Looking for opinions...should I purchase a D7100, or is there a better camera for me?

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I'm still very new to the DSLR world. I've owned a Nikon D5000 for 2 years now, and looking to purchase my next camera body. I doubt the FX cameras are in my price range (although I can drool right?), so I've been looking at the D7100. I wondered if anyone would be willing to offer me some advice? I mostly shoot landscape and nature. Occasionally wildlife. Slowly getting into doing portraits - all outdoor natural light. I have 18-200 and a 70-300 lenses, and an SB400 speedlight.

Looking for any advice on if it's a good choice for me considering what I mostly shoot, and what I'd notice as an improvement from my D5000.

I really appreciate any advice or tips!

Matthew Saville

If you mostly shoot landscapes and nature, and occasionally wildlife, stop drooling over full-frame and get the D7100 right away! In my testing, it has proven to be the ULTIMATE camera for this type of photography. Even as a full-time wedding photographer who cannot live without a D700 for low-light shooting, I wish I could own a D7100 for landscapes and adventures. Far more than I wish I had a D600 or a D800, even!!! With incredible crop-sensor lenses like the Tokina 11-16 2.8, the Sigma 50-150 2.8, and zooms like the 16-85, I honestly feel that DX has hit it's stride as the ultimate adventure photography setup. It is truly an incredible camera, with an awesome system to support it...

Here's my field review of the camera: http://www.slrlounge.com/nikon-d7100-field-review-breaking-the-mold-again

=Matt=

ZBlack

I'm in a similar boat in my upgrade path. I am currently using a D7000 and considering upgrading to a newer camera. I was considering making the jump to full frame, but then I'd have to buy new lenses and simply can't afford it. Then I got to thinking about my actual usage, and I don't shoot anything really that would benefit from the performance of a full frame. Thus enter the D7100. I too shoot mostly landscapes with a few portraits here and there and photobooths at events. I love the feel and layout of my 7000 and I've got a good arsenal of lenses for DX cameras.

I'm in no rush to make then upgrade other than gear lust, but I have settled on sticking with DX, and the D7100 fits the bill perfectly. I've got the Tokina 11-16 2.8, Sigma 50-150 2.8, and a Sigma 17-50 2.8, so 2 our of 3 that Matt mentioned and I LOVE them. They are all solid lenses and produce quality results.

Ultimately I will second Matt's sentiments and just go for the D7100. Early reviews are fantastic for it and not likely to have anything replace it any time soon.

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Matthew Saville wrote: »

If you mostly shoot landscapes and nature, and occasionally wildlife, stop drooling over full-frame and get the D7100 right away! In my testing, it has proven to be the ULTIMATE camera for this type of photography. Even as a full-time wedding photographer who cannot live without a D700 for low-light shooting, I wish I could own a D7100 for landscapes and adventures. Far more than I wish I had a D600 or a D800, even!!! With incredible crop-sensor lenses like the Tokina 11-16 2.8, the Sigma 50-150 2.8, and zooms like the 16-85, I honestly feel that DX has hit it's stride as the ultimate adventure photography setup. It is truly an incredible camera, with an awesome system to support it...

Here's my field review of the camera: http://www.slrlounge.com/nikon-d7100-field-review-breaking-the-mold-again

=Matt=

Matt, thank you so much for your response and thoughts!! Loved reading your field review, it really gave me more perspective about the hands on opinion of this camera rather than just "nikon's stock language". Greatly appreciate that! I think I even saw that Adobe pushed out a RAW update for the D7100. You are probably very right, I should stop drooling at an FX, besides...I'm no where near the talent that would make sense at a purchase that large. I've never ventured out of the Nikkor lenses, so I'm going to have to take a look at the ones you mentioned for sure! Thanks again, really value your thoughts! Took a look at your site...AMAZING work! Your portraits are just stunning!

Kelly

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ZBlack wrote: »

I'm in a similar boat in my upgrade path. I am currently using a D7000 and considering upgrading to a newer camera. I was considering making the jump to full frame, but then I'd have to buy new lenses and simply can't afford it. Then I got to thinking about my actual usage, and I don't shoot anything really that would benefit from the performance of a full frame. Thus enter the D7100. I too shoot mostly landscapes with a few portraits here and there and photobooths at events. I love the feel and layout of my 7000 and I've got a good arsenal of lenses for DX cameras.

I'm in no rush to make then upgrade other than gear lust, but I have settled on sticking with DX, and the D7100 fits the bill perfectly. I've got the Tokina 11-16 2.8, Sigma 50-150 2.8, and a Sigma 17-50 2.8, so 2 our of 3 that Matt mentioned and I LOVE them. They are all solid lenses and produce quality results.

Ultimately I will second Matt's sentiments and just go for the D7100. Early reviews are fantastic for it and not likely to have anything replace it any time soon.

Zach,
Thanks so much for your thoughts on this issue I'm battling! Glad I'm not the only one facing this thought! I think between you and Matt I feel pretty confident to take this leap to the D7100. Especially since I have an upcoming trip to Oregon. Which I might add, saw your images of Multnomah Falls, wow! Incredible! Sounds like the lenses you both mentioned have a good reputation. After upgrading my camera body, I think I'm going to branch out from the Nikkor lenses and look at some of the ones you both mentioned. Thank you again, I really appreciate you taking the time to give me some feedback!!

As I went to submit this I took another look at your website....oh how jealous I am that you live on the Oregon Coast!!!! My favorite place!!

Thanks again Zach, really appreciate you!

tsk1979

D7000 was a masterpiece. I ditched canon for this. D7100 is apparently even better. Get a nice UWA though if you are into landscapes.

Zerodog

Absolutely! For the price, the 7100 might be the best camera out there. For what I have used it for the only shortcoming I have found is AF performance in low light. But for everything else it is a really great camera. Coming from the 5000 I think you will find it to be a huge upgrade in every way.