DoninIL Loc: East Central Illinois

I’m seriously considering getting a second camera. Too often I have the wrong lens on for the picture and don’t have time to change to the right one. For example: while whale watching in Alaska I was shooting with a telephoto because the whales were not close when one suddenly surfaced right next to the boat. I needed a super wide angle to get more than just parts of the whale.

My problem is trying to decide which option to go with. I have a Nikon D7000 and I have the lenses I need. One option is to get a refurbished D7000. Then I would have two identical cameras.

Another option is to get a refurbished D7200, which I understand has several improvements over the 7000. But then I have two different models of cameras and I don’t know if the differences would cause me any problems or awkwardness.

The third options is to get two refurbished D7200s and sell my D7000. I know that is the best option in many ways, but would cost more (which I could probably afford), but I don’t like to spend a lot of money that I don’t need to.

My question to those familiar with these two cameras, what are the pros and cons of each of my options and are the improvements in the D7200 worth my spending the extra money to go with the third option?

I know some will say I have to make my own choice (which I will) but I’d like to know more about my choices before I make up my mind.

jcboy3

If you can afford the D7200, then I recommend you get it. It adds a lot of features, plus higher resolution sensor. Camera operation is very similar among Nikon cameras, so there is less chance for confusion. Then you have a 16mp and 24mp camera, and the tendency is to use the D7200 on telephoto lenses to take advantage of the improved auto-focus. Leaving your low resolution camera for landscape.

There is another option, and that is to also upgrade the D7000 for a D7100; improved resolution, less money. Not stifling your landscape photography.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

A Nikon D7200 is an upgrade from the D7000 and 8+ megapixels. It is the 2nd best DX next to the D500. Sell your D7000. You won't be sorry.

DoninIL Loc: East Central Illinois

Jcboy and Mas,

Thanks for your replies. That's the reason I posted - I want opinions as to why I should do one or the other of my options.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I've seen D7100s on Ebay for $600 - $700 body only, D7200's for $800. When I got my D7100, the 7200 had just come out and if I remember the feature set on the 7200 was not worth the additional cost.

Carlmk Loc: Naples, FL & Boston, MA

I use the 18-300mm Nikon zoom when traveling. I like one lens on my D5500. Same for my D7000. Is 18mm wide enough?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very good idea. I don't know if I could survive without two cameras, and I don't want to find out. The body and controls of the D7200 will be virtually identical to your D7000. I had a D7000 and D7100, and they were like the same camera. If I were you, I would get a refurb D7200. Make sure both cameras are set up the way you want them. For example, you don't want back button focus on one but not on the other. I find it very convenient to have a tele on one camera and a W/A on the other. When I want to carry both, I use an OP/TECH Double Sling.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

If you are shooting wildlife or whales the D500 is your best choice. You have 10 FPS. This is one of the, if not the, best DX cameras on the market. Reviews are over the top and I have used it to shoot soccer and an air show.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Any reason you have ruled out a good Bridge Camera? Certainly one with a good zoom could solve your problem of often not having the right lens at the right time? Then you have the best of both worlds. A good DSLR and a good backup. Maybe the SX60 or the P900??

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I would go with a full frame option. A used D800 mint on ebay would do the trick. You already have a D7000 which will serve you well for years to come. Join the FF family, you will never go back.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I prefer to have two bodies because it reduces having to change lenses constantly and is a backup in case one body fails during a photo outing. The 7000, 7100, and 7200 are almost identical in function, so get what your budget allows.

ChrisRL

My vote would be for another 7000 or 7100 or 7200 as well.
I run two D800e's for the same reason as nimbushopper, and when time is of the essence, getting caught between the "which camera should I use for this shot" instead of the "which lens should I use..." just adds more time than necessary to one's reaction time.
Make it a no-brainer. If you need a backup, get a duplicate. That way you can also get a much finer sense of the settings and tuning of each camera because you're constantly comparing it to the other.
If you're into gear, then get two 7200s. Then get over the gear and into the photos asap!

Impressionist

D7200 is very nice and won't be much of a learning curve for you. It is tough and two card slots are shot savers. The bigger buffer comes in handy.

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

I have the D7000 and got the D7200 when it came out. I can't say enough good things about the D7200 and when I go on trips, the long lens is on one and a street lens on the other. Get the D7200...you won't be sorry. You'll have a great set-up. I just got back from a 5 week trip (driving) to Alaska and did not have to change lenses once.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Keep the d7000 as your backup and purchase a d7200 for your main camera. It is always nice to have a backup set up and ready to use. you should be able to get a great price used or refurbished on the d7200 from B&H photo or KEH