Canon 60Da vs Nikon D7200: The Definitive DSLR Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When it comes to advanced DSLR cameras that blend robust performance with creative versatility, both Canon and Nikon have long held top spots. Here, we focus on two stalwarts:

• Canon EOS 60Da - Canon’s specialized astrophotography-oriented DSLR launched in 2012
• Nikon D7200 - Nikon’s 2015 mid-size APS-C powerhouse built for speed and detail

Each camera brings a unique blend of features tuned for different photographic priorities. In this detailed comparison, we dissect their design, sensor technology, autofocus capabilities, shooting performance, and genre-specific suitability - helping you decide which model fits your creative needs best.

Through our extensive hands-on testing and imaging lab analysis, we highlight what these cameras excel at, and where they show limitations. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video, our expert insights will guide your next careful investment.

Comfortable in Your Hands? Examining Size, Weight & Ergonomics

If you plan to carry your camera for hours or use it intensively, body comfort and control layout are critical. Both model bodies are roughly mid-sized APS-C DSLRs, designed to balance portability with commanding presence.

Canon 60Da is a classic 2012-era DSLR with a slightly taller and chunkier grip area, providing a solid feel for large hands and extended use. Its fully articulating 3-inch Clear View TFT LCD is a significant boon for astrophotographers and videographers alike, enabling versatile angle shots, low- or high-angle framing, and convenient live view composition.

Nikon D7200, while marginally more compact front-to-back, opts for a fixed 3.2-inch LCD with higher resolution. The slightly larger screen favors clarity but sacrifices articulation flexibility, which could hamper creative shooting angles but supports quick image review.

Both DSLRs offer sturdy button layout and top-plate dials familiar to enthusiasts. Their pentaprism optical viewfinders differ in coverage and magnification, which we’ll explore after a quick peek from above.

The Nikon’s button arrangement feels slightly more modern and ergonomic, with well-marked joystick-style autofocus point selector, and dual memory card slots give it a clear advantage for serious shooters needing redundancy.

Ergonomic Takeaway:
If you value an articulating screen and slightly bigger body for grip, Canon 60Da wins. Nikon D7200 excels with tighter dimensions, improved screen resolution, and enhanced control customization.

Sensor and Image Quality: How Does 2012 Stack Up Against 2015?

At the heart of every camera is the image sensor and processor, defining your image quality spectrum.

Canon’s 60Da sensor is a specialized variant of the EOS 60D, famously modified for enhanced Hydrogen-Alpha sensitivity to capture deep reds in nebulae - making it an astrophotography favorite. Its ISO ceiling and array size reflect its 2012 heritage, providing solid results but lagging in noise performance and dynamic range compared to more recent models.

Nikon’s D7200 sports a 24MP sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, offering a slight edge in sharpness and detail capture, along with more extensive ISO flexibility, thanks to the EXPEED 4 image processor. Testing reveals it delivers superior dynamic range (>14 EV stops) and lower noise at high ISO settings (DxOMark low-light ISO score ~1333), which translates to usable images in low-light scenarios.

Real-World Impact:

• Landscape shooters will appreciate the Nikon’s extra resolution and dynamic range for rich tonal gradations in HDR and twilight scenes.
• Astro lovers still may choose the Canon 60Da for its astrophotography-optimized sensor unless you apply external filters to a standard DSLR.
• Portrait photographers can expect clean, natural skin tones from both, though Nikon's higher resolution allows more detailed retouching.

Focusing on Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

Autofocus (AF) defines how well a camera follows moving subjects, locks focus quickly, and maintains accuracy for sharp outcomes.

Canon’s 9-point AF system with face detection was competitive a decade ago but noticeably simpler compared to today’s standards. Its AF points concentrate near the center, requiring focus-and-recompose techniques for off-center subjects.

Nikon’s 51-point AF, with 15 cross-type sensors and on-sensor detection for eye and face tracking, delivers impressive speed and accuracy across a broader frame area. A real boon for wildlife and sports photography where fast-moving subjects appear unpredictably.

During testing on fast wild birds and outdoor sports events, the D7200’s AF kept pace admirably, consistently locking focus at 6fps. The 60Da, while capable at 5fps, would occasionally hunt in continuous mode under complex lighting.

Summary: For autofocus speed and tracking, Nikon D7200 is the clear winner. Canon 60Da suffices for static or slow-moving subjects, and excels more in precision manual focus scenarios common in astrophotography.

Viewing the World: Viewfinder and LCD Screen Differences

Viewfinders and rear LCDs influence how easily you compose shots and review images in the field.

Canon’s articulating screen offers unmatched framing flexibility - ideal for creative angles and video. It’s especially valuable for astrophotography setups on tripods or when shooting overhead.

Nikon’s fixed LCD is sharp and clear, but stationary, limiting compositional freedom. Its optical viewfinder covers the entire frame, offering confidence with exact framing ignored in Canon’s 96% coverage viewfinder (you might want to slightly crop in post).

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility: Your Creative Palette

Both cameras support extensive lens lineups native to their mounts.

Canon’s EF and EF-S mount has a vast array of lenses from budget primes to cutting-edge L-series optics, including excellent astrophotography primes ideal with the 60Da’s sensor.

Nikon’s F-mount, dating back decades, similarly offers an incredibly broad selection of primes, zooms, and specialty lenses - many designed for DX-format sensors like that in the D7200. Nikon’s newer Native G and E lenses also bring solid optical performance and sometimes vibration reduction.

Lens Recommendation:
Whatever brand you lean toward, there’s no shortage of prime, wide, telephoto, macro, and tilt-shift options tailored to your craft. Given Nikon’s sensor advantage, pairing the D7200 with sharp primes is perfect for landscape and wildlife photographers. Canon users with the 60Da should explore astrophotography-optimized primes to maximize the sensor’s H-alpha sensitivity.

Battery Life & Storage: How Long Will Your Shoot Last?

Battery endurance is similar and excellent for heavy shooting throughout a day. However, Nikon’s dual card slots add safety for professionals who cannot risk losing memory cards.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Staying Connected

The age gap shows here clearly. Canon’s 60Da requires Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer and lacks headphone monitoring for audio, which may be a drawback for serious video shooters.

Nikon’s D7200 is more modern with integrated Wi-Fi and NFC for quick sharing and remote control. The added headphone jack facilitates professional audio monitoring in video recording, backing its appeal for videographers.

Video Capabilities: HD but No 4K

Though neither offers 4K video, the D7200’s Full HD at 60fps provides smoother motion capture - useful for sports or cinematic slow-motion effects. Its headphone jack assists in professional-level audio control during shoots.

Canon’s 60Da video mode suits casual needs and basic astrophotography time lapses but falls short on frame rate options or audio monitoring.

Special Use Case Breakdown: What Are These Cameras Best At?

Canon 60Da front Canon 60Da screen back Nikon D7200 screen back

The image gallery above shows examples from both cameras representing various shooting conditions - notice the Nikon’s higher clarity in shadow details and dynamic scenes, while the Canon’s astrophotography frames display unique vibrancy in hydrogen nebula capture.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Both cameras feature environmental sealing against dust and light moisture but are not waterproof.

Nikon slightly edges out in dust resistance certification, offering reassuring durability for demanding outdoor use.

Performance Ratings: What Do Scores Tell Us?

Based on our lab tests and DxOMark scores (where available), here’s a side-by-side of overall capabilities:

The Nikon D7200 scores notably higher due to its improved sensor tech, autofocus, and operational speed. Canon’s 60Da scores respectably, backed by its unique astrophotography sensor advantages.

Further genre-specific analysis shown below highlights this gap:

Final Thoughts: Which DSLR Should You Choose?

Canon 60Da - The Astrophotographer’s Dream

Choose the 60Da if:

• You are passionate about astrophotography and want built-in sensor sensitivity to nebulae’s H-alpha emission
• You prefer an articulating rear screen to aid in tripod and awkward angle shooting
• You appreciate Canon’s color science, especially for skin tones and video work
• Bulky but ergonomic body is acceptable in exchange for specialized imaging

Nikon D7200 - The Versatile Specialist

Choose the D7200 if:

• You want the sharpest images with excellent dynamic range and high native ISO for low-light work
• You need a fast, intelligent autofocus system for wildlife, sports, and action photography
• You seek modern connectivity, headphone jacks, and dual card slots for professional workflow
• Weather sealing and durability are priorities for your outdoor adventures
• You want smoother 1080p video at 60fps and better audio monitoring

Where to Go From Here?

Both cameras remain capable in their niches, but the Nikon D7200’s more recent design and versatility make it arguably a better all-rounder for most enthusiasts and pros. Meanwhile, the Canon 60Da’s niche specialty - for astrophotography - remains unmatched without external modifications.

Tip: Get your hands on both models if possible. Test their handling, autofocus, and image output for your preferred photography genre. Nearby camera rental shops, local photo clubs, or trade shows are great places to explore.

Also, consider the lens ecosystem that matches your style - pair these bodies with the right glass to unlock their full potential.

Summary Table: Quick Comparison at a Glance

We hope this deep dive aids your camera decision-making. Both the Canon EOS 60Da and Nikon D7200 stand as enduring tools, each crafted for specific creative ambitions. Whether you’re tracking the stars or capturing wildlife motion, the right choice will empower your photography journey.

Happy shooting!

• Your Trusted Camera Review Team