Nikon D7200

The D7200 is an APS-C DSLR that Nikon released in 2015. It suits photographers who like the direct, natural view of an optical pentaprism viewfinder and want a body built around stills shooting.

The 24.2MP sensor pairs with the Nikon F DX mount, giving a sound base for a collection of F-mount lenses.

At 765g and 136 x 107 x 76mm it is a substantial camera to carry, and the weather sealing means it is built for outdoor use in changeable conditions.

A 24.2MP APS-C sensor gives plenty of resolution for large prints and leaves room to crop, and that resolving power is a key reason the D7200 earns a good 71 Optics score, placing it in the top 23% of cameras in our database for Optics.

For moving subjects, the camera offers a 6fps maximum burst, 51 autofocus points and a 1/8000s top shutter speed for freezing motion or using wide apertures in bright light. Treat the burst figure as a peak rate rather than a promise of sustained shooting.

The ISO range runs from 100 to 102400, giving latitude as light levels fall, and the optical pentaprism viewfinder gives an immediate view of the scene while you work.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so the body itself does not reduce camera shake. Fast shutter speeds, steady technique, a solid support or a stabilised lens may take that role instead.

Video recording is available but solid rather than ambitious, and that matches the D7200's good 70 Video score. Resolution tops out at Full HD, so any project destined for 4K delivery is off the table with this body.

Frame rates reach 60fps, a maximum rate that keeps everyday motion smooth, and footage records in MOV files.

A built-in timelapse function automates interval shooting, so you can set the camera to record a scene unfolding over an extended period without extra remote equipment.

For stills photographers who add only occasional video clips, the Full HD ceiling rarely gets in the way, but anyone whose work is primarily video will find the resolution limit more constraining.

The 59 Features score is modest. The 3.2in LCD is detailed at 1228800 dots and live view is available, but there is no touch input, which costs the section points.

The screen is also fixed, which makes ground-level and overhead framing harder than a tilting display would allow.

Wi-Fi is present for wireless connection, though there is no Bluetooth on board.

Weather sealing protects the body in dust and damp, though it is not a waterproof guarantee. A built-in flash covers fill light and the body also supports an external flash for stronger lighting. GPS is absent, so location data would need another source.

The storage setup earns a good 79 score, driven by its dual card slots and battery rating. Two slots take SD, SDHC and SDXC media, so you can carry more capacity on a shoot without swapping a single card mid-session.

The EN-EL15 battery is rated at 1110 shots, a healthy figure on paper for long days out. The rating is not a promise of real-world endurance, so plan some margin for heavy use.

There is no USB charging, so you cannot top up the EN-EL15 battery from a laptop or power bank while you are out; a charged spare battery is the practical answer on long days.