Nikon D5100 vs. D7000

[NikonShooter]

Thanks for the input guys. I've learned a couple key points I didn't know before. This will make narrowing down my choices that much easier.

[gwb]

NikonShooter

Check out my review of the D90 on here. Keep this in mind: The D7000 will cause you to buy higher end lenses (more expensive) just because its MP count will show the flaws in the glass. A "good" lens on a D90 turns in to a "mediocre" lens on the D7000.

edited for spelling... PSA- never post half asleep.

[FAPhoto]

Originally Posted by gwb

NikonShooter

Check out my review of the D90 on here. Keep this in mind. the d7000 will cause you to buy higher end lenses (more expensive) just because its MP count will show the flaws in the glass. a good lens on a d90 turd in to a mediocre lens on the d7000.

Hey Garry, how are your liking the 18-105mm? I want to get it for my D90.

[gwb]

Originally Posted by FAPhoto

Hey Garry, how are your liking the 18-105mm? I want to get it for my D90.

I like it allot. Very happy with it. It's a good walk around lens.

[jfklein13]

Does the D5100 have the CLS/commander mode? If you start portraiture, off-camera flash might be something you want, and both the D90 and D7000 can act as the commander to an off-camera Nikon speedlight so you might not need to buy a radio trigger.

[jake337]

+1 for a used d90. I've seen a few creep under $600 used. If there is a camera store near buy, you should really go pick them up and see how they feel in your hands. The d90 feels much more rugged and solid than any of the lower entry models I've held(d3000,d5000,d3100,d5100). It will also have many controls at your fingertips compared to going into some menu system. The D700 will be similar to the D90 handling wise with more features.

A camera can have all the features in the world but if it doesn't fell comfortable in your hands, you'll never feel comfortable using it.

[KmH]

Originally Posted by Douglas

The $400 difference is that the D7000 has a focus motor and the D5100 doesnt.

The difference is a lot more than just the focus motor in the body.
The D7000 has Nikon's new EXPEED 2 image processor and 14-bit A/D converter, the new MultiCAM 4800DX auto focus module with 39 focus points (9 of them cross-type points), the new 2016-pixel RGB 3D Color matrix metering sensor, a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter (the D5000 shutter is rated at only 50,000 cycles), a pentaprism viewfinder, not a pentamirror like the
D5000 has, and the D7000 has more external controls so you don't have to take your eye away from the viewfinder and menu dive to make a setting change.

Originally Posted by Douglas

Which means the D5100 can only use AF-S lenses. The D7000 isnt limited on lenses.

That statement is a gross over-simplification. The D5000 can use virtually any Nikon lens made since 1959, but the D5000 will only auto focus with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Some of the older lenses also won't meter. Most of the current non-AF-S lenses (designated AF) are not inexpensive. There are a couple exceptions, but only a couple. Many of Nikon's currently offered specialty lenses are manual focus only.

[jake337]

Also, the D7000 is the only one in the group to have 100% viewfinder coverage.

[Sea Witch]

I recently went through this exercise, and I'll tell what my thinking was.

I considered the d5100, d7000 and a used d300 (which was less than the d7000).

I ruled out the d300 because it doesn't have any kind of full auto, so it would be impossible to hand off the camera to anyone else and say "here, take a photo".

I ruled out the D90 because it's very similar to the D7000 and I'd just rather have the newer technology, higher ISO capability, and greater pixel density which can be useful if you like to make BIG prints. Nothing against the D90, it's a great camera.

Between the d7000 and the d5100

The d7000:

heavier and bigger, which some don't like.
has different (and most say better autofocus technology)
takes 2 SD cards instead of 1
has better weather sealing and tougher body
shoots 6 fps vs. 4 fps (may or may not be important to you)
has a different battery with a longer duration for shooting (1000 vs. 600)
has a faster max shutter speed 1/8000sec vs. 1/4000sec

The d5100:

has better (HDR) video capability (didn't bother me because I have a dedicated video camera)
has the articulating screen which is great for movies and awkward shots
is cheaper

So it really depends on what's important to you. The D5100 is a terrific camera. I was willing to pay more because a) I could and b) I doubt I'll ever outgrow the camera. (The only thing I'd consider upgrading to is full-frame.) You have to decide if those different features of the D7000 are valuable to you.

BTW, I found the best price in Canada was with Henry's Camera in Ontario. I dealt with a terrific guy there. If you want his contact info, send me a PM. I bought some things from him, but I bought the body locally. I thought there was some added value in getting to know one of the local camera stores.

I hope this helps. You won't go wrong with any of them.

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by KmH

The difference is a lot more than just the focus motor in the body.
The D7000 has Nikon's new EXPEED 2 image processor and 14-bit A/D converter, the new MultiCAM 4800DX auto focus module with 39 focus points (9 of them cross-type points), the new 2016-pixel RGB 3D Color matrix metering sensor, a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter (the D5000 shutter is rated at only 50,000 cycles), a pentaprism viewfinder, not a pentamirror like the
D5000 has, and the D7000 has more external controls so you don't have to take your eye away from the viewfinder and menu dive to make a setting change.


That statement is a gross over-simplification. The D5000 can use virtually any Nikon lens made since 1959, but the D5000 will only auto focus with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Some of the older lenses also won't meter. Most of the current non-AF-S lenses (designated AF) are not inexpensive. There are a couple exceptions, but only a couple. Many of Nikon's currently offered specialty lenses are manual focus only.

I was just going over the extreme basic differences, due to the OP mentioning the 5100 seemed to meet his needs.