lindsydiane
Senior Member
Looking to upgrade my d3100. Any suggestions between d7100 and d5300?
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Upgrading my nikon d3100
- Thread starter lindsydiane
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Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
Well I shot with a D7100 for a long time, and still have one... My girlfriend shoots with a D5300. Between the two, the D7100 has more features that I care about and wouldn't want to give up, like dual-command wheels and an Auto-focus motor. As far as image quality goes, I can't tell the difference; the D5300 in all ways equals the D7100. The D5300 is noticeably smaller, physically, than the D7100 and for my GF, with her small hands, that's a big issue. She won't shoot with my D7100 for love or money.
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The d5300 will be an easy learn from your d3100. The d7100 takes more learning but it's great if you want to tweak settings and modes often (like shot to shot changes). If you don't use the camera often, the d5300 menus can be easier to use when you do pick up the camera. If you don't get completely comfortable with the d7100, your fingers can forget what you need to do and you may start fumbling around and lose the advantage of that interface and possibly hate it. For me, I prefer the d7100. The direct controls, top LCD and focus motor are a must-have.
Think about what you are after in the upgrade. Are you feeling frustrated with your menu system or are are you fine and comfortable with it? Are you looking for the ability for more quickly jumping around between settings? Are you looking for better image quality? Better low light performance? Tell us what you are looking for so we can nudge you the right way. Both great cameras, they just have a different feel.
Think about what you are after in the upgrade. Are you feeling frustrated with your menu system or are are you fine and comfortable with it? Are you looking for the ability for more quickly jumping around between settings? Are you looking for better image quality? Better low light performance? Tell us what you are looking for so we can nudge you the right way. Both great cameras, they just have a different feel.
The d5300 has the EXPEED 4, the D7100 has the EXPEED 3. It would be tough to find a difference.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
I started with the D3100. Moved up to the D5100. From there I went to the D7000 and now shoot the D7100.
The D7100 makes me not want another camera. I love it. All the others were good but all stepping stones to the D7100
The D7100 makes me not want another camera. I love it. All the others were good but all stepping stones to the D7100
lindsydiane
Senior Member
I'm looking for better image quality and low light performance.
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I have heard mostly good things about the D7100, but am still on the fence about the loss of the OLEF filter. If I thought it did not matter I could see moving up. Everyone seems to think that any moire problems can be easily fixed in post processing but I do not want something else to have to fix in pp. now if my D7000 ever goes belly up, then I might move up to the D7100' but not until then.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
If the different interface does not interest you, then the d5300 will probably be a smoother path.
lindsydiane
Senior Member
I also want something that'll last me a while without wanting to upgrade. I like the lcd on top also. Thank you for all the help
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You might want to download the d7100 manual and flip through it. Then stop by a camera store and play with it a bit.I also want something that'll last me a while without wanting to upgrade. I like the lcd on top also. Thank you for all the help
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Well, that's good to know Don. I quess I'm just gun shy because of problems I encountered on some other nikon bodies that I owned before. But at this point, I need to wear the D7000 out before I upgrade. Would like to have the better resolution.
Any one of the latest bodies - D3300, D5500/5300 and D7100 will give you better image due to better sensors and in case of the first two faster processors.
For better low light (and high ISO) performance, you should consider FX bodies - D610 or D750.
If you are happy with the controls of your current body and do not require additions gizmos - swivel screen, magnesium body, dual cards, WiFi, motor etc, then the D3300 with the kit 18-55, is the best bet. The image quality is superb and it is extremely light.
Rumor has it the D7200 is going to be announced this week at (or before) CP+. I've been holding off to see what happens and I'm hoping that it will be released and I'll get the choice of spending a bunch on the 7200, or take advantage of a price drop on the 7100. Whichever way you're leaning I'd wait and see what happens over the next week or so.
DMcL
Senior Member
I'm guessing that you'd really rather have the D7100. I was considering a D5200, but after about a month of consideration I decided on a refurbished D7100. I don't regret it one bit, and if I'd settled for the D5200 I'd still be wondering whether I should have bought the D7100. I've learned the hard to buy what I really want the first time. After a brief period of remorse over having spent the extra money for the D7100 you'll be glad you did. I am!