Considering an upgrade

[Azile]

I have a Nikon D80. It was new when I bought it and now it seems to be among the outdated cameras. It still works, and takes good pictures, but it's heavy, and I just don't want to lug something that bulky around. I still love taking pictures and getting the great photos from a DSLR, so I'm thinking of upgrading. I just feel like it's time. I feel like I can make better photos than the ones my current camera is making (although, they are still good). I feel like this camera is showing its age. Or...maybe I'm jsut outgrowing it.

I want to stick with Nikon and have been eyeing a couple of models. The D3300 and the D5300. What's the difference? Which do you think is better? Both have lighter bodies, which is what I would prefer. I know the D3300 is cheaper and the D5300 has a cool swivel out viewer. Otherwise, I'm not clear on the differences.

 

[KmH]

Today's Nikon equivalent to the D80 is the D7100.
The D3300 and D5300 are equivalent to the D40x and D60 of the D80 era.

The D3300 and D5300 achieve a lighter weight in larger part because they do not have Nikon's auto focus motor and screw-drive system your D80 and higher in the model line Nikon's have.
By replacing the D80 with a D3300 or a D5300 you will lose:
• built-in AF motor/screw-drive
• top Contol Panel LCD
• second command wheel.
Also note that the D7100 and D5300 can be purchased - Body Only.

While a D3300 is 1 lb 0.2 oz. The D7100 is only slightly heavier at 1 lb 7.8 oz. The D5300 is 1 lb 2.7 oz.

The D3300 does not have the auto bracketing the D5300 has.
The D3300 has a 420 pixel light metering sensor. The D5300 has a 2016 pixel light metering sensor.
The D5300 has a better auto focus module (more AF points, more cross-type AF points)
The D5300 offers a choice of 12-bit or 14-bit Raw files. The D3300 only has 12-bit Raw.
The D5300 has Wi-Fi and GPS built-in.

The D5300 is a more usable camera than the D3300 is.
The D7100 is a more usable camera than the D5300 is.

Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR (Body Only)
Nikon D5300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS Body Only (Black)
Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Zoom Lens (Black)

 

[Azile]

I looked up the specs on the d7100. That camera looks great! My only issue is weight. It looks to be a bit heavy. It is listed as heavier than the one I have (D80), and I really don't want the extra weight. The autofocus would be very helpful and that is a definite plus, but the weight still has me hesitant. I don't care about the GPS on the D5300 camera but it might be a nice perk. I don't really do facebook or social media, so the wifi is not necessary either. It's a lighter camera which is important to me. Right now, I'm leaning towards the D5300.