D7200 or D610?

CatCalledJames

New member
I'm planning on upgrading my camera - I currently have a D3100, which, to quote a guy in a local camera shop, is just a child's toy when compared to others.

I've been doing enough photography for it to be worth upgrading, and many of the events I've shot have been in poor or low-light environments. I want my new camera to handle this better than the D3100 does - although, I have to admit, the D3100 has served me fairly well.

I've narrowed down my options to two, and that's the D7200 (DX) or do I get my feet wet with a D610 (FX)?

I don't want to spend loads on new glass, so I think the D7200 is the way I want to go. Somebody else also pointed out that although the D610 is an improvement over the D3100, it's an entry-level FX, whereas the D7200 is a top-end DX, so, for what it is, it's a better camera overall anyway.

I'd be really grateful for any input from anyone, especially from people with experience of both the D7200 or D610?
 

PapaST

Senior Member
From what you're describing the D7200 might suit you better. I'm willing to bet the high ISO performance for both cameras is pretty close.

What is your main subject for shooting? That might help others give you the advice you need.
 
D7200 is a great camera and really good glass for it will not cost you a fortune. As time goes along you can start picking up some really good FX glass that will work great on the D7200 and if you ever do decide to go FX you will have the expensive part already in place. I think you will be very happy with the D7200.

What lenses do you have now for your D3100?
 

CatCalledJames

New member
Thanks for your reply. I think so too at the moment.

To be honest, I'm a bit of a hussy when it comes to photography, I will shoot anyone and anything given the opportunity.

I do a lot of stage performances (theatre shows and music events), but also corporate events (which are often low-lit too).

I also shoot outside in the light too, shooting the city, landscapes and wildlife photography when I get the opportunity.
 

Pretzel

Senior Member
1) A salesman telling you a D3100 is a child's toy equates to "I really want to sell you something more expensive." Granted, the D7200 and D610 are more advanced as far as sensor/processing quality, and have more intuitive controls and such, but that doesn't make the D3100 a child's toy. It's capable of stunning shots in the right hands, period. It's definitely worth upgrading, but don't let a salesman's sales pitch push you into a quick decision.

2) Do you like the view/reach you're getting from your lenses currently on the D3100? If so, the D7200 is going to be right up your alley, but with better initial pic quality and features. The D610 is going to require FX lenses, so that's a cost right up front. Plus, a 50mm on an FX body will be a wider view than a 50mm on a DX body, so it just depends on what you shoot. Lots of long range telephoto shots, or more portrait and low light stuff? FX is still the king for low light situations, but with my D7100, I've gotten some great low light shots as well...

3) Either of the cameras you're talking about are a fantastic jump from the D3100, so whichever ya get, ENJOY and share some pics!

4) Welcome to the forums!
 

carguy

Senior Member
D7200 is a great camera and really good glass for it will not cost you a fortune. As time goes along you can start picking up some really good FX glass that will work great on the D7200 and if you ever do decide to go FX you will have the expensive part already in place. I think you will be very happy with the D7200.

What lenses do you have now for your D3100?

I concur.

Also, what is the budget?
 

CatCalledJames

New member
D7200 is a great camera and really good glass for it will not cost you a fortune. As time goes along you can start picking up some really good FX glass that will work great on the D7200 and if you ever do decide to go FX you will have the expensive part already in place. I think you will be very happy with the D7200.

What lenses do you have now for your D3100?

Thanks! That's a great idea. I'm useless at remembering all the gear I have, but I think it's the following:


  • Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55 (1:3.5-5.6)
  • Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200 (1:4-5.6)
  • Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8
  • Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6

These should all operate fine with the D7200, shouldn't they?

I'm also thinking about get a prime lens too, but that's a conversation for another day...
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
The biggest question that comes up that you hit on...is what is your current lens inventory?

If you haven't upgraded to FX glass with the D3100, your best bang for the buck is going to be the D7200. That said, the D610 is a great FX body, so you can't go wrong either way.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

CatCalledJames

New member
Thanks for your reply.

To be honest, the fella who said that was encouraging me towards the D7100 (not the D7200), because it's cheaper then investing in loads new gear (FYI - he also told me to buy it elsewhere, as he can't compete on camera bodies, but can on lenses), so I wasn't concerned with him trying to push me in to making a quick decision.

Largely, I'm happy with it, though I might want to get a longer lens in the future. Any recommendations?

Thanks for all your advice!
 
I have the D7000 and the D7100 and the D7100 is a big upgrade over the D7000. I have a very good friend locally that has the D7200 and I have played with it. If you can find a refurbished D7100 for a great price then I would suggest that you get it and put the additional money toward glass. Your 55-200 is not a stellar performer and you will want to replace it fairly soon. Your Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 will probably be the one your would want to use over the Nikon 18-55 kit lens. I have heard good things about the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 but do have not used it. I do have the Nikon 70-300 and it is a great range. What I have found is a great walk-around lens is the Nikon 18-140 and it is good quality and reasonable in cost. I have recently replaced that lens with a 24-120 F4 which is a fantastic lens but the cost is high. It would cost you as much as the body.

http://www.adorama.com/INKD7100R.html?gclid=CNrllY_y38YCFcQUHwodCyUCEA and buy the extended 3 year warranty just to cover yourself. $649.95
 

CatCalledJames

New member
That sounds good. I'm in the UK though, so will probably order elsewhere. Apparently the D7200 is better in low light than the D7100, which is why I'm toying with getting that one.

Thanks for the lens advice too - that'll be handy! :)
 

CatCalledJames

New member
It was a great little camera up until the time I dropped it and the case shattered

Thanks for that.

I love my D3100, I just want a higher-spec now. It was an excellent starter for me though, and I have no intention of getting rid of it - I can't get much for it, and it might be handy to keep as a secondary body anyway.
 
I went from the D3100 to the D5100 then to the D7000 and then added the D7100. The first 3 always left me wanting more. The D7100 stopped that want. I could go with a Full frame but have not really felt the need to move up yet. I am satisfied. My wife shoots the D7000 and I shoot the D7100. Works out pretty good since the bodies are so close it is easy to work with both for me and we share the batteries. That is a very important point. One of the reasons I really like the D7000 and D7100 is that they are Weather resistant. If it starts raining while I am out shooting I do not freak out and run for cover. I generally do try to keep it as dry as possible but if it gets wet i just wipe it off. With the D3100 or D5100 I would not even go out with it if it looked like rain.
 

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
The D3100 a "child's toy"? Hardly! The D7200 or D610 are certainly a step forward, though.

The D610 will certainly have less noise at high ISO. As others have said, though, you'd need to invest in a lot of glass if you moved to DX.

As far as D7100 vs D7200, I have both and I have noticed better and quicker focusing on the D7200, and especially in low light. It's not a huge difference, but it is noticeable. As far as high ISO performance, I can see a difference only if I am really pixel peeping. Again, if high ISO performance is your main goal, the full frame D610 will do a beter job. On the other hand, the D7200 has a better focusing system than the D610 in my opinion.

Anyway, good luck with your decision, and have fun with the camera you pick!
 

Elliot87

Senior Member
I recently upgraded from a D3200 to a D7100 and it is a great improvement. I haven't used the D7200 or D610 so I can't advise on those.
If you don't mind grey imports you can save quite a lot of money. This company is reputable and is where I bought my D7100, with a three year guarantee. As you can see in the link they're selling the D7200 with 18-140mm lens recommended earlier for £765, body only £625. Nikon D7200 18-140 VR Kit
From my experience and recommendations from other Nikonites I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.
 

Jerry_

Senior Member
FX Will perform better in low light and allow for nicer captures with bokeh.
On the other hand it will require you to buy more expensive lenses.

Considering what you mentioned to be your type of photography

Thanks for your reply. I think so too at the moment.

To be honest, I'm a bit of a hussy when it comes to photography, I will shoot anyone and anything given the opportunity.

I do a lot of stage performances (theatre shows and music events), but also corporate events (which are often low-lit too).

I also shoot outside in the light too, shooting the city, landscapes and wildlife photography when I get the opportunity.

You will have a better use for a DX body, including the benefit of the hyperfocal due to the crop sensor.

Going to a D7100 or D7200 would therefore be my recommendation, for all the benefit that they offer in quality and also as features,

Pay attention to the following aspects:
- both D7100 and D7200 are much heavier camera bodies than the D3100 was (this you will have realized already), therefore it will be less of a walkaround camera then the D3100
- upgrading to a 24MP sensor will probably require you to change almost half of your lenses, for taking full quality advantage of your camera.
- as already mentioned, you can use Nikon FX glass on a DX but, while when using DX lenses on a (future) FX camera, it will switch to crop mode.
 

FLIGHTO

Senior Member
As stupid as this may sound.... I was thinking of trading up my D7100 earlier this year but found the D610 does not have the ok button quick zoom feature that the D7100/7200 has. After Using this feature for the past year I cannot live without it! I know this sounds stupid because you can just use the normal plus button to zoom in but I have been spoiled by its convenience! This was the deciding factor for me.

Coming from the D3100 you obviously would not be used to it but I'm telling you it's fantastic and worth some consideration before you decide!


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