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Nikon D5300 vs D7100
May 15, 2014 12:22:01   #
Rodney1234
 
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star trails & city lights) and macro. I have all the lenses I need. Time to upgrade body without going FX. Will I get enough bang for my buck with a 5300, or is 7100 better way to go.

The GPS option intrigues me because of the traveling I do - can anyone tell me if it works, I have an aftermarket GPS that is a real GPS (satellite, not cell phone) not plugging it into my camera would be an advantage.

What about WiFi, gimmick or tool?

What about bracketing, can I do more than 3 with either?

What about low light focusing, that is an issue with my 5100.

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May 15, 2014 12:33:15   #
mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA
 
Rodney1234 wrote:
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star trails & city lights) and macro. I have all the lenses I need. Time to upgrade body without going FX. Will I get enough bang for my buck with a 5300, or is 7100 better way to go.

The GPS option intrigues me because of the traveling I do - can anyone tell me if it works, I have an aftermarket GPS that is a real GPS (satellite, not cell phone) not plugging it into my camera would be an advantage.

What about WiFi, gimmick or tool?

What about bracketing, can I do more than 3 with either?

What about low light focusing, that is an issue with my 5100.
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star tra... (show quote)


I just upgraded from D40 to D7100. looked hard at 5300, but in the end, wanted to be sure my abilities didn't outgrow camera. I like all the manual controls on 7100, still getting used to them, but takes me back to old days when we shot in film on fixed lenses and did everything manual (focus, aperture, ISO, shutter).
I bought a Wi-fi adapter, but it seems more like a gimmick. unless I'm going to shoot from afar with camera on tripod in a field. About a 50 ft range and app only works well with Ipad or iphone. Can't address GPS, but very happy with 7100

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May 15, 2014 13:01:01   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
Rodney1234 wrote:
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star trails & city lights) and macro. I have all the lenses I need. Time to upgrade body without going FX. Will I get enough bang for my buck with a 5300, or is 7100 better way to go.

The GPS option intrigues me because of the traveling I do - can anyone tell me if it works, I have an aftermarket GPS that is a real GPS (satellite, not cell phone) not plugging it into my camera would be an advantage.

What about WiFi, gimmick or tool?

What about bracketing, can I do more than 3 with either?

What about low light focusing, that is an issue with my 5100.
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star tra... (show quote)

I believe the D5300 is still 3 frame bracketing while the D7100 has 5 frames.

The D7100 AF system is better, though I don't know the specifics on how much better it does with low light.

WiFi is a tool if you find a good use for it, otherwise it's a gimmick. That's the most diplomatic answer I can think of. :-)

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May 15, 2014 13:09:49   #
Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.
 
The D7100 is a much better camera than the D5300. It shoots faster, is weather sealed, more view coverage. It's just a matter of how much you want to upgrade. The D5300 is a better version of the D5100 and the D7100 is a better version of the D5300. As far as the GPS option, I have it on two of my cameras but never used them.

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May 16, 2014 07:40:45   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Rodney1234 wrote:
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star trails & city lights) and macro. I have all the lenses I need. Time to upgrade body without going FX. Will I get enough bang for my buck with a 5300, or is 7100 better way to go.

The GPS option intrigues me because of the traveling I do - can anyone tell me if it works, I have an aftermarket GPS that is a real GPS (satellite, not cell phone) not plugging it into my camera would be an advantage.

What about WiFi, gimmick or tool?

What about bracketing, can I do more than 3 with either?

What about low light focusing, that is an issue with my 5100.
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star tra... (show quote)

Here's a comparison of specs.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D5300-vs-Nikon-D7100

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May 16, 2014 13:53:16   #
wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Both take beautiful photos with the same sensor. The D7100 has a far more extensive menu system, but common adjustments are much easier with more buttons and dials than the D5300 has. The D5300 takes one memory chip, the D7100 two for added storage or security.

If weight is an issue, the D7100 is about 1 1/2 times heavier and bulkier than the D5300. That can be an advantage in holding the camera steady. I hike for miles with my camera and usually take the D7000 in spite of the weight. I feel it's tougher and better able to handle the bouncing around on the trail.

On an emotional level, I love my D7000 and rarely use my D5100 even though the picture quality on the D5100 is equal to the D7000. When and if the D7200 comes out, I'll probably upgrade to it.

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May 16, 2014 13:55:52   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
save for the 7100...refurbished maybe an option too.

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May 16, 2014 15:07:37   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
Rodney1234 wrote:

What about WiFi, gimmick or tool?


Can't speak for Nikon WiFi but I have it on my Olympus. I use it to trigger the camera remotely.

Its so much better than a remote trigger as I can change just about all the camera settings remotely.

I wish all my cameras had it.

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May 16, 2014 18:14:23   #
roche8410 Loc: Arizona
 
We purchased the D7100 and got the 105mm 2.8 fixed for macro. Really a super combination. The D7100 we think is a wonderful camera and are contemplating buying another. Have fun and enjoy!

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May 16, 2014 19:54:32   #
MW
 
Rodney1234 wrote:
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star trails & city lights) and macro. I have all the lenses I need. Time to upgrade body without going FX. Will I get enough bang for my buck with a 5300, or is 7100 better way to go.

The GPS option intrigues me because of the traveling I do - can anyone tell me if it works, I have an aftermarket GPS that is a real GPS (satellite, not cell phone) not plugging it into my camera would be an advantage.

What about WiFi, gimmick or tool?

What about bracketing, can I do more than 3 with either?

What about low light focusing, that is an issue with my 5100.
I own a 5100. I do landscapes, low light (star tra... (show quote)


Generally the D7100 is the more capable camera. There are only three thing that might persuade someone to chose the D5300:
1- Price somewhat lower
2- Bulk & weight noticeably less
3- Flip out LCD screen

How important are those to you?

In addition the durability, better sports & action capability I see two D7100 feature not to overlook:
1-Ability to autofocus with legacy AF lenses
2-Ability to "focus tune" each lens.

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