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Is it worth it to upgrade?
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Apr 8, 2014 11:05:19   #
One Camera One Lens Loc: Traveling
 
I have to go along with Amehta, this will be a first, but on a more serious not KEEP what you got and learn how to use it, I mean learn it inside out and backwards, then and only then will you know if you need a new camera. Maybe you don't photograph what others do so why a D7100.....because some one else has it, or it looks good, both are true, it's a great camera but only if you will use it for shooting what you shoot, other wise it's a waste of money......that's beer money, can't waste that. Do what YOU think is best and good luck with your decision......both Jerry and Finger answers are good answers, but do you REALLY need a D7100...your choice my friend......just don't forget the beer money.....

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Apr 8, 2014 11:35:24   #
Kuzano
 
wilsondl2 wrote:
I went from my D90 to a D7100 and wow. I can take pictures in the dark. Love to take friends in a dark room and take their picture. But other than showing off I do not take pictures in dark rooms. Probable you can do what you need to do with the camera you have. That said most of us see the articles and reviews and all of a sudden we NEED to take pictures in the dark. I am having a hard time finding the reason I NEED a Nikon Df. - Dave


Proof of the point that there is still a need for the Darkroom in photography. Even with digital. :lol:

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Apr 8, 2014 13:58:37   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 b a few ... (show quote)


wingnut1956 wrote:
I kind of expected that for an answer. .I guess I should have researched things more before getting the 3200, but it seemed way more advanced than my old d70s..Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and is it a hard camera to learn to use?


LFingar wrote:
Read his post again. He is already dissatisfied with what he has. He has already made up his mind to upgrade and that is not going to change by people telling him he needs to learn each camera thoroughly before advancing to the next one. Just where is that rule written? Odds are he understands, as I do, that a camera, any camera, is just a machine, a tool, and it's use can be learned by anyone willing to invest the time. I just bought a 6D. Do I know all it's secrets? Heck no, but I will learn what I need to know to use it to the extent that I want to and I am satisfied at having reached a plateau I want to be at. Full Frame. I wish I had figured that out several years ago. I could have saved the money I spent on lesser cameras and bought a 5D. And I would have learned how to use it and probably be ahead of where I am now. At no point did I tell the OP not to ask questions. The gist of his question was whether or not to upgrade. My answer was, and still is, yes.
Read his post again. He is already dissatisfied wi... (show quote)


First, the OP isn't "dissatisfied" with the D3200, but "from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body." It's the discussions here that are giving the doubt, not any lack of capabilities of the camera.

There is no rule that says "learn each camera thoroughly before advancing to the next one," but there is the idea of "live with the consequences of your actions." The D3200 has already been bought. If the OP had posted saying, "I had decided to get the D3200, but now I'm thinking about the D7100, is that crazy," I would be with everyone else saying, "Yes, it's a little crazy, but if you can afford it, go for it." I also didn't say learn the D3200 first, I said use it until it limits you.

If the OP dump the D3200 to get the D7100, and after a year decides that FX is the way to go, isn't that doing exactly "I could have saved the money I spent on lesser cameras"? You know why you like the 6D. The OP doesn't know why they should get the D7100, just that it's "a better body".

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Apr 8, 2014 15:05:48   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
amehta wrote:
First, the OP isn't "dissatisfied" with the D3200, but "from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body." It's the discussions here that are giving the doubt, not any lack of capabilities of the camera.

There is no rule that says "learn each camera thoroughly before advancing to the next one," but there is the idea of "live with the consequences of your actions." The D3200 has already been bought. If the OP had posted saying, "I had decided to get the D3200, but now I'm thinking about the D7100, is that crazy," I would be with everyone else saying, "Yes, it's a little crazy, but if you can afford it, go for it." I also didn't say learn the D3200 first, I said use it until it limits you.

If the OP dump the D3200 to get the D7100, and after a year decides that FX is the way to go, isn't that doing exactly "I could have saved the money I spent on lesser cameras"? You know why you like the 6D. The OP doesn't know why they should get the D7100, just that it's "a better body".
First, the OP isn't "dissatisfied" with ... (show quote)


If the OP states that he should have researched the 3200 better then he is dissatisfied, either with the camera or with his decision. Maybe he will never reach the limits of the 3200, but if everytime he picks it up he looks at it and wishes it were a 7100 then he is losing a lot of the enjoyment of the hobby. I don't advise anyone to spend money they don't have or to waste their money on something that will be of no use to them. I don't know his finances and I don't care. I will assume he can sort that out himself, and I certainly don't consider an upgrade to a better camera a waste of money for anyone with the desire to improve as he expressed. I can understand exactly where he is coming from because I was in a similar spot not too long ago. On another site I asked a similar question, having had my 70D only a few months and wanting to get the 6D. Same basic response. No No, don't do that. Learn all about the 70D first, then decide. I bought the 6D anyway and I am very happy I did. I still haven't learned all about the 70D and probably never will. It will most likely sit on the shelf until I decide to sell it. The 6D has my full attention. To tell the truth, I wasn't really looking for opinions so much as some backing for the decision I had already made. I don't spend recklessly and having some positive reinforcement never hurts. I'll bet the OP has already made his decision also. And, just for the record, I consider "Learn all you can about one model before you move up to the next" total nonsense.

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Apr 8, 2014 15:59:36   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
LFingar wrote:
If the OP states that he should have researched the 3200 better then he is dissatisfied, either with the camera or with his decision. Maybe he will never reach the limits of the 3200, but if everytime he picks it up he looks at it and wishes it were a 7100 then he is losing a lot of the enjoyment of the hobby. I don't advise anyone to spend money they don't have or to waste their money on something that will be of no use to them. I don't know his finances and I don't care. I will assume he can sort that out himself, and I certainly don't consider an upgrade to a better camera a waste of money for anyone with the desire to improve as he expressed. I can understand exactly where he is coming from because I was in a similar spot not too long ago. On another site I asked a similar question, having had my 70D only a few months and wanting to get the 6D. Same basic response. No No, don't do that. Learn all about the 70D first, then decide. I bought the 6D anyway and I am very happy I did. I still haven't learned all about the 70D and probably never will. It will most likely sit on the shelf until I decide to sell it. The 6D has my full attention. To tell the truth, I wasn't really looking for opinions so much as some backing for the decision I had already made. I don't spend recklessly and having some positive reinforcement never hurts. I'll bet the OP has already made his decision also. And, just for the record, I consider "Learn all you can about one model before you move up to the next" total nonsense.
If the OP states that he should have researched th... (show quote)

Yes, it is very common to ask for advice when actually looking for validation.

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Apr 8, 2014 19:04:35   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
Ok...well. I sure got a lot of advice, which is what I wanted..obviously, I don't NEED another camera..went through this once before and had (still have) a nikon d70s, found it too bulky at the time, and got a panasonic lumix point and shoot and still get decent pics with it. Loved the "put it in your pocket, it's always ready" kind of thing -then there's always the "cell phone camera".
I've been wanting to get back into a "real" camera again. Saw the 3200 kit w/2 lenses, bag, accessories and bought it without researching things (250.00 nikon rebate ended that day) I saw all the specs,and when I compared it to my d70s, it was WAY better. I later found out (through the 'hog and others) that it is just an "entry level" camera. Granted, it's WAY more capable than I am at this moment to take some really nice pics, but I started reading about the 7100, and it seems to have a LOT more capability and features (more scene modes, way more focal points, faster,better processor, more ways to control it). I also know that lenses mean a LOT..currently using the Tamron 18-270 and just love it. I know a lot of people would never use that lens on a good camera, but to my eye, it does fine. I can afford another camera body, but I can't go crazy on lenses, at least not now, so that will be my "main" lens for a while. I still want other items as well, like a nice flash, etc..so, bottom line, thanks for all you comments -for right now I will try to "master" my 3200 but will most likely end up with a 7100 (7200?) if the price is right.. I always want something a little more advanced than I am..it makes you want to learn more...Like they say..."if you want to learn how to play chess, always play against someone better than yourself" it's the only way to learn

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Apr 9, 2014 05:52:40   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Upgrade only if you feel that your camera is not serving you. Stop worrying about other cameras. Otherwise, before you know it, you'll be lusting after one of these:

http://www.phaseone.com/en/Camera-Systems.aspx

There is absolutely nothing wrong with your choice. Your next upgrade should probably be lenses, or to a full-frame camera, if you are looking to improve anything.

You bought the D3200, now you have to step up to the plate and "own" it.

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Apr 9, 2014 06:26:30   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
Thanks..pretty much found out what I wanted..the 3200, though not much more than "entry" level, seems to be a pretty nice camera..if I ever do get it figured out, I don't think it would be a bad move to upgrade.meanwhile, if I do come across a good deal, maybe I will get it sooner, but I want to make sure it's what I want, as I don't want to KEEP upgrading..I guess what I'm saying is I want to make sure the 7100 or whatever I decide on will be the LAST time I upgrade the body..at this point in time i may not be knowledgable enough to know exactly what i do want, but I do know an upgrade is in my future..as it is I still second guess nikon over canon but now that I have a couple lenses I guess there's no turning back...thanks everybody for your input!

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Apr 9, 2014 06:57:44   #
BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD
 
"... My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...[/quote]

That statement has been a large part of each upgrade I've made -

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Apr 9, 2014 07:23:55   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Thanks..pretty much found out what I wanted..the 3200, though not much more than "entry" level, seems to be a pretty nice camera..if I ever do get it figured out, I don't think it would be a bad move to upgrade.meanwhile, if I do come across a good deal, maybe I will get it sooner, but I want to make sure it's what I want, as I don't want to KEEP upgrading..I guess what I'm saying is I want to make sure the 7100 or whatever I decide on will be the LAST time I upgrade the body..at this point in time i may not be knowledgable enough to know exactly what i do want, but I do know an upgrade is in my future..as it is I still second guess nikon over canon but now that I have a couple lenses I guess there's no turning back...thanks everybody for your input!
Thanks..pretty much found out what I wanted..the 3... (show quote)


You seem to have a good grasp of the situation and I don't doubt you will take the next step when it suits you. Everyone has opinions and they are all valid to one degree or another in any given situation. My opinion is that learning on a basic camera is not a prerequisite for learning to use a more advanced one. They do have more things to learn but the learning itself is no harder, and almost all have the same basic options to fall back on when necessary.
One thing I suggest you consider before you start investing in lenses: You seem to be similar to myself in that you want to keep improving not only your abilities but your equipment as well. I wouldn't be surprised if you eventually take an interest in full frame camera bodies. I don't know if you can use cropped sensor lenses on a full frame Nikon. I know that it is not practical on Canons. I suggest you learn about full frame and see if it fits your future plans and factor that into any lens purchases you make now. Have fun! It's a great hobby!

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Apr 9, 2014 07:35:57   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
I'm an advocate for better, faster glass. I'm not as familiar with Nikon mounts, but with the lack of a focus motor in your current camera, this may limit your options.

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Apr 9, 2014 07:42:32   #
dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.
 
Why upgrade when you haven't by your own admission mastered what you have? A beginning pilot doesn't learn to fly on a 747. By the time you have mastered it they will have some new upgrade even supposedly bigger and better than what you want now. Trying to keep up with technology is like pouring money down a rat hole.

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Apr 9, 2014 07:55:37   #
cthahn
 
Master what you have. A new camera will do nothing more than what you can do now with what you have.

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Apr 9, 2014 08:26:53   #
gpro111 Loc: Floral City, FL, formerly Tampa /Saint Pete
 
I would also add that I think learning what you have would be beneficial to you. You mentioned the number of focus points for example and most of the time I use one point as the focus will move all around. At the point you think you may want to upgrade, consider renting the camera for a few days to see if you will be happy with the step up. I think at some point you will want more camera, but that one will do quite a bit of what you want.
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few mon... (show quote)

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Apr 9, 2014 09:15:29   #
Alois
 
There will always be better camera body even if you get the best one today.

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