PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

It's a very good photo, why change anything. Which kit lens did you use. I have a d7100 and unless it breaks, I hope it is the last camera I own.

Nikon1201

The 7200 is a good camera . You need to read about or on utube about focal length , depth of field and focusing. I had a 7100 and took perfect pics. In some cases it’s not the camera.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

I would like to add my 2¢ to olemikey's comments and ask a question as well. First off I am an photography enthusiast, which is in my opinion, is not even at the armature level. I recently purchased a D7200 as well as both of David Bush's books on the camera, the compact field guide and full edition. I am roughly half way through reading, and applying to the camera, what is in the compact version. To say that it has been very helpful would be a gross understatement. I would encourage you to at least purchase the compact version and begin reading, (from the first page), and applying the knowledge gained to your camera. Even though I am a hands on person who learns from trial & error, this book, and his recommendations where made, have helped me so much more than trial & error would ever do.

My question is where can I find information that goes into detail regarding understanding what information the histogram provides?

I hope that you begin to enjoy your D7200 as much as I am beginning too.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

The net is your friend, and there are many threads about the subject on UHH (just search histogram via the search tab). There are some youtube videos on histograms, and tutorials on what the "mountain range" in the histogram means, and some of the guidebooks (like my Darrell Young "Mastering the D7100") touch on it. Foxfirerodandgun and many others will tell you "you've got some learnin to do", if you are really interested in furthering your understanding of photography, and how to make that camera do what your mind desires.

I only mentioned the histogram because the OP touched on it, but they can tell you an awful lot about your exposure, and you can alter it in processing. While I learned photography as a film shooter, the modern capabilities make the learning process so much more fun and with nearly instantaneous results. I read something that intrigues me, and I'm out in the yard shooting and back in downloading and processing so I can see if I understand/improved/or at least am on the right path. Not meaning to sound condescending, but the equipment is only part of the deal, you are the pilot, you have to fly the plane! Good luck in your quest.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

Thank you. Even though I've used SLR & DSLR cameras since the mid 80's to take snapshots, I've only recently developed the urge to delve more deeply into the actual mechanics of photography and take quality photographs. This "pilot" is still doing the walk around before taxing out onto the runway to prepare for take off.

Rickoshay Loc: Southern California

That is a lot of questions! Nice photo btw.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Every now and then a camera comes out that almost everyone agrees is a gem. The 7200 is one of these. It's fast and powerful, takes pictures of great quality, comes from a super reputable company, holds up well, falls in a great price range, and on and on. You post one picture and ask if you should get a new camera. There is no hint in your question as to why you think you need one. If you're not at the top of the photographer heap I wonder what you think a different camera will do for you that this one doesn't? No, you don't need a different camera. What you can't do with this one is not a camera problem but an education problem, which is not really a problem at all because of all the great resources available to help you improve your photography, UHH included. Master your 7200. Study photography. Be your hardest critic, and enjoy watching your photographs get better and better. Of course you should shoot raw, as everyone here says all the time. Many of us use the histogram. I do. (Some don't.) When you figure out what it is telling you it can be a great tool.
...Cam

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

With all of the type of questions you ask about are you sure you are ready for any of those things; unless you just have a lot of money to throw at it?

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Exactly my thoughts.

Siemienczuk

When I saw this post I figured this poor guy was going to get roasted. But so far not too bad. I really like it when newer members, often new to digital photography, are nurtured and treated with respect. Good job everyone.

BTW I have a D7200 and agree wholeheartedly with the advice to retain it and immerse yourself in picture taking, processing and learning.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

This is a joke, right? You touched on so many subjects ... I think you just want to see how many responses you get. Naughty, naughty.

sv3noKin51E

Duck72, looks like a great jpg shot from here. All valid comments from other members, we shoot both jpg/RAW. Our D7200 and full-frame bodies are fine. You could try shooting both with the D7200, then learn editing RAW. Free software is available to learn, then pay and/or progress. If you're happy with the D7200, it's way better than some old 'wooden shutter' 35mms we had back in another era. sv

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

Newer members?? He’s been a member for four years! Define “new member?” Give me a break.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Keep the D7200 and shoot with it. Full frame would be nice, but will only begin to show it's capabilities if you start making 16x24" and larger prints. Up to 13x19", there wouldn't be much difference between any of the FF models and what you can accomplish with your 24MP DX camera.

Best use of the money burning a hole in your pocket would be to get better glass to use on the D7200. You said "kit lens", but I don't know what that means. I'm also not knowledgeable enough about the Nikkor lineup to make very specific recommendations. Maybe some other folks can give you some suggestions. Be detailed about what you want to shoot, for the best feedback. For example, if it's butterflies you want to shoot, a long macro lens like the Nikkor 200mm might be in your future.

Another good use of your money would be post-processing software and classes/books so you know how to use it. I'd recommend starting with something like Adobe Elements 2019.... all in one and fairly easy to learn to use. Maybe later graduate to the Photoshop/Lightroom combo (though it's not really necessary for most photographers).

Yes, BY ALL MEANS you would be better shooting RAW. This particular image came out well as a JPEG, but any in the future that need adjustment, there's much more latitude to do so with RAW than with JPEGs. If you wish and have sufficient memory cards and hard drive storage space, shoot RAW + JPEG. That way you can have both instantly usable images and can experiment with improving upon the results working with the RAW.

Finally, if you don't already have them, treat yourself to a graphics quality computer monitor and calibration device for it.... those will go a long, long way to getting the very best out of your images.

Oh, and yes you need to know how to use the histogram. It is the best feedback in the field to tell you if you are making accurate exposures.

Have fun and keep shooting!

Nikon1201

Maybe UHH should post next to your name the date joined.