Next step from D5100?

[The_Duke]

Nikons are upgrading too fast for me to keep up with these days.

Quoted for truth!

 

[Markw]

You're avoiding the major players in the question, my friend.

What glass do you have?
What type of photography do you do?
What would you like to be able to do that your D5100 doesn't?

Mark

 

[michael_cell]

I shoot with AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR, and AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX.

I would like to take advantage of a full frame and shoot fx. That is why i would like to upgrade. I am more than content with what I have. I would like to expand my kit.

 

[Markw]

I would like to take advantage of a full frame and shoot fx.

But that's the question I'm asking. What exactly are you trying to take advantage of that you cannot with DX already?

Mark

 

[2WheelPhoto]

DX sux (for me). One example i'll share instead of typing out a gazillion- Shooting portraits at say, at 85mm you have to back up so far you lose precious depth of field and in a regular size pro studio I hit the back wall.

I had a d5000 and went to a d7000, but ultimately went full frame and thats the best thing i ever did. Fortunately the D7000 became in high demand and I dumped it at a decent price. Learn from my mistakes

 

[IByte]

Ugh so many models and not enough money ><. I just upgraded from the d5k to the7k, and by the time I make it the FX bodies, they will have d1-10k models lol.

 

[michael_cell]

my answer has been to take advantage of a full frame,
to be more specific would be to take full advantage of a wide lens.

 

[Markw]

Sigma makes an 8-16mm. That's the same as your 14mm. Just saying.

If you'd still want to switch to full frame to take advantage of one lens, the D700, D3, and D3s are all great alternatives if you're looking for a fast camera with low-light, high ISO performance. D800 for incredible resolution, incredible image quality, and fairly incredible ISO performance. Or, wait for September and deal with whatever new bodies (supposedly 2 more are coming) come out between now and then.

Mark

 

[KmH]

I had and used both - DX and FX. Each has it's +'s.

Nikon got behind on their upgrade releases because of the natual disasterrs that happened in Japan and Thailand.

 

[michael_cell]

That is exactly why I am open to suggestions. I can't quite figure out what body I want or if I should just wait. The time window in between new body's and upgrades is very small now. I can buy something now and 3 months later come across a body with minimal but pivotal upgrades.

 

[poker_jake]

That is exactly why I am open to suggestions. I can't quite figure out what body I want or if I should just wait. The time window in between new body's and upgrades is very small now. I can buy something now and 3 months later come across a body with minimal but pivotal upgrades.

Look for a D700. If you don't care about video, they can be found for under $2000 refurbished.

 

[vipgraphx]

Michel_cell - I also have used both DX and FX, I started out with a D50 a long time ago then to the D90 then the D7000. I thought that was it for me...I started doing hdr and got more serious about my hobby not only with HDR but portraits and sport shots. I wanted lenses that would only benefit on a full frame camera. I never thought about upgrading to full frame because I am not a pro and I do not make a living as a photographer. I do make money hear and there as supplemental income but not anywhere near making a full time career. I researched the heck out lenses I was interested in and body's to choose from. I knew I wanted the 14-24 2.8 lens as it is super duper wide on a full frame. I had always wanted the 70-200 2.8 on the DX as you get more reach ( not really just magnified but still it feels like your do )

I went ahead and chose the D700 over the D800 for a few reasons, I will explain to you.
1) The D800 36mp to me is just to much for what I REALLY need at this time. The file sizes are huge and I guarantee if you process a lot of photos like I do you will need a more high end computer to take the abuse.

2) the D800 has a slower FPS (frames per second) than the D700 and to me I need the fastest FPS for shooting sports

3) I do not shoot video so I could care less about that feature.

4) The D700 is just more versatile for many areas of photography

Price tag was not a big factor for me. the difference of $1000 over what I really needed and wanted was a no brainer. The other thing is that if I did want the D800 I would be on a long waiting list and think of all the shots I would miss.

I also new that if the D400 came out and it was a full frame I might be interested in selling the D700 if it was a better camera and I know I can get close to what I paid for the D700. Also if the D700 comes out with an upgrade such as more MP but no more than 24 would I be interested in. If it went down to iso 100..and just more more more I would consider it.

THese are the reasons I sold my D7000 and decided on the D700 and I am glad I did!

You can not look at what has not come out yet..plus when it does you are not guaranteed to even get your hands on it right away so you might be waiting months and months before you get the newer models. Think about all the shots you could have had in the meantime, also you could always sell what you buy now and get most of your money back, look at it like renting......

I think YOU have to decide what you need and what YOU want. There has been plenty of help and input and you just have to decide what is going to work out best.

 

[KmH]

That is exactly why I am open to suggestions. I can't quite figure out what body I want or if I should just wait. The time window in between new body's and upgrades is very small now. I can buy something now and 3 months later come across a body with minimal but pivotal upgrades.

I recommend you focus on which tool(s) will get the task done you want done.

 

[greybeard]

Well, sounds like you want a FX body and since you already have several DX lenses I would think the D800 would be perfect as it works at 16mp with DX lenses and 36mp with FX lenses.

 

[chuasam]

What do you feel is lacking in your D5100 that you need to buy a new camera?