Canon 80D vs Nikon D7200 Camera Comparison

The Canon 80D and Nikon D7200 are two high performing cameras. However, neither is cheap. That’s why you need to take care in your selection. To make things simple, we have compared each camera across all the important categories. We have assessed their features and specifications so you can know which camera is best for which tasks.

Megapixels

One megapixel is one million pixels. Each of these squares of data is the building blocks for a photo. The more of them available, the higher the image quality. Now, in saying this, users will find that both cameras have 24.2 megapixels sensors, which allow them to capture crisp, sharp images.

ISO

A camera’s ISO setting determines light sensitivity. The higher the figure, the greater the sensitivity and vice versa.

The D7200 has better low light ISO performance than the 80D (1333 vs. 1135) which makes it a better option when shooting indoors or at night.

+1 for the D7200

Sensor Size

The greater a camera’s sensor size, the greater a photographer’s control over an image’s depth of field. Now users of the 80D and D7200 will find that both cameras have a very similar sensor size. The 80D’s sensor measures 22.5mm x15mm. The D7200’s sensor measures 23.50mm x 15.60mm.

Neither camera has a significant advantage so we can call this category a draw.

Burst Mode

If you want to capture good shots of a fast-moving subject, then you can do so using burst mode. This mode allows cameras to take a range of photos in rapid succession.

The 80D can shoot at 7fps when in burst mode, which simply means that the device can take up to seven photos per second. The D7200’s burst mode isn’t quite as fast at 6fps.

+1 for the 80D

Autofocusing

A camera’s autofocus capabilities are what determines how easy it is to lock onto a subject. The main factor to consider is the number of autofocus points. The more that are available, the easier it is to both manually and automatically focus on a subject, as well as track a subject as it moves between points.

The 80D has 45 cross-type autofocus points while the D7200 only has 15.

+1 for the 80D

Lens Options

The 80D uses the Canon EF/EF-S mount with 292 available lenses. The D7200 uses the Nikon F lens mount with 280 available lenses. As you can see, there are more than enough lens options for both devices. While there is a difference of 12 lenses, this doesn’t have much of an impact so we will call this category a draw.

Video Quality

Both cameras aren’t limited to photos and can capture high definition video footage. The 80D can record both 720p and 1080p at 60fps. The D7200 can record 720p at 60fps but can only reach 30fps when filming in 1080p.

Just remember that neither camera can record slow-motion video.

+1 for the 80D

Portability

Both cameras weigh roughly the same. The 80D is 730 grams while the D7200 is 765 grams. The dimensions are 139 x 105 x 79mm for the 80D and 136 x 107 x 76mm for the D7200.

Overall, not a lot of differences and it’s hard to say that one camera is more portable than the other.

Screen

The 80D has quite a different screen than the D7200. Firstly, it has a touchscreen, which makes menus easy to navigate, just like your smartphone. Secondly, the screen is articulating, which gives users more flexible shooting positions. The D7200’s screen is neither articulating nor a touchscreen.

On the other hand, the D7200 has the higher screen resolution of 1,229k dots, compared to 1,040k dots.

We feel that the 80D’s articulating touchscreen more than makes up for its slightly lower resolution.

+1 for the 80D

Battery Life

The 80D can take 960 shots on a single charge while the D7200 can take 1110, which is a difference of 150 shots.

+1 for the D7200

SD Card Slots

The 80D only has a single SD card slot while the D7200 has two. The extra slot is handy for maximizing photo and video storage.

+1 for the D7200

Further Common Strengths

Let’s look at some more strengths that each camera has in common.

• Both devices have built-in Wi-Fi so that users can backup and share photos wirelessly.
• Both devices have an internal flash.
• Both devices have an external microphone jack. This feature allows the user to record high-quality audio.
• Both devices have a headphone jack, which is handy for monitoring audio quality when recording video.
• Both devices incorporate bulb shutter, which makes extra-long exposures obtainable.

Further Common Weaknesses

Let’s look at their common weaknesses.

• Neither camera has focus peaking for highlighting in-focus
• Neither camera features image stabilization.
• Neither camera can take panoramic shots.
• Neither camera has built-in Bluetooth or GPS.

Price

A new 80D costs around $900 on Amazon. Bundle deals are also available for around $1,300. These typically include a range of lenses, a tripod, SD card, carry case, and other accessories.

A new D7200 costs approximately $1,000 on Amazon. A bundle deal with multiple lenses, a carry case, SD card, tripod, and other accessories costs around $1,240 on Amazon.

It’s pretty close in this category. The 80D is cheaper on its own. However, the D7200 has the better value for bundle deals. We will call it a tie.

Total Scores

We have tallied up the scores, and you can see the winner below.

Canon 80D: 4

• Burst Mode
• Autofocusing
• Video Quality
• Screen

Nikon D7200: 3

• ISO
• Battery Life
• Dual SD Card Slots

The chart below makes it easy to compare the specs and features of each device quickly.

Which Camera is Best?

It’s a close battle, but for most people, the Canon 80D is the better option. It has superior autofocusing and burst mode to help users capture the best shots. It can also record 1080p video at 60fps. The articulating touchscreen also makes operation very user-friendly.

While the Nikon D7200 has slightly longer battery life, as well as dual SD card slots, these factors play less of an important role in the camera’s operations.

However, when it comes to lowlight photography, the Nikon D7200 comes out ahead of the Canon 80D with a better ISO range.

Overall we feel:

• The Canon 80D is best for action and general photography.
• The Canon 80D is best for recording video footage.
• The Nikon D7200 is best for lowlight photography.
• The Canon 80D is more user-friendly than the D7200 (easier to operate using an articulating touchscreen).