Ha! Ha! You fellows are exactly mirroring my thinking! Lighthouse hit the real issue precisely. I do some freelance writing, but it's not my career, so the D5000 does serve my need and seems to lack little that the D7100 offers.

I'm a single working girl, so I can have whatever I want--if (big if) I discipline my wants. I was fine with my D5000 until I found this forum in my decision making over a 70-300mm vs an 18-300 lens. Then I got to reading posts by all the happy D7100 owners about how awesome the 7100 is and started reading reviews. So now, I swing between Lighthouse's practicality and between Jerry's philosophy that he won't live forever and Ugly Jake's and Ebbote's recommendations to disregard good sense and get what I want!

Now, if I'd just quit reading forum posts, I might be able to go back to my innocent state and be happy with my 5000, but heck, I like you guys and I'm picking up some good info, so that's probably not going to happen. Besides, I can reason it this way, a new version, say D7200, won't be out for two, three more years, and before then I really can justify a new camera, so why not start enjoying one now?

I appreciate all of your welcomes and suggestions. I'll keep you posted on my final decision.

SUCCESS!!! (Yes, I'm shouting!) I bit the bullet and pushed the "check out" button for Adorama's free 2-day shipping deal on their refurbished D7100 at $939 for the body only. They may offer better deals after the holiday gifts get returned, but by buying now, I can start learning my Christmas present from my parrot over my holiday week. (BTW, my parrot always gets me the best gifts. She knows exactly what I want and is pretty extravagant in seeing I get it.) Without massive effort, I've even been able to justify the sharper pics for my free lance writing.

Thank you so much for your guidance and encouragement. I would have still been in my quandary without you.

A merry Christmas to you all, and may you have as much fun playing with your toys as I'll have!

Betty

Hi Y'all,

I've been lurking for a few weeks while hearing a brand new D7100 calling, "Mama, Mama!" from somewhere out in the shadows--maybe my local shop and maybe Adorama. My aging D5000 is still perfectly capable, and I've been trying to control my urge to provide it with a younger sibling. You know that new camera obsession and inner battle, don't you?

Here's what I'm wondering. Nikon has $100 off on 7100s until January 5. Is this the best time to buy or is Nikon likely to offer another discount on 7100s later in the year?

I haven't ruled out a refurbished camera, and from what I've read from you folks, the refurbished ones seem to be a great deal and a very low level gamble. In addition, I can probably find a refurbished 7100 at any time if the urge overpowers me at some point.

Gosh! Decisions! Help!

Betty

SUCCESS!!! (Yes, I'm shouting!) I bit the bullet and pushed the "check out" button for Adorama's free 2-day shipping deal on their refurbished D7100 at $939 for the body only. They may offer better deals after the holiday gifts get returned, but by buying now, I can start learning my Christmas present from my parrot over my holiday week. (BTW, my parrot always gets me the best gifts. She knows exactly what I want and is pretty extravagant in seeing I get it.) Without massive effort, I've even been able to justify the sharper pics for my free lance writing.

Thank you so much for your guidance and encouragement. I would have still been in my quandary without you.

A merry Christmas to you all, and may you have as much fun playing with your toys as I'll have!

Betty