ollie Loc: Ogdensburg, NY

the best thing about digital is to be able to check your shots immediately. If it's not what you want on auto it's pretty easy to switch to manual to adjust the exposure and then switch back iy's also easy to change ISO and change it back in the tricky, dim, indoor situations. You'll love the camera and lens combination

skywolf

That's what I get out of photography: A feeling of satisfaction that I can capture an experience. So far, I'm impressed with the D7100. You have a good plan using auto as a back up. Good luck and enjoy the trip!

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I also just got my refurb D7100 from Adorama. But as i only have two older AI-S lenses, I can only shoot in Manual or Aperture Priority as of now.

Mine came with 592 shutter actuations on it. How many were on yours?

SonoraDick Loc: Tucson

Gene,

I've been using a D5300, and didn't think it would be too difficult to use my refurbished D7100. I glanced at the manual and a couple of books I purchased (Darrell Young's "Mastering..." was one of them) but didn't get too involved since I was already so smart. Whatever camera I use, I like Aperture Priority, and that's how I intended to shoot that first time. Too bad I hadn't made myself aware of the "sub-command" dial, so I couldn't figure out how to do it. After trying a few shots on automatic, I got to my preferred aperture in reverse, by going into Shutter Priority (which is accessed on the D7100 same as D5300) and adjusted the shutter speed until I got to the aperture I wanted. Kinda backward, I guess, but it worked, and of course learning how to do it the right way was the second thing I did upon arriving at home, after I looked at my photos. Which, I might add, pretty much pleased me.

Have fun with your D7100, Gene, and everybody else who has one. (I see Adorama finally sold out their refurbs.)

portcragin Loc: Kirkland, WA

Just a great camera. Learn, enjoy and have fun......

Drala2k Loc: Vermont

This is a good camera. I have had mine for several years now. Use the auto mode to get used to the camera, especially on those shots you do not want to miss. The 7100 auto works well. I would recommend that before you go view some you tube lessons on focus so that you thoroughly understand the camera focus and best use. I suspect a lot of people complaining about the 7100 focus is because they do not understand or know how to use it. Play with the other settings and shoot every thing to learn when you are more relaxed and the picture does not matter. That way you can get a feel for the 7100 controls. Also consider setting the focus as Back Button to AE-L button on the back and play with that. That helped my focus and found that I was getting more shots in focus using back button technique. Just do a search on it on the forum as there has been a lot of discussion. My 7100 is fully on Back Button focus mode.

bettis1 Loc: Texas

Good advice here.

And here is some more: Take your battery charger, extra battery, and extra SD cards with you IN your carry on luggage. Don't take a chance on checking it in your luggage and it getting misdirected. That can leave you with a "dead brick" in your hands and eliminate much of the photographic experience you are planning.

Have fun.

Bob

Oops. I see you left two days ago. Hope all arrived safely together.

Bunkershot Loc: Central Florida

I also use a D7100 and I might suggest P-mode over Auto. Just set your ISO at 100 or 200 and you'll get some good exposures. I also set exposure compensation to -0.7 to avoid blowing out anything. If you are indoors P-Mode works well with internal flash or a speed light but reset the exposure comp to 0.