Nikon D5100 vs. D7000

[NikonShooter]

Hey guys.

Been poking around a bit looking at some new cameras and these 2 have caught my attention. Although I know the D7000 does offer more features, fps, focus points etc., I'm really wondering if there is enough of a difference to justify the price. In Canada it's about a $400 difference.

So I'm looking for some input from people that own either one and their impressions on it. Or even better someone that was looking at these same two and what made them choose one of the other.

[FAPhoto]

If the D5100 has the features you need then get that one. I would save the extra cash for a nice lens. Just remember body is not everything.

[Douglas]

Pretty much what Frank said. The $400 difference is that the D7000 has a focus motor and the D5100 doesnt. Which means the D5100 can only use AF-S lenses. The D7000 isnt limited on lenses. And Im sure it has a lot more under the hood, feature wise, that the D5100 lacks. But if the 5100 meets your needs, thats all that matters.

[FAPhoto]

Are you going to be using this camera for personal use (traveling, family portraits)?

[NikonShooter]

The limitation on the lens? Is that for the older lens?

A couple other things I should have included are that I currently have a D70s and I primarily shoot automotive and nature, however I'm looking to get into portrait photography as I'm taking classes in that this fall.

[FAPhoto]

Originally Posted by NikonShooter

The limitation on the lens? Is that for the older lens?

Yea you can only buy AF-S lenses with the D5100. If the lens doesnt have onboard motor it wont auto focus.

[FAPhoto]

Originally Posted by NikonShooter

The limitation on the lens? Is that for the older lens?

A couple other things I should have included are that I currently have a D70s and I primarily shoot automotive and nature, however I'm looking to get into portrait photography as I'm taking classes in that this fall.

Also have you consider maybe getting a D90? I think the D5100 and D90 cost about the same and it will still be cheaper than the D7000. And, you wont have a limitation on lenses.

[NikonShooter]

Didn't know that the older lenses would work with the D90, good to know. However I was kinda looking at getting one that the body is a bit newer then the D90 though. Mind you unless I pick up another lens my currently lens are all fairly new.

I also want to make sure that they have enough features over and above the D70s to warrant the purchase as well.

[PhotogWannabe]

D5100 = only AF-S lenses
D7000 = all lenses (AF-S, AF-D, G...)

I have a D7000 and D300. My son has a D90. If you only plan on buying, or have, AF-S lenses then a D5100 should work for you. If you have, or will buy, AF-D lenses then consider a D90 or D7000. I took some wedding rehearsal photos with the D7000 and was gobsmacked by its low light ability; much better than the D90, which is much better than the D300. Having said that, if you're going to get into portrait and use flashes then the low light ability isn't as critical.

[FAPhoto]

Originally Posted by NikonShooter

Didn't know that the older lenses would work with the D90, good to know. However I was kinda looking at getting one that the body is a bit newer then the D90 though. Mind you unless I pick up another lens my currently lens are all fairly new.

I also want to make sure that they have enough features over and above the D70s to warrant the purchase as well.

I had a D70s and I went to a D90. One thing i wont miss from the D70 is the small and poor screen quality. Since your looking for newer stuff the D90 is pretty up to date in features. (Live View, 3" monitor with a really nice resolution, HDMI and also movie mode)