GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Ever since I bought the D7100, I have been questioning my decision as to whether I should have gotten the D750 instead. Having upgrading from the D5000, I missed the articulating screen; but, other than that I was very happy with the improvements in operating the camera...no more searching menus but using buttons instead. One thing that has stopped me from going full-frame is the increased cost of lenses, plus the extra weight involved in carrying both camera & lenses. Also, I don't NEED full frame.

Well, now Nikon has come out with the D500 & after reading an article by Bob Vishneski , I am wondering if this would be the way to go. My main reason to upgrade would be for less noise at a high ISO. His article compares photos taken with the D500 & the D810 at ISO 6400.

I recently tried to take pictures in church of my granddaughter's Confirmation. The church was poorly lit and even at ISO 5000, the pictures of the Bishop and my granddaughter were mostly unusable. Still, a picture is better than NO picture. I tried various settings with no luck in achieving good results.

I know that Nikon is positioning the D500 as a sports and wildlife camera, because of the increased frame rate and buffer; but if it would solve the dark interior dilemma, it would be worth the leap.

BTW, I have read other threads on this forum about upgrading from a D7000 & up. Any advice would be appreciated.

The article can be found at photographylife.com

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Both the D500 and D750 are very good cameras, I don't think you could go wrong with either one.
One thing to consider is your lenses. If they are DX lenses, they won't be very good on the D750 which is a FX camera, so you would need to buy new lenses.

EDIT:
After rereading you post, I'm thinking the D500 would be the way to go.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Decisions,decisions! Have fun deciding! As you've heard many times, the biggest issue is your useage. While your choices certainly offer the ability to use higher ISO, the D7100 remains in our arsenal with the D810 and D500. Is there a possibility of renting before you buy? Best of luck!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I borrowed 2 D500's recently.
Shot our university graduation with them and the D810.
The D500 images were as good for my purposes.
With the right (fast) lenses, I don't see the need for a full frame camera any more. I used the 17-55 and the 70-200 with the D500.
The button layout is different than what you are used to, but I think it's easier to use.

Diptera Loc: SW Idaho

If you ever use the built-in flash keep in mind the D500 has no built-in flash and for that reason there is no commander mode on the 500. Keep the 7100 and stay with the DX format and get the D500. 10 fps with a deep buffer on the 500 really is nice for action but I find that mine works well for "normal" photography. I have a D7100 and a D500, just recently purchased, and they make a nice combination. Also, you can use FX lenses on a DX frame. My 2 cents.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...the big question is whether you want to go FX or not, because the 750 would have fine low light compared to what you're using and, of course, enable you to take advantage of full frame. I own a 500 and it's wonderful, but I'm also FX and that's by choice...I want the capability or either format (plus, you gotta know, the neat things about the D500 that even my D5 doesn't do)...so if you're happy staying DX the 500 is the way to go...

MtnMan Loc: ID

You can get a Sigma 17-50 f2.8 for under $500. And upgrade to a D7200 for a lot less than the options you list.

From what I read the D500 isn't better than the D7200 (or D5500) at high ISO. Plus the D5500 would get you back the articulated screen and the touch screen might satisfy your button preference (I prefer D5xxx info screen over D7xxx buttons and unreadable green screen).

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Take a look at this site - just plug in the 2 bodies and be sure to look at the low light ISO data below the chart: http://photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm

Also this link will take you to where you can plug in the ISO and see color charts for various bodies - very informative if high ISO/low light performance is what you're looking for: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Help/ISO-Noise.aspx

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I would recommend considering a third camera, the newly released D500 that will start shipping in June. Might just be the combination of features you are wanting.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I will be looking at sites that sell used equipment to see what I can sell the D7100 for and if I want to keep or sell the 18-140 lens that came with it.

I had a D5000 that I gave to my hubby and he likes the 18-300 lens on it. I doubt he would be interested in acquiring new lenses like me.

I had pretty much decided to stay DX and was planning on getting a Sigma 17-35/1.8. Purchasing that lens would cement my decision to stay DX. I just missed a $100 off sale, too!! I did consider the 17-50/2.8 as well. So that part won't save any money! Do you have that lens?

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I will definitely go to the local camera store and look at my options first and yes, they do rent.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Yes, I'm leaning that way, too! Thanks for your input!

Jim Bob

What? Do you mean the D7500?

Jim Bob

That would be incorrect. At higher ISOs (1600 and above) the D500 is noticeably better than the D7200, i.e., more detail and less noise. Below that however, the D7200 is superior. I say this not based on many reviews which agree but on my first hand experience which confirms it. Now whether that "better" is worth twice the price would be a personal decision.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Good to know. I was planning to get the body only; but, I was wondering if the 16-80mm f/2.8-4 would be better than the 24-70mm f/2.8 that I already own because the 16-80 is a DX lens.

Thoughts anyone?