cygone Loc: Boston

If you're a LONG way from mastering the 3200 than you're gonna be even a longer way too mastering the 7100.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I did not "master" my D90. What does that even mean?
Still, I am glad I upgraded to full frame-the 700 and 800E. I learned more by upgrading than stuck trying to "master" the D90. You learn by moving forward.

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

When I first joined UHH, I immediately asked whether it would make sense for me to upgrade my 2-year-old Canon 60D to something else. I considered a 7D, 70D and a 6D and eventually decided to purchase the 70D. I was having focus problems with my 60D and probably could have watched a few videos, reviewed the manual and worked out my problem without a new equipment purchase. Instead I purchased a 70D, which I love. I spent time learning how to focus the 70D, with its numerous focal points, and all is well. However, I still wonder whether I really needed to upgrade. I could have spent the time learning to focus the 60D and saved some serious $$$$. I confess to a case of GAS.

manderson Loc: Northeast Nebraska

Mr. Wingnut, I think part of the problem is you read about what others here use for cameras and you think that your camera must be inferior. I have a D3000 and D5000. Old by some peoples standards, but still good working cameras. A newer upgrade in cameras will not improve your photos, YOU improve your photos. Obviously faster glass and improvements in your lenses are helpful. A good photographer can take great photos with any camera. I remind myself of that every time I get a case of gear acquisition syndrome. When I get to the point where my photo abilities are hindered by the camera, then it's time for an upgrade. But if you already have the idea that you need a new camera, no one here is going to change your mind.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

My two cents, if you are just starting, the difference between the cameras won't make a lot of difference. You should learn to use your present camera, and next year, or the following, you can upgrade to the newer version, if you want to.
Sure there is a huge difference between the two cameras, but you might not be able to notice the difference if you are not proficient.
Get proficient first, and then the upgrade will be money well spent. Your first car is not a Porsche.

TeT Loc: Houston

Bunch of hogwash in here:

1st learn how to deal with what you have.

Figure out how to take low light photos with that camera when all you have is F4 and narrower. make full use of the available ranges. Take lots of pictures.

Then upgrade... you will appreciate it much more and be a better photographer for stretching the capabilities of what you have now...

There are plenty of D7100 owners out there who can't shoot worth a lick.
Cameras, except in very extreme instances (edge of performance) wont lose you any shots. Your knowledge of the workings will..

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Well said TeT. Too many people think that by buying an expensive camera, they will take good pictures. Camera makers try to push this, because they want to sell the products that they make.
But it really doesn't matter what camera you use, if you can't use it you can't take good pictures. The lens makes more sense to upgrade, but if you are starting out, the kit lens is more than good enough to learn on.
Look at all the great photographers from the 30's. The equipement used now is way better, but if your pictures are not as good, it is you , not the camera that is the limiting factor.

LyneLa Mesa

If you purchase a new camera today, chances are in six months there will be something else you may wish you had. If you are unhappy with the D3100, buy something new. I feel I was in the same situation as you a year ago. I heard about all these cool better camera and started feeling my camera was not up to snuff. I held off upgrading, and feel I now know more about what will make me happy. I know I am committed to learning photography. I have enough camera knowledge to make a more informed purchase and I am also okay with spending more money than I might have. I love my camera and will one day upgrade to a full-frame. In six months you will be more informed to make the right choice for you.
I am hearing two arguments, if you have the means go ahead and upgrade now. Learn on better equipment. The other argument is learn more first so you make a more informed decision on what fits your needs. You can upgrade every year if you want. There will always be something bigger and better, or learn the craft a little and upgrade to equipment that you will be happy with for a longer period of time. Do you buy a new car every year or every 10 years?

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Ok, True story. My first digital was a D3100 (before the D3200 came out) I used it and learned a lot with it, over time I realized that it just couldn't do what I wanted to do with it. It it a good camera? yes, it's a great camera. I just outgrew it. So I upgraded to the D7000, at the time it was Nikon's top of the line DX body (of course, the D7100 was announced just two days after I received my D7000. Go figure). Anyway, lately I've had the urge to step up to full frame (see thread http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-199047-1.html )In the end, I decided to hang on to my D7000 a while longer because I really haven't outgrown it after all. (Yet)

clh3RD

I went through the process of comparing the D7100 and the new D5300, at least based on published specifications. D5300 cost quite a bit less than the D7100. But the real issue for me is very simple: I want the best image quality at the best price. The D5300 and the D7100 have the same 24 mp sensor and both have done way with the optical low pass filter. My fist shots with the D5300 have been a little better than I expected -- resolution was terrific. I am very happy. Oh, I got the 10-24 mm lens and used the new camera and lens at the same time. I have a good way to go but I am happy with both.