whwiden

With your existing lenses, I would skip the 18-300. The d7200 is a very good camera at a good price with more useful features. If you want to stay dx, I would do that, and maybe add a 35mm f/1.8 prime. If you want to try full frame, look at the d750. It seems two of your three lenses are full frame already. With what you have in lenses, with FF I would get a 24mm f/1.8 prime as a starter. And, if you like people, an 85mm f/1.8 prime.

The existing 18-140mm dx lens is about as good a do everything dx lens as you can get. The longer do everything lenses will likely disappoint you. For travel, you do not need to fill in all the gaps in mm. You might add a cheap 50mm f/1.8 to the mix.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

This is not true. The D500 is a crop sensor.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

The D500 is DX.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

NOT!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

The D500 is not full frame.

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

If I was Nikonian and not Canonian, why I'd go for a used low shutter actuations 9+cosmetics D810 for half the cost of a new D850. Kinda like letting the first owner take the depreciation hit on a low-miler, but then I always want the best that my few bucks can buy.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

D7200, D7500, D500, D750 or D810.

hfb46 Loc: UK

The D500 is APS-C format.

ELNikkor

I also have a very aging D5100, and love it! Because of its age, however, I also have been agonizing over an upgrade. Every time I think I've made up my mind, another tease comes along; such as, the D850 is so raved about, but, wait, there's a Nikon mirrorless in the rumors!!

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

Sorry, but the D500 is a crop camera, not full frame. It is top of the line of crop sensor cameras. I love mine.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

What to get next depends on multiple factors. First, what are you willing/able to spend? Do you want to stay with a DX camera or do you want to go to FX? Do you have FX lenses? Does the size and weight of the camera and lenses matter to you? [FX tends to be a bit heavier.]


I can understand wanting a newer model camera, even though you have been happy with the one you have. Newer technology is not always noticed, but can make a difference in how the camera functions. But it is important to understand what features are most important to you. Most DSLR cameras have certain features in common. It is the differences that make the difference. The sensor size and pixel count is one big thing to consider. If you don't know that you need WiFi, you probably don't need it! I suggest looking at cameras within your price range and doing comparisons of the specifications. This is a great way to learn what is in the camera. And if you don't understand something, look for an answer. Nikon has a "compare" feature on their website and there is also a Photography Glossary.


Knowing what you like to photograph can help in making a decision on what lenses to own. If you read up on what focal lengths are best for portraits, that will help. But if your preference is "street photography", that will also be something to consider. Exotic places can encompass a wide variety of what focal lengths will work best. That said, I do not think the 18-300mm lens will satisfy if you are looking for consistently sharp images. The problem with the long focal length range cameras is that it is very difficult to manufacture one that is sharp throughout its range. It has been getting better with new technology, but the basic rule is that the shorter the focal length range, the sharper it will be throughout its range.

Everyone has their "favorite" camera and/or lens to recommend, but it is ultimately up to you to do the research necessary to make an informed decision. I also have my own photographic journey to share: Started with a D7000, was happy with it but began to want a camera with better resolution. This suggested going to a full frame camera. Because of this I started replacing my DX lenses with FX lenses. Also made sure I had other gear that was important to me [a couple of filters, a very good tripod, a hoodman loupe, etc.]. Then, 5 years later, last fall, I bought the D810, and have been very very happy with it. [Before the D810 came out, the D800 was on my wish list, but my research told me to go for the D810 when I was ready to buy.] I am not tempted by the D850, because for now the D810 is enough for me - if I were a pro, I might feel differently.

Hope this helps.
Susan

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

My son sold his D5100 and a couple lenses I gave him after I bought a D7200 (now have a D500) and bought a Sony a6500. He picked Sony over another Nikon because he wanted mirrorless and mostly for 4k Video.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

You need some motivation for upgrading to a higher model. For me it was a 100% viewfinder, ability to take older Nikon AF lenses, so I went from a D3300 starter to D7200.

Now for my desire to go to the D850...well that's just plain GAS, but OH what a relief!

joanloy Loc: St. Louis, MO

The D500 is not full frame.

pahtspix

Sorry, but the D500 is NOT a full frame..But it's the BEST crop sensor DSLR you can buy!..The D7500 has may of the same features, but also lacking some.