Major Dilemma!!! Need Your Help

[KWJams]

WOW! I appreciate everyone chiming in so fast I appreciate that, what I am trying to achieve is the speed and low light, I recently went an indoor barrel racing event and couldn't get an good shots due to the poor lighting. Also I like the idea of selling the 70-300 didn't really think that route because I rarely use it anymore and especially if I were to get the new lens. As far as the D7000 I also like the weather sealing and the built in motor for more lens options but as well as the overall build of the D7000 seemed sturdier and more like a pro camera than my D5100, I also heard that it has a better processor and better overall internal parts. Keep the opinions coming I like to see what other peoples logic is. Thanks again.
While I am at it here are a few of the barrel racing shots.
View attachment 16070

I found that tough conditions to shoot like your shot above requires more planing. Don't mean to tell you anything you already know. But with the action coming directly at the camera a fast shutter speed is required to prevent blur but the low light pulls the reins in on that plan. I try to avoid shots like that and look for angles where the action is moving across the frame and pan with the subject.
My way of thinking is part of the goal of the capture is to demonstrate the low light. Why shoot in the dark and fill it with light from a flash so it looks like it was taken outside at mid day?

 

[RookieDSLR]

I really appreciate everyones advice I am going to try some new techniques this weekend with both lens I have and see what I can come up with, I took into consideration what everyone was saying about moving to the D7000 and I think I will just stay with the D5100 and I am happy with what I can get I just think it has to do with my abilities right now and not the camera. I am now on the hunt for a used 70-200 f2.8 VR for my action shots and maybe wait out for a new camera years later. Like I said I thank everyone for your help and will post some pics of what I can come up this weekend.

Jeremy V.

 

[eurotrash]

The 7000 is a indeed a step up. I just sold my 5100 and kit lens for a d7k body.
That said, I have to agree with Cnyram. What do you need your camera to do that it can't do at the moment? I agree that glass pretty much trumps all. Bodies come and go. But glass retains and sometimes accrues value later in it's life. It'll see you through as long as you buy the right glass to fit your needs NOW. The D7k and the 5100 are the SAME as far as the sensor technology and many other things.

I would sell the 70-300 regardless and go with a 50mm 1.8g if it were me, though. Even the money could be put towards other things. Off camera flash, maybe? Better filters? Memory cards?

The reason I needed a d7k was dedicated button controls, quicker access to frequently used functions and better viewfinder because my eyes suck. I can't imagine your average user wanting to upgrade and spend hundreds of dollars extra for those features unless they either have money to blow or are actually making a small amount of money shooting. (I got $330 for my D5100 + kit lens, complete with box, manuals and cables. Just to put things into perspective.)