D5200 upgrade to D7100?

scaryone

New member
I am a keen wildlife photographer and have invested inlenses (the 70-200 AF-S F4 and 80-400mm AF-S) rather than the camera body up tonow. I currently have a D5200 but have had a few issues with it back-focussingwhich had to corrected by Nikon, and now intermittent ‘Lens not attached’ errormessages with my 80-400mm lens which allows for some movement when attached tothe D5200 body. I am about to send both back to Nikon for this to be looked at.The fact that I will be without a camera whilst this is investigated – and thatthe camera and 80-400 do not appear ideally suited is tempting me to get abetter camera. I want to keep the crop factor so I am looking at the D7100. Butreviews are not consistent as to whether it’s a sensible upgrade and I’m likelyto get better image quality. The sensors appear the same, focusing should bebetter on the D7100, and there are other advantages like dual memory card slotsand weather sealing, but on image results, it’s not clear cut. There’s somesuggestion that the removal of the anti-aliasing filter could improve imagequality – but only with top glass. And I’m not sure if my lenses, even thoughthey cost a small fortune, are considered top glass. Thoughts/advice verywelcome!
 

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
I'd say unless you're wanting to eventually shoot full frame, the D7100 is a great choice, but having said that....I am clearly biased.

Let me also add that I went from a D5100 to the 7100.....and the 7100 is the next best thing to having a full frame camera.
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I went from a D5100 to my current D7100 and I'm very happy I made the upgrade. While you're moving from the improved D5200 what I think you'll find is that the the D7100 is everything the D5200 is, plus a lot of smallish things that just make your photographic life more pleasant.

There's no single, earth-shattering feature on the D7100 that makes you go, "Wow!" but there are sooo many little things you don't even know you're missing. Things like the extra focus points, the dual card slots, the top-mounted display, the dual command wheels, the build quality... The only reason I wouldn't suggest going with the D7100 is if you're planning or even *seriously* considering going full-frame.

...
 

Patrick M

Senior Member
Also read this


I went from the D5100 and to me, it was a terrific improvement.
The only negative was the lack of an articulating screen. But that's so minor it's irrelevant to me, given the host of improvements gained. No brainer.
 

ShootRaw

Senior Member
Do it..I have a mint one for sale...Pm for details.... Shot with the D7100 and 28mm 1.8g at the time...
untitled-2791-2.jpg

Post done in LR5
 

mapman

Senior Member
I'm in the same boat but I have a d5100, I've gotten fed up with having to go through all the menus to change anything in manual mode and was debating the d7000 or d7100, but I think I've finally decided to go with the d7100. Now I'm just trying to find a decent deal on one.
 

Pebbleheed

Senior Member
I went from a few month old D5300 to the D7100 and I didn't regret the move at all.

If you look at spec on paper then some reviewers may not make as big a case for the move, but for me it wasn't just their capability. The controls on the D7100 make the move worth it alone! Especially if shooting wildlife or some other photography where changing the camera settings is something quite common.

Not having to use menus, having dedicated buttons and a top LCD may sound like a minor improvement but WOW, it makes a huge difference! Not only is it quicker to get the settings you want but it makes photography more fun and for me it helped me understand what I was doing and what I was going to achieve too.

I can't believe I ever got by without a top LCD or dedicated buttons now.

The dual sd card is a nice bonus and the AF system is nice too.

For me I'd upgrade in a second. It's worth the move.
 
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