I made the jump from a D300 to the D7100. It also is built like the D300 all magnesium. I do wildlife photography. The camera meets all my expectations. It all depends on what you are going to do. I am sure I am not spelling this right, but no anti-alias filter brings out the details in fur, feathers etc. A feature I liked in the 800E but did not like the fact the body was not made out of all magnesium.

Amen on the investment advice. You will hate yourself later for not spending the extra money. Good glass is well worth it.

You are correct. The D7100 is built like the D300. Both are like tanks.

The D7100 is built like the D300s. Metal bodies and weather sealed. That's one of the reasons I leaned toward it more that the 800E. (and cost)

Hi Doc. To me they are about the same. I am still learning the D7100 tracking however since I have only had it since March. I really want to put it to the test this winter when the ducks return to Florida. That 3D tracking sometimes boggles my mind. I use manual modes in just about everything. My heart is still with the D300, but sometimes I thing it is like an old dog. You just can't part with it.

Hi:
My heart is with the D300. It is a solid little camera. Mine has taken a lot of abuse. But at ISO of 800 or higher, it does not hold a candle to the D7100. The other thing is, it does not have that anti (whatever filter). MT Shooter is good with the tech stuff the details I am looking for really come out.

Amerrican Bittern taken with D7100

Hello to all: I shoot both the D300 and the D7100. Both of them are great cameras. Both hold up very well to abusive conditions. Such as me crawling around in the sand, wading through swamps bouncing around in the Jeep. ISO is the trick. At 800 ISO the D300 wants to get noisy. The D7100 in a heavy forest canopy, photographing warblers, produces amazing shots. Also the lack of that filter, MT Shooter could explain it better than me, in the D7100 gives me really good details of bird feathers, hair textures on wildlife etc.

You are correct in the upgrade. They want everyone in the "cloud" now. MT shooter is correct in the conversion. It is time consuming, but it is the only way to get CS5 to take the photos. It works well, but takes time.

The usual suspects as I call them. Whistling ducks and wading birds. If you go however, the best light is in the afternoon. Loxahatchee this time of year is a crap shoot. Unfortunately most of the cool birds have migrated back North. I lived in Ft Lauderdale for 8 years. From May until October is kind of slow. You can try Green Cay. There maybe more of a selection there. I have since moved back home to Melbourne. We have the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Right now is a great time for shorebirds.

I'm sure it has been, but no worries. I bought the D7100 when it came out. I have been shooting the D300 for years. I shoot wildlife photography. I am in the sand, mud, salt air and rain sometimes. The body of the D7100 is like the D300. Weather sealed and solid magnesium. The optic low pass filter is gone which gives me really great details on things like bird feathers or hair on mammals. You have to ask yourself how am I going to use it. I do not shoot in studio so it is perfect for what I do.

I use Photocrati

You must ask yourself what am I going to shoot? What am I expecting my photographs to look like? What do I plan to do with my photos. I shoot wildlife no studio.I still shoot an old D300 and get great results. My biggest prints are 12 x 18.

All really good comments. Esp. the pizza one. I found that setting up a website is a good way to get your name out there and to NETWORK. Do not use it for anything else. Selling your photos on the internet is too hard and time consuming. I find most of my sales come from hands on. Start going to some of the arts and crafts shows. Prepare to invest alot of money and alot of time. I am preparing to open a physical gallery by the end of this year. If you are truly interested in doing this, you will need to do your homework and lots of it. Good Luck.

I use Photocrati and fine art america. They are linked together since fine art gives the customer matting and framing choices. You do not get involved with shipping, matting etc. Just supply the photos. It is a good place to start and a good place to network if this is the direction you wish to go in.

Nature Photographer. It inspires me when I get ill with my own work and feel like selling it all.