Which Nikon DX?

datsunman

datsunman

datsunman

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Joined
6 Aug 2003
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336
Hi All,

About to dip my toe back into SLR's after a few years with a Micro 4/3 system. Can't quite decide what to do so any advice appreciated.

So, choices are D5100, D7000 or D5200. Will be pairing up with 18-105mm and 35mm.

D7000 - this was my first choice, slightly cheaper now and looking at the price of the D90 I doubt it will drop much if/when a replacement is announced.

D5100 - slightly less functionality than the D7000. Due to D5200 release it is really good value, especially with current cashback offer.

D5200 - bit of an unknown, A/F should be comparable to D7000 but pricing obviously high due to being brand new.

My gut feeling is that if I'm buying on price I should look no further than the D5100 and if I want the functionality I should be looking at the D7000.

Anyone offer any arguments for or against?
 
I've recently bought the D7000 after owning the D3100. I'm really pleased with mine and can recommend it as a decent upgrade. I soon found the limits of the 3100, but I can grow with the 7000. Lots to learn. I would imagine you'd run into the same issue with the 5100/5200. I've also got the 35mm and it complements the D7000 perfectly. I've actually just got my wife to purchase a flash gun for chrimbo, can't wait to try that combination out ;)
 
I own the D5100 and having only been learning for just over 6 months I am still happy with my purchase but have found some of the minor draw backs that come with the D5100. It all depends on how far you intend to go.

So far the things that bug me which I had no idea about before purchase are;

• No flash commander, adding an SB-700 or similar solves that problem but then you need another speed light or more to use as a remote/s and then the cost closes up to the price of a D7000 which has a commander afaik.

• No high speed flash sync, not really needed it so far but it still bugs me anyway.
 
D7000 also has the huge advantage of an AF servo in the body and an aperture feeler so you can use pretty much every nikon lens ever made and get AF and proper metering.

Dave
 
The body is also nicer, balances well with bigger glass, more robust if you drop it or take it out in the rain. Of course that adds weight.
 
Something that's missing from the D5100 compared with the D5000 that I've not seen anyone else mention is that the viewfinder grid isn't there. It's only available on the back screen in live view mode. I have a tendency to tilt the camera so I find it useful to help keep my horizons level.
 
Snapshot said:
Something that's missing from the D5100 compared with the D5000 that I've not seen anyone else mention is that the viewfinder grid isn't there. It's only available on the back screen in live view mode. I have a tendency to tilt the camera so I find it useful to help keep my horizons level.
Click to expand...

Good point, as the D5100 is my first DSLR I was not aware of this. ;)
 
Not that there is anything wrong with the cameras mentioned above, but for the money you can get a 7000 for now, it is excellent value. I honestly can't see me needing to upgrade for some time.
 
One thing I don't think has been mentioned yet is the viewfinder - the D7000 has a pentaprism which gives a brighter image.
 
The D3100 is great if you're looking to get into photography or if you don't know what you're doing. You come across as knowing something so I'd rule that out as you have done.

The D5100 is a stripped down D7000; uses the same sensor, pull out screen and 1080i recording capabilities, as well as being nice and light. It does however lack the 39 point autofocus (11 only), will only autofocus with motored lenses (the more expensive AF-S glass) and is made entirely of plastic.

The D7000 is, for the current money, an excellent camera with a part metal, part plastic construction, autofocus motor for older lenses, 39 point autofocus, dual SD lots and a few more bells and whistles you'll probably never use anyway. It lacks full HD recording (720i only) and isn't completely magnesium, weighs in a bit more than the D5100 but does balance better with bigger glass.

There is also a used D300(s) to consider; a more professional body made of completely magnesium, more durable, 51 autofocus points, and a few more bells and whistles you'll likely not use, cheaper than the D7000 too and being body only you have the option of adding a lens of your choice. Downsides are the D300 lacks movie (the D300s has this at a significant price hike), it weighs more again, and is marginally worse in low light than the D7000, it also uses compact flash which is an advantage for a pro, but might not be so welcome if you've stacks of SD cards (the D300s again uses a dual compact flash/SD card setup)!

The D5200 is going to be another D600, comes out at a stupid price and less than an hour down the line we'll be knocking chunks out of the price at the shop, but either way when it comes down to price it'll be similar to the D7000 and honestly, I know which I'd rather have ;)
 
Cheers all, was all set to buy at the weekend and found that it sat horribly in my hands. I was quite surprised as I had a D40 many moons ago that felt really good, just didn't like the D7000 at all. :(

The 650D felt really good, but the spec's didn't seem quite as good as the D7000 for the price.

Back to the drawing board I guess.
 
datsunman said:
Cheers all, was all set to buy at the weekend and found that it sat horribly in my hands. I was quite surprised as I had a D40 many moons ago that felt really good, just didn't like the D7000 at all. :(

The 650D felt really good, but the spec's didn't seem quite as good as the D7000 for the price.

Back to the drawing board I guess.
Click to expand...

I seem to be finding that with my D7000 now, my hands are quite large and they feel slightly cramped on the body.

I'd throw in a consideration for the D300 or the S model, I have a D200 and it's just the right size and weight, everything feels just right.
 
datsunman said:
Cheers all, was all set to buy at the weekend and found that it sat horribly in my hands. I was quite surprised as I had a D40 many moons ago that felt really good, just didn't like the D7000 at all. :(
Click to expand...

Then try a D300. I've tried the D7000 and although it's good the ergonomics are not as good as my current D200.

You could always go over to the dark side and look a used 50D or 7D or a new 60D.
 
The D7000 does feel a lot more cramped in my hands than my D700/300, but I found putting a grip on it helps enormously. It also makes portrait orientation much easier!

To be fair, you get used to any camera after a while, even switching between the DXXX series cameras to the DXXXX type is second nature after a while, and even remembering the different features is easy. We remember far more complicated things in our lives than camera settings, they're not rocket science!

I've been very impressed with the D7000, but I confess I have no experience of Canon cameras since many years ago, so not sure if they have something that compares.

I wish I'd had one years ago when I started, that's for sure!
 
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