Upgrade from a D50 to..?

Ncsumd

I've been using a D50 for approx 10 years, just as a hobby. Mainly shoot kids sporting events, water sports, family stuff, hiking...Also usually take it on vacations, for instance to PR, Costa Rica, etc. I currently only have 18-55 kit lens, 18-70, 50 1.8, 180 2.8, and 70-200 2.8 VR. The D50 has been great, but it is a little long in the tooth now & I just want something newer. I've been watching d7000 and D7100 prices for a while, and they now seem to be pretty good. Especially the D7000 for 525.00 at Amazon. If I get the D7000, would I miss anything from the D7100? Surely they are both leaps & bounds above my D50. Just looking for some guidance. Been reading this forum for a while, but have never posted until now.

Golf007sd

@Ncsumd: Welcome. Many topics in our forum address individual that have found themselves in your position,...well to some extent.

With respect to your choices in bodies, keep one thing in mind: if you intend to upgrade your camera body every 10 years or so, then it would be prudent to purchase a new model (i.e. D7100) vs. an body that has already been replaced.

heartyfisher

the D50 uses CCD instead of CMOS that the current crop of cameras have. so you may notice some colour differences. It also has the super high speed electronic shutter for super high speed electronic flash which you may or may not have used :-) ( 1/4000 flash sync !!!). just a couple of things that you will have to give up for going modern ! :-)

IF you want the most advanced nikon DX sensor at the moment check out the nikon D5300. but it may not work with your lenses if they use the in body AF motor. in which case then only the D7XXX series and FX bodies will work the AF for them.

Compared to the D7000 the D7100 has more MP, better AF and a better sensor (not as good as the D5300, but we are expecting the D7200 in a few months). Some here think its worth the upgrade. (I have not, I am waiting for the D7200)
If you are going to use this camera for the next 10 years. I would suggest you wait for the D7200 or consider the D610. if you can stretch for a D750 consider it as I think that will become a classic Nikon like the old D70 was.

The D7000 is nice, has a lot of features but has one annoying issue. The AF is flaky sometimes in some samples. You can ignore it and accept its flakyness(as I have) but I think for your "sports" oriented photography go for the better AF of the D7100 (D7200 ?)

KnockKnock

The D7000 is nice, has a lot of features but has one annoying issue. The AF is flaky sometimes in some samples. You can ignore it and accept its flakyness(as I have) but I think for your "sports" oriented photography go for the better AF of the D7100 (D7200 ?)

I had exactly this issue... moving from a D60 to a D7000 refurb. I missed the color of the D60 at low ISO, appreciated the higher resolution and decent high-ISO noise results (decently low noise); however I was bummed about the auto-focus so I returned it. Just couldn't get reliable AF and chased my tail for two weeks trying to get everything fine-tuned, to find out that near vs far AF and zoom vs wide were adversely affected.

I recently picked up a new (no more refurbs for me) D7100 (now down to $900) and am happy with the color, even straight out of camera, hugely impressed by the low noise at high-ISO, and um (seeking superlative) extremely happy with the auto-focus: all of my lenses focus accurately enough for my work.

Just one man's experience, but if someone were to ask me, I'd say either grab the D7100 at bargain prices this holiday season, or jump on the rumored D7200, maybe come February, but it'll probably run $1200 USD.

BTW, for a hobbiest, nice lens collection!

heartyfisher

BTW, for a hobbiest, nice lens collection!

Yup +1, I was thinking that when I first saw it :-)

spraynpray

I had the D7000 and the D7100 and I would say that if you don't do any very low light (night) shooting, the D7000 is great. Big bonus is the smaller file size is easier for your PC to deal with.

Ncsumd

Thanks for the input, everyone. Some great info, and things I didn't think of or consider. I'm leaning towards the D7100.

donaldejose

Right, get the D7100 if you are staying DX and get it with the new 18-55 kit lens to replace your old one. If you are willing to go up to FX look at the D610 or D750.

Photobug

+1 @donaldejose
My recommendations follow the group above. Stay with the DX format and buy the D7100. The prices have dropped twice in the last 6 weeks as they try to position it lower to make room for the new D7200 coming in 2015 Q1. If you have the $$$$ wait for the D7200 and buy it.

Another option, buy the D7100 (new) and take a look at the new 18-55mm lens or the 18-140mm lens. You will find the D7100 & 18-140 lens bundled as a kit or buy in in stages and sell off that old kit lens. Good luck and be sure to ask if you need further help.

retread

I too am getting ready to upgrade. My plan is to wait for the rumored D7200 and see what it is before deciding wheatear to stay DX or move on to FX.

ggbutcher

I'm in nearly the same position, 10-year-old D50 with the 18-55 kit lens and a 18-200 VR zoom. As I've state in other threads (probably starting to sound like a broken record), I'm primarily interested in increasing available dynamic range, and pixel resolution for creative cropping, so I think I'll eventually talk the wife into the D7100. However, I may end up just continuing to shoot the D50/18-200 because I do get fine images for web galleries, and the body/lens combination works well for chasing my favorite subjects. Earlier this evening, I shot pictures at my grandkids' Christmas concert, in a dimly-lit gym, and I got good images both with the built-in flash and available light. Hard to dump something that just works....

spraynpray

You don't have to dump it, it can become your long lens body or whatever BUT I guarantee that if you do upgrade, you'll hardly touch it again so drop all thoughts of upgrading or just do it.

Ncsumd

Again, thank you for all the comments.

MikeGunter

Hi all,

@Ncsumd - I have had the D50 and really enjoyed the CCD's color and high flash speed. I would keep the body for some occasional work for that color and flash work - you might enjoy it for that (or sell it to me for really a really, really cheap price ;-) ).

I echo the D7100. It's the bomb. I favor the 16-85mm lens, that extra wide-ish lens is helpful, and it is a tad sharper. Do get the 35mm f1.8; it's cheap, fast and good. I would also suggest a used 85mm f1.8 down the line. It's a terrific portrait lens with great 'standoff' from the subject and great bokeh.

My best,

Mike

tcole1983

As the D50 wouldn't be worth much I would keep it around. I have my D5000 still after upgrading. I plan to use it as a travel camera when I don't want to bring my new body or to take around while I work. I got the 18-55 kit lens with my new D5200 and put that on it. Makes it a small and light beat around camera...although I did shoot pictures at a wedding recently with it and I still liked them.

Look around for deals on the D7100...there have been many lately for $800-$900. The price is dropping so I would keep an eye out instead of going for the D7000. Hate to come from something outdated and get something that is still a bit dated...especially with a possible update coming sooner than later.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-D7100-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Kit-18-55mm-VR-Lens-HD-1080p-24-1MP-USA-/141274006744?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item20e49644d8

Ncsumd

Yes, I will probably keep the D50 around. Like you said, It would make a great travel camera. Plus, my 11 year old has already tried to claim it as his.

@MikeGunter-I agree the D50 produces great color. Is the D7100's color not as good out of the camera?

Thanks

Photobug

Nothing wrong with the color of the images taken with the D7100...based upon 14 months of ownership as my primary camera until last week. When you see that comment people are talking about the sensor testing results. The D5300 is one point better...I think. Go to the main blog and see the listening for how they compare.

Ncsumd

Thanks, photobug.

SamLuino

For what it's worth, I will add my penn'orth from dear old Blighty (UK).
Faced with a similar dilemma as Ncsumd last year (when I couldn't benefit from the wisdom arising from this forum, as I wasn't then a member), having used a D50 for several years, but approaching retirement and wanting a 'better' model for my (hopefully) quieter photographic deliberations, I too went for what appeared to be the logical upgrade, a D7100, as it fell within my budget of less (not much) than 1000 GBP (do I hear the hiss of a sharp intake of breath from those on the other side of the pond?). It came with the 18-105mm DX VR lens, which so far, has been flexible enough for my purposes.
So far, I've been very pleased with my decision - the D7100 is quicker, quieter, produces less colour noise in poor light, and undoubtedly more capable than the D50 - and so it should be, shouldn't it? I'm still adjusting to its different ways of doing things, but I'm getting there. No regrets.

Photobug

Excellent move. Keep using the D7100 and do check the manual. There are a few surprises in there that will help you get that perfect image.

kanuck

I almost envy you when you discover the improvement in dynamic range, iso range and color for the first time. You are certainly in for a treat. Your timing is excellent right now for a D7100, which is a fantastic camera. With the 7200 release prices will go on clearance for the D7100 allowing you to snap one up. Happy shooting!

Photobug

You will also see deals on refurbished D7100. The prices on the D7100 should soften over the next quarter. I would not expect them to drop much since they have dropped considerably over the last 2 months.