D3100 upgrade (Page 2): Me? I'd go for the D3500 - no problems with the changeover re-lens compatability, menus and so on.

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

Me? I'd go for the D3500 - no problems with the changeover re-lens compatability,
menus and so on.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Don't overlook the D7100 if you can find a nice copy.

Bonsai123 Loc: Puerto Rico

D7200 or D500

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Ditto the D7200.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Since you're looking to upgrade your current Nikon, it may be worth your while to check out both the Z5 and Z50. There are some significant advantages to mirrorless cameras when compared to DSLR's which is why I'm shooting much less with my D3S and D800E.

Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago

kmielen wrote:

So many choices..... I too, had (almost) settled on the D7500. Then I realized for about the same money I can get a refurb Z5 from Nikon. Only problem with that choice will be all the glass I'll need to eventually replace.

With the FTZ adapter, there is no “need” to replace your glass, unless you choose to do so. I have a Z6 and a number of Nikkor SLR lenses that I use. I may buy a couple Z lenses in the future, but only because of their size/weight (for travel purposes) or it’s a lens that I don’t already have (and really want).

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

kmielen wrote:

So many choices..... I too, had (almost) settled on the D7500. Then I realized for about the same money I can get a refurb Z5 from Nikon. Only problem with that choice will be all the glass I'll need to eventually replace.

You may need to assess your glass to assure compatibility with a Z50 adapter; otherwise you will be facing purchase of new MILC lenses. OTOH, MILC is the future direction. To me it's not urgent because DSLRs will not just dry up and blow away. They'll be around for quite a while.

John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia

What capability are you trying to add/expand?

I upgraded to the D5600. With every series (D3XXX, D5XXX, D7XXX) you get more control/options/decisions for every picture. For me, the fully articulated screen for ground level was the deciding factor over the D3500.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Z50 body only with the FTZ adapter would be $100 over your budget. And if I was going that way I’d want the Z50 with the 2 lens kit for those sweet Z mount lenses, (about $1200 and another $250 for the adapter). If that’s untenable then I’d look at the D7500.

dkburrows72 Loc: Lake George, NY

I recently upgraded from a D3300. I decided on the D7500 because I wanted the moveable touchscreen back. There are a couple of drawbacks for the D7500 to be aware of though (as compared to the D7200). The D7500 only has a single SD card slot, and it doesn't have a vertical grip available from Nikon like the D7200 does. The only vertical grip I could find online is one from Vello, which requires an external cord in order to work.

I am very happy with the D7500 so far though. Great low light capabilities, shoots at 8 fps, decent size frame buffer for continuous shooting.

Good luck with your decision. I second the recommendation for cameradecision.com. Very informative!

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

axiesdad wrote:

I love my 3100, but I know there have been a lot of changes since it came out (mine is at least seven years old). I would like to upgrade with a used or refurb that would be compatible with my lenses and not spend a fortune, like less than a thousand bucks. Any suggestions?

D7500 is awesome

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

axiesdad wrote:

I love my 3100, but I know there have been a lot of changes since it came out (mine is at least seven years old). I would like to upgrade with a used or refurb that would be compatible with my lenses and not spend a fortune, like less than a thousand bucks. Any suggestions?

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I'd suggest a D7100 or D7200 as a replacement. Check into refurbished or used with a low shutter count.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

D7200

Don

kcooke Loc: Alabama

My wife upgraded from D3100 to D3500. Right now they are $600 with 18-55 kit lens. Don’t know if you can buy body only. She is happy. Much higher picture quality too

kc48girl

I had a 3100, when shopping I learned that Nikon created new models based on research of what generation of people were purchasing cameras. The 7000models were designed for younger people who bought up, assumed 7000 to the 7200 was an upgrade, when the main change was the lcd screen. Ask lots of questions read lots of reviews. If you have a few lenses, you will need to choose a crop sensor camera. I am ameture at best but what was important to me was speed. The 3100 is about 4 frames per second, my new Nikon D500 is 9 1/2 fps
and is super easy to use. There are tons of features you probably will not use ever.. I am giving my daughter the 3100 with a couple of kit lenses as I can't adapt to it anymore. Take your time there's a lot to learn. Love my D500