fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Last year, I chose the D5500 over the D7200 for exactly the reason you mention. My best friend has the 7200 and in spite of what some other may say, there is a huge difference between the two in weight and size with the 5500 being smaller and lighter. That's not to say the 5600 is a less complex camera; it has the exact same 24 mp sensor and almost all the same functional capabilities as the 7200. Your Tamron lens should be a good all around lens as you well know but also as you well know, a large zoom lens like that (I have the Nikon 18 - 200mm lens) makes up considerably more than half the weight and bulk of a 5600/large zoom setup. I would go with the later model (D5600) because it will have the most up-to-date software and the very convenient touch screen (I don't know if the 5300 has that).

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Texas ... I have three of the four cameras you mentioned (not the D5600) ... these are the main differences: first, all three of the current 5000 series - have the articulating 3.2" screen (same size as on the D7100) but it flips out and turns - great for shooting movies, and you can even do selfies with it! ... second - both of the later models - the D5600 and the D5500 - have Touch Screens, as well. The D5300 doesn't have the Touch Screen, but - it does have a built-in GPS!

Now, then - size-wise - the smallest Nikon DSLR ever made - is that D5500 ... actual width dimension is around 4.8" ... which is smaller than some bridges!

I think the D5600 - reverts back to the bigger size of the D5300 - but, I'm not absolutely sure, on that score, as I don't have it.

However, everything else related to the D5600 is correct. The only thing you can't get on the D5600 - is the red model - which you can get in all other 5000/3000 series DSLRs ... which is a crying shame!!!!

The only other difference, I believe - is the way the D5600 handles transfer of images to other devices. Check the specs at Nikon's site to see how ....

Now, also - be aware - none of the D3000/D5000 series - will allow you to use "D" lenses (made by Nikon, Tokina, Sigma, Tamron, and others) using AF.

In order to use "D" lenses on Nikon cameras - you have to be using a D7000 series, or above. So, keep the D7100 - if I were you, because you might need it.

Now - price-wise (if this is a concern) - since the Nikon D5300 (the one with a built-in GPS, but NO Touch-Screen) is being phased out - you should be able to get it, currently - for around $500. Both the D5500 (the compact one with the Touch-Screen) and the D5600 (with better Wi-Fi transfer capability) - will cost you around $700 ... the D5500 may be just a little less - again - check on the Nikon site - or, at Adorama, Amazon, or at B&H ....

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

You're right, Four ... the D5300 doesn't have the touch-screen (only a GPS) but the more compact D5500 does!!!!

Texas1833 Loc: Houston, Texas

Thank you so much for all your advice. I am also 75 yo and my D7100 just seems to get heavier and heavier. I plan to keep it, but will look at your suggestions. I am constantly amazed with everyone's knowledge on UHH and your photographic ability. Thank you again.

Texas1833 Loc: Houston, Texas

Thanks, Chris. That gives me a lot to think about. I really thought I could use the same lenses that I used on my D7100 on a D5500 or D5600. I do plan on keeping my D7100.

NCWLinda Loc: North Central Washington State

I got the Fuji XT20 about 6 minths ago. I wil never go back to my Nikon. It’s a fantastic small camera. Perfect for travel.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

After purchasing Fuji's X-T2 with the all around 18-135 lens, my D 7100 doesn't come along as much anymore. Smaller, lighter, retro styling with less digging through menus.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I went 4/3s for the same reason. I couldn't be happier.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Sure, Texas ... there were a couple of other things I was going to add, but that was getting overlong - so I decided to end it, where I did ....

First, I wanted to tell you - when I first got my D5300 ... it felt like I'd found "HOME" - do you know what I mean?

It's just - THE perfect size - not too big ... and not too small, either ... I mated it with the Sigma 18-250 OS HSM Macro, and used that combo for many years.

I'd been using my other Sigma 18-200 OS HSM - on my D3200. But when I decided to add the D5500 for the Touch-Screen - I had to do a little shuffling.

Anyway, what I found was - because of the extra length of the 18-250, it actually suited the more compact D5500 better!!! ... So, I switched them! ....

Now, the 18-200 OS HSM - which is shorter, but heavier - is on my D5300 ... and the 18-55 VR "Kit Lens" went back on the D3200 .... now, everything's kosher!

Texas1833 Loc: Houston, Texas

Thanks again, Chris. Sounds like you have all your cameras ready to go. I was in Millbrooke, Bedforshire, England last spring taking pictures of the church where my ancestor was baptized in 1595. Everyone there was so nice. Loved seeing your countryside also.

Texas1833 Loc: Houston, Texas

I am surprised at how often the Fuji cameras have been mentioned since I started looking at smaller cameras. I will also take a look at them. Thank you for the recommendation.

AndyGarcia

Hi there,

I have a D7000 which is about the same weight as the D7100. I have a Sigma 18-250mm lens. I think you may find that the lens is the main weight factor. My D7K with a prime or the 18-70mm is pretty light.

I also have two Fujis XE2 and XT1. The XE2 with the 16-50mm is really light. The XTi with the same lens a bit heavier but still light. Both with the Fuji 18-135mm are "much" heavier. Both will be lighter than the Nikon D7100 with your Tamron.

So the only advice I can give you is to try your lens on the D5XXX series body and see if there is much weight difference. If still too heavy look at the M43 cameras and lenses from Olympus.

Good luck. I'm moving from Nikon to Fuji for weight reasons too.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

While still a much smaller %, nonetheless, Mirrorless cameras are getting more and more popular. The only thing that should matter is that you feel comfortable and are enjoying using it. With that said, while there maybe small differences between bodies, the only “big” weight reduction you will experience is with m4/3.

Fuji has the same size sensors your current camera has, so the lenses are going to be about the same. Is there a camera store around where you live that you can try out these cameras?

If you are a zoom lens user, unfortunately the Fuji is not going to save much if any weight. If you were to use small primes, you could try it with your current camera, see if that saves enough weight for you. If not, maybe rent a Fuji xt1 or the newer xt2 with a few smaller prime lenses.

On the other hand, my suggestion would be the Olympus em1 mark2 with the Olympus 12-100 f4 lens. Class leading image stabilization (dual IS), tack sharp lens in every way and it gives you 2 pro zooms in one (in 35mm term, you get a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm) lens that is pro quality, you can use the gear in rain snow heat etc... and much much smaller and much much lighter.

What ever you get, good luck with it and keep shooting.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

I own both the D5300 and the D7100
Love both. The 5300 artulating screen is great.
On a long hike I take the 5300
I am 76 and have arthritis
But I won’t give up the 7100.
I use it a lot when I am using a tripod.
It is a toss up.
The 7100 is more weatherproof in dusty conditions as well.
I Had the 3300 and it was great, but I wanted more options so went with the 5300
Can't go wrong with any of them. I do have some older Nikon lenses that I can only use on a 7000 series.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

In my opinion, the three best mirrorless cameras are the Panasonic GH5, the Fuji X-T2, and the Olympus E-M1 mrII. Each has its strong points relative to the other two: each has its weak points relative to the other two. Sony I suspect will join the fray before long; Sony just isn't quite as strong as these three yet. Of course, if you would get a Sony mirrorless, I suspect you would like it better that what you have now.