Elmo55 Loc: Illinois

Needless to say that this question has furnished me with a lot of different opinions and ideas (and that's the purpose of joining this forum)! For the record tho--I am content with the DX format as all my lenses are DX and it does the job for me. At my tender "young" age of 77 years and 11 months, we really don't know how long I will be able to continue, so why change formats. I have decided (with your help) to stay the course for the time being with my current gear (I still think the D7200 would be a lot of fun to learn and play with). Incidentally, there has been a couple questions with regards to the photo I attached. So here goes: No PP. Taken at sunrise with the D5300 in "A" priority with a Tamron 18-400, 1/60 s, F-22, ISO 10000. I again want to take this opportunity to thank all of you that contributed to this topic, you helped. For the selfie--same lens, in A priority, 1/4 s F-22 and 12800 ISO. Elmo

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stevefrankel

I've suffered from severe GAS for 40 years. That said, I'd resist this trade because little upgrades will eat you alive when trading in stores and via eBay or Fred Miranda. I'd aim for the skies. Right now, before you accumulated lots of lenses, I'd look at the $1995 Nikon full-frame or the Sony a7 IIIat the same price. They will really make a difference in your photography. Also I'd look at the SonyRX100M6 at $1195 or the Fujifilm X100F as these are classics that will retain their value. Probably the best buy right now is the Sony x7Rii, whose price has dropped more than 50% to $1495. Also consider working with a reliable store (I lik Adorama) to trade your gear in and buy USED gear from them that's returnable for 30 days. Trading used-for-used is the only viable was of managing severe GAS. See my blog article on trading cameras. https://www.meetup.com/The-Los-Angeles-Photography-Group/events/256792607/

Bipod

This is really good advice.

The SD card slot contacts are the Achilles heel of any digital camera.
One would think manufacturers would design that assembly to be easily
replaceable, but most don't.

The problem is the slot: you have to push the card past where it seats,
and there is latch. Too complex, too much mechanical wear.

It might be possible to design a top loaded SD connector -- no slot -- lay the
card in and close a door. But it would take up a lot of real estate.

These are the kinds of design issues that need to be addressed--not more
megapixels.

You know, I don't have to send my Bronco back to Ford to have the
spark plugs changed...

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

If one doesn't want to retire a card once it is full, why not leave it in the camera, download the images to an external device, (PP software, hard drive, flash drive/memory stick etc.), leave the card in the camera and format it when it is either full or after the download? This would eliminate the wear & tare on the internal components of the camera and card? Sounds simple enough to me. Comments?

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have never had a problem with either SD or CF cards and their slot. I am careful to put in and take out straight. I have only downloaded to my computer with the camera cable once, just to test the cable to see if it is a good one (yes, I have gotten bad ones, long ago). Too slow for me and it drains the camera battery.

Hmm, hope my co-worker Mr Murphy isn't paying attention. He might decide to give me my first case of a damaged card slot.

Bipod

Good point.

Fortunately, almost all cameras use industry standard USB insterface (version II or whatever).
UNfortunately, there are 20 different USB connectors! Here are the most commmon ones:
http://www.l-com.com/content/USB-Connector-Chart.html

I have to have seven different cables (or adapters) to use my USB devices. Not convenient.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

After reading everyone’s response, I agree with this idea. Look at all your choices. I have a D5000; then upgraded to a D7100; then upgraded to a D500. I sold the D7100 and kept the D5000 as a backup. All three cameras take excellent pictures. The differences, for me, is the better focus system on the D500 and its low-light ability. Two card slots is definitely a big plus for me. You don’t have to be a professional to be devastated if you lose your pictures due to a card failure. Cameras without two slots is a deal breaker for me. I set mine to backup and it has saved my butt due to human error! I did miss the fully articulated screen of the D500, but that’s all. It was my “learning” camera. Other things you gain from an upgrade are the convenience of buttons instead of menus for the most often changed functions. That’s what I noticed most when I got the D7100. However, I sold the D7100 because it gave me very grainy pictures in a low light situation. I don’t have that problem with the D500, using the same lens and the same settings.

Bottom line to the OP, look at ALL your options. THE 7200 is DEFINITELY a worthwhile upgrade if you can’t afford a newer option.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Good advice! I have and love the Sony a7iii. It is my travel camera. I also take the Sony RX100iii as a backup (if something happens to this camera, I would replace it with the 6). I limit my Sony lenses to three, slightly different than your choices. Right now I have four! I’m evaluating the new 16-35/2.8 to see if I really need to keep the 10-18/4 crop sensor lens (giving me 12-16). I read the blog on your camera kit and using the lenses in crop mode is a good idea.

I’m not ready to give up the Nikon D500, though. It is still my best and favorite camera. The Sony cameras get plenty of use, too. They get used when I want something lighter and smaller. My Sony a7iii and three lenses plus extra batteries, etc. fits into a Tamrac Velocity 7 bag that I snagged on eBay for $25.