Nikon D5600 vs D7500: Which Enthusiast DSLR is Right for You?
The Nikon D5600 and D7500 are both APS-C format DSLRs designed for enthusiast photographers, with the D7500 positioned above the D5600 in Nikon's lineup. While the D7500 offers significant upgrades over the D7200, the D5600 has its own attractive features that make it a viable option. Here's a detailed comparison of the two cameras to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Key Features:
Feature | Nikon D5600 | Nikon D7500 |
---|---|---|
Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
Processor | Expeed 4 | Expeed 5 |
ISO Range | 100-25,600 | 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-1,640,000) |
Autofocus Points | 39 (9 cross-type) | 51 (15 cross-type) |
Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 8 fps |
Screen | 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen |
Video | Full HD (1920 x 1080) up to 60p | 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 30p |
Battery Life | Approx. 970 shots | Approx. 950 shots |
Size (W x H x D) | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 136 x 104 x 73 mm |
Weight (with battery and card) | 465 g | 720 g |
Sensor and Processing Engine
The Nikon D5600 features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor paired with the Expeed 4 processor, while the D7500 has a 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor with the Expeed 5 processor. Although the D5600 has a higher resolution, the D7500's lower resolution sensor is better in low light due to its native sensitivity range of ISO 100-51,200, expandable to ISO 50-1,640,000. The D5600's range is ISO 100-25,600 with no expansion settings.
Autofocus System
The D7500 boasts a more advanced autofocus system with 51 AF points, including 15 cross-type points, compared to the D5600's 39 AF points with 9 cross-type points. This means the D7500 is more sensitive and better at tracking moving subjects across the frame.
Continuous Shooting
The D7500 has a faster maximum continuous shooting rate of 8fps, making it more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports. The D5600 can shoot at 5fps.
Screen
The D5600 has a higher resolution 3.2-inch vari-angle touch-screen, while the D7500 has a 3.2-inch tilting touch-screen. The D5600's screen is more versatile due to its vari-angle design, which allows for clear viewing in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Video
The D7500 can shoot 4K video at up to 30p, while the D5600 is limited to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at up to 60p. The D7500 also offers both MOV and MP4 video formats, whereas the D5600 only offers MOV.
Battery Life
The D5600 uses the EN-EL14a rechargeable Li-ion battery, which provides around 970 shots, while the D7500 uses the EN-EL15a battery, offering approximately 950 shots. Although the D7500's battery life is slightly lower, it is still quite impressive.
Size and Weight
The D5600 is significantly smaller and lighter, weighing 465g with the battery and card, compared to the D7500's 720g. However, the D7500 is more suitable for photographers with larger hands and those who prefer to use long lenses.
Conclusion
The Nikon D5600 is a capable and easy-to-use DSLR with its 24MP sensor, vari-angle screen, and compact size making it an attractive alternative to the D7500. However, the D7500 is more advanced, offering better low-light performance, 4K video, and a weather-sealed construction that makes it more suitable for photographers who shoot in challenging conditions.Ultimately, the choice between the D5600 and D7500 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability and ease of use, the D5600 might be the better choice. If you need more advanced features and better low-light performance, the D7500 is the better option.