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Nikon D3100 vs D7000 ...bigger sensor, more field of view?
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Sep 4, 2012 19:04:44   #
RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida
 
I have a D3100 with 3 DX lenses. I've been looking at buying a D7000 body as it offers more features and takes DX lenses.

I know the sensor is a bit bigger on the D7000 and it creates more pixels. Here's my question.

If I shoot a scene with my Nikkor 10-24mm zoom at 10mm, first with the D3100 and then D7000, will the lens capture a wider field (angle) with the D7000? Will there be more of the scene captured on both the left and right side? Will there be more on the top and bottom?

Inquiring minds want to know ...

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Sep 4, 2012 20:23:02   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
The sensor is the same size.
You get exactly the same image, angle -wise.
There are a few more pixels with the D7000, giving you more resolution and the capability of making slightly higher-quality, larger prints. Based on pixel count alone, they are so close, no one will be able to tell the difference. Image quality- the D7000 rates better and has many usable more features. Your DX lenses will work fine on the D7000.
It's a great camera.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D3100-vs-Nikon_D7000

Lenses make a big difference.
Good glass is expensive, but lasts longer than camera bodies. Think of them as an investment.
The first time I put the 17-55 2.8 DX lens on my Fuji S2, I was amazed. At that time, Nikon wasn't making full -frame cameras and as far as I can tell, it was the only professional level DX-only lens they made. I think I got it about 9 years ago still use it daily on the D7000.

I won't buy any more DX-only lenses. They aren't going to take advantage of the full-frame sensor cameras that have already come out and more in the future.

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Sep 4, 2012 20:55:17   #
madcapmagishion
 
What GoffyNewfie said! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

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Sep 4, 2012 21:58:27   #
RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida
 
Thanks, GoofyNewfie!

I read an online comparison (the same as your link) where the D7000 was said to have a bigger sensor by 10%. That's why I asked the question. But, you suggest that the sensor is the same size?

My favorite lens is my Nikkor 10-24mm zoom. It costs 50% more than my D3100 with kit lens. I was thinking that with the D7000 I'd get more image area and more pixels for my software to play with. Finally, larger enlargements.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:04:15   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
Essentailly the same:
D7000- 23.6x15.6mm vs D3100- 23.1x15.4mm
Not enough to matter.
The megapixel differnence isn't enough to make a big difference either... 16.1 vs 14.2 - unless they have a magnifying glass and have nothing better to do, no one will be able to tell the difference in a print based only on the pixel count.

What the camera does with that sensor makes a bigger difference. Exceptional high iso quality- about as good as the full frame D700.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:07:26   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Essentailly the same:
D7000- 23.6x15.6mm vs D3100- 23.1x15.4mm
Not enough to matter.


Ah, so size doesn't matter? Hmmmmm.

;-)

Just did the math. If those dimensions are correct, then the area is 368.16 sq mm vs 355.74 sq mm. Hardly 10%-- more like 4.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:08:04   #
RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida
 
Well then ... I should probably keep my money in my pocket and keep on with my D3100. I do like the results. It doesn't offer AEB, but I solved that with a Promote Control.

Take a look at some of my work at the link below and tell me if you think the D7000 might lead to better results, please ...http://www.flikr.com/exhibit_images

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Sep 4, 2012 22:11:36   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Essentailly the same:
D7000- 23.6x15.6mm vs D3100- 23.1x15.4mm
Not enough to matter.


Ah, so size doesn't matter? Hmmmmm.

;-)


It's how you use it.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:14:56   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
GoofyNewfie wrote:
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Essentailly the same:
D7000- 23.6x15.6mm vs D3100- 23.1x15.4mm
Not enough to matter.


Ah, so size doesn't matter? Hmmmmm.

;-)


It's how you use it!


Reminds me of a Maria Muldaur tune-- but I think I should quit!

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Sep 4, 2012 22:18:14   #
madcapmagishion
 
Very nice photos on Flikr, I have shot some of the same scenes when I had day passes from the VA hospial in G-ville but with an old Canon A560 Powershot. I just moved up to a D3100 less than a year ago and am now considering a D700 FF camera, as I don't believe I want another DX camera again.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:19:31   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
RVDigitalBoy wrote:
Well then ... I should probably keep my money in my pocket and keep on with my D3100. I do like the results. It doesn't offer AEB, but I solved that with a Promote Control.

Take a look at some of my work at the link below and tell me if you think the D7000 might lead to better results, please ...http://www.flikr.com/exhibit_images



I like your stuff! I'm really impressed.
What program are you running these through?
I like HDR and think you're making great use of your camera.
With the post-proccessing you are doing, probably not going to see that much difference.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:19:49   #
RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida
 
Hmmmmmm! D700 ... now I have to check that out.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:23:07   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
RVDigitalBoy wrote:
Hmmmmmm! D700 ... now I have to check that out.


You'll have to invest in all new lenses.
I'd wait to see what the D600 has to offer (24mp) or just get a D800 (36mp).

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Sep 4, 2012 22:31:02   #
RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida
 
Okay, It's not burning a hole in my pocket so, I'll be patient and research more.

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Sep 4, 2012 22:41:02   #
RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida
 
Quote:
I like your stuff! I'm really impressed.
What program are you running these through?
I like HDR and think you're making great use of your camera.
With the post-proccessing you are doing, probably not going to see that much difference.


My HDR I run through Photomatix Pro 4 (default). Then I access photoFXlab and all their plugin filters through Photoshop Elements 10.

I've learned to skip Photomatix on single exposures as Topaz filters are great. I especially have come to love their Remask 3 filter. I can mask out the sky through any foilage.

My only mistake in buying the D3100 was the discovery later of HDR and learning that there was no AEB functionality. So, I learned to manually bracket. But that can be painfully slow. I solved that for $349 with a Promote Control from Promote Systems.

I was looking at it for its time-lapse ability. But, when I learned that it automates exposure backeting down to 1/3 EV and up to 45 exposures (including HDR time-lapse), I jumped all over it.

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