Then good for you photoqueen ! I see you've been a member here since February. Wait a few months and you'll discover what I mean ! There are simply loads of people who don't "know the differences" as you say, and purchase the wrong camera. Very few are told during any sales presentation that the D3000/D5000 series cameras don't have that focus motor. I'm happy that you did your research.

And I'm afraid you're making a huge assumption if you thought I was in any way trying, or intending "to squash" anyone's, or your own, " well thought-out plans". Nothing further from my mind - I try to be "the helpful type" of member here !

Hoping to get some input on what camera to buy. I have narrowed it down to Nikon D3200, D5200 or D7000. I have found a great deal that the D7000 is only $100 more than the D5200 but I am worried that it may be too hard for a first timer and I will lose interest, but worried I will quickly outgrow the D3200 and I have a hard time going with the D5200 since I can get the D7000 for only $100 more but guess I should be more focused on usability than price difference. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it. Not a novice photographer but last time I had anything besides point and shoot (Elph) or cell phone camera was back in the 35mm days. It’s been 12 years since I used my 35mm camera. My interests include: landscapes/nature, animals, flower close ups, my dogs - least favorite is portrait. I also would like to try my hand at night photography one day. I used to live in Alaska and loved the Northern Lights and always wanted to photograph them but never did. I live in Oklahoma now out in the country and sometimes we have spectacular moon and clouds that would be awesome to try and capture. Any input between the 3 choices would be so helpful. I keep reading reviews and one day it’s one camera then another review makes me lean toward a different one, sigh wish it was simpler to make up my mind. It’s a lot of money to spend and then regret. Thanks in advance for any advice, input, direction, command...etc.

Coming from a P&S only a few months ago and researching very similar cameras (3200/5200/7100), I settled on the 3200 to get started. I have to admit that I wasn't aware of the lack of motor in the camera when I bought it. However, I do not miss it that much for the vast majority of my shooting. I personally, prefer to manual focus 95% of the time. I rarely even use AF-S on my lenses that have it.

Regardless of what anyone says about needing no more than 6-10MPs for anything, I would have been left wanting if I had settled for less than 24MP for my type of photography.

The D7100 is in my sights for my next step up but, I don't see myself out growing out of the D3200 for quite some time to come. I have tried out the D7100 in the field, really like the feel and where the buttons are located. I'm also glad I didn't start with it.

I personally don't miss the motor in the camera. I suppose some people couldn't live without it.

There is no single correct answer for everyone.