Sorry for the hijack, I currently have a D3300 and am considering selling it yo upgrade to the D7100. I have been saving for 3 months, it would represent a huge outlay for me given my income. First of all, would I notice a big difference in terms of the upgrade? Secondly is there a D7200 near release as I might be better off waiting. Would ideally like to purchase next month.l
The biggest difference, I think, between the two is going to be in the "Features" column, not so much in the "Image Quality" column. The D7100 has had the OLPF removed, which will give you sharper images and the D7100 has better dynamic range though, so those are two IQ-enhancing upgrades. Where you're really gaining ground is, in my opinion, in the features list which are things you may, or may not, care about.
Things like the built-in focus motor, the magnesium alloy body and the weather sealing for instance. Other more technical upgrades would be things like the additional focus points, more cross-type focus points, the better viewfinder; the larger, higher resolution rear LCD, the dual command wheels, top LCD and the dual card slots. One of the things I really like about the better bodies is you do a LOT less menu diving with them because of all the external controls.
So yes, it's a significant upgrade, I'd say... But I can't say if it's the right upgrade for *you* or not. My advice on that would be based on what you're doing with your photography now versus what you want to be doing with your photography both now and in the future. If you're actively seeking to get better at this, if you're a serious student of photography you'll probably love the extra flexibility the D7100 will give you. If you shoot very casually and/or infrequently then I think I'd have a harder time suggesting you upgrade; especially since you make it clear you don't exactly have the problem of "too much money" on your hands.
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