Camera purchase decision (Page 3): I have a D7200 but wish I had a D500 for fast action, BIF. Otherwise the D7200 is a great camera.

lbjed Loc: New York

I have a D7200 but wish I had a D500 for fast action, BIF. Otherwise the D7200 is a great camera.

lamontcranston

CHG_CANON wrote:

Have you really exhausted an industry standard 24MP D3500? What you are you trying to accomplish this camera cannot do for you? A D5600 is also a 24MP camera. You won't 'see' any difference in the images from these bodies. The D7200 is a 24MP camera. You won't 'see' any difference in the images from these bodies... Honesty, there is no logical upgrade from a still new and relevant D3500.

How true! I went through the same comparisons a few years ago and kept my D3300 and never regretted it. That is until I became interested in the Fuji X-T2 system after seeing all the beautiful images taken with it. So I made the switch to an entirely new system and never regretted it. I still have the D3300 and still enjoy it but the X-T2 is NUMBER ONE.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

I had the D7200 before my D810 and loved it. My walk around lens was the nikkor 18-200 and for me any way was a good combination.

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

tkgraves wrote:

I’m trying to decide which camera to purchase, I’m still an amateur so I’m not sure which would be best for me, a D7200, or a D5600’s, I would like your advice and keep in mind I’m still trying to teach myself, plus on line classes, I’ll be selling a lumix dc fz82 and a Nikon D3500, as well as a Nikon D5200, to pay for my next camera, I’ve decided trying to learn all the settings, menus for three models is just to much for my brain to absorb!! thank for your opinions.

Not knowing what you want to use it for or what lenses you have its hard for recommendations, were probably just adding more choices; here's mine.

Wildlife - Nikon D500 price point just a little higher than new D7200.
Everything - Nikon D750 refurbished price point just a little less on B&H. Your dx lenses work fine and upgrade lenses to full frame as funds are available if you think you want to go full frame eventually.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

CHG_CANON wrote:

Without a budget or some indication of your photog... (show quote)

Well said!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You are still learning and I wonder why you need a new camera. I would keep on learning and keep the D5200 till I am comfortable enough with my images to "update." I could be different to others in recommending to start with a camera like the one you own. Its only drawback is that it does not have an AF built in its body which limits the lenses that you can use otherwise it should be capable of great images with its 24 Mp. if you learn photography basics.

The D7200 is a great tool but your images will not be any better than they are now even if you use professional DX lenses with it. It is your expertise and knowledge of the photographic process that will make you a better photographer, not the camera.
Stay with what you have while you keep on learning, it is the best advise I can give you.

Moondoggie Loc: Southern California

Excellent advice!!!

tkgraves Loc: Greensboro, NC

Thanks again for all of your thoughts on what I should do, I’m leaning towards keeping the D5200 as I love having the gps, articulating screen as well as the lightweight that this camera has. Not to mention all the money I would save. I haven’t used the Panasonic lumix but 3 times so I do not need it and have an offer of $150 from mpb camera. Gonna sleep on it one more day then just do it. Thanks to all of you.

tkgraves Loc: Greensboro, NC

I meant d5300

pila

tkgraves wrote:

Hey folks, thank for your quick responses, my main thoughts were I’ve got too many cameras now and I can’t get comfortable with using any one if I switch around daily or weekly, so my thought was get rid of all of them but get a really nice Nikon and keep all the lens, straps, etc and study on using that one and try really hard to get comfortable with it, but after listening to you guys I might just keep one of the Nikon’s and sell everything else, thanks again.

Yup. Spend some time on composition. Drive around and use your mind’s eye. You know the drill. . . Simplicity and light.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

CHG_CANON wrote:

Without a budget or some indication of your photog... (show quote)

CHG_CANON makes a good point on your query. You will get a lot of opinions, and you can spend a little, or a lot, but the quality of the photos is up to you and how much effort/technique/acquired knowledge you put into the photos. There are valid reasons for both scenarios - hold current gear, improve glass and work towards better photos - or upgrade bodies while doing the same....

From one standpoint (important in the long run), your current gear will never be worth more than it is right now (sold on open market, not as trade-ins, not sold to major "re-sellers"), so this would be a good time to sell. On the other hand, aside from some difference in the controls, internal processors and options available from your current gear, technique is going to make the real difference.

I have been shooting for decades, and I can still make very fine photos from my old Nikon D90, or Sony A300 (and from much older film gear), and you/others would be hard pressed to tell hung on a wall, normal viewing (you can see the differences "pixel peeping", and that has merit, but is only part of the story). If I've done a good job, composing/focus/metering/PP (or not) making the shot, unless the equipment is truly inferior, the outcome may not be much different.

It is a tough decision - but don't expect to make better pics just because you've changed gear, if anything, sometimes the better gear will improve outcomes somewhat, or highlight shortcomings in technique or lens capability.

I'd be more inclined to lean to better glass..... and then you have to consider the mirror versus mirrorless, but that is for another post.

Good luck in your quest, and keep on shooting!

ELNikkor

The D5600 and D7200 are only a sideways move from the D3500/D5300. In my list of "must haves" are moveable rear screen AND built-in flash, which the D7500 has but the D500 does not. With a firmware update, the D5300 can even use the new AF-P lenses.
Since you plan to "clean house" by selling all your current bodies, now may be the time to consider FF. Since it is now late 2020, you may also want to look forward to mirrorless options, rather than back to DSLR options. I'm happy with my D750 & 24-120 f4 lens, but you may want to look at the Z5 or Z6. Go to a Best Buy that lets you hold and try sample cameras; it may help you make a decision. (I'd keep the D5300, even if you go FF.)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

tkgraves wrote:

I’m trying to decide which camera to purchase, I’m still an amateur so I’m not sure which would be best for me, a D7200, or a D5600’s, I would like your advice and keep in mind I’m still trying to teach myself, plus on line classes, I’ll be selling a lumix dc fz82 and a Nikon D3500, as well as a Nikon D5200, to pay for my next camera, I’ve decided trying to learn all the settings, menus for three models is just to much for my brain to absorb!! thank for your opinions.

The 7200 is the most versatile - has a focus motor for older lenses and other serious features.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Longshadow wrote:

Perfection is a nasty mistress.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

If you have the money after selling your other cameras, I would say go with the D500.