sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I bought my Sony a6000 for travel and sports, but it can also serve as a back-up. I can carry it in a pocket of a pair of cargo pants with the 16-50 kit lens. I also take the 50/1.8 to use in low light if needed. I find myself using it as much or more than the Canons lately.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

The D7100 can be bought, Nikon factory refurbished for under $500 from ABC. In my opinion, there is no downside to this camera. It will do everything you could possibly need, use your current glass, has dual card slots and makes great photographs (When I do things right.)

The comment that you don't need a backup because you don't shoot daily and hence you don't make important photos: I never push the button when the image is not important. I shot at Half Moon Bay, the other day and got some great images. But two days ago, a friend asked me to shoot her gala birthday party. Those images too were important to her--and by extension, to me.

I realize that the world is going on without me, but I have yet to see the value in the FX sensor. In theory, you get a little more information per pixel, but my D7100 aps-c sensor gives me photographs that are gorgeous and print to 20x30 with ease and larger with the help of Perfect Resize. The dual card slots give me a backup card which save my bxxt again recently.

The downside to the FX is that the camera has become much heavier as have the lenses. The price goes up for both. The larger body is clumsier. And I don't see much if any improvement in the images. Unless the photographer improves.

Buy the D7100, put a good lens on it and enjoy.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

:thumbup:

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I rarely, at least since digital, buy a second body, but I do keep at least my previous body so that I have at least two available. When I was younger, and did more work, I had at least three bodies and often more. In your situation, if you can afford it, I would pick up the D750 with the 24-120 before the current deal goes away. I would not recommend having one FF and one CROP. When that occurred in my digital life, I did buy a second Digital FF (which was the D700). Presently I shoot with a D4s and a D3. Best of luck.

Bmarsh Loc: Bellaire, MI

:thumbup:
:thumbup:

I have a D7100. And was considering a 5500 because it would be much lighter and I thought it would eventually go to my wife. (Who is a better photog than I am). My thinking was that I have a lot of lenses for the 7100 so why not use them on the 5500.

But I ended up getting the P900 and love it. It's a great "grab and run" camera when you're out and about and not really expecting to take many pictures.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Having recently purchased the D750 to add to my D700 and D7100, it has become my favorite in a very short time. Great low light/high ISO performance, better auto focus, better buffer (700 is still best of the 3), better high burst shoot speed (unless you have battery pack for 700), built in WiFi, and I find myself using the flip screen more than expected.

The 700 has been a workhorse for me, I don't think I'll give it up until it gives out. But the 750 outperforms it in every sense.

If my 700 weren't so old, and despite how good the 7100 is, I might end up sacrificing the 7100 for more FX lenses. The occasional extra reach is nice, but low light performance is more of a priority for me.

tjphxaz Loc: Phoenix, AZ

My path to a second body was moving from crop sensor D7100 to FF D750. Fortunately, I had good advice about lens choices to get FF lenses for the 7100 both for better quality generally and for compatibility if I ever went to FF which I did.
To your query, consider a crop sensor such as the D7200. You can extend the effective reach of your longer telephotos without going too big and heavy. My 80-400mm Nikkor yields 120-600mm on the 7100 for example and the 24-70 makes a nice walk-around lens at 36-105mm. So going with a crop might work well as your second body.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Congrats! Great price, too. Doesn't look like you're wanting much for lenses, either. Enjoy!!

Pinenuts Loc: Genoa, NV

I have ordered a refurbished D7100 body from Adorama. When I bought my D600, I (Like an idiot!) gave my D300 to my son. Ever since, I find it a struggle to get close enough to wildlife to get a decent shot. I thought about buying a longer lens than my 70-300mm, but it was cheaper to buy the D7100 refurb for $499. I will have enough reach for wildlife shots, and have the advantage of a second body. I see that Adorama now has the D7100 refurb for $489.

Jim

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Check out the DX D7200. Controls similar to the D610, better clarity, better lower light performance, faster focus, than my D7000, Plus wi-fi. Lighter weight, and lower cost than another D610.
Duane


For a long while, I've given thought to acquiring a second body, but this has not been an easy decision for me. Questions that come to mind during my thoughts:

- Do I really need a second body?
- What if, on a road trip, my D610 malfunctions?
- Will a less expensive cropped sensor model work okay?
- Should I pursue another D610? D700? D600?

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the subject. Your justification for the second body? Your justification for the model you purchased?

Guess I just have a little GAS and trying to find a remedy.

Thanks.[/quote]

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

Bruce, my first DSLR was a D80 after having several Nikon SLRs for twenty years. I bought my D610 a year ago and that made my D80 my backup. Although the D80 still works great and the controls are similar, I have been thinking about getting something better for a backup, and passing the D80 down to one of my kids. Your post has made me think much harder about doing that sooner rather than later. Currently I am considering either a gently used D7000 or a refurbed D7100.

raferrelljr Loc: CHARLOTTE, NC

My choice would be Sandra Bullock................but I haven't been able to conbience my wife yet?

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

As a back up???



quote=raferrelljr]My choice would be Sandra Bullock................but I haven't been able to conbience my wife yet?[/quote]

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Back in October, my favorite niece married. She had convinced me months ago to shoot the wedding for her. I had stipulated that all shots be outside (it was a very informal event) as I'm not confident on the use of flash. (I've had great success with it, just not confident). At any rate, there were several times throughout that day that I could have used another body, but didn't have it. That's what got me "gassy". We had gorgeous sunshine and temperatures that day, too, by the way. I lucked out!!

Your comments about the D7100 are in line with everyone else's comments about it. I look forward to receiving it, as I fell off the fence this morning. It's on it's way.

Thank you for the vote of confidence in my decision.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

[/quote]

I suppose that would depend greatly on the first body.....