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yellow5
PeaNut
PeaNut 491,305
December 2010
Posts: 489
Layouts: 0
 |  Posted: 11/15/2012 9:02:42 AM
I still consider myself a "newbie" at photography, being that I've only been at this a year. However, within the year, I've taken classes and workshops, read endless books, participate in photography forums and joined a local camera club. I've improved so much -- so much so, that I have sold prints of stuff I've taken to friends and "friends of friends" via Facebook. I'm also dabbling into stock photography and have stuff up at various agencies.
I own the D5100 and I LOVE it. However, knowing what I know now, I kinda wish I would've purchased the D7000, mainly for its extra focus points, better controls (there's an ISO button!), speed and the focus motor in the camera to use non AFS lenses.
The D5100 has the same sensor as the D7000, so I don't think image quality will necessarily be "better."
I'm not interested in going full frame.
I found a Black Friday deal for the D7000 for $999.99 and includes the 18-105mm lens. I can sell my D5100 used for ~$400 (lowest price listed for used on Amazon) and I'd sell the 18-105mm lens new for $400. So basically I'm upgrading my camera for ~$250-270 (I'm including the tax on the D7000 and the fees on the Amazon sales).
My question to you -- if you were me, would you go for it? Is it worth $250 to upgrade to the D7000? The D5100 is a "newer" camera, in that it came out after the D7000. I do not use this for video and I never use the articulating screen. |
| My <A HREF="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39908901@N06/">Flickr</A> | |
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2LuvPeasLife
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 394,173
October 2008
Posts: 2,824
Layouts: 34
Loc: Vancouver, BC CANADA
 | Posted: 11/15/2012 3:00:23 PM
Quite the dilema!
I have the D5100 but have not done as much training, etc., as you have.
I am envious!
Could you rent or borrow a D7000 for a weekend?
B & H photo/video in New York has a rental program.
B & H
As does Adorama which is in New York, too.
Good Luck
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Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
-- Dr. Seuss
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itsmeamanda
PeaNut
PeaNut 308,069
April 2007
Posts: 64
Layouts: 67
 | Posted: 11/20/2012 10:38:14 AM
I upgraded from a D50 to a D7000 last year, and I am honestly not pleased. It isn't nearly as sharp as my D50 and i almost constantly have focus issues. 
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jenchapin
PeaNut
PeaNut 344,976
October 2007
Posts: 426
Layouts: 215
Loc: Iowa
 | Posted: 11/27/2012 10:11:20 AM
I just went back and forth between the 5100 and the 7000. I upgraded from the D3000 and ended up choosing the D5100. Since the 5100 and the 7000 both had the same sensor, and I felt I didn't need the extra focus points.
I really like the swivel screen and the 7000 doesn't have that. I was also able to get a better zoom lens in my kit for less than the 7000 body would have cost. Good luck! |
Blogging at www.jenchapin.blogspot.com
Designing for Bella Blvd, Carta Bella, Scrapbook Circle and A Flair for Buttons | |
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yellow5
PeaNut
PeaNut 491,305
December 2010
Posts: 489
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 11/27/2012 11:37:34 AM
I ended up upgrading! I ordered it from B&H so I haven't received it yet.
I've never used the swivel screen on the D5100, except for maybe once, when I first got it to try it out. It's much more useful for video, and video is something I'm not interested in.
See, I like the extra focus points. The 11 focus points of the 5100 is actually quite limiting (for me) and creeping through the menus to get to certain options I'm using a lot (like ISO) gets annoying.
The U1/U2 programmable options will be a lifesaver for me! I do a lot of continuous shooting and the speed of the D7000 blows the D5100 away.
(I tested this out at Best Buy on Black Friday before I made my purchase). | |
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jenchapin
PeaNut
PeaNut 344,976
October 2007
Posts: 426
Layouts: 215
Loc: Iowa
| Posted: 11/30/2012 11:40:04 AM
Good for you!  |
Blogging at www.jenchapin.blogspot.com
Designing for Bella Blvd, Carta Bella, Scrapbook Circle and A Flair for Buttons | |
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