In addition to a play on words (sorry- it was a tough one), I was merely thanking the original poster for some photography history which I found interesting. I guess there was no question involved to begin with.
I lika' you leica. (whatever I just said)

Beyond UHH members' comments about "Leica this, Leica that..." Thanks -- for posting. Fascinating.
Just pretend the last name is "Smith," and has nothing to do with photography. Then some of you posters might "get it." Cameras/politics/opinions. Good miss-mash. Nobody asked "What's the BEST lens."

Yes. DOF preview available on D-7100- as on D-7000. Megapixels become irrelevant (16 vs 24) - 7100's differences are a few buttons moved, "better" video capture (I only record 10-second videos occasionally), and in-camera vs in-lens focusing mode(s)/motors. (as well as a different Batterypack.) You will LOVE it, or a 7000 compared to your "old" camera. Rest assured, there will be a "new" something out soon, from Nikon/Canon/Sony, etc. which will make you think, "why didn't I wait?" Reason for not waiting - better pictures, after learning camera. Your DX lenses will (and others might) plug right in to a 7000/7100.

I agree with several posters. My D-7000 with MB-D11 battery grip is *much* kinder to my larger hands than body alone, and the portrait-mode controls enable one to control *all* functions as normal - backfocusing-whatever - just from the Auxiliary set on bottom right (top right? :>)
Conversely, my petite daughter (uses a D-3000something) says, "...goodness, dad - this is heavy!" And yes, there is a standard tripod mount on bottom (only). After relatively extensive pre-purchase research/review, I also came to the conclusion that one *indeed* gets what one pays for. Some of the reviews for the knock-offs are scary... Spring for the Nikon! You'll be glad you did.

"Obsolete" is a relative term. I now consider my '60's vintage Nikon F obsolete- got it new... I use (primarily) a D-7000. With knowledge of the equipment and techniques, I suggest that a refurbished 7000 can capture images on a par with cameras costing 3-5 times as much. Since you only are after a body (*not* a bundle from Costco- of all godforsaken/soontobegone places), I would take advantage of the "product maturity curve" and snap up a refurbished (or new) D-7000 body for a heck of a lot less than I paid. You won't be sorry. Other than video performance, 24 somewhat superfluous MPs, in-camera focus motor, they are relatively identical.

I agree with GC - David Busch manuals/apps are excellent - and not too technical. He starts by showing you a number of "factory settings" that should, in most instances, be changed, and explains why. I'm sure his stuff for D-7100 is just as good. His info in addition to the sometimes-cryptic Owner's Manual. will live you an excellent jump start. Amazon.

Maybe a day late with this comment, but I've used this setup on two feeders on Laurel Ridge in SW PA. - about 2,700 ft elevation.
The cage is about 20ft above ground (feeder is extended from a deck railing). It mercilessly attracts every indigenous woodpecker - Downey, Ladder-backed, etc variety from dawn to dusk when natural foraging is "covered up." The only exception being Pileated, which we have, but as previous commenter mentioned, they prefer going after dead trees like a chainsaw!
I *rarely see woodpeckers below about 8ft above ground. Sunflower suet is favorite, but they devour anything. I would not strap to a tree. You limit its viewing/photoing to less than 360º (fewer angles/compositions available.

(2nd post) As other responders advise, a MODEL (or OEM family)-SPECIFIC flash can potentially save you a *lot* of headaches. Sure - you might be able to point and shoot with another brand, and its tech specs "might" look comparable...but, will ALL the capabilities work? Go search the forums. You'll find exponentially greater info/advice available for SB-700 than *any* other flash that purports to work "100% capability" with the D-7000.
Think about the future, too - when you, perhaps, will add additional remote flash units for backlighting, etc. What flash will/won't work seamlessly with Nikon wireless triggering network? Only brand that *I know for-sure* works to 100% of capabilities of Nikon system is Nikon.

I agree with the others. I'd spring for the SB-700. After relatively thorough research/evaluation of flash options for D-7000 (which I also shoot). I got the Nikon. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. The SB-700 is VERY capable and you KNOW it was designed to work with YOUR specific camera. The range and options are more than pleasing. (I'm advanced amateur) I went through a similar evaluation process for auxiliary battery pack. Although cheaper (operative word) are available, I bought the Nikon MB-D11.
Pay a little more up front. You WON'T be sorry !

I agree with the others. I'd spring for the SB-700. After relatively thorough research/evaluation of flash options for D-7000 (which I also shoot). I got the Nikon. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. The SB-700 is VERY capable and you KNOW it was designed to work with YOUR specific camera. The range and options are more than pleasing. (I'm advanced amateur) I went through a similar evaluation process for auxiliary battery pack. Although cheaper (operative word) are available, I bought the Nikon MB-D11.
Pay a little more up front. You WON'T be sorry !

I shoot with D-7000; just recently bought a SB-700.
It has all the flash/capabilities you will need with either a 7000, or 7001 for "general use." (multiple-remotes, etc - have fun...) My opinion - unless you're a "make-your-living Pro" - ... get the 700. $325 well spent.