Chris T wrote:
Yer right, Mike … the D90 took some wonderful pics - not the least, because of that huge, bright, clear OVF … the D7100 is not a patch on the old one. But, it DOES take some great pics, from time to time - although, it seems to create an inordinate amount of noise, compared to the D90 … do you think the doubled Res - has anything to do with it, Mike?
The D90 is still in the game, with good technique and modest effort it still produces a mighty fine photo, and I still use mine. The D7xxx line does a good job (I have a 7100, but have seen results from the four versions) and can say the same of them. 24MP (well 16, 24, 24 and 21), great control and processing ability, coupled with decent lenses, they also produce a mighty fine photo, and when used with that model line, the better lenses really start to shine. They are fine examples of the evolution of the digital series of (I'll call them) prosumer cameras. I do find it interesting that Nikon went with fewer but larger sensels/pixels @ 17.85µm2vs 15.28µm2 16% larger pixel area, for thew newest version.
I like both the D90 and the D7100, and will continue to use and probably not do another upgrade for a while, I see no need at the present time, not enough to gain, w/o $$$$ pain. I'm more interested at this time in garnering more FX glass, as I love shooting through the sweet center (and ya never know when an upgrade for me might be a FF body)..
The dense sensels package (as Mr. Burkholder says) and newer processors are wonderful, and I like having one to play with. I shoot mostly <ISO400, 100 whenever possible (unless I need the ISO float for a situation), and noise has not been an issue for my viewing on 23" monitor, and I rarely print, as my printer is older and not fully up to the task (not going to please me, anyway). Yes I can see some (noise) when I really push things, but I've been concentrating on filling the frame versus crop, and producing fine RAW images to work with, like I did when I shot film for a few decades, or when shooting for $$$$.
I'm just a photo loving hobbyist these days, so primary to me is my enjoyment of a nearly life long hobby (since my teens), and exploration of new technique, newer equipment (as budget allows), old dog learning new tricks, and trying to help those where I think I can contribute something to the fray. Another $.02.......