billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sorry, but personally I prefer the D500 over the D7500 for sports and wildlife. The D500 shots are 10 fps, the D7500 does not. The D500 has the same dual focusing system as the D5 and D850, the D7500 does not.
Are you sure you are not talking about the D5000?

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Thanks for all your replies. I'm sure he has enough to go on now - and I'll be able to assist him on any non Nikon specific queries.

He had a mistype when he contacted me and his existing camera is a D5100. Me, not being a Nikon afficienado did not immediatley pick up the D500 was top of the bunch.

Again, thanks and apologies. Hopefully he'll join us one day.

Dr. John

I went through the succession of D7000, then D7100 and finally D7200, then upgraded to full frame D750. I was very happy with the D7200 it seemed to make an appreciable difference compared to the two previous models. Then the snob in me awakened and I simply HAD to have the D750. The most awesome camera I've EVER owned and I went through the FM, N70, then F5 (snob again!) and the digitals D40x and the four above. D750 is simply awesome! I also have the Z6 and I love it as well. So there are definitely a number of options to consider as the D750 has dropped in price quite dramatically in recent months. The FX glass is obviously more expensive but some shots are clearly worth it as is the much better low light performance. My advice/recommendation would be a D750 with a 24 -120 mm kit lens.

ELNikkor

The D7500 can do something the D500 can never do; pop up a flash! (That feature alone would have me choosing the D7500.) It is more camera than the D5100, (which I also have), though the D5100 screen is fully articulated, while the D7500 screen only adjusts up and down. The single card slot is no deterrent, as one card can shoot both RAW and jpeg at the same time, and in the past 10 years, I've never had a card fail ever. The D7500 would be a step up from the D5100, as it has some of the best refinements in the DX format Nikon has ever produced for its DSLRs. That said, a new era is dawning throughout the camera world. The mirrorless DX Z50 gets rave reviews, and the Z6 is even better, if he wants to venture into full frame.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Yes, the D7500 has a pop up flash, the down side is because it has a pop up flash it is not weather sealed. Again, there is really no comparison. They are two completely different camera's for different purposes.
99.9% of the folks who own the D500 really could care less if it has a pop up flash. Every time I go out in a heavy fog, I am happy I do not have a pop up flash.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Carbon fiber is NOT plastic, much stronger. some aircraft parts are made out of carbon fiber.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you want to make enemies, say something true about Nikon.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"I went from a D5100 to the D500. I must say the better camera did NOT make me a better photographer."

Neither going from a D5100 to a D7500 will make anybody better either. I have my own way of judging upgrading, if the new camera will have features that are essential for my photography upgrade is in order. Upgrading is something that comes up very often in this forum. People want the best and the latest and the result is that they sell cameras in excellent condition for the delight of those that buy them. Two cameras come to my mind, the D3 and the D700, ancient cameras to say the least when it comes to technology, both with 12 megapixels and both as capable as more modern models with more megapixels. If you have never seen a 20x30 enlargement from a D3 you are for a treat when you see one.

Another old camera that I admired was the D200. The D200 with its first generation of Nikon colors offered gorgeous enlargements. I have tried to imitate those colors with my present cameras without success.
If your friend has no special needs and the D5100 has served him well perhaps a better lens would be a better solution than buying a new camera.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

In my opinion, adding a D7500 would not lead your friend towards a more serious photography interest. Unless you consider having 2 camera bodies doing that. The D7500 would actually be a step down in camera sophistication and capabilities. Adding a D800.. series body, or adding a Z6/7 would move him forward. But that would also entail purchasing new lenses as well.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Nikon is better than Canon..

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Festus Loc: North Dakota

No truer words spoken!

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

So i began my kit with the same dilemma.

I decided on full frame. It is a substantial investment in the long run as it really is the entire kit including post production etc. But a true step up. All his old lenses will work, so he won't be farther behind than a top of the line crop sensor camera. But he will have the option of beginning to collect FX lenses. Some primes are very reasonable and excellent. Get a FX 24-70 and he could probably get away with nothing further. I went primes, but have seen excellent results from FX Zooms.

Depends on the ultimate direction he is headed.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

When I was looking to upgrade from a D3400, I looked at the D7500. I found a used 7200 and was given the same advise you gave, RLL, and bought it. Very happy with it.