wireless microphone is designe for bloggers, aspiring videographers and professionals.

New Nikon View NX-i Software

Nikon also announced new View NX-i browsing software that’s designed to allow for more intuitive control of images. View NX-i allows users to browse Raw files adjusted by Capture NX-D software and provides an easy upload of images to social networks.

Price and Availability

The Nikon D7200 ships in early April 2015 either body only or as a kit with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $1,199.95 and $1,699.95, respectively. The ME-W1 wireless microphone will go sale this month for $249.95, while Nikon’s View NX-i software will be available on March 17, 2015 as a free download.