olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Based on my own preferences (so keep that in mind) YMMV: D7500 refurbs under $600 now, D7200 even less, (and then there is FF and MILC)....... and don't discount the ability to be able to use all the great old lenses prior to AF-S and AF-P (via in camera motor/screw drive) from Nikon and (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc.), I enjoy that aspect nearly everyday... and I have lenses ranging form AF-P & AF-S back to old full manual. I also enjoy the larger "form factor" of the D7xxx series and larger cameras, the D3xxx/D5xxx cameras feel "dinky" to my hands, and unbalanced with many of my larger lenses. If the articulating screen is important to your needs, then ignore this input.

Like some photogs, I find the larger heavier bodies & lenses easier to hold steady than the lightweight plastic stuff....but that is "just me", everyone has different needs and preferrences.

I recently picked up a D7200 for <$550 delivered, to compliment my D7100...... have since parted with my D3200 (to small) and now will probably let go of my best D90 (was my backup, hardly used) and my workhorse D90, lots of miles on that one.

It is your choice, enjoy whatever you go with!

srt101fan

I think you should seriously consider CHG-CANON's question posed on the first page. What camera capabilities/features are you missing now that are holding you back?

Having said that, I have a Nikon D5300 and love it! The articulated screen is very helpful in some high-angle, low-angle shooting scenarios, especially if your body doesn't bend and crouch as well as it used to....

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Good response.
I lay down on the ground and have done so since my late 30s due to injuries.
It works very well.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I agree but getting back up is H--l.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Take the jump with mpb and purchase a D7200. Had internal motor.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

There's very little difference between the D5500 and the D5600.

I think the most pertinent comparison would be either of those models vs your current D3400, to see if the various improvements are worth the cost:

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D5500-vs-Nikon-D3400

I agree with some others, if you are going to go to the trouble of upgrading, it might be worth considering the D7200 or D7500. Either of them would give you a better AF system with a bigger, brighter viewfinder.... as well as ability to autofocus more lenses than can be done with any of the D3000-series or D5000-series cameras.

Compare these to what you have now, too:

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D7200-vs-Nikon-D3400
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D7500-vs-Nikon-D3400

Since you noted that it might be an important consideration, be aware that the D7500 has an articulated Touch screen, while the D7200 doesn't. OTOH, the D7200 has dual memory card slots and is 24MP (versus 21MP in the D7500).

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The D5200 and D5600 is a slight upgrade (a few more bells & whistles) over the D3400 but it's not a matter taking your photography to a different level. You'll get the same photo quality out of the D3400 as you would out of a more expensive D7500.

Dick B

I have a D5100 that I used and loved for years, then it was damaged by salt water splashes, so I researched repair places, and new camera. In the end the camera was repaired by Precision Camera and I highly recommend them, and I bought a new D7500 after much research and comparing features.
You need to ask yourself what features you want in a new camera, I put environment sealing on the top of my list, but your list will be different. I'll say this the D7500 is slightly bigger and heavier than my old body and I spent a great deal of time worrying about that before I bought the D7500, But after I actually had the camera Its really not an issue at all it still fits in same camera bag, and actually the D7500 fits my hand much nicer. The D7500 is a much, MUCH more capable camera. Even when you compare features that appear in a spec sheet the same. For example both cameras are capable of in camera HDR but the difference is amazing. The D5100 requires extensive digging around in multiple menus to set it up, and then takes one HDR photo and resets itself to non HDR. The D7500 lets you setup HDR for one photo or many in a single menu setting and allows some control of the amount of exposure adjustment. What I'm trying to say is this... which camera will suit your needs best is a highly individual choice, and while looking at comparing specs on the web is important there is no substitute for actually having the camera in hand and taking test shoots with it. So go visit your local Nikon dealer and ask to see and use the camera of your choice. So while my experience is with 2 different bodies than the ones your considering I think its still relevant to carefully consider all your potential choices. and yes Nikon runs sales and one is going on now.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Also the d7200 has a better focus system and an inbody motor to allow use of older Nikon lenses. Way better access to the controls and a full stop low light capability.

toxdoc42

If weight is any consideration pick them all up.

I have been photographing for over 60 years. I graduated to Nikons in 1967 with a Nikorrmat then an F2 3 years later. I converted to digital 2 years ago and traded in all of my film Nikons for a D3400. I am looking to add a new body/camera for a safari in February. I have been using the D3400 for 2 years and find it a nice device on trips and for family events. I went to Unique and held a 3500, 5600, 7500 and z50 in my hands. The 7500 was pretty much eliminated because it seemed just too heavy. The z50 is amazing, is available with a 2 lens kit and lens adapter but will cost 2 times what a 5600 body will and uses a different battery. So I will need to make a serious decision.

By the way, the so called "plastic" bodies of the 3xxx and 5xxx series is polycarbonate, the material used in making a lot of things needing steel-like strength but being light weight, as in some planes.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I also own a D3400. Love the image quality and ergonomics. Instead of spending money on a new camera with the same sensor and processor I chose to upgrade the kit lens to a Tamron f2.8 constant aperture 28-75. Made a big difference to me.
.

tasherlock Loc: Brisbane Qld Australia

There is a big difference between the D3400 and D5300 which I have owned for 4 years now. You only have to look at the menu choices in the 5000 series to see the differences.

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

CHG_CANON,
Thanks for the reply. I am doing better with PP. Lr takes time and I am just getting started with Ps. I think part of my issue with sharp focus is two-fold: 1. I have to have my eyes checked once a year and just did. My vision, close up, has gotten worse in the last 18 months; 2. I am not real steady, so I have started using my tripod more. Will try monopod soon.

Thanks again to you and all.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

For eyesight, can you see the individual AF points in the view finder? Have you configured your camera for Continuous AutoFocus, either on the shutter button or a back-button config? I trust my AF. I put a single point or a small group on the intended subject and start the AF while I compose the shot. When I release the shutter, the camera has been busy focusing the entire time. I've found having my thumb on the BBF is more intuitive and doesn't require any conscience thought while my mind is elsewhere on other issues.

I just got back from the old FL state capitol in Tallahassee at dawn. I go back n forth from the tripod to handheld, of course, in the dark for the 25-sec exposures, the tripod was a must. I used a monopod for years, but feel more confident with IS / VR lenses than in the past. So now it's a tripod or hand-help when a tripod doesn't make sense.

We might want to do a fresh analysis of some example images if focus issues are still an issue you're encountering with your various VR lenses.

BTW: I agree PS is a very powerful tool. But seriously, what in your photography needs more than what LR can do? I'd continue to deepen my LR skills, particularly through the free available video training.