Yes – you read that right – I bought a Nikon D7500 – not a used model, but a brand new Nikon D7500. And I love it!
Released in mid-2017, the D7500 is still available from some outlets here in New Zealand, and is still listed as a current model on various Nikon websites.
I decided to pay extra and purchase a new one – paired with the 18-140mm “kit” lens – rather than a pre-owned model because I wanted to take advantage of Nikon NZ’s extended warranty for peace of mind.
Now, you probably think that changing back to a DSLR after using a mirrorless Lumix for four years is a bit of a downgrade, but to me, this apparent downgrade is really an upgrade, and I’m going to share with you 5 reasons why I bought a Nikon D7500.
After using the G95 for almost four years I was starting to feel, well, almost uncomfortable using it. The actual joy and pleasure of physically taking photographs had gone! Sure the G95 is a lovely compact lightweight easy-to-carry unit, that produced (when I used it correctly…) outstanding results. However, it just didn’t feel right! Could I have been suffering from the onset of buyer remorse?
Then not long before Christmas last year, I had a bit of an epiphany. I suddenly realized what was missing from the G95 that I loved about my previous Nikon DSLRs.
And here they are – some of the reasons why I “downgraded” from a mirrorless M43 camera and purchased a technologically 8 year old DSLR.
5 Reasons Why I Bought A Nikon D7500
Reason #1 – Optical Viewfinder
Why I Bought a Nikon D7500: A Personal Journey
I really missed having an optical viewfinder. Looking through an electronic viewfinder, as good as they are today, didn’t give me a feeling of being in touch with what I was looking at to photograph.
I sort of felt somewhat removed from the scene, and was always sort of second-guessing what I was seeing in the EVF of the Lumix. Could I trust what I was seeing? Did the colours look right? Is what I see in the EVF exactly what the main sensor will show? All that sort of thing.
But the big turn-off for me (pun intended) is that I had to turn the camera on before I could even frame a picture – then I had to turn the camera off again even if I didn’t take a photo. And being me – I always forgot to turn it off!
Clearly, an optical viewfinder is always ready to go – no power needed!
Reason #2 – Mirror Slap
Yep – sounds like a silly reason I know, and you can call me old-fashioned but I love the sound and feel as the mirror flips up when I press the shutter button to capture an image, then the mirror drops back down into place.
It puts me in mind of some of the good old solid analogue SLRs that I have used down through the years. SLRs like the Nikkormat FT2, Nikon F80, Zenit ET, Practika TL1000, a Minolta 8000 and so on.
Call it nostalgia I suppose.
Reason #3 – Overall Ergonomics
I originally moved from my Nikon DSLRs to the Lumix G95 because of ergonomics. The G95 was more compact, lighter and easier to lug around for extended periods of time.
But now, with the onset of arthritis in my fingers that compactness just doesn’t work for me anymore.
Although heavier compared with the G95 (get over the extra weight, Rick…), I am again loving the feel of a sturdy DSLR in my hand. With the Nikon D7500 it’s almost like muscle memory has kicked in and all the buttons I need to use – and the D7500 has lots of them – just seem to be in the right place.
It’s almost like a homecoming after saying goodbye to my D300.
Even after 4 years I still had to look at the Lumix camera body to check what I was doing, but with the D7500 most things seem instinctive – and that’s a real plus!
Reason # 4 – Aspect Ratio
Strange as it may sound – especially having grown up in an era when TV was presented in an aspect ratio of 4:3 – I never warmed to the photographic M43 format. I know there are those who love M43 because it is closer to “square” and produces images that they like in portrait mode.
Well – that has never worked for me.
It could be that because I was weaned on the 3:2 aspect ratio with film and my subsequent DX-format Nikons that it has been stuck in my mind and I can’t get past it. But I – for whatever reason – prefer the 3:2 aspect ratio served up by the D7500.
Maybe another throwback to early film days? Who knows…
And before anyone comments (but feel free to do so) I know that M43 images can be cropped to 3:2 in post processing.
Reason # 5 – JPEG quality
For some reason I prefer – and always have preferred – the standard JPEG output from the Nikon DSLRs I have owned and used in the past.
Again – as with aspect ratio – I understand that post-processing a NEF file into a JPEG offers the opportunity to get the right “look”, but to my eye JPEGs straight out of camera from the D7500 look better than those from the Lumix G95.
The featured image for its story is a JPEG straight out of the camera – just cropped to fit.
More reasons to love a Nikon D7500
Of course, there are far more reasons than the above mentioned 5 why I am loving my new Nikon D7500.
Even though the technology is about 8 years old, I prefer the phase detection autofocus offered by the D7500 when using the optical viewfinder. This was missing from the G95 which used Panasonic’s contrast-based “depth-from-defocus” system. In Live View mode the D7500 uses contrast autofocus which makes LV mode unsuitable for street photography with moving subjects.
Image quality is excellent! The D7500 uses the same sensor as Nikon’s top-of-the-line DX-format DSLR, the D500, and provides the same 20MP, give or take, resolution as the G95. The Nikon is actually 20.7 – so that’s a wee win.
Where some would say the D7500 falls down is with its video capabilities. But again to me, that is a plus because I am only interested in still photography.
Battery life? Awesome thanks to the optical viewfinder. I haven’t put it to the test yet but Nikon claims 950 shots per charge thanks to the OVF. In Live View mode the battery life would be naturally less – but 950 beats the G95’s 250-odd shots per charge.
And…did I say that it is weatherproof and dustproof? (Mind you so was the G95)
I could go on and on waxing lyrical about my new Nikon D7500, but those who already use one will know exactly what I mean.
And only yesterday I posted a comment on a D7500 user group on Facebook where I said – and this sums up the whole upgrade/downgrade conundrum for me – “my mirrorless camera had no soul!”
The Nikon D7500 has got soul – it feels and works like a “real” camera…and that last comment is bound to get a few people worked up.
I love my 7500, and grab it more often than any other body I have. It is extremely well suited to nature photography, which is mostly what I do. Is it perfect? No, no camera is ever that. The right question is whether it is the best camera suited for you and what you want to do with it. Plus, 4K video at this price point…nobody offers that. There are a couple negatives, only one memory slot being most notable, but nothing major. I have tested out mirrorless cameras but have not found them to be comfortable to use (weight distribution, mainly) or appealing in terms of the difference in the end product…the images. I get why manufacturers are pushing them, they are radically cheaper to make, but if the image quality is the same and the price is the same or even higher for the mirrorless despite it being cheaper to make, why bother?
Well said Jonderson…and thanks for dropping by. In all the years I have been using SD-cards in various cameras I have never had a card fail, so the fact that the D7500 has only one card slot – unlike its predecessors – is no issue at all for me.
Cheers, Rick
P.S. I like your website….
Hi! The D7500 is a camera that I’m currently considering purchasing. My most recent cameras(D90) was a work horse for me. I stepped away from photography for about 4 years and now I feel like the D7500 is the best fit for me. I have 4 DX lenses and I don’t want to start over. Thanks for your review! It was just what I needed!
I’m glad I have been of help James. Thanks for your comment – and thanks for visiting my photoblog.
Cheers, Rick
I often Carry my D7500 with it’s compact 70-300mm lens or the excellent 16-80mm F2. 8-4 (24-120mm FX equivalent) along with my D750 FX (and 28-120mm F4 (the D750 has the aperature feeler for my 1960s 105mm F2.5 (converted to AI and the sharpest lens I ever owned, Bronica ETR-S format, Schneider 4×5 etc.) the 200mm F4 micro Nikkor manual focus converted to AI. I have many more Manual and AF lenses (F2.8 Holy Trinity ranging from 17-200mm AF, 135mm F2.0 DC, but the two listed with the D750 and the D7500 setup let me photographer about anything while fitting in a relatively small bag with Nikon SB800 flashes, filters, etc.
The D7500 pairs well with the D750 since the controls and menu systems are very similar.
Hi Craig – sounds like an awesome setup you have – especially with some of those older lenses you mentioned. I’m sticking with simplicity – one camera and 2 lenses at the moment. By the way thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment – I appreciate it.
Rick
Loved your article about the D7500!!
And yes, it has soul…a lot of it too…I own a mint d500 and take great images with it ( me not being a pro not even an important amateur photographer…lol)
Sold my d7000 and was looking for a second wheel, a back-up or truck camera…well she was on sale one night for $699 at Nikon USA…so I did my thing: click here!
And I have not regretted it a bit…matter a fact I am now more fluent in the d7500 menu then my beloved d500…lol
Great camera, lots of power and yessss…it has a soul!!
Going to Spain this July…using my “truck” camera…
Several years ago I was ready to purchase the D500, a camera I had been coveting since it was first introduced. I thought the better of it and decided to stick with my old D7000 until it finally gave out.
For years I made tons of photos of my kids playing sports and one day the D7000 just died. Happened right before Covid. Great! I went to my local camera store to get the D500 and the sales lady takes out the D7500 along with the D500. At the time I really didn’t have the mad money for an expensive camera, so I “settled” for the D7500 (which I actually bought used on KEH). In 2025 I’m still using it and I don’t plan on upgrading any time soon. It’s an absolute joy to use, for practically anything, and paired with Nikon’s 18-200 it’s ideal for travel. Switch to the 200-500 f5.6 zoom and it’s great for wildlife and birds.
Tanks for visiting FrankB – yes – the more I use my D7500, the more I like it. It is also a bit of an eye catcher in this era of mirrorless cameras. Several people stop and ask about why I’m using a DSLR in this day and age. I say – “because I Leo it, and because I can…”
Cheers
Rick
Rick,
Interesting and informative post! I had Canon equipment in the early 1960’s and several digital P&S cameras before my first Nikon digital DSLR was the D50 in 2007 (then a D40X, D5100, and a D7100).
I have a number of Nikon lenses and found (at my age) the D7100 + Nikon 200-500mm was a load! I seriously considered the Nikon mirrorless line but considered conversion cost-prohibitive and it didn’t solve the weight problem. The D7500 was the best fit since it has many of the D500’s features with less weight and lower cost.
So… I bought a refurbished D7500 from Nikon and paired it with a Nikon 18-300mm zoom lens as my walk-around and travel kit; the D7500 + Nikon 200-500mm is my BIF setup (and I go to the gym more often)!
I look forward to finding more info from your site!
Thanks for dropping by Ed. Things are a bit slow here at the moment as I am immobilised by a bad hip, but I will be posting new stories very soon I hope.
Cheers
Rick
I have a d7500 and a d850. Crop and full frame, and for me, that is the main difference. Otherwise, they are very similar. Conclusion: you will not be disappointed by the d7500.
D850 best full frame camera
D7500 best crop frame camera.
Enjoy!
Thanks Richard…I will enjoy – as Im sure all other D7500 users will too.
Cheers
Rick
You just sold me on the D7500 old school aswell but not pro but to afford to buy it now
Cheers, Victor – good luck
Rick
I had a d 90 worked great until I dropped it on a trip bought the d7500 all of my lenses work with the Dx system I don’t have to start over again with newer ones I am not looking to do video wildlife photography is more important also my hands are larger
Hi Stephen…I guess the size of the D7500 fits you larger hands well (or vice-versa…)…and so convenient that you can use all of your old DX lenses.
Enjoy
Rick
Hey Rick… I think I found your blogpost just at the right time 🙂
So my Nikon d5300 LCD got blanked and it will cost about 180 USD for repairs.
I mostly shoot landscapes and astro with Tokina 11-16mm and 50mm prime lens in harsh weather conditions of Himalayas.
Looking for upgrade, my requirement are:
1) Good Battery life
2) Weather sealed, robust but lightweight body
3) Cheap (Under 1000 USD including a wide lens)
4) Looking for great photography dslr and dont expect great video capabilities
Considering my requirements, Nikon d7500 seems like the best option, which would be compatible with my current lenses as well.
Or if I switch to Canon RP/ Sony a6400, I will have to sale my lenses in that case and also these mirrorless cameras have poor battery life and NO SOUL lol.
What’s your take on this?
Hello Prasad…I’m glad you found my post about the D7500.
If I was in your shoes I would certainly stick with a camera which would accept any existing lenses I owned.
As I have never been a Canon or Sony owner/user I am not in a position to comment on their suitability or otherwise for your needs.
I would hazard a guess that moving from a D5300 to a D7500 would be an instinctive change in that the feel of the D5300, although physically smaller than the D7500, would be a benefit. I certainly could “feel”my old D5100 in my hands when holding the D7500…if you follow what I mean.
Good luck making your choice – and happy shooting.
Rick
I agree that a DSLR has that feel like no other and I recently bought a D7500 to replace my old D5000 which is still a super fast and great camera. I love the D7500 even more! Two years ago I bought a Canon G7X MarkIII as a every day carry and although it bulletproof for pics and video, it’s super solid for a tiny camera, it feels soulless and it’s the one thing I can’t get over. Great article!
Hi Mark – thanks for visiting, and thanks for your feedback. I’m pleased that I am not the only one who feels that (some) mirrorless camera are soul-less as you put it. Unfortunately I have been sidelined by a pretty bad hip disorder so I’ve been unable to get out and about lately with my D7500 but the time will come when I am mobile again and I am looking to being able to go photographing again. Happy days, Rick
Great story! I am a D3300 user for many years and finally decided to step up to D7500! I am even more fired up now! I have many DX lenses from my old D3300 and hope they will fit!
Thanks for dropping by, and thanks for the kind words Clau. I’m sure that once you get a D7500 in your hands it’ll have the same – or a very similar – feel to the D3300, and you’ll love it from your first shots. Cheers, Rick.
Yes …I have purchased d 7500 body only …last year March.. & using 18-105 old lens which was using with my D5100…who’s LCD gone bad..
Surprising scenario..I am using 28 -200
TAMRON NON CPU LENS (approx ) 22 years old ..working absolutely fine with new D7500 ..I am extremely happy with my dslr …..Happy photography
That’s great Saroj – happy photography to you too.
Rick
I am sure it is a fine camera in many ways but incompatibility with non-CPU Nikkor lenses is a deal breaker for me. I bought a used D7200 instead.
Yep…the D7200 is a good choice Armand, but I am happy to stick with just the one lens (18-140) on my D7500. Happy photographing, rick
Still trying to decide which is a better camera to buy – Pentax KF or Nikon D7500?
Thanks for checking out my story on the Nikon D7500, but I’m sorry – I can’t help you with that. I have never owned – or used – a Pentax of any sort. However – I am prepared to “hang my hat” on Nikon having owned several in years gone by. Best of luck with your decision, Rick
Thanks for this awesome article. I have had my D5600 for years now and love it. I have gone back and forth on upgrading to the D7500, but after reading your article I think I will make the switch! I just recently bought the 18-300 lens and love it and like you, need only one. Thanks for helping me the decision!
Hello Bonnie
I’m so glad that you found my story on my Nikon D7500 purchase useful in helping you make your decision.As I said to Mark in reply to an earlier comment I can’t wait till I am fully mobile again and can get out and about to take more photographs.In the meantime, if you do go ahead and get a D7500 I’m sure that you will love it.
Cheers
Rick
Thank you for publishing this! I am just starting out and I decided on the Nikon D7500 as well. This post made me feel even better about my purchase. I am stoked!
Hi there Mattye …glad to hear that you chiise a Nikon D7500…I’m sure you wonm’t be disappointed.
Cheers, Rick
A really interesting article. My new D7500 arrived a few days ago, replacing my old D5100. I’m still figuring it out, particularly the Bluetooth and wireless connections to my smartphone. Maybe you can help.
Hey Richard
I was once a D5100 user too…I loved it…and regretted moving to mirrorless. I haven’t really dabbled with the bluetooth and wireless connections yet so I am not in a position to give any advice.
Happy shooting, Rick
Connect to the Nikons wireless and Bluetooth connections. I followed the steps today and got mine working. It’s nice to send directly to my phone.
Well done Kevin. I still haven’t got around to setting mine up yet, but from your comment I guess it’s pretty easy to do.
Happy days
Rick
Very glitchy, though. The app needs to be updated and improved upon
I agree…the app is a bit glitchy.