Karl Shuffler Loc: Weinert, Texas

Up grading objectives. Better understanding sensors and pixel count.
A lot of models to choose from, how they differ makes a difference. How one chooses should be based on what is your objective. Like better in low light,fps,higher ISO,and the ability to cropped to mention a few. Cameras having the same count in pixels but being full frame differ not just losing the crop factor (1.5x as in Nikon vs 1.6 Canon), but you gain by having larger pixels. Size matter if you are after; fps count, having higher ISO, speed. As pixel count increases things slow down as to collecting light because pixels become smaller. If the use of tetephono lens is more of use, go with a the smaller crop sensor that will allow you to increase that zoom. Another factor when choosing a modern with its pixel count is how large of a print is of your interest. You have no need for large print, then cameras having large count of pixels is an over kill unless your plans is to crop. One other note as more pixel are added to that sensor, more room is needed for that memory card. I hope this helps you out in making the up grade. Have fun in and with your objectives.

trapper jim Loc: Tacoma

Looks like in a couple of years there will be a fantastic sensor coming on the market for other brands of camera.

http://www.wired.com/2015/06/sonys-new-sensors-exciting-new-cameras/?mbid=nl_061115

MtnMan Loc: ID

You might want to check the test data on that.

I recently got a D5300. I'm not sure it's sensor is exactly the same as the D7200 but think it close. Likewise for the software. I previously had a D5100 and D7000, which did have exactly the same sensor.

I'm feeling that the D5300 shows much more noise than the D5100 or D7000 as I increase ISO. This wipes out any advantage of more pixels. Maybe if the tests were done at ISO 100 the newer ones without the filter would look sharper. But I suspect not as ISO increases.

My only comparison now is my D800 which does MUCH better at high ISO than any of the above. Note that it has about 16MP on the DX area: like the D7000 and D5100.

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

I also have the D7000 and like to move up to the D7200, but I think I will try to hold off until there is a price drop.

pmackd Loc: Alameda CA

As others indicate the best camera choice depends heavily on what your photographic objectives are and also on budget, as in if you upgrade to a new camera can you afford to keep the old one(s). I bought the D750 primarily for its low light ability; I don't need the resolution of a D810 and I don't want to carry around the extra weight, deal with CF cards or huge files. I kept the DX cameras for wildlife and to use with my Tokina 11-16 DX ultra wide angle lens I occasionally need. So I don't agree with someone who says high end DX or D810, skip 24 Mp FF. For me 24Mp FF is the sweet spot.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Surfing DXOMark showed the D5300 slightly better than the D7100.

I much prefer it anyway because of the elegant (and readable) info screen control approach over the buttons I can't keep track of or see in the dark (and useless green screen without reading glasses), much lighter weight, and articulated screen.

IMHO the only plus features of the D7xxx are weather sealing and nicer viewfinder, and if you happen to have a stable of old lenses that need the camera focus drive. I found I don't photograph in crummy weather and can live with the Dxxx viewfinder. I don't have old lenses.

I understand those attracted by the higher price need to justify their choice.

pmackd Loc: Alameda CA

Here's what Rockwell says about this:
"If you just want great photos easily, the D5300 can't be beat. If you are like me and are constantly resetting the camera from shot to shot as conditions change (very few people know how to do any of this), I prefer the D7100 because it has more buttons to do directly what has to be done in menus on the D5300, while the D5300 weighs less and takes exactly the same pictures as the D7100."

Like Rockwell, shooting manually, I make frequent adjustments from shot to shot, especially ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, to get the optimal exposure, depth of field and minimum noise while stopping action. I'm not a professional, but I want the best from my investment of time and energy in photography. I don't use a D5300 but my understanding is that these adjustments are much easier on the D7XXX since it has more on camera button controls and two control wheels.
Also, with my most often used camera being a D750, I benefit from the fact that the D7XXX camera controls are almost identical to D750. And I can assure you, the higher price of things does not attract me.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I can see if you have the D750 and if it's control buttons are in the same place how that might work. I also realized after I got rid of the D7000 that I could have used the info screen instead of the unreadable green screen when making adjustments. That's what I do on my D800.

Still a problem in the dark if your fingers don't know where the buttons are. I prefer the D5xxx info screen because it is active and it works the same for all adjustments. The info screen on the D7000 didn't let you do anything useful.

To be in context I am a fan of Rockwell. He has much great information and IMHO does a great service to photographers.

That said I don't believe he actually tested the D5300. The reason is that he had completely wrong information in two places on how the focus controls work (actually the same as on D7xxx). He corrected it after I sent him an email.

Working in manual and changing ISO is elegant on the D5300. The info screen is improved over the D5100. The default is to leave the function button for ISO...and I usually leave it there. Then you use the thumb wheel to change both Fstop and shutter speed. You press the EV button to make it do shutter speed.

I still sometimes turn off my D800 when seeking to use the front wheel on it.

The D5300 also sports a new button (compared to D5100) for release mode. I can recall one button and it is in a strange place thus can't be mistaken.

I'm sure one can learn the buttons on the D7xxx. But I still missed the articulated screen and really appreciate the lighter weight of the D5300. But if you have a bunch of old lenses or only do studio photography, for example, I can see preferring the D7xxx. It definitely looks more professional.

pmackd Loc: Alameda CA

One really cool and underappreciated feature of the D750 is that you can change ISO without taking your eyes from the viewfinder. Pressing the red video button on top activates ISO in the viewfinder; you do have to teach your fingers exactly where that red button is relative to the other top buttons, but that is possible. Haven't used the D8XX cameras so can't remember how it works there.

MtnMan Loc: ID

The D800 has "easy ISO". With it on in other than M mode the thumb wheel does ISO. The front wheel the other thing. No button necessary.

With D5xxx you can set the function key to ISO. It is easy to find on the left. With it pressed the thumb wheel does ISO. Unpressed the thumb wheel does what you have set. In M you need to press the EV button for the second function (I forget which is first).

pmackd Loc: Alameda CA

I know about Easy ISO. The D750 and D7100 have it too. I don't use it. I am almost always in M mode.

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

Looks like the filter on the 750 doesn't really make much of a difference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL-6d_zyerI