It's pretty simple, the more focus points your camera has, the more accurate it's focusing. However, I did a little research and found that both the D300 and D300S also have a 51 point autofocus system. However, the D7100 is much faster, which is a big advantage with moving subjects.

Why yes, that would change everything. Lucky for me I'm not a tank driver, so I can enjoy the advantages of my D7100 over a D300/300S!
:wink:

Yes, the D300/300S is built like a tank, but that's not, IMHO reason enough to choose it over a D7100. The D7100 is simply miles ahead technically, with more focus points, better low light performance, better IQ etc. I'd be more interested in the picture taking ability of the camera than it's built like a tank'ness.

There was a time when once 'could' have said that, but the D90 and D300 are much older models now, so in reality the D7100 is the current top of Nikon's DX lineup, and it would trump either in so many ways.

But I don't think anyone can consider the D7100 entry level. It is after all, the top dog (at the moment) in Nikon's DX lineup, is weather sealed and offers the same focusing system in Nikon's 2nd to the top FX camera, the D800 and just about all the controls of the higher line systems as well.

Is there a particular model you're curious about?

I'm a Nikon guy and read your post and my first though was join the NRF forum (Nikon Rumors). It's a great forum for and about Nikon cameras. What you wrote could just as easily have been about peoples frustration with Nikon vs Canon. Nikon doesn't tell anyone in advance when a new camera is being released. We do however, have historical data and can pretty much guess (pretty well in fact) when a body is due for an upgrade and we're often pretty close.

The D400 or lack of D400 to be honest, is a great example of a camera people have begged, sobbed and pleaded to see produced, but there's not a word from Nikon on the subject.

If you feel Nikon makes a better camera and has better lenses and switching to Nikon will make your life better, by all means do so. You'll take a hit when you sell your gear, but how many of us haven't lost some $$ selling some gear to fund some new gear.

Just don't expect your photos to be significantly better as both lines have pluses and minuses. And it really is the person behind the lens that makes the difference.

And again, I say this as a fully invested Nikonian.

For the same reason you just mentioned, I got the 18-200 VR II and I think it's a great lens. It's my most used "walk-about" lens I own.

You're probably not going to need service. "Probably." But if you do, I hope the savings was substantial, otherwise you won't have saved anything. Me personally, I won't buy without USA warranty. It's just not worth it.

It's a great deal. Snap that puppy and lens up!

If you're just a casual shooter, the D5300 is plenty camera for most people and then some. Yes, the D7100 is more camera, but I only moved up to the D7100 after using a D5100 for a couple years, and I finally realized I had learned enough to appreciate what the D7100 offers. I actually miss the articulated screen on the D5100, but the tradeoffs for me at this point offset that in favor of moving up.

Other's have pointed out the D7100 has an internal focusing motor for older legacy lenses. I suspect this is a non-advantage for you as I doubt you have any older Nikon glass sitting on a shelf.

You should try them both out and get the one that best meets your needs and feels best in your hands.

One other point is that if your option is to get a D7100 and just OK glass, or the D5300 with excellent glass, the later option is the way to go. $400 can go a long way to help with lens/accessory options.

CONGRATULATIONS! I know you will be beyond thrilled with the D7100. The owner's manual is a beast, and it took me long to get through all of it, but I did and I learned a lot about what the D7100 is capable of. Enjoy and congrats again!

Those are some mighty nice pictures!

Photographer of the future:

"Camera on"

"Photo Flower"

"Outside Balance"

"Defocus Background"

"Take Picture"

"Store in My Cloud"

"Camera Off"

What the device will look like that will take vocal commands and great pictures is yet unknown, but the process could look something like this. As long as the camera takes high IQ pictures, they'll sell. Heck, I'd buy one. It's nice that we've all learned about ISO, White Balance, Aperture, Shutter Speed, DOF, etc., but if the camera can replace our manual settings and do as good, if not better job, why would we object?

I don't think we "need" to convince you of anything. You're an adult with your own checking account. If you can afford it and want it, that should be all that matters. Our validation of your purchase shouldn't amount to a hill of beans.