Should I upgrade to a new camera?

S

SteveL54

Senior Member
BackdoorHippie said:
Folks have covered the better nature of the D7100 - it's a generation or two of sensors ahead, as is the D5300. The difference between the two has more to do with features, and I believe were you to shoow with either of these you would see a difference in image quality.

Should you upgrade? I don't know - do you want to upgrade or do you need to upgrade? My recommendation is you should never get a new camera simply because you think it might improve your photographs. If you are completely satisfied with the photographs you are taking then you have exactly the right camera already. But, if you find there is something you want or need to do that your camera is not doing as well as you'd like then upgrading is a completely valid move. From the sound of things, there is nothing on the horizon that seems to scream, "Wait for me!!" - the only rumors point to a pro style DX which will likely be about 2X the cost of a refurb D7100 or more. So, even though the D7100 is 2 years old, it's still something that Nikon is unlikely to replace in short order (maybe this time next year?).

If you're looking for some inspiration I'd recommend looking at a new lens, like an ultra wide (8-16mm, 10-20mm or 11-16mm). But if your equipment meets your current needs then keep shooting until that changes.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jake. A few valid points here. Do I want or need. Good question. I'll be honest and check the want box.
Improve my photographs? I don't know. I came from point and shoot to DSLR. I have no experience (other than my old K1000) to judge myself by.
New lens is certainly an option that I am keeping open.
Does my equipment meet my current needs? Absolutely. Do I want (not need) bigger, better faster? Hell yeah
 
Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
SteveL54 said:
Thanks Jake. A few valid points here. Do I want or need. Good question. I'll be honest and check the want box.
Improve my photographs? I don't know. I came from point and shoot to DSLR. I have no experience (other than my old K1000) to judge myself by.
New lens is certainly an option that I am keeping open.
Does my equipment meet my current needs? Absolutely. Do I want (not need) bigger, better faster? Hell yeah
Click to expand...

Next question is: Can I afford it without sacrificing something essential for my family or myself?

If you decide to go for lenses, you could get a 50 1.8 and an 85 1.8 for the price of the body upgrade I think... Now these would give you a lot more possibilities in low light.
 
O

Offertonhatter

New member
I am going to be brutally honest here, and probably blaspheme. :)
My history with DSLR's is Pentax, my Nikon kit is mainly Film, apart from the D50 at the moment.
I have upgraded several times with Pentax mainly because of new features and resolution, and also performance. However, recently I have avoided upgrading again to the K-3 from my K-5 for a couple of reasons. Why? Well my K-5 has a superb Sony APS-C 16MP sensor that is still superb in low light, and also so flexible in Adobe CameraRAW with highlights and shadows. 16MP is still awfully good for images beyond A3 in size as well.
So the brutal bit. As the D5100 has the very same mighty sensor as my K-5, what will the D7100 give you? Even now that old sensor still outperforms a lot of new DSLR's. If you want a better faster AF system as you need speed in af for moving subjects, then yes, the D7100 is the way to go. If it is low light, I have my doubts.
Personally, I would hold back on getting a D7100, and look at getting some more lenses instead. Look at fast glass like a 50mm F1.4 or 85mm F1.8, or even both. The D5100 is not an outdated camera at all, and has so much excellent life in it.

I hope this helps,and sorry to mention Pentax in the reply :-D
 
R

Rick M

Senior Member
Given your current gear, I think better glass would benefit you more than a new body and another kit lens. I'm guilty of upgrading too frequently, but it's also a great (and expensive) way to find out it's not all about the body. I wouldn't buy a body that out-resolves my glass. If you get the D7100, get a good lens with it so you can appreciate the sensor upgrade.
 
S

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
Offertonhatter said:
I am going to be brutally honest here, and probably blaspheme. :)
My history with DSLR's is Pentax, my Nikon kit is mainly Film, apart from the D50 at the moment.
I have upgraded several times with Pentax mainly because of new features and resolution, and also performance. However, recently I have avoided upgrading again to the K-3 from my K-5 for a couple of reasons. Why? Well my K-5 has a superb Sony APS-C 16MP sensor that is still superb in low light, and also so flexible in Adobe CameraRAW with highlights and shadows. 16MP is still awfully good for images beyond A3 in size as well.
So the brutal bit. As the D5100 has the very same mighty sensor as my K-5, what will the D7100 give you? Even now that old sensor still outperforms a lot of new DSLR's. If you want a better faster AF system as you need speed in af for moving subjects, then yes, the D7100 is the way to go. If it is low light, I have my doubts.
Personally, I would hold back on getting a D7100, and look at getting some more lenses instead. Look at fast glass like a 50mm F1.4 or 85mm F1.8, or even both. The D5100 is not an outdated camera at all, and has so much excellent life in it.

I hope this helps,and sorry to mention Pentax in the reply :-D
Click to expand...

blasphemy! lol :cool:
 
S

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
@SteveL54 - All I can promise you is if you buy the D7100, you will not be disappointed. I also think you will revitalize your creative juices by buying it. I say this because the stimulation that learning to use the D7100 will give you will motivate you to exceed what your previous plateau was in photography. I think that is why a lot of photographers buy new camera bodies. They feed off of the energy that a new piece of equipment gives them. It will also enhance your knowledge of the art of photography. I would, however, make up my mind if I was you (since I have traveled the same road and made mistakes) as to whether to go full frame, or DX. The FF lenses are rather large and bulky compared to DX for the most part. You might also want to consider an upgrade going the mirrorless route. They are getting more and more sophisticated. Do your homework, and you won't be disappointed. I had a D7100 and sold it to go mirrorless. I am of the mindset that DSLR's days are numbered. I don't think incoming photographers really want to lug the heavy gear any more. The trend is going to be mirrorless. They're smaller, and produce just as good images as a bulky DSLR. I mean why have more moving parts when you don't need them? They break easier, as there are more parts, and they're heavier, and bulkier. You have a big choice. I wanted a cropped DSLR for wildlife and to shoot macro. I will have to build my lens collection again, but I promise you I won't go back to FX lenses for a DSLR camera. They are rapidly becoming outdated, unless you are a pro or aspiring pro. Good luck. Let us know what you decide.
 
Last edited:
S

SteveH

Senior Member
I went from a D3100 to a D7100, which was a worthy upgrade, BUT I can echo what people have said about glass - If I had the money at the time, I would have upgraded lenses at the same time. My 8-16mm & 35mm lenses are my most often used now, with the 55-300mm next in line for replacement. The 18-55 just doesn't get used - I get MUCH better results by using the 35mm and "Manual zoom". The 55-300mm shows it's softness on the D7100, so that is going to be replaced by a Sigma 70-200 in the next few months.

Having said that, the D7100 is awesome and something that hasn't been mentioned yet really, is the inspiration a new camera gives you to go out and take shots that previously you wouldn't have... Why not get a couple of better lenses, and then later upgrade the body at a later date.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Besides just being an great camera all around it is also weather sealed. That is one of the things I was interested in when I upgraded. There were many times I would not carry my camera out with me because it might rain and I was afraid of getting my camera wet. Now I don't worry about getting rained on near as much.
 
H

hrstrat57

Senior Member
I find it entertaining to ask if I should upgrade equipment on a gear forum......

Re the D7100 IMHO it is a great camera with very few limitations......if the chance comes along to snap one up cheap I'll be all in.
 
S

SteveL54

Senior Member
These are all excellent responses, but now I'm between D7100, D5300, or just new glass for my D5100.
However the scales are tipping towards the D7100 with the 18-140.
No matter what, it's going to be a GREAT Christmas in my house!!
 
S

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
That's what I would do....first of all, the 18-140 is a great lens for a DX body. It is very useful for a variety of shots. I know that no matter which route you go, you won't be sorry. You'll make a wise decision. Have a great day!
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
SteveL54 said:
These are all excellent responses, but now I'm between D7100, D5300, or just new glass for my D5100. However the scales are tipping towards the D7100 with the 18-140. No matter what, it's going to be a GREAT Christmas in my house!!
Click to expand...
I'll just toss out that I shoot with D7100 and my GF shoots with a D5300. Having shot with both myself, and seen a lot of photos from both (many taken under identical shooting conditions) I have to say the '5300 is hella impressive. I wouldn't give up my '7100 for one -- I've gotten way too used all the additional bells and whistles -- but the '5300 never ceases to amaze me. Either camera will require *really* good-to-outstanding glass to show its full potential but the potential is there... In spades.

If you have any specific questions regarding differences between the two that would help you make up your mind, I could probably answer them for you... Probably.

....
 
Top