These days there are not many significant differences until you get into the high-end DSLRs. The cameras I suggested looking at are among the newest ones in their class, and offer more versatility than a more "entry-level" camera.

Finally found some information on the D80, which turns out is a DX format camera. So it is very likely your lenses are also DX, which will not work as well on an FX body. That should help your decision.

If you like the Sony a6300, you might find the a6500 will work for you. It is more expensive but has image stabilization and can take 11 frames per second (same as the a6300) for a more extended time.

The other part of the equation is the lens. I am not familiar with what Sony has, but you will need one with greater light-gathering ability. For my DSLR, I like f/2.8 or lower (wider aperture). Of course if you use a long zoom, the largest aperture is generally smaller than that (higher number), or costs very big bucks...

If you are considering a DSLR, compare the Nikon D500 and D7100 or D7200; in the full-frame cameras, the D610 and the D750.

Go to B&H's website to compare. If you want more specifications than they provide, go to Nikon's website and download the manuals. Near the end of each is where you will find a list of camera specifications in more detail than on B&H.

A DSLR is larger and heavier than the mirrorless cameras, also the lenses. But if you don't care about that, they definitely are worth considering. If you want to go with pre-owned or refurbished, B&H and Adorama both are reliable places to shop, and also the Nikon website. But be aware that the warranties are very short compared to the new cameras.

Hope this helps!

I didn't see that sign when I went to Bar Harbor! Definitely worth a chuckle. And the mountains in the background known as the Bubbles makes it even more appropriate... I knew a girl once upon a time whose nickname was Bubbles!!!

I agree it is best to stay with Nikon, since you already have the lenses you need. No experience with wi-fi, I just use a card reader to import photos, which is very fast and easy. Do you have a preference between a crop-sensor (DX) camera or a full-sensor (FX) camera? My suggestion is to go to B&H's website and research the various newer models. Then go to Nikon's website and download the manuals for the ones that interest you the most. Near the end you will find a list of specifications that is more complete than what you will find on B&H which will allow you to decide which one has the features you want.

For DX, the best choices to compare are the D500 and the D7100 or D7200.
For FX, the best choices to compare are the D610 and the D750.

If you are not taking a lot of pictures, then price may matter the most. If you will be carrying the camera around a lot, you may want to check out the weight. I don't think number of pixels should be an issue with any of these cameras, especially if you are going to be using the images primarily on a website.

If price is an issue, you may decide that a new camera is not the way to go. But remember that the pre-owned and refurbished cameras do not carry the same warranty. If keeping this camera for a long time, then warranty may be desireable. B&H and Adorama are both good sources of pre-owned cameras, as well as refurbished. You can also shop for new and refurbished on Nikon's website.

Hope this helps with your decision!

When I was ready to upgrade my tripod and head, did a lot of research and asking questions. My conclusion was the same as Gene51 - buy from RRS. It is expensive, granted, but the quality is so good you won't regret the purchase. Plus if you need help, they are both willing and able to talk you through whatever issues you are having.

I love my tripod and the ball head. Even though I don't have one of the very heavy lenses, my decision was to get the combination that would support one. Never know - I might rent one some day, or come into the big bucks and be able to buy! A friend of mine who uses a small Sony camera also purchased from RRS, but his is a smaller tripod and head that are quite adequate for the camera and lenses he uses. Very portable. It looks a lot like mine, just in miniature!

Go to their website and look at their articles about their tripods. It is a great help in deciding which one will fit you the best. Mine is much taller than I generally need, but that makes it great for uneven and sloping terrain! Also for photographing something above, so I don't have to crouch down at all to see where the camera is pointed...

The only thing that could be considered a "down side" to RRS is that you are buying into a system, just as when you choose a camera. You will find it is best to buy their plates, clamps, heads, etc. because they fit together, and are not always compatible with products from other companies. However, the "up side" is that their plates, clamps, L-brackets, etc. are NOT universal - they are made to fit different camera models! This increases the stability because of the excellent fit.

The Red River Paper website has a lot of different types of articles that are very helpful. Not only do they have cost analysis for printing, they also have reviews of different printers. Plus, when you get their newsletter, there is always a list of links that can direct you to some good sites and good information. I, too, "discovered" them through a recommendation! Bought the sampler first, and tried out each different paper to see how it affected the image. That is how I decided which would be my favorites...

Just purchased a box of their Polar Pearl Metallic when it was on sale recently! My "go-to" paper is the Ultra-Pro Satin, but my all-time favorite is the Luster paper. I use that for the "best" photographs which "deserve" special treatment.

They also have downloadable ICC profiles of their papers. The instructions are good, and I can select from the list for whichever paper I am using.

I've never explored any of the side roads on Mount Tabor, is that where the old logging camps are located? Not surprising that there would sometimes be snow up there in October!



Thanks for telling me the location of the water pipe. I'll look for it next time I go there. We don't have any snow vehicles, so when the road is closed we don't go up there. But I can imagine how it looks! Love those tree tunnels no matter what the season... They were certainly beautiful the other day, with the brightly colored leaves overhead.

Yes, I should have said f/2.8 or less!

A lens with more light-gathering ability. This is indicated by the focal length - any number less than f/2.8 is "fast".

DSLR:
has the advantage of a better/larger sensor for better image results.
can be fitted with different lenses depending on the subject. Wide angle vs. Zoom
lets you choose whether to let the camera decide on settings (auto - like a point and shoot) or whether you want to control the settings.

I think the most important thing is control!

This would be a great time of year to camp on Mount Tabor! Fall foliage is just now reaching its peak there, and the weather is chilly but mostly very good. Haven't noticed a water pipe, guess I am too busy looking at the trees... Maybe next year!

I agree that balance is important! And your description of what equipment fits with different purposes is right on.





Reminds me of one of a photographer's pet peeves - the person who asks what kind of camera you have, because they think having that one will make him/her a better photographer!

Any photo at reduced size will look sharper than enlarged. So if this is the only use a person makes of their photos, it hardly makes a difference what camera and lens is used. However, I suspect this is not what will satisfy a huge percentage of photographers, myself included. Small differences in qualities may have to be "pixel-peeped" to find them, but the human eye detects subtleties without the brain realizing exactly where the difference comes from.



I guess I qualify as a purist! Even family journalistic images can profit from a quality camera and lens, as long as the photographer is interested in learning the basics of photography. For me, the best I can afford is the goal. Right now I have an older camera, the Nikon D7000, which was the best of its class when I purchased it. This is my first-ever DSLR. Instead of upgrading the camera, I have concentrated thus far on upgrading the glass. Buying FX lenses with f/2.8 is a good investment so when I do save enough to get the D810 it won't mean dumping another several thousand dollars on lenses!

You are correct saying the entire question is academic for those who just want to snap photos. As a purist, I am presenting a purist point of view!!!

Just finished with a busy weekend, and finally got back to UHH. Thank you all for the many welcoming posts, and even flowers! I've been doing a lot of driving around looking at the fall foliage. It is finally approaching peak color here in southwestern Vermont, so I spent some time on Mount Tabor yesterday taking pictures. So many beautiful spots I could not possibly see them all! Will post pictures once I sort through them...

Thank you Marion, Walt, Tramsey and Mac for being the first to welcome me to UHH. And thanks Tramsey for the warning about "The Attic" - I don't like nasty and sarcastic!

I am just starting to learn my way around here, but will definitely post some photos.

Susan