Canon 80D vs Nikon D7200 - A Complete Comparison [2020]

Introduction

Nikon and Canon are two of the longest-standing names in the photography and imaging industry, and it is with good reason. Both these brands have time and again been responsible for developing innovative technology as well as producing top tier high-quality cameras. With their product portfolio constantly increasing and evolving, it is no wonder that the fierce competition between these two companies is not about to die down anytime soon. The Canon 80D and the Nikon D7200 are perfect examples of these never-ending rivalry between the brands. The Canon EOS 80D and the Nikon D7200 are semi-professional DSLR cameras introduced into the market in February 2016 and March 2015 in that order. In this article we discuss and compare various elements of the cameras to help you determine which one you should purchase.

Comparison – At a Glance

Overview

The Canon EOS 80D is a stunning mid-skill-level range camera that is ideal for enthusiasts or semi-skilled photographers who have outgrown their first compact/ entry-level DSLR camera. The camera brags a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, inbuilt Wi-Fi capabilities, a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, extremely fast live view, shutter, and focus response. This camera performs exceptionally well and delivers stunning imagery whose quality is quite frankly unmatched. Its response time and speeds only add to the amazing crop frame DSLR in the form of the Canon 80D.

The Nikon D7200 takes up from its predecessor the Nikon D7000, and builds up on its set of features to produce top quality images regardless of the situation. The camera brags a 24.2 -megapixel APS-C sensor, a Nikon EXPEED 4-series image processor, 51-point AF sensor amongst other things. In comparison to its predecessor, the Nikon D7200 has an impressive ISO range of between 100 and 102400, reduced image noise, inbuilt Wi-Fi capabilities, and a 6fps burst mode; users will be pleasantly surprised by the D7200.

Canon 80D and Nikon D7200 – Specifications

After looking at the general overview of each camera, we take a deep dive into the various specifications of each of the cameras to get a detailed understanding. The key specifications of the Canon 80D include; a 24.2-megapixel APS-C image sensor, 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen, Dual Pixel autofocus system with 45 cross-type points, ISO range of 100 to 25600, 1080p Full HD at 60fps video capture capabilities as well as HDMI, USB 2.0 & Wi-Fi which make up the camera connectivity options.
In contrast, the Nikon D7200 consists of 24.2-megapixel APS-C, 3.2 LCD screen, 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross type, a wide ISO range of 100 to 102400, 1080p Full HD at 60fps video capture capabilities and the same connectivity options as the Canon EOS 80D.

Specification Comparison

We are aware that a bunch of specifications without a competitive comparison of how the specifications affect the performance and end result of the captured images is pointless. As such, to make the decision-making process simpler, here is a competitive comparison of the EOS 80D and D7200 when they are put to the test.

Image quality: for the Canon EOS 80D, the image quality is one of its key selling points because it does an exceptional job of producing images whose quality is nothing short of spectacular. Regardless of the shooting mode, light setting and even environmental condition you can be certain that the end result is sharp, vivid and vibrant images with exceptional color reproduction. Similarly, the Nikon D7200 delivers high-quality images, however, when compared to those captured by the 80D, the results of the 80D remains unrivaled. The Nikon D7200 does a great color reproduction job and also performs surprisingly strongly even in low light settings. At higher ISO ranges, the noise suppression functions quite well.

Design

The general design of both the Canon 80D and Nikon D7200 is the same as that of other DSLR cameras. When reviewed individually, both cameras have a fairly bulky design with great ergonomics as they fit perfectly into a user’s hand. The arrangement of dials and buttons on the Canon 80D are intuitively placed, making it easy to use the camera when then using the viewfinder. Additionally, the camera’s LCD touchscreen is well articulated and can be tilted in various directions. Pertaining its weight, the Canon 80D is a rather heavy camera that weighs 730 grams. The Nikon D7200 on the other hand also has buttons that are easily accessible; however, users also get various other options through which they can change the camera’s settings as they work. Unlike with the 80D, its LCD touchscreen cannot be adjusted, and it is fairly larger than the typical LCD screens. Weighing at 765 grams the Nikon D7200 is heavier than the Canon EOS 80D a factor that some photographers may find to be concerning given that it affects the steadiness of the device.

Performance

Even though both cameras do a good job as far as their performance is concerned, the Canon EOS 80 D surpasses the Nikon D7200 by a mile. This because it is fitted and powered by a DIGIC 6 processor that ensures the camera focuses really quickly, that the shutter speeds are swift and that the camera is able to achieve a continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second. Additionally, the live view mode is also distinctly fast; with its autofocus able to incessantly track a subject that is on the move without losing focus. Powered by an Expeed 4 processor, the Nikon D7200 also performs well, just not as good as the EOS 80D. The camera’s processor makes it easy for photographers to navigate the camera effortlessly and that the autofocus and burst rates are good.

The Nikon D7200’s autofocus system has 51-points, with 15 of those being cross-type sensors which make focusing that much quicker and in comparison, to the 80D’s 43 cross-type sensors, the Nikon 7200D takes home its first crown.

Conclusion

Both these cameras have features that photographers would find desirable. However, the final decision really comes down to what works best for the photographer as well as the outcome they are hoping to achieve when they put the camera to use.