MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I second that thought. It really is important to work that out before you purchase your upgrade. This advice is coming from someone who upgraded from a D5200 to the D7200 a few months ago. BTW, I made a mistake when I was upgrading. I started out absolutely convinced that an FF would serve my needs. After much research and posting here on the Hog, I ordered a D750. As soon as it arrived, I went out and shot with it side by side with my D5200. The images on the D750 were great. However, it just did not have the reach I NEEDED for what I shoot - wildlife and birds. The D750 went back and the D7200 moved in. I haven't looked back.
Think it through.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I'm glad you found the camera that fits your needs, which is what really counts. The D500/7200 are good wildlife cameras. But if you were doing a wedding. The D750 with excellent FX lenses would be a better choice. Especially on the wide angle lenses. IMO.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

go over your reasons for up-grading two more times.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Exactly what some of us are trying to tell the OP. First, he needs to think about what he usually shoots and in what conditions. Then he can look at the cameras that will best help him to accomplish his shooting goals.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Actually common sense and common procedure demand this. If you would take a course in systems analysis, for example, which covers selecting / developing software, the first steps involve determining what is needed.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

From observation I believe 90% of purchases of UHH'rs are want driven and have nothing to do with need.

Zeke4351 Loc: Kentucky

I went to the D7200 after having the D5300. I really like the D7200 because of the built in focus motor allowing me to use older pro grade lenses and save a bunch of money. I also like the size of the camera better and the fast focus and frame rate for taking sports photos of all the kids. I also own a D750 and it is a great camera also. Don't waste your money on DX glass no matter what camera you buy. You will be completely happy and impressed with a D7200. It takes great pictures using high ISO. All Nikon cameras are getting ready to be on sale.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The D7200 is all the camera you need.

sailor2545 Loc: Victoria, BC

couldn't agree more

rbfanman

The D7200 would be good, in many ways. Only you can say whether it would be right for you. I considered the D7200 as an upgrade from my D3300, but-after more thought-decided to go up even further to a Full Frame item. Let your interests, budget, etc, decide for you. The D7200 would not be a bad choice, but may, or may not, be your ideal choice. Only you can say.

Impressionist

The D7200 will be a good move. It is a solid camera. It works very well with old manual Nikon lens. Current sales should make finding one at a price that many would consider a steal. You will notice enough different to feel you moved up. Money left over to include spouse in GAS attack. Total win.

jaimeblackwell Loc: Lewiston, Maine

The only thing I would mention here that we haven't already said. It is important the when you use old lenses on the 7200, you have to make sure they are not non-AI lenses. Basically they have to be made after a certain date. I believe that date is after 1977 but i am now 100% sure. If you mount a non-AI lens on the 7200 you will damage the tab that drives the auto focus on an AI or newer lens. Old AI lenses can be modified to fit the 7200 by several people out there on the web. One who has been doing so is John White. He will mod the lenses for around 25 to 35 dollars per lens last I knew. Afterward they will fit on the camera and work just fine. It is manual focus because thats all these lenses ever where, but the exposure metering system will read center weighted exposure through the lens. so your shooting full manual just like in the film days. Personally I love that. It is how I was raise in the camera world! There are some incredible lenses out there for under a hundred dollars because of there age. i am waiting on delivery of a Nikon AF 35 to 135 APO Macro zoom right now that will keep up with a lot of great lenses out there and I paid 89 dollars for it at B&H. This lens will work on all modes of the 7200!( A,S,P,M,) and auto mode. Cant beat that with a stick. Anyway, just saying, Nikon makes your life asier for taking great shots on a budget, good luck with what ever you purchase.

ELNikkor

For versatility, I stick with the D5100 etc that have the articulated screen. You just can't compose well in some situations without it, and the sensors are mostly the same as in the 7000 series. Only that screw thing is missing from the D5100, so it won't auto-focus old lenses, but that's not so big an issue.

jaimeblackwell Loc: Lewiston, Maine

Theres a big difference in my opinion. The sensor is a good upgrade from the 5100 and there is no low pass filter which means sharper images, better exposures. also the processor is better. Metering is better and for those that want to use older lenses that cost nothing but are nearly as goood if not better than a lot of the new ones out there today, the "screw thing" is what will perfectly auto focus those older lenses. I went from a 5200 to a 7200 and there is a large improvment over all. No disrespect intended. the 5100 is a fine camera but its not the 7200 or even the same as the 7000 line.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I'd have to agree.
A lot of these posts ask "what's next" but they almost always initially fail to list the goal they have for moving to something different.
Of course, we all have wants and would love to own something nice. I want a Nikon Df just for the cool factor (and it's lighter), but I could make better use of the DX-sensored Nikon D500 for its flicker detection feature.