Thinking of changing my camera
Dec 7, 2013 09:30:16 #
Spatey
Loc: UK (Doncaster Sth Yorks)
Hi I have a Nikon D5100 which I have had for just over a year. Bearing in mind this was my first "proper" camera up, until then I just used a point and shoot. I am now thinking of getting a Nikon D7100 and was wondering if the lenses I have now will fit a new camera, as I am aware some cameras have focusing motors in the camera and not the lens. I am on a limited budget being retired so don't want to go to the expense of buying more lenses. I am also looking at the new Nikon D5300 but am undecided. I like take a variety of photographs from Wildlife, Landscapes, Macro and Architecture also I like to use the camera for Videos when travelling. Your input would be greatly appreciated
Dec 7, 2013 09:32:37 #
Any of your current lenses, as well as any other Nikon mount AF lens ever made, will AF on the D7100.
The Nikon 3000 and 5000 series of bodies are the only current models with no AF drive in the body, they all require lenses with AF motors built into the lens in order to have the autofocus feature functional.
The D7100 will also add a ton of new features over your D5100, the D5300 basically adds only a different sensor, same one as in the D7100, but still pretty much a D5100 body.
The Nikon 3000 and 5000 series of bodies are the only current models with no AF drive in the body, they all require lenses with AF motors built into the lens in order to have the autofocus feature functional.
The D7100 will also add a ton of new features over your D5100, the D5300 basically adds only a different sensor, same one as in the D7100, but still pretty much a D5100 body.
Dec 7, 2013 09:37:24 #
romanticf16
Loc: Commerce Twp, MI
All your lenses will fit the D7100, as will older "D" autofocus lenses that need the motor in the camera body This will give you more choices if you decide to purchase new or used optics in special focal lengths for future use. The D5300 would have the a same limitation your camera has- it requires AS-S lenses with built in focus motors.
Dec 7, 2013 09:43:32 #
Spatey wrote:
Hi I have a Nikon D5100 which I have had for just ... (show quote)
Have you "outgrown" your D5100 with only a year using it ? I have the same camera and love it. With some lens purchases and a few peripherals I am pleased as punch with it's performance.
Dec 7, 2013 10:00:19 #
Spatey
Loc: UK (Doncaster Sth Yorks)
I still love my D5100 but have joined a camera club and thought it was time to upgrade a bit :D
Dec 8, 2013 11:21:56 #
Go with the 7100. There are legions of people on this site that felt the 7000 was the best camera Nikon made other than the D3. I bought one, didn't like the "feel" since I'd been using a D300, sold it two weeks later, then two years on, after all the great comments, bought another one. Now I have the D800, D700, D5100, D90, D300, D300s and if I'm doing casual shooting, I attach the full-frame 28-300 lens on the 7000 and go for a hike! That gives me a focal range of 42mm to 450mm and out taking nature shots I rarely find the need for a wide angle. I would like to have the 7100 but will need to sell off some equipment before I invest in something new.
Dec 8, 2013 11:36:29 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
You'll love the D7100 and as mentioned all your lenses are compatible. It'll be a long time before you outgrow the features and capability of the D7100. You may take a look at a reputable camera store like B&H or Adorama and see if a factory refurb is available. I'd never shy away from a "factory" refurbished unit and a good store will stand behind the unit.
Dec 8, 2013 17:19:59 #
Spatey
Loc: UK (Doncaster Sth Yorks)
Thank you everyone you have given me food for thought :thumbup:
Dec 8, 2013 17:36:54 #
Racmanaz
Loc: Sunny Tucson!
The other question you need to answer is, are you using that articulating screen and will you miss it if you decide on the D7100??
Dec 8, 2013 17:57:42 #
Spatey
Loc: UK (Doncaster Sth Yorks)
That is another reason why I haven't gone out and bought one. I am not as young as I was and getting down to take photos is getting harder for me now so in answer to your question I would miss it a lot :(
Dec 8, 2013 18:06:15 #
Racmanaz
Loc: Sunny Tucson!
Spatey wrote:
That is another reason why I haven't gone out and bought one. I am not as young as I was and getting down to take photos is getting harder for me now so in answer to your question I would miss it a lot :(
Then you know which camera would benefit you the most and one that would you would enjoy. So essentially you answered your own question :). If I were in the market for a inexpensive DSLR, I probably would get the D5200 or D5300 because of the articulating screen. :)
Dec 8, 2013 21:33:16 #
I recommend doing a google search for Ken Rockwells review of the d5300. I also have the d5100 as well as the d7100. And was thinking of upgrading my 5100 to the 5300. I like the 5100 with the 55-200 because of the light weight factor but now don't see a need for the 5300 because it is basically the same camera unless you want GPS and WiFi which i hear don't work well with this camera. And the 5100 is a great camera. And your need for an articulated screen seems to make the case for the 5xxx series.
Dec 8, 2013 22:22:17 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Spatey wrote:
I still love my D5100 but have joined a camera club and thought it was time to upgrade a bit :D
Please don't feel that your camera is not up to snuff because of what people have in the camera club. Are you not able to take pictures you want to, but believe the D7100 would help you capture them? Keep in mind, once you go down this road, you're going to be back here asking what lens you should get next. ;-)
Dec 9, 2013 09:35:21 #
Spatey
Loc: UK (Doncaster Sth Yorks)
I have looked at the review that Ken Rockwell has done and he favours the D7100 over the D5300. But as you say the articulated screen is something I use a lot. I get some good pictures with my D5100 but I thought it was time to upgrade We are going to South Africa next year to my daughters wedding and hopefully on a safari so I thought it was time to get a bit better camera. If I don't get one I will be happy to take the D5100 with my 18mm x 270mm Tamron lens as I find it a nice general purpose lens. ;)
Dec 9, 2013 15:06:44 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Spatey wrote:
I have looked at the review that Ken Rockwell has ... (show quote)
Your daughter's wedding and a safari are excellent reasons to have the best equipment you can. That would swing my suggestion towards the better camera.
I agree that you may not want to spend the money on a better lens also. You might want to rent one for the trip. Either the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8, 70-300 f/4-5.6, or 80-400 f/4-5.6 would offer better image quality at the tele range. A 2 week rental would be $100-250, depending on the lens.
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