dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

As already mentioned, the D7100 is probably the best camera to grow with. It isn't as expensive as an "entry level" full frame, but has most of the features. It also becomes a good "second" camera, once one decides to movve to full frame and has much of the sturdiness of professional level cameras. The D3xxx and D5xxx are entry level cameras and lack many of the features that are included on the D7xxx (most notibally the built-in focus motor and the built-in creative lighting systems (of camera I-ttl flash). The off camera flash is probably the the biggest feature missing from the lower end cameras but can still be accomplished by purchasing an SU-800 controler. However, the price of the controler is probably more than the price difference between a D3xxx and a 7xxx camera, so you can for the "better" camera, or pay more on the back side, get the SU-800 and still have to buy strobes and use them on a less capable camera. It probably comes down to this, if you intend to move on in developing your photographic skills and only want to purchase the equipment one time, get the D7100/D7200 (or start with a full frame D6xx / D7xx), if you only want the camera for vacations, and a weekend here and there and the camera goes on the shelf for the rest of the time, get the D3xxx /D5xxx. The entry level camera are fine cameras, but Nikon never intended them to be anything more than an upgrade from the point and shoot and the Nikon 1.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Definitely! You can get a refurb for $699. Even less on ebay. If you're buying used, get a shutter count before you buy.

yescats

I just bought the D5200. It has an articulating screen. The 7100 doesn't.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I bet the D7300 will have that screen - or the one on the D750.

JFleming Loc: Belchertown, Ma

That's what I did. Bought my wife a D7100 for Christmas (she loves it!) and then I just went a bought myself a D7200 - boy I'm bad.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Nikon still isnt thrilled about the articualting screen. It seems they get alot of broken hinges. If you notice, the newer articulating screens don't move in all the directions of the D5100 screen, and they are still getting broken hinges. They will PROBABLY offer it on limited "entry level" models, but workhorse cameras will continue to have the stationary screens. NOTE: having made this statement, Nikon will probably release 15 new models with screens that rotate 360 degrees in any direction and then snap off to become remote.. lol.

By the way, you can use the wi-fi on any of the supported Nikons with your cell phone as the screen if you want remote viewing. It works pretty well and the phone can just be a screen, not a download. So if you want remote viewing, use the wi-fi adapter and the free wmu app on your phone or tablet. It is probably better than an articulating screen.

photeach Loc: beautiful Kansas

I have a D7000 but for little trips, I sometimes "borrow" a D3200 from work. It's so light and fits my hands well, and price is right. I will take photos longer with a lighter camera, I find. If you are going to move up eventually, why not try a cheaper camera and throw in a 50mm lens so that you can start experimenting with bokeh?

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

Get a D7200 give it to your husband and you take his D7100. Then give him a big hug.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

The only reason you should settle for a lesser model than your husband is that when your images come out better, you cán smile and be smug.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Now that would be a good idea and source of income for Nikon - selling screens to replace ones that owners lose. :D

ralfstinson Loc: SF Bay Area

The Nikon D7000 series and above have separate thumb wheels for aperture and shutter speed. I find that really nice and if you think you will really get into photography, maybe best to stay above 7000.

relie Loc: Western Massachusetts

Hi there! I have two D90's, both with low shutter count, if you're interested. Contact me if you're interested. They are going on the forum classified next week. Body only $400. Or $525. With an 18-105mm lens..

Dave

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Get a Sony RX10 - and be sure to use the 2X Clear image zoom ( to 400mm equiv.) You will both like it !

CO

Having two thumb wheels is definitely a reason but also when you go to the D7xxx series cameras you get a pentaprism viewfinder. The D3xxx and D5xxx series cameras have a pentamirror viewfinder. The pentaprism viewfinder gives a larger, brighter image when looking through the viewfinder. That really helps when composing your photo.

Papajohn7655 Loc: Peoria, AZ

Get the D7200. You won't regret it.