Edu Loc: Ecuador

Hello to all you Nikon users. I use Sony cameras so I'm at a disadvantage when a good friend of mine asked me to recommend what Nikon camera would be the next step or steps up from a D5300. I would greatly appreciate any input from Nikon users so that I can advise my friend.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

In the US, Sony has replaced Nikon as #2 in full-frame, maybe they should be considering Sony ...

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

In the APS-C line, which is what the D5300 is, the D7200 would be a good upgrade.

BebuLamar

Next step up is the 7200. Next newer one is the 5500 and then the 5600. But why would one wants to go to the next step. Investigate the entire line up and see which one is best. You don't have to do it by step.

Edu Loc: Ecuador

The reasoning behind next step is $$$$. So D7200 and what follows that one. By the way thanks for your advice.

Edu Loc: Ecuador

I know that for me, Sony floats my boat. But many down here like the Nikon name recognition.

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

I'm in the same boat as your friend; I have a D5200, which has worked very well for me for several years and for which I have several lenses, but I am now feeling the "need" to upgrade soon.

Lots of people here will urge you to move to an FX format camera, just ignore them. If your friend is asking you for a recommendation, he or she has no need for an FX format camera.

This essentially leaves 4 choices in the DX format. The choices are: D5500/5600, D7200, D7500 or D500. Of course, your friend could go to another format or vendor, but I'm just conveying my thought process here.

The D5500/5600 is more of the same as the D5200/5300 with some more bells and a couple of new whistles. For me, it's not worth the upgrade.

The D7200: I've considered this one very seriously and may still decide on that one, but for now, it's not my choice. I like the added features and card slots and the faster processor and so on. Downside, it's 2 years old technology.

The D7500: This is even more serious for me because it has the focusing system of the D500 but it's missing some of the D500's power. In other words, it's a baby D500. It's current technology and at a better price point than the D500. It's still possible this one might be my next one.

The D500: This is my current choice as it embodies all the features I want and provides for a great leap in upgrade. I've read all manners of reports on it and followed may threads here about it.

I will make a decision and a purchase before the end of the year, but for now my D5200 soldiers on.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

The Nikon D500 is Nikon's top of the line APS-C camera. The D7500 would be between the D7200 and the D500. The D7500 is newly released and opinions seem to be mixed.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Really? Sony is number 2?

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Many down here don't care about names, just capabilities.

To answer your question, a D7200 would be the next step up in crop sensor bodies.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

In sales.

Edu Loc: Ecuador

Looks like the D7200 it is. Thank you all.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

However, the issue was upgrade in Nikon. The user may already have lenses and it would be silly to get rid of the camera AND lenses to start over with a Sony. However, there is nothing wrong with the Nikon brand... Nikon, Canon and Hasselblad are still the big 3 (not in any particular order) for the upper echelon of professional photographers. Sony is a good camera system but it hasn't developed the reputation amongst the upper echelon of professionals. Like everyone else, when their income and reputation depends on both equipment AND skills (and also they probably already have a huge investment in lenses), they are slow to throw out models that are compatible with what they are familiar with to begin learning a new setup.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

D500: it is brilliant. Mine has never let me down and the autofocus is stunning. Stick a Nikkor 200 - 500mm f5.6 or 300mm f4 PF VR on the end and it provides endless satisfaction.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

D7200 or D500. If he wants FF, I would recommend the D750.