D5200/5300/5500/7100

D5200/5300/5500/7100

So, I currently have a D5200 with the following lenses:

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

Nikon AF-S DX 18-55/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105/3.5-5.6G VR



I basically use this to take pictures of my kids and their various activities. They are athletes and with four (now three....oldest graduated) that play in MS and HS, I take pictures a lot...of all the kids, not just my own. We go to a small school that is poor economically. Our school's sports don't get much media presence and parents aren't always able to get to activities or if they are, most arent blessed with a husband who has a job to be able to afford me an occasional luxury, like a decent camera. I end up taking a lot of pictures, most of which are also posted to our school's website/Facebook page. Anyway, I take pictures at basketball games, soccer games, baseball games, track meets, football games, etc. I like the 5fps on the D5200 for this reason. I mainly shoot in jpg for the sports stuff.







I also take pictures for things like school dances, I have done senior pics a few times for kids that wouldn't have them otherwise. I am not a professional but do a decent job. I am attaching two photos so you can get an idea of what I feel is acceptable for what I do.

My current D5200 mirror's motor just died. With a shutter count of 270K+ I have decided to replace it rather than repair it. I am happy with the D5200 just am not sure if it would be better to upgrade to a 5300/5500 or even a 7100. I am leaning towards NOT the 7100 if only for the reasoning that I can use the current batteries I have as backups. That being said, if in my predicament, which option would you choose? Would you go with a new camera due to the sheer volume of pics I take or go with a refurbished? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Money is an issue to a point, but I am able to afford any of the above. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer. Pics are my own kids just so you can get an idea that I am not after a 'professional' look...these are acceptable to me.

Kathy

KathyPem said:

D5200/5300/5500/7100

So, I currently have a D5200 with the following lenses:

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

Nikon AF-S DX 18-55/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105/3.5-5.6G VR

I basically use this to take pictures of my kids and their various activities. They are athletes and with four (now three....oldest graduated) that play in MS and HS, I take pictures a lot...of all the kids, not just my own. (...) Anyway, I take pictures at basketball games, soccer games, baseball games, track meets, football games, etc. I like the 5fps on the D5200 for this reason. I mainly shoot in jpg for the sports stuff.

I also take pictures for things like school dances, I have done senior pics a few times for kids that wouldn't have them otherwise. I am not a professional but do a decent job. I am attaching two photos so you can get an idea of what I feel is acceptable for what I do.

My current D5200 mirror's motor just died. With a shutter count of 270K+ I have decided to replace it rather than repair it. I am happy with the D5200 just am not sure if it would be better to upgrade to a 5300/5500 or even a 7100. (...)

Kathy

Click to expand...

You will probably be comfortable with either of them. The D7100 or D7200 has the following advantages:

– More buttons, which means that you will be able to control directly more essential functions without having to go through menus.

– Better viewfinder (pentaprism instead of pentamirror), with means easier composition in dark environment (ex.: dances or indoor sports events) and especially easier manual focusing if you do any of it.

– More precise autofocus system, with is especially valuable in sports events. In theory the D5500 and D7200 focus equally well (or equally not so well) in dark environments (ditto for D5200 vs D7100), but in practice, I find the D7x00 is much more accurate if the subject is moving.

– Dual SD cards. If you want, you can record your photos on each card, so you have some protection if a card fails.

– Possibility to use older lenses and still benefit from autofocus. Not an issue with the lenses you have and probably not an issue unless you buy second hand lenses.

On the other hand, the D5x00 series has a few benefits :

– Flip screen. Useful for some people in live view. If you are a fan of it, then stay with the D5x00 series.

– You keep your batteries (check if it still is true with the D5500). Buying one extra battery for the D7x00 will add $60-70 to your total bill.

– A bit lighter. I find it a non-issue once I add the weight of the lens.

– Familiarity with what you are used to. Don't make it your only reason to stay with the D5x00, because the learning curve for the D7x00 will be minimal.

***************

Apart from deciding whether you stay in the D5x00 series or go for the D7x00, I would add the following:

– All cameras offer 24 MP resolution.

– The D5200 and D7100 have the same processor: Expeed 3.

– The D5300, D5500 and D7200 have the same processor: Expeed 4. So you gain approximately 0.5 - 1 stop in resolution (i.e. higher ISO without too much grain). Not important for those baseball shots in the sun, but it would make a difference if you shoot theater or dances (typically in the dark) or indoor sports with poor lighting.

– For sports, it's great to be able to shoot many photos in series. All of these cameras have a large enough buffer if you shoot JPG only; but if you want to shoot in RAW or in JPG + RAW (the best of both worlds), then check for buffer capacity:
– With the D7100, it takes 5-6 RAW photos to fill the buffer, then it slows down. With a fast card, you can then shoot approximately 1.5-2 photos per second.
– With the D7200, it takes 18 RAW photos to fill the buffer
– I don't know how many raw photos you can take with the D5x00 series.

Good luck with your shopping.

--
Michel Gagnon

One thing to consider is the bigger size of the D7100 body. For me, the D5000 was the perfect size, and went everywhere with me. The bigger and heavier body took some time to get used to, and it sits home much more than it should. The bigger viewfinder is a plus. If I had it to do over, I more than likely would stay with a 5000 series body.

Similarly, I recently wanted to move up from the D5000 to a newer model with higher resolution. I do more scenery/landscape photos than sports and people, so any modern "D" camera would have been good enough.

I chose the D7100 because I wasn't happy with the build quality or ergonomics of the newer D5xxx cameras. And the D7100 has some nice extra features like weather resistance, more automatic bracketing options, and lots of nice touches like the button lock on the mode dial.

The more complex and competent auto-focusing options weren't a shopping factor, but after photographing the kid's baseball team this year I've come to appreciate that aspect of the camera.

That said, there are a couple of things you should be aware of with the D7100 before buying: Weight and size. So many buttons, knobs, and switches! Larger file sizes. Might need a larger camera bag. You may miss the swivel screen. I really miss the graphical representation of the aperture.

I saved 30% by selecting a refurbished D7100. The camera I received was in like-new condition and I'd absolutely buy that way again. Bought a refurbished 55-300mm lens with the savings!

I would have bought the D7200 if the prices were anywhere near being similar, but they were so much higher...

Hope this helps!

Because of the flip out LCD I like the 5xxx. Weight has become an issue as well after injured right wrist, right shoulder and old neck injury. However, I'll admit when using the heavier lenses I might just as well select the 7100 or later. That brings me back around to the 5xxx series. The added benefit of the flip out LCD wins the day. I sold my beloved 5100 after deciding to go to the then new D5500 w/ kit 18-140. Unlike almost everyone else, I'm not a big fan of its touch screen. I preferred a friend's new D5300 I shot with for a few weeks. I was at home with the 5300 right away, nailing focus, actually getting better results those weeks than after a rather long time with my D5500. There's something about the D5500, particularly with the longer lenses that just doesn't feel as "natural" or "balanced." These things are simply individual preferences.

If you don't use the flip LCD like I so often do (I avoid flopping down on the ground these days) the 7xxx which I've held but never shot should be considered because of less menu diving. I also used to shoot my husband's D300. Enjoyed it with the 70-300 lens and fingers just making changes while holding the camera to my eye. Fast! Loved that camera but not the weight for my carry around style.

I also took many videos with the D5100. The flip out and tilt screen is great for video! Wish all cameras had at least a tilting LCD.

Happy hunting! BTW, Nikon refurbished for both cameras and lenses is also a good option.

Get D7100 or D5500

the D7100 has better build. Better viewfinder and faster frame rate. 6 fps. 7 fps in crop mode which is useful. V good camera but is bigger and heavier..Aslo has a bunch of other things you may or may not ever use

if you where happy with the D5200 then the D5500 will make you even happier.

Betrer grip'than the D5200. Built in wifi. Touchscreen and lighter. The touchscreen is great and allows for very quick changes to settings and control of AF point. The D5500 also has a newer processor than the D7100/D5200 and and uses a better noise reduction algorithm at high iOS so may produce slightly better jpegs.

Darin.

Hi Kathy, nice job on the pics.

Food for thought; I'm in Canada, and the current pricing up here, for the D7100(body), puts it squarely in a very attractive sweet-spot,,, roughly $880. CDN, which equates to $680. U.S. That's an incredible price from what I can see. I'm tempted to get one myself.

I don't know what your import taxes are like, but I'll bet they're cheaper than ours.

Warranty repairs really shouldn't be any different compared to buying in the U.S. Depending on where you're located, sending a camera to Toronto, could be just as easy as shipping somewhere across the U.S.A.

Good luck.

Hi Kathy.

I'm a little contrary to the most in my opinion, I think

I could ever never recommend any of the D5x00 for the kind of your use, not because of the image quality - that is as you show here superb, and is not any better with the D7x00 line - not even speaking higher ISO's or lower light - that's for sure.

There's basically three reasons, where the D5x00 series would come to short in my opinion:

The Viewfinder - I'm exclusively shooting VF-mode - and can't my self be familiar to the tiny dark penta-mirror viewfinder. The Viewfinder (size) was the most remarkable upgrade, when going from the D90 to the D7000, next to the AF-system.

The twin dial control and top-panel. When I upgraded from my D60, the two dials and the top-panel were surprisingly the features, I liked most being "upgraded" - and never can I go back - or recommend a camera for the kind of your use, that does not wear those features.

The third reason - believe it or not - is weight and size

Mounted with a lens - the differences are not that big - but the little heavier an bigger sized D7100 (or D7200) gives a far better feeling of balance, in my opinion.

I actually never got used to the "lightweight" F401 or F601with "serious" lenses mounted - in relation to my old "ion" Eastern Germany first SLR, there was no balance at all.

Besides this - but not a reason, I would give priority, the D7100/D7200 gives you a slightly better (read faster - and some says easier and more accurate) AF-system, specifically when speaking shooting fast moving subjects.

This is of course my opinion only - and with the risk of being thrown out of the forum - with the serious use of yours - stay away from the D5x00's

BirgerH.

Nice images of your children. You are doing well.

I find that I have to agree with Birger on this occasion. (I must be getting old).

-What he said, plus the memory function of the D7100. You would be able to swap between "portrait" and "sports" with a click of the dial, rather than fiddling with half a dozen or more menu settings. "All those buttons" are also very useful.

You'll really like the VF, and appreciate the more customisable AF. Despite what someone mentioned, there WILL be a learning curve, but you will be fine.

Here's an AF test on a moving vehicle. Taken at 6 frames/second with no preparation apart from selecting memory U2; all 12 shots were in good focus. The original demonstrates resolution equal to that of a shot taken from a tripod.


Nikon 18-140mm

BirgerH said:

Hi Kathy.

I'm a little contrary to the most in my opinion, I think

I could ever never recommend any of the D5x00 for the kind of your use, not because of the image quality - that is as you show here superb, and is not any better with the D7x00 line - not even speaking higher ISO's or lower light - that's for sure.

There's basically three reasons, where the D5x00 series would come to short in my opinion:

The Viewfinder - I'm exclusively shooting VF-mode - and can't my self be familiar to the tiny dark penta-mirror viewfinder. The Viewfinder (size) was the most remarkable upgrade, when going from the D90 to the D7000, next to the AF-system.

The twin dial control and top-panel. When I upgraded from my D60, the two dials and the top-panel were surprisingly the features, I liked most being "upgraded" - and never can I go back - or recommend a camera for the kind of your use, that does not wear those features.

The third reason - believe it or not - is weight and size

Mounted with a lens - the differences are not that big - but the little heavier an bigger sized D7100 (or D7200) gives a far better feeling of balance, in my opinion.

I actually never got used to the "lightweight" F401 or F601with "serious" lenses mounted - in relation to my old "ion" Eastern Germany first SLR, there was no balance at all.

Besides this - but not a reason, I would give priority, the D7100/D7200 gives you a slightly better (read faster - and some says easier and more accurate) AF-system, specifically when speaking shooting fast moving subjects.

This is of course my opinion only - and with the risk of being thrown out of the forum - with the serious use of yours - stay away from the D5x00's

BirgerH.

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I agree with all this, except that I'd also add that I upgraded from a D5100 to a D7100 and I will never go back to another camera without AF fine tune. Birger is right that the D7100 has much better balance and the weight difference isn't meaningful. But AF fine tune is really important if you're going to start getting prime lenses with shallow DOF.

For what it's worth to the OP: your pictures look great, the D5200 is a great camera, and you'll love any of the ones you're considering. If I was you, I'd either be looking at the D5300 as the best value or the D7100 as the most capable camera for your uses. I am exactly like you: taking pictures of kids around the house and playing sports. The D7100 is a great fit for that usage. You can get an aftermarket battery for $25 at adorama.

Most of the times when someone say is going to shoot sports and is considering between D5x00 or D7x00 the logic option is going to be the D7x00 series. In your case I'm not that sure because one basic reason, you already took 270k shots with a D5x00 camera which make you extremly familiar with the layout. If I would buy it for me I would pick the D7100 in a blink (I actually already did that with no regrets), but I was used to the twin dials from my film cameras times and my previous digital cameras (D1 and D70s) they both had also twin dials and I know I can't live without that feature. But for you thats not the case because you already learned to deal with just one, you got used to the ergonomic and you got used to the smaller viewfinder, so for that reasons I believe that the D5500 its a better option in your case. Anyway, before make you make your choice I suggest you to go to a camera store, take the cameras on your hands, look thru the viewfinder, check them side by side and not until then make your choice.

Anyone have a good trick to use for those of us with busted necks? My Nikon is so heavy and my canon (mark iii) i just bought is heavy, too. i go to an aquarium where a tripod or monopod isn't allowed

editor2 said:

Anyone have a good trick to use for those of us with busted necks? My Nikon is so heavy and my canon (mark iii) i just bought is heavy, too. i go to an aquarium where a tripod or monopod isn't allowed.

Click to expand...

I believe that there are some "harness" type camera carriers that allow you to attach the camera to your chest area. Maybe you could also use an articulated screen at a convenient angle for framing your shots.

Given that live-view isn't ideal with DSLRs, in your situation, I'd be looking for a smaller camera such as Sony mirrorless, where the rear LCD is the "real thing". Some Sony models are particularly good in low light. (e.g. Sony a7sII), but the more basic models are pretty good as well.