spraguead Loc: Boston, MA

I have the same camera, and in the same basic situation, though I've been considering upgrading since the D850 was just a rumor.
What I have considered is the following;
• What limitations are my current set up imposing on my photo endeavors?
for me, it was low light, and every once in a while, the need for a higher resolution final product for large printing.

• What expenses will I be faced with beyond the camera body?
for me, I only have one FF lens, so going full frame will mean I need to have a good budget set aside for the glass.

Generally, I tend to go with the last year's latest and greatest for everything, cameras, TVs, computers. The only thing that has me really thinking about a new/latest product is the recent announcement by Sony for the new a7III. $2200 for a FF mirrorless, with a pretty good kit lens...hmmmmm.

markb5

I too had a d7000.. however I was never really happy with it.. pictures seemed soft... thought I was imagining it.... then I made an impulse buy and "upgraded" to a d5500.... and I absolutely love this camera... yes it lacks a second sd card slot, high speed sync, a second command dial...but the touch screen makes up for that... the picture quality is amazing... My reasoning now is... after owning a d70 and a d7000 and seeing the value plummet as the newer models arrive... by using the 5xxx series, upgrading is not as painful.. and they are excellent choices... imho...

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Also interesting is that answer may not be helpful in the final analysis. Let me explain. There is a thing called error of the third type. There are four possible outcomes to answering a question:

1) Is you get the right answer to the right question (a VERY rare event)
2) You get the wrong answer to the right question (a little more frequent and the 1st error type)
3) You get the wrong answer to the wrong question (this 2nd error type is about as frequent as the 1st)
and,
4) You have the right answer to the wrong question (this is the third type of error and is by far the most frequent)

Most people when trying to solve a "problem" do not spend a lot of time thinking about or trying to define their problem. They usually substitute a symptom of the problem or a related issue as the problem itself. They then formulate this issue into a problem statement/question. Here, on UHH, that question is often something like; "which piece of new equipment should I get?" Usually with no more information except possibly a list of choices (two or three at the most.) When I see a question like that, it usually means the person has not thought through the real problem. So I (as do many other truly helpful people on this site) seek clarification on the question. To do otherwise would be unhelpful.

So if someone were to ask me "which type of hammer should I buy?", I am going to ask what job they are trying to do. I am not simply going to tell then "I like my 16oz framing hammer 'cause it feels cool in my hand." I am going to find out if they are building a house or doing metal work. They may need a ball-peen hammer.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Exactly!

Jim Bob

In other words, you prefer the paternalistic approach and this is just a poorly disguised effort to justify that fact. I note the OP thanked only me for my response. What does that tell you Dad?

jimcrna Loc: indiana/florida

dsmeltz. I like the way you think

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Is there anything photographically that the D7000 will not do well? From the description you have given us about the subjects that you frequently shoot I would say that the D7000 should fill the bill to perfection.
You have a good assortment of lenses that should cover those subjects that you often shoot.
Unless you want a new camera I see no reasons to look for one.

Bill_de Loc: US

My first thought was a D500. But considering what you plan to use it for I think the D7200 would be a very good choice. Your subjects don't need super speed and the 24mp sensor should be a nice bump. I keep a long lens on a D500 for birds. I put a shorter zoom or 35mm F1.8 on the D7200.

Either a refurbished or a sale from Nikon on a new one will be money well spent. The last good sale had the new camera for less than the refurb. Sometimes they include a battery grip which is nice, but not necessary.

--

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

It is not paternalistic. It is policy analytic and I have a masters degree with this a sub-specialty and over 30 years experience in helping decision makers avoid this most common of errors.

Solutions are easy. It is the questions that are hard.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

How are you limited? Controls? Can't print 20"x30" with acceptable image quality? Too heavy? Need a wider lens?

d3200prime

You say your budget is limited so how are we supposed to know how to answer your question? I suggest you rethink your post and repost with enough information for hoggers to give more accurate advice.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Exactly.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Go Fuji :)

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

If you really want to upgrade, it mostly depends on if you want to upgrade lenses too. That's where your "modest budget" can eat you alive.
I have a D500, D7100, and a D7000. I use the 7xxx cameras interchangeably, and don't worry about the little bit of resolution jump, but mainly because I compose so I don't have to crop much. If you do a ton of deep cropping, you may need as many MP as possible. The D500 has only 20mp, so in that regards, it's 1/2 way between the 2. Where the D500 stands out is in the amazing technology. From a D-7000 to a D7200 is a decent jump up, but from a D7200 to a D7500 isn't worth the upgrade from everything I've read, plus you lose that second card slot, which has saved my bacon, and I won't have another camera without one.

So, with that logic, I would say limited budget, go with a D-7200. Want the best you can get with the lenses you have....d-500. If budget isn't a factor, and you don't mind replacing all the glass with much more expensive glass,then get a D-750. If that still doesn't make you happy, then just grab a D850, or D5........then in a couple of years when you decide you need something else, people like me who buy refurbs and used, will have someone to buy from. We all win.

For what it's worth, I remember when my D70 was "state of the art" at 6mp, and I never had a bride or groom complain about the results, so .... something to think about is. Does buying a new camera body, guitar, or set of pots and pans make you better, or does skill and knowledge? In some cases, better tools mean better work, only you can decide.

Jim Bob

Apparently your degree did not teach you the value of providing a direct answer to a direct question. If I ask what time it is I don't desire a response on how to build a watch. You answer your (paternalistic) way and I'll stick to my direct response.