The War Continues with the Nikon D610 and the Nikon D7200

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Consumers looking for an excellent value in high-performance Nikon DSLR cameras should take a hard look at both the Nikon D610 and the D7200, both of which are found in Nikon’s “enthusiast” lineup.

The D610 is the follow-up model to the D600, which was introduced in 2012 as a low cost “FX” camera, which is what Nikon calls their cameras using full frame sensors.  The D7200 is the latest update to the D7000, which was introduced in 2010 as the state of the art “DX” camera, which is what Nikon calls their cameras using smaller “cropped sensors”.

While in the same lineup, both the D610 and the D7200 are very different cameras and are marketed towards different types of photographers.

The D610 is marketed towards photographers willing to accept certain performance compromises to be able to afford a camera that uses a full frame sensor, while the D7200 is marketed to photographers wanting the best possible camera using a “cropped sensor”.  The question remains, which is the better camera the FX D610 or the DX D7200!

I Personally Prefer the Nikon D7200 | Amazon

Identical image quality, but the D7200 is $300+ LESS. I also much prefer the D7200's better autofocus points that are more evenly distributed on the viewfinder. A much better value in my book!

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The Similarities

The D610 and the D7200 share many significant similarities including megapixel count, memory slots, and memory type, image format, LCD screens, custom features, frame rate, flash and the ability to shoot video.  In the case of megapixel count, the D610 has a total effective megapixel count of 24.3 compared to 23.2 in the D7200.  This similarity is very apparent when comparing images between the two cameras, as the image quality or IQ is virtually identical.

Both cameras have two memory slots, which handle SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards.  Here, either still image are recorded in RAW or JPEG format or video images in MOV format, are recorded.   The cards in both cameras can be configured by the photographer in a number of ways with the second card handling overflow from the first card, backing up images from the first card, recording RAW images or recording video images.

The D610 and D7200 both share a similar 3.2” rear LCD screen that is also fixed.  The screen has a number of uses including viewing the camera’s menus, previewing still and video images and composing images in “Live View”.  The screen is bright and easy to view in a variety of lighting conditions.

One of best features found in both cameras is the U1 and U2 settings found on both camera’s top dials.  These settings allow the photographer to save custom settings in the camera’s memory and recall them by simply turning the dial.  This is an excellent camera that is a very useful in the field and is only found on select Nikon cameras in Nikon’s “enthusiast” lineup.

I Personally Prefer the Nikon D7200 | Amazon

Identical image quality, but the D7200 is $300+ LESS. I also much prefer the D7200's better autofocus points that are more evenly distributed on the viewfinder. A much better value in my book!

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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The D610 and the D7200 both have advanced EXPEED sensors, which process images fast enough to allow a frame rate of 6 images per second.  This is a very fast frame rate for cameras at this price point!  They also have a built-in flash, which is very useful in low light situations or when the fill in flash is needed.

As is standard on DSLR cameras today, both cameras shoot video in a variety of formats including Full HD in 1,920 x 1,080 format.  The D7200 records at speeds ranging from 24-60 frames per second, while the D610 records slightly lower at 24-30 frames per second.  In both cameras video quality is excellent!

The Differences

The D610 and the D7200 are very different in may ways including sensor type, ISO capabilities, shutter speed, autofocus systems and a number of smaller differences.  The D610 uses the larger 35.9mm x 24mm sensor, while the D7200 uses the smaller “cropped sensor”, which measures 23.5mm x 15.6mm.  Although smaller, the sensors on both cameras capture images that are virtually identical as far as image quality is concerned.  This is due to advancements in sensor technology since 2012.

While ISO capabilities in both cameras are very good, the D7200 has a significant advantage over the D610.   The D7200 has a native ISO range of 100 -25,600 compared to the D610’s 100 – 6,400 range.  While the D610 can have the capabilities expanded to 25,600, the D7200 can be expanded to 102,400!  However, it is important to keep in mind that in both cameras, the IQ remains very good, even at high native ISO ranges.  However, it is important to keep in mind that many photographers would never have the need to shoot above ISO 6,400, much less 25,600 or 102,400.

The other major difference between the two cameras in shutter speed, as the D610 has a range of 1/4,000 to 30 seconds, while the range of the D7200 is 1/8,000 to 30 seconds.  In the case of both cameras, the shutter speed is sufficient to allow sports and other action types of photography, although the D7200 has the edge here.

While both cameras’ autofocus systems are very good and allow fast and accurate autofocus, the number of autofocus points and their placement in the camera’s viewfinder are significantly different.  The D610 has a total of up to 39 points, all of which are located in the central part of the viewfinder, which provides 100% coverage.  In the case of the D7200, the camera has up to 51 points, all of which are evenly distributed throughout the viewfinder, which also provides 100% coverage.

Smaller differences between the D610 and the D7200 include WIFI capability, size, and weight.  While neither camera has built-in GPS capability, the D7200 does have WIFI capability, which allows the camera to communicate to smartphones, as long as an app is installed on the phone.  The D610 has this capability thru an optional add-on accessory that plugs into the phone.

Nikon D610 | Amazon
$949.95

The Nikon D610 Digital SLR Camera has the power of a 24.3 MP Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor in a compact, streamlined HD-SLR body. The Nikon D610 Digital SLR Camera has the power of a 24.3 MP Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor in a compact, streamlined HD-SLR body.

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03/10/2024 12:40 pm GMT

While both cameras are small, the D7200 is slightly smaller at 5.4” x 4.2” x 3.0” compared to the D610’s 5.6” x 4.4” x 3.2”.  The D610 is also slightly heavier at 26.8 ounces, compared to the D7200’s 23.9 ounces.  Despite the size and weight differences, both cameras handle the same in the field.

The Pros and Cons

The D610 and the D7200 are both excellent cameras capable of capturing excellent image quality in a wide variety of settings, however, neither camera is perfect by any means, with each camera having a number of “pro” and “cons”.  It is up the consumer that is considering either camera to closely consider the positive and negative features of each camera and carefully weigh how those features will impact their style of photography and make their selection accordingly.

The biggest positive or “pro” of the D610 is that it is an excellent value for a full frame camera.  While it does not have the same features as Nikon’s other more expensive full frame cameras, the image quality is as good as Nikon’s top of the line D5, which costs five times as much!

The biggest negative feature of “con” of the D610 is the autofocus system.  While the system is accurate the autofocus points as clustered in the middle of the viewfinder, which really limits the usefulness of having up to 39 autofocus points.  Having the points evenly distributed in the viewfinder would have been much better and much more useful.

The biggest positive aspect of the D7200 is the excellent sensor found in the camera.  In the past the image quality found in “cropped sensor” cameras lagged behind the IQ found in full frame cameras, especially in low light situations where higher ISO settings were used.  Now as a result of better technology, the image quality gap has been eliminated.

The biggest negative feature of the D7200 is the size of the camera, which is small at 5.4” x 4.2” x 3.0”, especially for photographers with small hands.  This is especially evident when carrying it around for extended periods of time or when larger zoom or telephoto lenses are attached.   Another negative aspect of the D7200 is that some of the features of the camera are over specified and are more related to marketing considerations than actual useful features.

Two of the areas that appear to be over specified include the 51 autofocus points and the capability to expand the camera’s ISO capabilities to 102,400.  Most consumers will never find these increased specifications useful in the real world, but would have preferred a camera at a slightly lower price point.

I Personally Prefer the Nikon D7200 | Amazon

Identical image quality, but the D7200 is $300+ LESS. I also much prefer the D7200's better autofocus points that are more evenly distributed on the viewfinder. A much better value in my book!

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Just the Facts, A side-By-Side Comparison

While most serious photographers look at image quality over technical specifications, many feel that the specifications are equally important.  The Nikon D610 and the D7200 have excellent image quality, as well as technical specifications, which are shown in the table below.

Item Nikon D610 Nikon D7200
Year Introduced 2013 2015
Format Full Frame DX
Megapixels 24.3 24.2
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Processor EXPEED 3 EXPEED 4
Image Format RAW or JPEG RAW or JPEG
Sensor Size 35.9mm x 24.0mm 23.5mm x 15.6mm
Sensor Cleaner Yes, Ultrasonic Yes
Autofocus Points 39 With 9 Cross Type 51 With 15 Cross Type
Modes Aperture Priority (A), Manual (M), Shutter Priority (S) and Program (P) Aperture Priority (A), Manual (M), Shutter Priority (S) and Program (P)
Metering TTL Exposure Metering Using 2,016-Pixel RGB Sensor TTL Exposure Metering Using 2,016-Pixel RGB Sensor
View Finder Coverage 100% 100%
Live View Yes Yes
Frames Per Second 6 6
ISO 100 – 6,400 100 – 25,600
Lowest Expandable ISO Lo-1 (50) N/A

 

Highest Expandable ISO H1 (12,800)

H2 (25,600)

H1 (51,200)

H2 (102,400)

Shutter Speed Range 1/4,000 – 30 Seconds 1/8,000 – 30 Seconds
Built In Flash Yes Yes
Card Slots 2 2
Card Type SD, SDHC or SDXC SD, SDHC or SDXC
LCD Size 3.2” 3.2”
LCD Screen Type Fixed Fixed
Virtual Horizon Yes Yes
Video Yes Yes
Video Type Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 / 30 FPS; Plus Various Other Formats Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 / 60 FPS; Plus Various Other Formats
Video File Format MOV MOV
Internal Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
GPS Optional Accessory Optional Accessory
Wireless Optional Accessory Yes
Wi-Fi Optional Accessory Yes
Battery Rechargeable EN-EL 15 Rechargeable EN-EL 15
Batter Life 900 Shots 1,110 Shots
Unique Features U1 and U2 Settings U1 and U2 Settings
Size Without Lens 5.6” x 4.4” x 3.2” 5.4” x 4.2” x 3.0”
Weight Without Lens 26.8 Ounces 23.9 Ounces
Manufactured In Thailand Thailand
Body Only or with Kit Lens Sold Either Way Sold Either Way
Included Accessories MH-25 Charger, DK-5 Eye Piece Cap, DK-21 Rubber Eye Cup, UC-E15 USB Cable, AN-DC8 Camera Strap, BM-14 LCD Monitor Cover, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover and a Nikon NX 2 CD Rom MH-25a Charger, DK-5 Eye Piece Cap, DK-23 Rubber Eye Cup, UC-E17 USB Cable, AN-DC1 Camera Strap, BF-1B Body Cap, Instruction Manual
Cost, Body Only Around $1,499.95 (For the latest prices and discounts.) Around $1,199.95 (For the latest prices and discounts.)
Cost With Kit Lens Varies Depend On Lens Selected Around$1,699.96 (Check out the latest prices and discounts on package.)

With AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

*Information from Nikon USA website, including pricing.

The Final Frame: My Overall Recommendation

The Nikon D610 and the D7200 are both excellent cameras, which are capable of capturing outstanding images in a wide variety of situations.  While I generally prefer full frame cameras, I prefer the D7200 to the D610 for a number of reasons.

First, the image quality of both cameras is virtually identical, even in low light situations using higher than normal ISO settings.  Image quality is very important to me, as is value, so I cannot justify paying $300 more for the full frame D610, since the images appear to be the identical.

Another reason for this preference is the autofocus system in the D7200 is much better, as the autofocus points are evenly distributed in the viewfinder.  The way the D610 has these points located in the center of the viewfinder was really distraction and really made the camera less fun to use.

The D7200 is a great value for such an advanced camera and it is fun to use!  In the War of FX vs. DX, the D7200 wins this battle, but the war goes on….

I Personally Prefer the Nikon D7200 | Amazon

Identical image quality, but the D7200 is $300+ LESS. I also much prefer the D7200's better autofocus points that are more evenly distributed on the viewfinder. A much better value in my book!

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Camera Guide Team
 

The Camera Guide Team is a group of writers, shutterbugs, and professional photographers. We know the challenge of looking through different cameras or accessories. We want you to learn everything about cameras. We provide honest reviews, detailed guides, and helpful comparisons. We have everything you need. We are here to help you find the perfect click.

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