Looking for some input. I've been shooting with my D5100 with a SB700 for a little over 1 1/2 years now, and I'm comfortable with it. It it approaching 16,000 clicks. I've been kicking around the idea of upgrading to a D7100. I don't do portraits, people, weddings, etc. Mostly inanimate objects and landscapes. Still using the 18-55 kit lens, 55-200, (not really happy with this lens, it's just OK) and 35mm 1.8G. This is the lens that I use most of the time. I'm going to stay with DX format, mainly because this is just a hobby for me. I have no plans to become pro. I shoot for my own pleasure. So my question is this: Do I upgrade to a D7100 and keep my existing glass? D7100 with the 18-140, and add that lens to my arsenal? Will the D7100 be a huge upgrade, of just a small improvement? Or just keep the D5100 invest in some better glass? My budget is $1000, give or take a few $$. If I buy another, I don't plan on selling the 5100. It will be used as a backup, or my wife will use it. Thanks in advance for you advice.
Should I upgrade to a new camera?
- Thread starter SteveL54
- Start date
sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
@SteveL54, I would advise you to buy a D7100. You will be amazed by the upgrade and wonder why the heck you didn't do it sooner. I sold my first D7100, and now, since the prices came down, I bought another one. I don't regret selling the first one and I definitely don't regret buying another one. I never buy brand new, and usually find a demo, or refurbished one with low actuations on it. You can only go wrong by not buying one as soon as you can. Nikon's website has a section where they are selling refurbs for around $800.
by the way...I never goof up!
by the way...I never goof up!
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sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
Me goofing? no....come on. Santa is watching me every day now!Sony is selling Nikon? LOL! Me thinks you goofed Chris!
AC016
Senior Member
What do you think you are lacking on the D5100? If you're just after a shiny new toy, then "upgrade". But, if all you do with the 5100 is what you have stated, i don't see what a 7100 will give you, except maybe a bit more resolution. Anyhow, just ask yourself what you are lacking with your current camera and then you will have the answer.
That's just it. I'm satisfied with most of the shots that I take, but I really don't know if I'm missing something. I guess that it's like reading about a new car. My old one will start every day, it will do the speed limit, it's reliable, and gets me to work everyday. So will the new luxury car that I see a lot of people driving. Is one "better" than the other? I honestly don't know. That's why I'm asking advice from people that know a whole lot more abut this than I do.
AC016
Senior Member
Here is a way you can compare the speeds and feeds. Don't pay attention to the score, it's baloney.
Nikon D5100 vs D7100 - Our Analysis
Nikon D5100 vs D7100 - Our Analysis
eggydreams
New member
Okay. I read the thread. Can you lend some guidance on what my advantage will be going from a D60 to something new? I shoot a lot when traveling, and periodically when at home and work. I've started thinking about buying new equipment because my SB-600 flash has an intermittent on/off issue.
thanks!
thanks!
If you are doing this more for a hobby, then there is no need to upgrade. When it comes down to overall differences whether noticeable or not... You will find that maybe there is more of a possibility of using more buttons and knobs and switches and have more adjustability vs the D5100. So whereas right now if you wanted to change a few settings, you would scroll through the menu to access. With a D7100 and other higher end cameras you would have it moreover at your fingertips giving you quicker access.
Do not feel the need to run out and get a new camera because of just that though as the D5100 will give you the fold out screen, enough megapixels to keep you happy and still take great pictures.
Do not feel the need to run out and get a new camera because of just that though as the D5100 will give you the fold out screen, enough megapixels to keep you happy and still take great pictures.
You might just try someplace like BorrowLenses or Lensrentals.com and Rent a D7100 for a few Days or Weeks and try it out.. For a few bucks you can try it and see if you like it before you shell out 1K on a New Body. IMHO
You might just try someplace like BorrowLenses or Lensrentals.com and Rent a D7100 for a few Days or Weeks and try it out.. For a few bucks you can try it and see if you like it before you shell out 1K on a New Body. IMHO
Not bad idea. I hadn't thought of that.
Thanks, Pete. I can afford it. I'm just trying to decide if it is enough of an improvement over the 5100 to justify spending the $$.
Looking at some of your shots really has me leaning towards it.
Never shot with a D5100, but had a D3100 and a D300. I would say yes, a big improvement over those bodies.
sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
I started with a D5100 and the difference between that body and a D7100 is like night and day.
Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk
How so, Chris?
Ease of use? Picture quality? Features?
These are the things that I'm trying to find out.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
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.
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.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
I shot with the D5100 for a long time and it is a fine camera but my D7100 is a beast. I would not trade it for the world. It along with the 18-140 will go a long way