Why would you buy a D7100?

OK, this isn't as rude a question as perhaps the title suggests. However, it is a genuine newbie question.

My first Nikon DSLR, as I've mentioned elsewhere, is a D3200. I really enjoy using it, and find it both comfortable and straightforward. It allows me to learn Manual picture taking, and is fine at fairly high ISO when I'm shooting in low light. My only gripe at the moment is Weather Proofing, which I hadn't realised how much I would want (and I've bought something else to cover this aspect).

Posts I've read are clear, of course, that no camera or lens will make a bad picture good, and ultimate determinant of a good picture is a good photographer. Once that is in place, all posts seem to suggest that it's the lens that makes the difference.

So what is it that makes an upgrade from the lower-end to a high-end so important?

Features and sensor quality, primarily. With your camera you have no ability to use back-button auto-focus, exposure bracketing, and more than several other features that users of the D7xxx and higher cameras rely on (I'd list more but am unfamiliar with your camera). Additionally, while you may get 24MP's from both cameras(?), the sensor on the D7100 is quite different than that in the D3200 - a real improvement. In addition to improved IQ and low light performance, the lack of an anti-aliasing filter means that you're going to get sharper details.

Do you "need" those differences? That's for the individual photographer to decide.

The question is not rude, but might be a little difficult to answer.

I can only speak for myself, so if you think I'm right, it's fine. If you don't think I'm right, it's still fine.

The most benefit you would get from a high end model would be controls and, in the case of the 7100 to 3200, the ability with the 7100 to use previous models of Nikon auto-focus lenses. A while ago, when first auto-focus lenses came out, the focus was made by a motor inside the camera which is coupled to the lens by a screw. Lower newer Nikon models 3xxx,5xxx series don't have the in-camera focus motor and screw assembly. So, there is a question of available lenses that will auto-focus. You get more choice with the D-70, 80, 90, 200, x00 and above 7000 models.

Then, there is the question of controls. With the 70, 80, 90, x00, and above 7000 models, you get a two wheel control where you don't have to go through the menus to change your shooting settings. You can change almost every shooting settings without removing your eyes from the viewfinder PLUS, you have an LCD panel on top of the camera that will show your shooting info.

Besides that, I think sensors might be about the same (depending on the age of the camera of course), for the same number of MPs.

Then there is supposed to be a little more weather proofing in the higher models as well. What does that mean exactly is kind of hard to judge since you only find out about weather proofing when the camera fails. You then know you've gone too far.

Hope this helps a bit.

its the best dx format dslr on the market at the moment, thats why.

reverb said:

Posts I've read are clear, of course, that no camera or lens will make a bad picture good, and ultimate determinant of a good picture is a good photographer. Once that is in place, all posts seem to suggest that it's the lens that makes the difference.

So what is it that makes an upgrade from the lower-end to a high-end so important?

Click to expand...

This isn't a rude question at all. I can only speak from personal experience. Moving from a prosumer to at the time pro-level body was a challenge. Besides better weather proofing, the controls are different. It took me some time to realize that the pro or high-end bodies have been refined and optimized over time to allow you to modify settings without having to take your eye from the viewfinder. Going back to the D1, the controls on the top of the bodies are pretty darn consistent. (As an aside, this is one of the major reasons D300 users push back so much on the D7xxx.)

Anything that is an extension of your hand (e.g. gun, camera, hammer, baseball or cricket bat, etc.) has to "fit" you. My turn not to be rude but have you used or held one of the pro-level bodies? To me, they "feel" different. It may be me, but there is a tactile difference which equates to comfort.

I purposely did not go down the path of features (bracketing, lens capability, etc.) because then the discussion is whether you are using the right tool for the job. It will be interesting to see where this dialog goes!!

Not hard for me to answer at all. I upgraded for the following reasons... Listed pretty much, but not quite, in order of importance for me: The internal focus motor; the more rugged magnesium-alloy body, the weather sealing; far more focus points and more cross-type focus points; faster, easier, access to basic functions (external buttons vs. menus); better color depth; more dynamic range and the removal of the OLPF.

EDIT: It now occurs to me I used to think having two command wheels and the top mounted LCD were just "icing" on the proverbial cake... But these days I can't imagine NOT having them; I live and die by them both.

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Great answers so far, many thanks. For me, I've still plenty to learn on the D3200, and as I build up my lenses I know I'll be OK to upgrade only the body in the future. I've got a 35mm and the 55-300mm to complement the kit so far.

It's really interesting to read the comments on AF and sensors. I guess for me that will eventually be the driver to move on up. I use the spot focus, then reframe as necessary - am I right in thinking that if I stick at this, the number of focus points is less of an issue?

I shoot the D5100, D7100, & D600 and my wife just made the leap to the D7100 from a D5100 a couple months ago.

For both us we like the bigger size, quick access to buttons verse the menu access, and the wider range of usable lenses due to the internal camera motor.

The low light capability of the D7100 is really outstanding in the field of cropped sensors. I have used it for Milky Way photography with outstanding results.

Finally, it just feels better. More solid and hefty.

reverb said:

Great answers so far, many thanks. For me, I've still plenty to learn on the D3200, and as I build up my lenses I know I'll be OK to upgrade only the body in the future. I've got a 35mm and the 55-300mm to complement the kit so far.

It's really interesting to read the comments on AF and sensors. I guess for me that will eventually be the driver to move on up. I use the spot focus, then reframe as necessary - am I right in thinking that if I stick at this, the number of focus points is less of an issue?

Click to expand...

The number of points and spread is still important (mostly the spread in my opinion). The number and spread determine where you can place that single point. This has a significant effect when framing certain shots. For example, when I shoot trains, I use either the extreme left or right point, which helps me fill the frame more. For that purpose, I want the most flexibility I can have.

Rick M said:

The number of points and spread is still important (mostly the spread in my opinion). The number and spread determine where you can place that single point. This has a significant effect when framing certain shots. For example, when I shoot trains, I use either the extreme left or right point, which helps me fill the frame more. For that purpose, I want the most flexibility I can have.

Click to expand...

That perfectly illustrates the point I was going to bring up... I think what you REALLY get by upgrading to a more sophisticated camera body is OPTIONS. You're given faster, easier ways to accomplish the same things you did on the less sophisticated body. Then too, sometimes the more sophisticated body gives you options to do something that you previously did not have at all.

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Excellent point on the focus points. It's something I forgot how much I appreciate in the D7100 until I would grab my D600 with its severely limited focus point area. (Who in the world thought it was a good idea to clump them all together?)

I like charts and graphs. I always find this sites comparisons helpful. This along with all the other info in this thread should help you.

Nikon D3200 vs D7100 - Our Analysis

Also all the lenses you buy now will work great with the D7100 if and when you decide to upgrade.

BackdoorHippie said:

Features and sensor quality, primarily. With your camera you have no ability to use back-button auto-focus, exposure bracketing, and more than several other features that users of the D7xxx and higher cameras rely on (I'd list more but am unfamiliar with your camera). Additionally, while you may get 24MP's from both cameras(?), the sensor on the D7100 is quite different than that in the D3200 - a real improvement. In addition to improved IQ and low light performance, the lack of an anti-aliasing filter means that you're going to get sharper details.

Do you "need" those differences? That's for the individual photographer to decide.

Click to expand...

and add the fact that it has internal focus motor so you can use ANY auto focus lens Nikon has ever made.


EDIT: I see it has already been mentioned