Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I currently have a Nikon D7100 and to be honest it meets my needs. I have been into photography since 1967 and now retired and my needs have been greatly reduced. Mostly my photos are of people in church/business presentations or basic activity. I normally have 5 to 10 photos published with newspaper articles each year mostly getting awards or just family type shots. Last year I did a 2 DVD package of historical events shooting documents and stills (2,045 photos) for a scholarship fund. I have been thinking of purchasing a new camera mostly for faster focus, better low light performance and better detail although I am not displeased with my D7100. I am between two camera choices now but have a third coming.

I have not used a full frame camera and can't judge what detail improvements I would receive but the Nikon Z6 on sale now has the AF Eye detection software which would be a great tool. I called Nikon and asked if I purchased the Z6 from them could they send one currently out of production that would not be subject to the recall and was told they cannot, you get what you get. On the other hand, the D500 although not full frame could use all the lens I have (5 that covers my needs) and covers the faster focus and low light requirement.

I would like to know what experienced photographers would choose. The Z6 is now on sale for $2,399.95 with the 24-70 mm lens (4.?) and a free FTZ adaptor which is a savings of $450.00. Currently the D500 body only is $1,499.95 and with the 16-70 mm f2.8 4E ED VR lens which I like it goes for $2,099.95 which is a retail savings of $670.00. While I like the savings, I don't want that to drive my decision.

Would you select one of these or hold off to see what the new D760 due out in the fall has to offer or see which other Nikon cameras will get the AF Eye detection upgrade? Thanks for any input.

dick ranez

I would work with what you have and wait to see what further improvements Nikon offers in mirrorless. You don't appear that unhappy with the 7100 or your existing lens set. If GAS has you severely in it's grasp, the D500 would be an excellent choice for low light (do you really need the lens?). The camera industry is on a "down growth" period so you could reasonably expect sale prices or lower prices over the next few years. While it's tempting to save $500 or so, you can save $2500 or so by keeping your 7100. That money could buy you a faster lens - how about a macro for your copying tasks if you don't already have one?

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Stay with the D7100 and consider purchasing a dedicated fast prime or zoom lens.

RickTaylor

I have a Z7. Absolutely love the camera and the AF eye detection is great. I use it more than my D850.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I started in '69 with a Nikon. We are now too old not to squeeze in some adventure beyond our traditional habits!

Keep the D7100 and continue using it for what you are comfortable doing with it.

Then for the GAS, head down the path to the new world of unique offerings from Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji, etc. Take a test drive of a Sony RX10 or RX100. Try one of the smaller, lighter M4/3 cameras.

If you encourage me, I will share whatever details you might want about my one Sony, three Panasonics, one Olympus and my Samsung. My wife has a couple "unique" cameras too.

Another more "extreme" approach is to consider a new smartphone from Apple, Google or Samsung. Their cameras are amazing.

BebuLamar

Can't really recommend you but let me assume that I were you.
I think the best option is to suppress GAS and buy nothing.
The second best is to buy the Z7 if you like mirrorless.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would not have a GAS attack based upon your info.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Thanks for all the comment and they are each appreciated. I am getting the feeling that I should hold off for now - I hate to ask for advice on something like this - but your comments really does help me reach a logical decision and not just jump without a real reason. Again, Thanks

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Tell us about your FX lenses as well as your DX lenses. You don't just buy a full-frame camera and run it in DX-mode with DX lenses at a smaller pixel resolution than your existing DX body. Well, of course you could, but why? Unless you've budgeted for your lens needs, you're not addressing the full cost and complexity of this idea.

Although the D500 is a wonderful camera, you're paying a premium for the sports-capable frames per second measurement. Ask yourself if you're just burning money on this model instead of f/2.8 or faster DX / FX lenses that will work with (possibly even improve) your D7100.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

My recommendation is to get into mirrorless as quickly as you can afford it and forget DSLR's.
.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

CHG CANON I always appreciate your responses and currently I have a Nikon 18-105 3.5-5.6 that I use mostly. I also have a Tokina 100 2.8 Micro, Nikon 35mm 1.8 G, and a Tamron 18-400 3.5-6.3. I don't use them much but I also have a fisheye, 50 mm, and 2 telephoto lens from a previous Minolta Max that with an adapter I use with manual focus.

I have no FX lens but will purchase what I need should I choose to go with a full frame camera. The reason I said that I did not want to make price the deciding factor is because I have the funds to purchase lens as desired. If I stay with the D7100 for now I will look at a better lens - that is a great idea.

Nothing I shoot is critical because I do it for the fun and never charge, not even for the prints I give away. I do however try to produce a good quality result and like all my hobbies, I like to have good equipment. I am a long way from great but getting back into a hobbie that I have kept at arms length for the past 10 years. I appreciate your comments.

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

I purchased a D7100 when they were first introduced, it was a good choice and has been a great camera. While I have no plans to get rid of the D7100 because it is still used, I also have a full frame Df and it also has been a joy. Having said all of that, I recently jumped into mirrorless and after 7 months sold my first try and purchased the Z6 Nikon. So far I am very impressed, the in- body stabilization, it's low light ability, the electronic view finder and especially the ergonomics. The overall sharpness, even hand held, is amazing.
This one is a keeper!


Phil

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

If you're spending next week's grocery money, stick with what you have.
If you're spending your kids' inheritance, buy the toy tool you want need.
It's always good to be in danger of learning something new.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Thanks for the response Phil, I have always planned to keep the D7100 myself. I was only thinking of the Z6 until they came out with the AF Eye Detection and that was enough to make me serious. I don't want to go through the recall process so I will likely stay with what I have and re-think it after they are producing factory correct versions. I have a granddaughter taking photography in high school so it may become a loaner or trainer for her when she comes to visit.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Well said - thanks!