doc rahul wrote:mike geier wrote:it doesn't matter what THE 7100 can not be beat. all other thinking is just $$ motivated . Nikon released the 7100 as their best in this format and until a replacement comes out IT REMAINS THE BEST. Consider nothing else, unless money is an object and you do not mind compromiseWell money is a definite constraint. I can't buy the D7100 and a good lens (and maybe a flash). Though I do hate a compromise,I want a body that can last me a few years (which is why I am reluctant to go for the D7000).Unless you're someone who has to have cutting edge equipment or if video is very important to you, why wouldn't a D7000 last a few years for you? It has very good IQ and is still an extremely relevant camera...other than perhaps some bad copies with AF issues out there, I'm not sure what you're giving up with the D7K -- especially with some the deals going on and your budget is a consideration.Most of the new camera models introduced the past couple years (24MP sensor notwithstanding) have been mostly incremental improvements over the previous models they've replaced...I would think a D7000 would last you for several years.Good luck!

In my opinion, the 7100 is the hands down choice, no contest.But if low light is your thing, forget all this and go for a Sony a6000, you will not believe it's low light capabilities. I have never seen anything that comes close, even with the kit 16-50 lens. With a 35mm f1.8 its totally unmatched by anything

I was looking at going from a D7000 to a D5300 for the newer sensor and the smaller size.Have to admit the control layout may take some adjustment.Main concern though is geotagging.  I rather use the Bluetooth and GPS receivers I've been using on the D7000 rather than whatever builtin chip they have.  Heard that it's slow to acquire satellites from a cold start and drains down the battery.But it doesn't look to have the same menu options as the D7000, which has a GPS menu.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I finally chose a D7100. Got a good deal on the 18-105 kit.Next purchases are going to be a decent flash, a prime lens and later the Sigma 17-50...Many of you suggested the Nikon primes - just wanted to know which I should get 35mm or 50mm. I felt that 50mm might not be useful on a DX camera, but wanted some advise from your experience. Am going to try out my lens at both those focal lengths for a little while and see for myself too (hopefully I can stop myself from zooming in and out between shots)

doc rahul wrote:Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I finally chose a D7100. Got a good deal on the 18-105 kit.Next purchases are going to be a decent flash, a prime lens and later the Sigma 17-50...Many of you suggested the Nikon primes - just wanted to know which I should get 35mm or 50mm. I felt that 50mm might not be useful on a DX camera, but wanted some advise from your experience. Am going to try out my lens at both those focal lengths for a little while and see for myself too (hopefully I can stop myself from zooming in and out between shots)Hi.Congratulations with your new camera.Then - first the Sigma - it seems to be a Little Winner - despite the Little short range (which I like). I have an old 18-50 mounted on the D90 - not nearly the good as the 17-50 is rated - but way better I feel than my old Nikon kit-lense 18-55. (Which followed the D60 in a trade.)35 or 50 mm - that will rearly divide the trouble Waters in here, I think. To me it makes no difference - it's only the matter of moving some few meters. I only have the 50 - and therefor have to move further to have the same view.But you are right - the 35mm is more a "normal" lens on the DX, where 50mm is a (very) short tele.Another reason to choose the 35 is, that it fits just in the middle of the 17-50 - a kind of an average reach. Not saying that it will be the average use of the 17-50 - I think that will be something between 17 and 24.A reason to choose the 50 - it's a very decent lense for head and shoulders on the DX - without being to close to distort the subject, and fullsize with a Little more distance.And then remember - by have choosen the D7100, you are able to use most whatever lense on the markett - and you can find a lot of used AF and AF-D primes on the net for rearly low cost. So why not both a 35 and a 50.Have funBirgerH.