Nikon’s D750 and D7500 are two powerful DSLR cameras aimed at photography enthusiasts and semi-professionals. Both offer strong image quality, great performance, and useful features. But there are some key differences that may make one model a better choice over the other depending on your needs.
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of the D750 and D7500 to help you decide which is the right investment for your shooting style and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs / Features | Nikon D750 | Nikon D7500 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full Frame CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 4 | EXPEED 5 |
| ISO Range | 100-12800 (expandable to 50-51200) | 100-51200 |
| Continuous Shooting | 6.5fps | 8fps |
| AF Points | 51 points, 15 cross-type | 51 points, 15 cross-type |
| Video Resolution | 1080p up to 60fps | 4K UHD up to 30fps |
| Rear LCD | 3.2″ tilting, 1.2M dots | 3.2″ tilting touchscreen, 922K dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7x | 0.94x |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi / GPS | Yes | No / No |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 1230 shots | 950 shots |
| Dimensions | 141 x 113 x 78 mm | 136 x 104 x 73 mm |
| Weight | 840 g | 720 g |
Nikon D750 Overview
The D750 was launched in 2014 as a full frame DSLR that bridges the gap between enthusiast and professional models. It shares some features with Nikon’s top-of-the-line DSLRs like the D5, while also incorporating newer technologies in a more compact and affordable body.
Key specs include:
- 24.3MP full frame CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 4 image processor
- 3.2” tilting LCD screen with 1.2M dots
- 1080/60p video recording
- Continuous shooting up to 6.5fps
- Built-in WiFi and GPS
- Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed construction
- Weight: 840g
The D750 produces excellent image quality with crisp details, natural colors, and great low light performance up to ISO 12800. The advanced autofocus system features 51 AF points with 15 cross-type sensors, delivering fast focus acquisition and tracking.
It has a slimmer body compared to higher-end Nikon DSLRs, making it easier to handle for extended shooting periods. The tilting rear LCD is great for creative angles and video shooting. Built-in WiFi allows wireless image transfer and remote camera control from smart devices.
Nikon D7500 Overview
Released in 2017, the D7500 is a mid-range DX format DSLR designed for enthusiasts and aspiring professionals. While not as feature-packed as the D500, it borrows many of the same technologies at a more accessible price point.
Key features and specs:
- 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor with no optical low pass filter
- EXPEED 5 image processor
- 3.2” tilting touchscreen LCD with 922K dots
- 4K UHD video recording at 30fps
- Continuous shooting up to 8fps
- 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type points
- ISO range of 100-51200
- Weight: 720g
The D7500 delivers excellent image quality for its class with enhanced light gathering power, rich tonal gradations, and impressive high ISO performance. It has a deeper handgrip and weather-sealed body that can withstand the elements.
The touchscreen interface allows intuitive menu navigation and settings adjustment. Speedy 8fps burst shooting coupled with the 51-point AF system allow you to reliably capture fast action. 4K video recording also gives you more detail and editing flexibility.
Also Read: Comparison Among Nikon D3500, D5600 And D7500.
Head-To-Head Comparison
Now let’s take a detailed look at how the two cameras stack up against each other in terms of design, features, performance and image quality.
Body and Handling
- The D750 has a slimmer and lighter full frame body at 840g compared to the 720g DX-format D7500. However the deeper grip on the D7500 allows for a more secure hold, especially when using larger lenses.
- Both cameras feature magnesium alloy construction and weather sealing to resist dust and moisture. The D7500 has slightly better weather sealing inherited from the higher-end D500.
- The D750 has a top LCD display for quickly checking shooting settings, which the D7500 lacks. However, the D7500 features a handy tilting touchscreen LCD.
- The D7500 has dual SD card slots compared to the D750’s single SD slot. This allows more flexible storage and backup options.
- The D750 has a larger coverage optical viewfinder providing better compositional framing. It also has an illuminated viewfinder for viewing in very low light.
- The D7500 has a slightly faster burst rate at 8fps Vs. 6.5fps on the D750. It can continuously shoot 50 14-bit lossless compressed RAW files compared to just 15 on the D750.
Image Sensor and Quality
- The D750 has a higher resolution 24.3MP sensor compared to 20.9MP on the D7500. However the D7500 has no optical low pass filter for increased sharpness and detail capture.
- The D750’s full frame sensor has the advantage of better light gathering power and improved high ISO performance. Its native ISO range is 100-12800 Vs. 100-51200 on the D7500.
- But the D7500’s images still show very good dynamic range and noise control thanks to the updated EXPEED 5 processor. So you can push ISO with confidence when light is low.
- Both sensors lack anti-aliasing filters to maximize sharpness and resolvable detail in images.
- For sports, wildlife, and other fast action, the APS-C D7500 has a slight edge with faster frame rates in continuous shooting.
Autofocus and Metering
- The AF systems are evenly matched overall. Both cameras have 51 AF points with 15 cross-type sensors that work well even in low light conditions.
- The D750 focuses down to EV-3 sensitivity with the center point. The D7500 goes one stop lower to EV-4 for focusing in extremely dark scenes.
- For tracking moving subjects, the D500’s 180,000 pixel metering sensor and Group Area AF inherited by the D7500 gives it a slight edge. Subject recognition and tracking is very reliable.
- The D750 uses a 91,000 pixel RGB metering sensor. It has good subject tracking in the field but not at the same level as the D7500.
- Both cameras have highlight weighted and standard metering modes. The D750 adds a spot metering mode useful for selective part of the scene metering.
Also Read: Differences Between Nikon D610 And D750.
Video Recording
- The D750 has the ability to record full HD 1080p video up to 60fps. Video quality is very good with smooth footage and the ability to output clean signal over HDMI.
- The D7500 significantly steps u p the video capabilities with 4K UHD recording at 30fps. You get a wider editing range and ability to extract higher resolution stills in post.
- For serious videographers needing the best 4K video quality in an APS-C Nikon DSLR, the D500 still has the edge with uncompressed 4K output over HDMI. But the D7500 is no slouch.
- For projects where 1080p is sufficient, the D750 gives you silky smooth 60fps recording and clean HDMI out for using an external recorder.
Connectivity
- The D750 has built-in WiFi and GPS for wireless control from mobile devices, transferring images on the go, and automatically geotagging your shots.
- The D7500 lacks built-in WiFi and GPS, but works with the optional Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter for wireless image transfer and remote shooting.
- Both cameras have headphone and microphone jacks for improved audio capture and monitoring while filming video.
- They both have USB 2.0 connectivity.
Battery Life
- The D750 is powered by the EN-EL15 battery and can capture approximately 1230 shots per charge.
- The D7500 is rated at 950 shots per charge with the EN-EL15a battery.
- Real world performance will vary with use of live view, video, and other power-hungry functions. But the D750 has the advantage here for all-day shooting.
Price
- With the D750 having been out longer, you can now find excellent condition used copies for under $1000.
- The D7500 has an MSRP of $1299 body only or $1749 with the 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The latest street prices are usually $100-200 less than MSRP.
Which Camera Is Right For You?
Now that we’ve compared the Nikon D750 and D7500’s specifications and features in detail, let’s discuss the types of photographers each model is best suited for.
The D750 is the better choice if:
- You want full frame image quality and low light performance.
- You primarily shoot stills rather than video.
- You want built-in WiFi and GPS connectivity.
- You don’t mind the higher price for a pro-grade full frame DSLR.
The D7500 is the better option if:
- You want great image quality in a lighter DX DSLR body.
- Your budget is under $1500 for the camera body.
- You shoot fast action like sports, wildlife or kids running around.
- You want more advanced video features like 4K recording.
- You plan to use the camera heavily in inclement weather.
Both are excellent DSLRs that are enjoyable to shoot with and can deliver amazing results in competent hands. The D750 offers the allure of full frame photography while the D7500 packs many high-end features at a friendlier price point. Carefully assess your needs to determine which one fits best.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The D7500 is not categorically “better” than the D750. The D750 still has advantages like its full frame sensor, faster flash sync speed, more AF points at wider apertures, and better battery life.
But the D7500 has a lot of technology trickled down from the D500, giving it advantages like 4K video, better high ISO performance, faster burst shooting, deeper buffer, and superior subject tracking – all at a much lower price point.
For many users, what the D7500 offers at its price exceeds the improvements they would get from the more costly D750.
The D7500 and D750 share some similarities like tilting rear LCDs, 51 AF points, and EXPEED image processors. However the D750 is a full frame FX camera while the D7500 has an APS-C cropped sensor. The D750 also has advantages like higher resolution, faster sync speed, WiFi/GPS, and better viewfinder coverage.
The D7500 counters with better burst speed, 4K video, touchscreen control, and much lower price. The strengths and weaknesses of both cameras cater to different types of photographers.
While not Nikon’s top-tier flagship DSLR, the D750 delivers professional-grade image quality, performance and handling in a lighter and more affordable body. It has a durable magnesium alloy design with weather sealing for challenging environments.
The 24MP sensor delivers beautiful image quality even in low light. Add in 6.5fps burst shooting, fast 51-point AF system, clean HDMI out and compatibility with Nikon’s radio controlled flash system – and the D750 has all the credentials of a pro-level DSLR at a fair price.
No, the D7500 is considered an enthusiast or semi-pro model that sits above entry level cameras like the D3500 or D5600. It borrows many features from Nikon’s flagship D500 DSLR in an APS-C body. These include the 180k-pixel metering sensor, EXPEED 5 processor, 4K video recording, 8fps continuous shooting, weather sealing, and excellent high ISO performance up to 51200.
The D7500 is designed for advanced amateurs and those looking to turn pro or second shooters who want higher performance and handling in a lightweight body. While not entry level, it is cheaper than the pro D500.
Also Read: Choose Between Nikon Z50 And D7500.
Conclusion
The Nikon D750 and D7500 are both extremely capable DSLRs that excel in different areas. The D750 offers refined handling and pro-oriented features in an FX format body.
But you pay a premium for the jump to full frame. Meanwhile the D7500 packs many of Nikon’s latest technologies into a lightweight APS-C body at a compelling price.
There’s no unambiguous winner here – just two great cameras tailored for different needs and budgets. Carefully weigh their respective strengths and shortcomings against your shooting preferences to decide which model fits you best. Either DSLR will capture stellar images and serve you well for years to come.
