While newer and better are some of the reasoning, current cameras do have a few bells and whistles I believe I would find useful. Wifi and smart device connectivity for example. Also could use a backup camera in my work, accident investigation and some video recording (classroom setting), reasoning that with a newer updated camera, the D5100 would fill that niche.

Currently have a Nikon D5100 and more then a few accessories and lenses for the same. Considering picking up a newer and higher end Nikon body. Been considering either a D7200 or a D610 as both are well within my budget. Looking for all you Nikon guys and gals thoughts on the subject.

Thanks for all the input and suggestions, including a number of really informative links. I think I'm going to pull the old 35mm out, dust them off and run a couple of rolls of film through them to see how they survived being stashed away. Then go from there.

Thanks Marion,
those two cameras were well used and traveled. I'm also into collecting and operating Lionel Trains, so they made their way to quite a few toy train conventions as the shelves of albums can attest to.

This is my first post having recently discovered the forum, so please excuse if this seems a little long winded.
Back in the 90's I was heavily into film photography, family commitments required a hiatus and I stashed my cameras away. Now I find myself with the time and interest to get back into the hobby. I currently have safely put away my Minolta 3xi and 9xi plus a host of lenses and accessories. To throw something else in the mix my wife had found out my interest and had gotten me a kit consisting of a Nikon D5100, several lenses and accessories wrapped up in a really nice backpack case for all.
Should I expand on the new tech, is there any value in my old Minolta kits. Does anyone think they could be considered trade inable to expand my Nikon kit. Thanks people