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Is it worth it to upgrade?
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Apr 8, 2014 06:39:22   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...

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Apr 8, 2014 06:59:26   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few mon... (show quote)

The time for thinking is over. Get the D7100. You bought a Gold Wing rather than a moped. Get the D7100. If you don't, every time you use the D3200, you'll wish you had the D7100.

You can sell the D3200 on ebay or keep it as a second. I'd sell it. If you want a second body, get a D7000 or D7100 refurb. The controls will be the same.

You can take great pictures with the D3200, but the D7100 is a step up, and this hobby is as much about "stuff" as it is about pictures. Make yourself happy. You do deserve it, don't you?

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Apr 8, 2014 07:04:05   #
Jcmarino
 
I agree get the 7100. You may not notice a huge difference at first but once you learn this camera, you will notice a huge difference in the camera handles and then a big improvement in your photos as well.

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Apr 8, 2014 07:07:52   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
I kind of expected that for an answer. .I guess I should have researched things more before getting the 3200, but it seemed way more advanced than my old d70s..Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and is it a hard camera to learn to use?

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Apr 8, 2014 07:10:28   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few mon... (show quote)


If you are already questioning what you currently have then by all means upgrade. You won't be satisfied until you do. Trust me on that one! :D I know nothing about Nikon (except what SharpShooter has posted! We know he wouldn't exagerate! :D ). If the 7100 is a good body, which I assume it is, then you can put that behind you once you upgrade and start looking at lenses and other accessories. It may seem logical to think that the more you buy the shorter the list will get of things you want to buy. Doesn't work that way! At least you will have the camera body out of the way! For now. BTW, despite what others may tell you, if you are determined to learn how to use what you buy then there is no such thing as too big of an upgrade. Buy whatever you can afford that satifies your photographic need and desires.

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Apr 8, 2014 07:13:21   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
I kind of expected that for an answer. .I guess I should have researched things more before getting the 3200, but it seemed way more advanced than my old d70s..Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and is it a hard camera to learn to use?

Picture quality will depend on so many variables. What you have to do is get the D7100, take some pictures, and then say, "Wow! Great pictures." Going from the D3200, you won't be disappointed.

The D7100 is no more difficult to learn or use than the D3200. Also, it has some switches and buttons that the D3200 doesn't have, so you can make adjustments without going into the Menu.

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Apr 8, 2014 07:22:32   #
pat5200 Loc: plano,tx
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few mon... (show quote)


Wingnut, I have the same question about my D5200. To limit an additional post would it be OK to include the D5200 with your post? Thanks for your consideration.

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Apr 8, 2014 07:23:45   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
Thanks..I guess all I have to do now is find somme extra $$.. if I understand it right, the lenses I have for my 3200 will fit the 7100?

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Apr 8, 2014 07:26:05   #
Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Answering your second question- yes, your D3100 lens will work on your new D7100. ;)

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Apr 8, 2014 07:26:36   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
Sure!! I was actually looking at the 5200 as well but figured if I was going to upgrade just do it once instead of getting the 5200 and still wishing it was a 7100

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Apr 8, 2014 07:27:38   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Sure!! I was actually looking at the 5200 as well but figured if I was going to upgrade just do it once instead of getting the 5200 and still wishing it was a 7100


Now you are starting to get this photography thing figured out!

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Apr 8, 2014 07:32:26   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few mon... (show quote)

I'm going to go against the flow (as usual). I think it makes sense for you to use the D3200 until you feel it is limiting you. The D7100 does not have significantly better image quality than the D3200. It's main advantage is operational speed. When you answer one of these questions with "yes" three times, then it's time to upgrade:
* Do I have to use a menu to change something I do often, and with the D7100 I would not need to go to a menu?
* Do I want to do something to take a cool photograph, but the D3200 does not have the capability to do it, while the D7100 does?

The other reason to wait is that you just missed the latest round of rebates and discount, so the D7100 is close to it's highest price. It may be discounted later this year, especially if a D7200 or D9300 are released.

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Apr 8, 2014 07:33:02   #
Kuzano
 
Gear Acquisition Syndrom (GAS) is insidious.

Unless you are restricted by a beer budget and a champagne diet, you will never be satisfied. After the D7100, comes the D800E. Then... hmmm..... "should I have gone with Canon?"

??? what about Sony, after all they lead on Sensor mfr, making them for Nikon....

Will the questions never stop? No, not if that is your mentality.

You already are dealing with the first element of GAS....The distaste for what you now have in your bag, even though you have very likely NOT run into it's limitations. It doesn't sound like you have even explored what "new" glass my do for you?

But the rationale there is, will spending money on new glass just lock me into a model limitation. You already know it will lock you into a MFR selection.

Do you walk by camera stores, with your checkbook and pen in hand. Do you wake up at night in fits and starts with visions of "better" camera's in your hand.

If you work on a building project, are you OK with a 2.25 HP Skil brand power saw, or do you spend the money for a 3.5 HP Makita. Is Black and Decker OK, or must you have a more exotic tool. Does the Makita make cleaner cuts than the Skil brand saw. Well that depends on the blade tooth size and quality of the blade steel, much like better lenses on the camera.

Is that how you think... better camera, better pictures... Yes and no.

But bottom line, it's already too late, and the questions you ask are fruitless. We can't help you if we don't know how you "rationalize" all the things you want in your life.

You are already clearly "DONE" with the 3200. That much is a given simply from your first post.

Buy the D7100 and sleep at night.... at least for a couple of weeks, because that's probably who you are. Tomorrow's camera will be better than the one in your bag today. Of that there is no doubt.

Furthermore, unless you are restricted by a beer budget, you won't miss the money you spend on camera gear, or power saws.....until Retirement!!!

How much did you contribute to retirement in this month's paycheck or income stream.

Boo...Hiss!!! (Hush the voice of reason)

And the last thing to ponder. The D7100 is already getting "long in the tooth". Isn't it due for replacement before the end of 2014??? Hmm?

And who can even guess at the marvelous advancements in the new models. Well, surely the rumor sites have something to offer in that regard... let's go take a peek at www.nikonrumors.com??? OK?

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Apr 8, 2014 07:47:04   #
Kuzano
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few mon... (show quote)


And one more thing Wingnut... remember this well.

All the people who advocate getting the D7100 likely suffer from the same malady you do.

They mostly all spent this months allotment of camera money on their GAS, and the only thing left to do is HELP you spend your money. And for the most part they want you to spend your money on what they bought.

If you want to call that objective advice... shame on you. Platitudes... rationales... justification... and just plain taking you down the same path.

We truly don't know what will make you happy for the long haul.

Rent a D7100 for three months (It will only cost you about 30% of the new price of the body) While you are at it, rent two of Nikon's best lenses for three months as well. Oh wait, you could have purchased the body.

When are one of these companies going to come up with a perpetual lease that allow one camera change a year.

Never... they are not having any problem SELLing their camera's at every model introduction, ie Quarterly across the model ranges.

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Apr 8, 2014 08:01:07   #
lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode
 
wingnut1956 wrote:
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...
Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few mon... (show quote)


No, it wasn't a dumb move.
No you don't need a new camera .... yet.
When you know that camera very well, and you are finding that it is starting to restrict some shots you want to take, then is the time to upgrade.
What you have there is a very good camera, capable of very good images and an excellent camera to learn with.
By all means, upgrade when the time comes, and by then you will be working with more knowledge to assist you in that upgrade.

Your current lenses will work with D5300 and D7100 etc.

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