Ok...well. I sure got a lot of advice, which is what I wanted..obviously, I don't NEED another camera..went through this once before and had (still have) a nikon d70s, found it too bulky at the time, and got a panasonic lumix point and shoot and still get decent pics with it. Loved the "put it in your pocket, it's always ready" kind of thing -then there's always the "cell phone camera".
I've been wanting to get back into a "real" camera again. Saw the 3200 kit w/2 lenses, bag, accessories and bought it without researching things (250.00 nikon rebate ended that day) I saw all the specs,and when I compared it to my d70s, it was WAY better. I later found out (through the 'hog and others) that it is just an "entry level" camera. Granted, it's WAY more capable than I am at this moment to take some really nice pics, but I started reading about the 7100, and it seems to have a LOT more capability and features (more scene modes, way more focal points, faster,better processor, more ways to control it). I also know that lenses mean a LOT..currently using the Tamron 18-270 and just love it. I know a lot of people would never use that lens on a good camera, but to my eye, it does fine. I can afford another camera body, but I can't go crazy on lenses, at least not now, so that will be my "main" lens for a while. I still want other items as well, like a nice flash, etc..so, bottom line, thanks for all you comments -for right now I will try to "master" my 3200 but will most likely end up with a 7100 (7200?) if the price is right.. I always want something a little more advanced than I am..it makes you want to learn more...Like they say..."if you want to learn how to play chess, always play against someone better than yourself" it's the only way to learn

Good point..I think I'm going to try and figure out how to use what I have for now but at the same time keep my eyes open for a good price on a 7100...I know there are some "deals" out there from time to time, and I can afford to wait, because I DO have a camera to use that does have decent capabilities. .in fact, the 3200 does a lot more than I know about at this point in time..maybe by the there will be a 7200, or something else...

As far as the tool comparison goes, being a carpenter, I always want good tools. In that comparison, yes, of course I would prefer Festool over black and decker, and there IS a difference. As for the camera, I need to keep in mind it's just a hobby, where with my tools I can make some of the money back using them. With the camera it's just an expense I will never recover. That being said, I would love to learn to be a better photographer..I can visualize lots of photos in my head and I don't want the camera to hold me back in getting them. Admittedly I am a long way from outgrowing my 3200, but after looking at how much more the 7100 is capable of, it would make sense for me to grow into that one and learn that much more

Sure!! I was actually looking at the 5200 as well but figured if I was going to upgrade just do it once instead of getting the 5200 and still wishing it was a 7100

Thanks..I guess all I have to do now is find somme extra $$.. if I understand it right, the lenses I have for my 3200 will fit the 7100?

I kind of expected that for an answer. .I guess I should have researched things more before getting the 3200, but it seemed way more advanced than my old d70s..Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and is it a hard camera to learn to use?

Hi fellow hoggers..I bought a nikon 3200 a few months back, and I'm wondering if it was a dumb move. I'm still a LONG way from mastering this camera, but from what I've been reading here it seems I should have gotten a better body, and have been reading a lot about the 5300 & 7100 cameras. What I'm wondering is , is it worth upgrading to something like the 7100 ? Is there a noticeable difference in picture quality, and will my lenses from the 3200 work on it? I realize it's as much the person using it as the equipment in many cases but there comes a point where equipment matters too. My plan is to try and learn on what I have but want to be able to grow into it as well...

Thanks..I will look into the cotton carrier products as well

I'm in the Chicago suburbs and use Alpine Camera in Des Plaines. Very personable and knowledgeable, a smaller shop but very competitively priced store, without the hassles of chicago parking

I understand that part, but I have a full windshield and fairing and for the most part I am very shielded. I'm more interested in finding out about the product and seeing if it actually works. It wouldn't be just for the bike and even then it won't be a constant thing.

Hi.. a couple weeks ago there was a discussion about camera clips with a link to peak design camera clips (I would include the link but don't know how). I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with one of these and if it is worth getting or not. I would be using it with a nikon 3200 with a Tamron 18-270 lens. The pro clip is about $80.00, and with a bundle including a few accessories it's closer to $150.00... would love to be able to carry my camera on me for motorcycle touring so I don't have to keep getting it out of the trunk. I'm wondering if it is as secure as the video makes it out to be

Thank you everybody for your input. ..definitely have some good ideas to play around with. I did start to notice small differences in color tones after looking much closer. All I really have at this point are night shots of vegas, and I know I need to shoot many more types if shots in other lighting to maybe see more results to compare with. Now that the weather is getting better I'm looking forward to getting out more.

I would just like to say, partially from comments here on the hog, and those from my local camera shop, I purchased the Tamron 18-270 lens and it seems AWESOME!!
I just had the 2 kit lenses that came with my 3200 Nikon, and this seems SO much better and I now never have to switch lenses, which it seemed I was doing constantly. One lens now gives me more range than i had with both of the others, and its the same 3.5 I had before. So far, I've only had one weekend (in Vegas) to try it out but I am 100% sure it was the right decision to buy that lens. For the money I don't see how you could do much better. I will try to post a few pics after I get them downloaded.For anyone looking for a lens in this range, for about $450.00 you can't go wrong - BUY IT- You won't regret it

Ok, I'm starting to kind of understand What you are all saying..I am going to have to find some time and just play around with everything..it sounds like a lot of trial and error and see where it goes...thanks for all the replies and info

Jay..
You have some really awesome photos there! It's obvious I have a very long learning curve ahead of me