Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: enthusiast DSLRs go head to head

SEE MORE: Canon cameras - the full and complete range explained from IXUS to EOS

Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: continuous shooting

There are two options for continuous shooting with the D7200, with 6fps available in standard shooting mode, or 7fps in crop mode. The big news with the Nikon D7200 is that the camera's buffer has been increased to allow for up to 27 12-bit raw files and up to 100 JPEGs to be captured when shooting in continuous mode. Meanwhile, the 70D offers 7fps shooting for up to 16 raw format images and 65 JPEGs.

Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: memory

The Canon EOS 70D has a single memory card slot for SD/HC/XC cards, while the D7200 has two slots - both for SD/HC/XC cards.

Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: connectivity

Nikon D7200 vs D7100: 04 connectivity

More and more DSLRs on the market are starting to become equipped with connectivity options. The D7200 introduces inbuilt Wi-Fi, compared with the D7100 which needed an optional adaptor, and, for the first time on a Nikon DSLR, inbuilt NFC.

That means that if you have a compatible smartphone or tablet, all you need to do is tap the two devices to form a connection. If you have an iOS device, such as an iPhone, you can still connect via the Wi-Fi. The 70D meanwhile has inbuilt Wi-Fi only.

SEE MORE: Canon vs Nikon - 8 photographers who switched systems (and why they did it)

Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: creativity

Nikon has introduced the new Picture Control 2.0 function to the Nikon D7200, which includes the Flat Picture Control as found on some of its other cameras, including the Nikon D750 and the Nikon D5500.

This is particularly useful for videographers, as it means you can achieve the widest dynamic range possible. Also included for lovers of creativity is the ability to create time lapse and light trails easily within the camera.

Canon meanwhile, includes the ability to create multiple exposures in camera, as well as HDR images.

SEE MORE: Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100 - 13 things you need to know

Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: battery

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 12 Battery

Another improvement Nikon has made to the D7200 is with battery life, now having the ability to shoot for approximately 1,110 frames (according to CIPA standardS).

The Canon 70D on the other hand has a slightly less, but still pretty good, impressive 920 frames. Both should mean that you can shoot for a full day without the battery draining completely.

SEE MORE: 4 ways to extend the battery life of your camera

Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: price

As is to be expected, the older Canon EOS 70D is available at a lower price than the brand new D7200. The street price of the 70D is around £780 (body only), while the Nikon D7200 price is £939 (body only).

SEE MORE: Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100 - which Nikon camera should you choose?

Nikon D7200 vs Canon EOS 70D: conclusion

Choosing between the two systems on offer here is quite tricky, as both of them represent excellent cameras for the enthusiast user.

If you're looking to make the step up to an enthusiast camera, and you already have lenses, of course it makes sense to stick with the system you already know.

But on the other hand, if you're looking for an entirely new system, or are willing to make a more complete overhaul, choosing between the two is a little trickier.

If you're on a budget, for now, the Canon represents better value for money, but in terms of a feature set, the Nikon perhaps just about edges it with a higher resolution, 51 autofocus points, dual SD card slots and an extended battery life.

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Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.