I´ve been using Nikon DSLR´s for years, particularly the incredible (for its time) D90, and the not so great D7000. Obviously the ´´upgrade´´ from D90 to D7000 resulted in greater DR, faster focus, and loads of new options. The biggest upgrade was the ISO capability of course. However, the 7000 (my copy at least) had HORRIBLE focus issues. So, so frustrating, that many times I would revert back to using my trusty ol´ D90.
I had only a few thousand clicks on the D7000 before I got fed up with missing half my shots due to hardware crappiness, and upgraded to a refurb D7500, that included the amazing AFP 70-300 VR. Wow, what a difference. This camera has improved almost everything that I loved about the D90, and of course added new features that I have always missed on DSLRS (movable back LCD).
The focus capability (and esp. with an AFP lens) simply TROUNCES the sad D7000. Night and day difference, and I wish I had switched much earlier since using the 7500 made me realize how much I struggled with focus on the 7000 (but probably wouldn´t admit to myself).
This thing is surely the pinnacle of the line, before we all move to mirrorless. I know Nikon is focusing on that for the future, and if this is the last remainder of the D series DSLR´s, they really are going out with a champion as an exclamation mark on the entire, generally excellent, line.
So many things I am happy with, I can´t list them all, but some of the features I appreciate that are better than on previous models:
1. Beautiful, hi res back LCD that MOVES! THANK YOU. Finally this comes to the 90/7000 line!
2. ISO is almost ludicrous, again compared to my previous models. It´s insane how high I can crank the ISO before I get to ´´unacceptable´´.
3. Focus speed is just mind blowing, especially when paired with an AFP lens. Wow. I can´t describe this experience, because it´s almost a new thing compared what I have been used to with the 90 and 7000. Silent and instant is probably the best way for me to describe it.
4. the FPS shooting is also insane...SO fast, and has resulted already in much better shots of my son playing basketball, as well as daughter playing soccer. Shots I for sure would have missed (blurred) with my previous two models, are nailed in multiple frames on the 7500.
A lot more than this, but I will cut to the negatives lest I sound too fanboyish:
1. LCD on back only tilts, it does not have the same range of movement that you find on the lower level models (5000 and I think also 3000). Those models also rotate and turn IIRC.
2. Frankly, the resolution and resulting size of the files (even jpg) is a little much! Huge, massive files! :D Maybe too much of a good thing, but I guess I can reduce file size without losing image quality. Hopefully I can do that.
3. Wifi/snapbridge implementation is absolutely awful. I appreciate actually having the capability, but man, if you´re going to implement something, make it right, and make it work consistently! Ugh. Probably my biggest disappointment with the model.
4. More of a preference than a complaint, but I wish they had removed the onboard flash on this model like they did with the D500 (I think that´s the one). I have never seen a decent shot using an onboard flash (it even makes just snapshots look crappy), and my tiny Nikon external flash is so portable that it´s a no brainer to put it on rather than use the popup.
5. Video implementation could be better. I know this is not Nikon´s strength, and competitors do video MUCH better, but still, they don´t have to seemingly ignore it! :D If you´re looking to do much video, I would not recommend this (or any Nikon in this line). Still, I have taken some great footage with only using the camera ( no external light or mic). The HD quality itself is superb (depending on lens of course), but the actual UI of the video could be a lot better.
Overall, fantastic camera, and so glad I ponied up for it.
