Nikon D7000 versus Nikon D750

The Nikon D7000 and the Nikon D750 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2010 and September 2014. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D7000) and a full frame sensor. The D7000 has a resolution of 16.1 megapixel, whereas the D750 provides 24.2 MP.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D7000 and the Nikon D750 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. If you prefer, you can also use the toggle button to switch to a comparison in percentage terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the D7000 – represents 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D750 is notably larger (15 percent) than the Nikon D7000. However, the D750 is slightly lighter (4 percent) than the D7000. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the D750) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D7000). You can find a comprehensive overview of suitable optics in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D7000 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 35 percent) than the D750, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D7000 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D750 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D750 is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 24.2MP, the D750 offers a higher resolution than the D7000 (16.1MP), but the D750 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.97μm versus 4.80μm for the D7000) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D750 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 11 months) than the D7000, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D750 offers substantially better image quality than the D7000 (overall score 13 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 0.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the D750 provides a faster frame rate than the D7000. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the D7000 is limited to 10800/24p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D7000 and the D750 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D7000 and Nikon D750 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras. If you need more detail on the specs, you can find comprehensive listings, for example, in the dpreview camera hub.

The D750 is a current model that online retailers, such as amazon, will have in stock. In contrast, the D7000 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D7000 was succeeded by the Nikon D7100.

Summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D7000 better than the Nikon D750 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D7000:

• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• More compact: Is smaller (132x105mm vs 141x113mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (35 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2010).

Advantages of the Nikon D750:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24.2 vs 16.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 22%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.6 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.3 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p vs 10800/24p).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 921k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1230 versus 1050) out of a single battery charge.
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 11 months of technical progress since the D7000 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D750 is the clear winner of the contest (11 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D7000 or the D750 handle or perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites. You can find the full text of the reviews, respectively, at cameralabs.com, dpreview.com, ephotozine.com, imaging-resource.com, and photographyblog.com.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other comparisons

If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting. If you cannot find the camera you are interested in, please contact me, and I will try to add information on that model to the database.