bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

you must just want to cause some s--t, you picked a hell of a time to ask all those questions. after you spent the money. once you buy the camera shut the hell up until you've taken about 500 shots.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

That was post #4 from the OP. This sort of response was not nice.

As I said, this is the type of subject that can cause high emotions.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Worthless comment - does nothing to advance the discussion. You might want to try to contribute something useful.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

to, rehess and gene51, after awhile it bugs me all the people who ask us to decide what camera or lens they should buy. the guy says that he just bought the camera and NOW he wonders if he made a mistake. I would give my new camera a real shakedown before I post that question. i'm old and don't suffer what I consider foolish questions.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I don't necessarily disagree in principle - it is always best to think before you make a decision - but I'm kind of tired of the harsh language being used around here, especially to someone who may not even have known about this place back when the decision was made.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

There is something to be said for respect and cordiality - if you are a self-proclaimed curmudgeon, that's fine. But speaking for my self, I do not appreciate the vitriol and negativity - you are older and supposedly wiser. Perhaps not. Sorry, but absolutely nothing positive or constructive was added to the discussion with your acerbic comments. I know this because the can be deleted and no one would miss them. They were completely self-serving.

Clearly the OP is considering a second purchase, and possibly bought his D7100 on impulse, based on various recommendations about what an amazing camera it is, but may be realizing that for his purposes it might not be a good fit. He may be within the return period where he can get something that better fits his needs. That is one possible scenario. So what you call a "foolish question" could be completely valid.

On the other hand, I do not suffer curmudgeons at all. Getting old doesn't entitle you or anyone to be a jerk.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Yet you expect us to suffer your grumpy, unnecessarily rude comments.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

not really, many times i'm positive and eager to help. when I do go off the deep end , I take my lumps. i'll read all those who think I put my foot in it.

dinogi

If your photographic requirements include extracting license plate numbers, street addresses or other small details like faces in a crowd you may want to opt for the larger full frame sensor. The ability to positively identify beyond doubt any part of a photograph may be of critical importance in a courtroom setting. The more detail you can capture, the better the evidence presented to a judge/ jury/ client will be.

From a financial standpoint you should make sure your can offset the additional cost of a full frame rig and high quality glass with your fees.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Once you are a member of one family, Nikon, Canon, or superior one Sony, then you can ill afford to feed both. I am Sony because of Minolta lenses. If I had historically had a drawer full of Nikon or Canon film lenses that fit digital then the decision would be obvious.

Buy your son what you already know and what you have lenses for. Modern cameras are all very good when comparing similar models.
=================
Regarding transfer to the Computer, just remove the memory card and put in a computer card reader.... but always check to have an extra card in your billfold or glove compartment ... ouch if you should go out without extra memory and batteries. And... perhaps even a small super zoom as a backup attached to your belt.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

The neighbor I helped with his decision on a camera and lens took my advice to rent first - and he was able to pass along the cost of rental to his employer.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

What do like better Blondes or Redheads?? In the long run they end up doing the same thing.

dinogi

And they write the rental fees off on their tax return!
Great option sir!
...d

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

The D7100 should work well for you as it performs good in low light and is a very durable camera. If you and your son plan to share the expense and lenses then by all means you should both have Nikons. If you want him to use ONLY his lenses and vise versa, then have him get a Canon. Nikon and Canon both make excellent cameras (and each make a couple of bodies that aren't as good but neither make any bad cameras) and he wouldn't go wrong with either. Having said that, if both of you have Nikons, you will be able to share lenses and accessories back and forth with no trouble. Lenses are expensive for any camera (probably the biggest investment by far in this hobby / profession is lenses. Bodies can be as much as 1 really good lens, Speedlights and portrait strobes, umbrellas, reflectors etc. as much as one or two pretty good lenses etc., so, it is always good to have someone to share the expenses with. AND, since lenses and accessories will usually outlast the bodies, this is an investment that you and he can share and he will be able to pass on to his child if he wants.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It's not so much the brand as the features. If you need a high fps, or very good low light performance, or some other ability, that can lead you to a certain model.

The D7100 is a very good camera. Concentrate on good lenses now.