Camera assistance

[Joanna71985]

Hey everyone, I currently use a Nikon D5100 and I'm looking to get a new camera. The ones I'm leaning towards are either the D5500 or the D7100. Does anyone use one that can help sway me in the right direction? Or, help me look at a different one altogether? Thank you!

 

[OKW Lover]

Hmmm. I've had the 5100 (now passed on to my daughter) and now have the 5300. Seriously there isn't enough difference between them (or the 5500) IMHO to justify buying the new camera. I guess I'd take the jump to the 7100 but even then I'm not sure this is a compelling switch. Of course, new toys are always fun.

 

[havoc315]

Not much wrong with the 5100. What is it that you're hoping to gain? What is the 5100 not doing for you?

 

[mdmdmd]

Hi Joanna,

Can you tell us a little about what you like to shoot and what you plan to do with your finished images? That will help with recommendations.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[xlxo]

If you need a flippin screen.... get the 5300.

I prefer the 7100 as it has the auto-focus motor for more affordable D-type lenses.

The 5300 is newer. Check the specs for cross-type focus points. The more it has... the quicker the auto-focus.

Love Nikon....

be aware... there is a newer d7200

 

[Joanna71985]

Oh I'm sorry. Nothing is wrong with the 5100 (yet). But I use my camera a lot, and I'm afraid of it wearing out on me (plus I've had it for 5 years)

 

[Joanna71985]

As for what I shoot- I shoot a little bit of everything (but typically take pictures in the theme parks)

 

[DisneyPhans]

My complaint about the D5100 and D5200 is sub-par low-light performance and speed. I'm going to want something fast during MHP and this will just barely cut it. I've been running the D5200 into the ground, past warranty. Kind of looking around.. Canon 5D or closer to that quality for nighttime photography during MHP. If anything, I would be fine with a D5500 -- it is slightly better in every respect, larger flipscreen, and I get a new warranty. Perfectly happy with how my d5200 performs, it's just getting old.

If you're worried about your camera failing during an event, you could keep a local backup rental store in mind -- just have the phone # handy and possibly talk to them beforehand to get any procedural details... gives you some piece of mind that if the camera fails -- as annoying as it is, you can get a reasonably quick temporary fix.

 

[Melissa_E]

I'd make the jump to the 7000 series. I have a D7000 and LOVE it!

 

[DisneyPhans]

D5500 and D7100 are rated as a tie on snapsort. From the looks of it, D7100 is a better photographer's camera, while D5500 is more jack-of-both-trades master of none. Nice flip screen for better video support. D5500 fits more my personality, as I have rigging and gear for both video and DSLR photography.

 

[mdmdmd]

The reason I'm asking what you shoot is that if you're shopping for a new camera, you need to decide whether you really need another dSLR or whether a mirrorless system would better suit your needs. I've been shooting Nikon dSLRs since the D70 came out in 2004, and I have lots of glass, speedlights and other accessories to go along with my current D810. But I still like the concept of (sometimes) traveling small, light and simple. Companies like Fujifilm, Ricoh and Sony (I hate their menu system) make some pretty remarkable mirrorless cameras, both with fixed and interchangeable lenses.

So, some questions to ask yourself:

- Do I have a lot of money already invested in Nikon DX lenses?
- What focal length range do I need (want)? Or, looking back through my past photos, what focal lengths do I use most often?
- How would I feel about not having any zoom capability? What if that meant that I could get better image quality if I didn't have a zoom?
- Do I like shooting in low light and at night?
- Do I prefer to pack, travel and walk light?
- How many of the features of the D5100 do I currently use?
- How is my eyesight? Can I live with a camera with just an LCD display (no viewfinder)?
- What shots am I missing with my D5100?

Good luck in your search, and make sure you keep the "enjoyment factor" at the top of your list.

 

[havoc315]

Your d5100 won't wear out any time soon unless you've been taking about 2,000 shots per month.

The d5500 and d7200 are very different beasts. They would both be upgrades. They would both offer a bit more resolution and slightly better image quality, slightly better low light performance.

The differences:
The d5500 is aimed at consumer friendly. It's very small for a dslr, with a nice flippy touch screen. The autofocus system is slightly better than the d5100.

The d7100/7200 is aimed at enthusiasts. It is larger than the d5100/d5500. More rugged, weather sealed. Much more advanced AF system. dual card slots. More direct control over manual settings.

It's almost like comparing a race car to a family sedan. The race car may be the "better" car, but the family sedan may be the better vehicle for a trip to the grocery store.

 

[Joanna71985]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Your d5100 won't wear out any time soon unless you've been taking about 2,000 shots per month.

Well...that might be putting it lightly (I can easily take that in 2 weekends)