If there’s one thing we photographers love, it’s going retro. From SLR-styled bodies to throwback film simulations, retro is always in as far as image-makers are concerned. But retro aesthetics and retro performance are different things, and depending on your needs and your budget, you may be better off with one than the other.
To illustrate my point, I’m going to do a retro Nikon camera comparison and look at two popular cameras that wow the retro crowd in very different ways: the Nikon Zf vs the Nikon D7200.
The Nikon Zf is an absolutely gorgeous mirrorless camera. Nikon Zf reviews from 2023 positively gushed over its blend of analogue SLR-style aesthetics with cutting-edge modern performance to deliver a superb photographic experience. It’s an amazing performer in low-light thanks to its 24.2MP full-frame sensor, its advanced autofocus system boasts AI-powered subject detection, and it also benefits from in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) to keep shots steady.
I don’t blame you if you’re positively salivating over the Zf’s gorgeous retro looks. But at a price of £2,349 in a bundle with the (excellent) Nikon Z 40mm f2 SE lens, it’s simply not a camera that’s going to be within everybody’s budget.
So, what if instead of embracing retro aesthetics, we went in full-bore for a completely retro shooting experience? Enter the Nikon D7200. This lightweight DSLR was released in 2015, fully eight years prior to the Zf. While it offers the same approximate sensor resolution of 24.5MP, its smaller APS-C (DX-format) sensor means it’s not quite got the same skills in low light. It also lacks those modern conveniences like IBIS and subject-detection autofocus.
However, the Nikon D7200 can be picked up very easily on the used market, for around £400 in ‘Good’ condition or better. Personally, I’d pair it with a Nikon 35mm f1.8 G AF-S DX lens, available for as little as £135 used, putting your potential total spend as low as £535 – less than a quarter of the cost of the Zf combo.
Nikon Zf vs Nikon D7200: which should you pick?
Ultimately, it’s going to come down to your needs and your budget. The Nikon Zf is unquestionably a superior camera to the D7200 – that’s an objective fact. Its larger sensor, more advanced features and more current lens system make it the better choice even before you factor in its gorgeous retro style.
But the D7200 is no slouch – in fact, I think it’s quite possibly the best Nikon camera under £500 to buy used. With a 51-point autofocus system, 6fps burst rate and weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body, it’s a capable camera that can produce sharp, vibrant images in a range of shooting situations. And while it may not have the Zf’s outwardly attractive retro looks, its DSLR-specific features like its optical viewfinder do give it a bit of a retro feel in this modern mirrorless world.
Ultimately, while the Zf may be dazzling you with its stylish looks, its sophisticated internals make it a tool for professionals and serious enthusiasts. As such, if you’re a photographer more towards the beginning of their journey, I would point you towards a camera like the D7200 instead. You’ll save a lot of money and get a fantastic platform to learn on. Sometimes, instead of going after a vintage style mirrorless camera, the best bet is to embrace the full-on retro experience of a DSLR.
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About the Author
Jon Stapley is a London-based freelance writer and journalist who covers photography, art and technology. When not writing about cameras, Jon is a keen photographer who captures the world using his Olympus XA2. His creativity extends to works of fiction and other creative writing, all of which can be found on his website www.jonstapley.com
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