charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

If you are looking for a new body that will work will all your lenses you might want to look at the d7200 or d500. I have both these cameras and really like them...I had the d5500 but sold it when i got the d7200.

Going with either of these cameras would allow your 70-300 lens to auto focus. If you can afford it and decide to buy a new body I would definitely go for the d500...

Let us know what you decide

Chuck

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

Canisdirus

Upgrade gear ... when you know you have outgrown it...you have developed the skill set to move up.

Upgrade when the gear is the bottleneck.

I don't think that is the case here.

Hammer in the basics...then the intermediate...when you are shooting all manual...and LIKING it...you are getting there.

BebuLamar

Upgrade gear when you have the money. It would give you more fun. And fun is what you're after isn't it?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Not always, trite responses don't take into goals of the OP.
Also eye AF is a God send for many.
Newer Nikon cameras, especially over all Nikon DSLRS, have far superior AF in video as well as the AF for subjects.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If the goal is to enable two ancient Nikon lenses that require a focus motor, going mirrorless IS NOT a valid approach as the FTZ adapter does not provide the necessary focus motor. The magic of eye AF will remain unfulfilled. Worse, a domino of unnecessary equipment purchases would get started.

Canisdirus

Besides that...for video...vintage AF lenses are a no go...noisy as all get up if running a mic.

Video for DSLR lenses...manual focus is the best option...they aren't quiet enough to run native AF...for video.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

As you well know and I have been told and scolded here for years that all Nikon lenses work on all Nikon cameras.
Been told that over and over here by proud Nikon owners.
Tell me it isn't so?
That it has all been lies, how disconcerting.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Upward compatibility ain't what is used to be ....

ecurb Loc: Metro Chicago Area

Look for a D500 body. It's Nikon's top of the line DX camera. You can't do better then that until Nikon brings out a pro model Z camera in DX.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Actually the Z50 compares well to the D500 and surpasses it in many areas including AF capabilities.
Same mp and IQ so no difference there.

yorkiebyte Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR

rbenotti, so fun reading all these posts on how to spend yer Dollas'! Your Idea of getting a D7500 is a Valid idea! JMO, I'd stick wid' it! Your D5xxx is an excellent and ver.sit.tile camera with those two VR lenses. The D7500 will give you use of those G lenses . Top.O.the World with that setup! D500.... meh.... overkill.
~ If I wuz ta' give advice, which I don't like to do, I'd say get a 50mm AF-g or a 35mm AF-g to go with that setup (D5500 n D7500 and your current zooms). Pure fun - and challenging!!

That1NJGuy

I've had a D7200 for about 6 yrs. My lens include Nikon DX 70-200mm f2.8, Nikon 50mm f 1.4, 18-35mm, Sigma 18-35mm 1.8. I feel I cover just about all the bases except for wildlife. I'm happy with it and does a good job for its age and being a crop sensor. If I upgraded, it would be to full frame.

What sold me on it was it's sporting capabilities and 2 card slots.

rbenotti Loc: Massachusetts

This is all great, and good reading.

I should have added - I've had the camera for a year, and have gotten "better" in that time. There is always room for improvement, and I'm not discounting that - hence why I am here. The suggestions in another post last week has given me things to try this weekend. I'm excited to see the results.

That said - yes it is foolish to upgrade and expect pictures to magically become better. I can tell you when I went from the D3000 to the D5500 pictures did get better straight up sport auto (same lens, same gym), but that is changing the processor and 3 fps to 5. Going to the D7500 does that (to a lesser extent with losing 3MP) again. One thing that would help is the fps from 5 to either 6 or 8. I take a fair amount of fast motion multiple shots, and another fps (or 3) would be huge. While timing is part of it, rapid fire picks up shots one would otherwise never get (think timing jumps, or basket toss and the like).

I had a scenario last year, where I was able to compare shots from a my D5500 & a D7500 with the same exact lens (that was pure luck) - both in sport mode at the same event (we were both shooting the same cheer team). The D7500 shots came out better than mine. Setup was pretty close too. Now since then, I've gone to A or M and got better much results. Learning about post processing can clean up a lot of "mistakes" I've made.

I may get to the try a D500 from someone I work with. First I may get to try a 70-200 2.8 VR2 lens with my D5500. I've had the concern it could be the lens I'm using most of the time. Who knows - they are older so to speak.

I'd love a D780, but that is a bit too much for me right now.

rbenotti Loc: Massachusetts

Thanks. I've heard if I get a single distance lens, I may get some stellar shots - I'll just need to focus with my legs. :-)