thomo wrote:If you don't like the D7100 then the D5300 is the next best choice. I have only owned the 'full-featured' enthusiest DX models as I've really struggled every time I've had to use someone's 'mid-ranged' Nikon (D3000/D5000 variants). It just seems so difficult to get the cameras to do want you want them to do. Like someone else mentioned, once you get to 12Mp or above you have to really pixel-peep to see the differnece. I just had some 120cm x 80cm canvas prints done by a lab (Shoot Gallery in Bali) since I can only print up to A2 at home - the images were shot with D90's and the detail is amazing!• Nikon D800E • Nikon Df • Nikon D700 (2) • Nikon D7100 • Nikon D7000 • Nikon D90 (2) • Nikon D80 • Nikon D70s • Hasselblad H3DII-39 • Fuji X100 LE • Canon G15I'm all about IQ.  I've never had any problem making "mid-ranged" Nikons (D5000/D5100/D5200) do anything I wanted them to do.  Yes, I can imagine if all you've used are models full of direct access dials and buttons and whatnot, yes it would be a "struggle" to do the exact same things a different way that might even include (HORRORS!!) going into the menu to change a setting.But once you're used to it, as for me, I found I can change settings at least as quickly and intuitively with my D5100 as my long since sold D7000.And, looking at your gear list thomo, do you really own all those cameras?  A little overkill don't you think?

toomanycanons wrote:thomo wrote:If you don't like the D7100 then the D5300 is the next best choice. I have only owned the 'full-featured' enthusiest DX models as I've really struggled every time I've had to use someone's 'mid-ranged' Nikon (D3000/D5000 variants). It just seems so difficult to get the cameras to do want you want them to do. Like someone else mentioned, once you get to 12Mp or above you have to really pixel-peep to see the differnece. I just had some 120cm x 80cm canvas prints done by a lab (Shoot Gallery in Bali) since I can only print up to A2 at home - the images were shot with D90's and the detail is amazing!• Nikon D800E • Nikon Df • Nikon D700 (2) • Nikon D7100 • Nikon D7000 • Nikon D90 (2) • Nikon D80 • Nikon D70s • Hasselblad H3DII-39 • Fuji X100 LE • Canon G15I'm all about IQ. I've never had any problem making "mid-ranged" Nikons (D5000/D5100/D5200) do anything I wanted them to do. Yes, I can imagine if all you've used are models full of direct access dials and buttons and whatnot, yes it would be a "struggle" to do the exact same things a different way that might even include (HORRORS!!) going into the menu to change a setting.But once you're used to it, as for me, I found I can change settings at least as quickly and intuitively with my D5100 as my long since sold D7000.And, looking at your gear list thomo, do you really own all those cameras? A little overkill don't you think?I think image quality is an often misused term - it really depends on what your intended output is. If all you want to do is pixel peep then, yes you will see difference between a 12Mp DX camera and 36 megapixel FX. I just had a few 120cm x 80cm prints done from images shot with a D90 and when viewed at a normal viewing distance it looks as good as if it was shot with the D800E.I'm happy to hear you can handle it but if you don't have the time to hunt through menus to find the function you want, as many serious shooters don't, then it can be real pain. I've been shooting both as an enthusiast and for profit for a little under 40 years and probably have a low tolerance for menus and buttons (hence the Df).And yes - the equipment list is my current digital gear - but it doesn't include the 50 odd lenses and dozens of 35mm, medium format and 5x4" film gear, large format printers or studio equipment. And no - it's not overkill. Every bit of gear has its purpose,strengths and weaknesses.I've worked for 45 years and I'm seven weeks off retirement. Photography has been a big part of my life and I'm just about to enjoy it even more - similarly with other interest like travel, four wheel driving and Chev Corvettes.• Nikon D800E • Nikon Df • Nikon D700 (2) • Nikon D7100 • Nikon D7000 • Nikon D90 (2) • Nikon D80 • Nikon D70s • Hasselblad H3DII-39 • Fuji X100 LE • Canon G15

thomo wrote:I'm happy to hear you can handle it but if you don't have the time to hunt through menus to find the function you want, as many serious shooters don't, then it can be real pain.Which functions?I've been shooting both as an enthusiast and for profit for a little under 40 years and probably have a low tolerance for menus and buttons (hence the Df).The great thing about the learning power of the human mind is that with a little practice this is a complete non issue.If someone can't change key photographic settings quickly on something like a D5100 there is something seriously wrong.

toomanycanons wrote:thomo wrote:If you don't like the D7100 then the D5300 is the next best choice. I have only owned the 'full-featured' enthusiest DX models as I've really struggled every time I've had to use someone's 'mid-ranged' Nikon (D3000/D5000 variants). It just seems so difficult to get the cameras to do want you want them to do. Like someone else mentioned, once you get to 12Mp or above you have to really pixel-peep to see the differnece. I just had some 120cm x 80cm canvas prints done by a lab (Shoot Gallery in Bali) since I can only print up to A2 at home - the images were shot with D90's and the detail is amazing!• Nikon D800E • Nikon Df • Nikon D700 (2) • Nikon D7100 • Nikon D7000 • Nikon D90 (2) • Nikon D80 • Nikon D70s • Hasselblad H3DII-39 • Fuji X100 LE • Canon G15I'm all about IQ. I've never had any problem making "mid-ranged" Nikons (D5000/D5100/D5200) do anything I wanted them to do. Yes, I can imagine if all you've used are models full of direct access dials and buttons and whatnot, yes it would be a "struggle" to do the exact same things a different way that might even include (HORRORS!!) going into the menu to change a setting.But once you're used to it, as for me, I found I can change settings at least as quickly and intuitively with my D5100 as my long since sold D7000.And, looking at your gear list thomo, do you really own all those cameras? A little overkill don't you think?For me - going from D60 (similar to D5000 in most ways) to D90 (used D80 shortly in between) was not about IQ. Almost never printing, this item was not an issue.The three main reasons was:Always using viewfinder - the better prisme viewfinder.Absolutely tired by diving in the menu for changing settings. The two Wheels and the extra buttons was the clear winning reason. Even though being mostly a landscaper having the time to dive, it was frustrating me.The ability to use some of my old and very good glasses from my film cameras together with AF.As you say, the midrange Nikons can do whatever you want them to - and just as good (except for AF'ing non AF-S lenses) - but to me, they were not the solution.The differences is not about IQ - it's about what you want and what you need  - and the ability to get it.Looking at thomo's gear list, it is impressive - but why should it be an overkill? If it is what he needs and wants to do the jobs he's doing, it is just the very best tools.BirgerH.

I have both a D7100 and a D5300 and will post some examples below.They are really close overall. Both are good through ISO 6400, then fall off a cliff after that.

D5300 @ ISO 12,800D5300 100% crop @ ISO 12,800D5300 @ ISO 12,800 with Topaz DeNoiseD7100 @ISO 12,800 with Topaz DeNoiseD7100 100% crop @ ISO 12,800D7100 @ ISO 12,800 with Topaz DeNoise NR

I should also note that this was a bit of a torture test at ISO 12,800 ambient LED lighting.

I currently own a D300. It has so many clicks i will keep using it because i love it and besides that it will fetch nothing if sold second hand!Next on my wishlist is the D5300. I want a flexible monitor, i loved using it on my Panasonic FZ-150 and it offers more creative shooting options for me personally. Noisewise the D300 and D5300 are miles apart. I shoot in available light as long as i can as i hate using flash and suck at using it, haha! Pushing the D300 beyond ISO1600 is disastrous and i want a new cam that can easily overstep that barrier. The D300 is from 2006, technology has advanced 8 years, i don't have the money to go for the D7100 or higher so for me the D5300 is the next logical step.I will take the D300 with me for sportsevents where its' burstspeed beats the 5300 but i think the 5300 will be my new walkaround cam! Cheers,Jeff

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