Excellent control layout and handling; Great image quality up to very high ISO settings; Excellent autofocus using the viewfinder; Tilting screen a big improvement on previous D7000-series models;

Slow Live View autofocus; SnapBridge connectivity lacking in features; Only a single SD card slot, where previous D7000-series models had two;

The drop to 20 megapixels will be a surprise to many and this has a slight impact on the D7500's outright resolution – but its speed, low-light performance and overall image quality are first rate.

Good high ISO performance; 4K video; 8fps continuous shooting

Only one card slot; No battery grip provision; No real gains in image quality

The Nikon D7500 evolves from its conventional DSLR heritage towards a more rounded user experience. This enthusiast-level DSLR packs a mighty tilt-touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, plus 4K video capture into its body. Oh how the times are a-changin'.

Features inherited from the class-leading Nikon D500; large and vibrant tilt LCD touchscreen; excellent build quality and handling; pin-sharp images; overall low-light performance

Single UHS I SD memory card slot; 4K video crop mode not ideal for wide-angle recording; AF in live view not up to scratch; no Ai indexing tab limits compatibility with Nikon's manual focus lenses; additional vertical grip not possible

Like photographers, most DSLRs have a preferred subject matter – whether it's fast-moving wildlife or city nightlife.

Superb image quality; Speedy autofocus; Handy tilting touchscreen; Fast burst mode (at this price);

Only one SD card slot; Wireless sharing a bit patchy;

If you don't mind its DSLR bulk, this is one of the best all-rounders you can buy at this price

Superb image quality; Speedy autofocus; Handy tilting touchscreen; Fast burst mode (at this price)

Only one SD card slot; Wireless sharing a bit patchy

The D7500 sits in that classic 'step-up' zone for those looking for a smattering of pro features in a smaller, cheaper form factor than pro cams. In this sense, it's among the best out there, particularly if you're craving a D500 but don't have the cash to buy it. You're essentially getting a D500 in a cheaper body - and depending on what you shoot, that's no bad thing. If you’re an all-round type of shooter, with no particular favourite genre, or you tend to mainly shoot still subjects, the D7500 arguably makes more sense than its pricier sibling. But if you like to shoot action and fast moving subjects, the D500, while more expensive, is better suited to the task at hand. The same goes for low light shooting. Still, beyond mirrorless compact system cams like the Fujifilm X-T2, the only real alternative to the D7500 is Canon's EOS 80D. That's still a fantastic camera and now available for under £1000, but the D7500's burst shooting, viewfinder and autofocus see it edge just ahead as our favourite DSLR at this price.

Superb image quality; Speedy autofocus; Handy tilting touchscreen; Fast burst mode (at this price);

Only one SD card slot; Wireless sharing a bit patchy;

The D500 is great, but as a pro-level camera its price puts it out of reach for many. The fact that the D7500 has many of the same components, specifically those that determine image quality, makes it very attractive.

The D7500 is Nikon's latest enthusiast level DSLR. It features the same 20.9 megapixel APS-C sized sensor as found in the top-of-the-line D500, making it a good alternative for those who are tempted by the more expensive camera but don't quite have the budget available.

Externally, not much has changed about the D7500's designed compared to its predecessor. The D7500 maintains its position as a compact yet capable twin dial DSLR geared toward enthusiasts.