Camera Labs

Hi,

Am so torn between D5100 and D7000. I will use camera for my animal pictures and vacations mostly. I usually shoot in auto and not so interested in video.

Looking for best image quality without allot of tweeking.

Thank you for any input.

D5100 is cheaper, thats your best bet.

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- Wout -
Nikon D80 with 18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX
Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 488RC0 midi ballhead
Lowepro CompuRover AW and Nova 200 AW

If you're just sticking with Auto, the 5100's a better bet.

If you feel as if you may wish to delve deeper in A, S, or M modes in the future, having controls more at your fingertips on the 7000 may be more useful.

Maybe even the D3100 with Nikon 18-200 VR (II).

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Ruben

Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Canon G5, Canon 350D, Canon 50D + BG-E2N
Tamron 17-50 2.8, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM,
Canon 18-55 II plus lots of Minolta MD/M42 lenses and bodies

I already have the 18-200 vr and 18-105 lens. My husband thinks the 7000 in case I do want to grow with the camera. Not sure I will.

The 5100 - do you have to go into the menu for continuous shoot, etc. everytime you want to do something?

I'll agree with that. If most of your photography is done in auto mode, you could be wasting much of a DSLR's potential and your own money. A D3100 and a good lens (possibly two or three lenses with the money you save from the D7000) could be worth considering.

If it's only between the D5100 and D7000 then the former would probably be a wiser investment.

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Bodies: Canon EOS 550D w/ Magic Lantern
Lenses: Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX f/2.8, Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Accessories: YongNuo Speedlite YN-468 Flash, Neewer Macro LED Ring Light, Meike Battery Grip, YongNuo RF-602 Wireless Flash Trigger & Receiver YongNuo WR-128 Wireless Remote Control

You can weigh up the differences here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5100/

If you think you'll exploit the D7000's extra power or features now or in the future, then go for it. Otherwise the D5100 looks like being a great upper-entry-level model.

Thank you

Well what camera do you already have? What are you looking to improve by upgrading?

Having the 18-105 Ill assume you have a D90? In which case you may feel most at home with a D7000 which is its direct replacement, the D5100 or D3100 are lower down the food chain.

Although I agree, if you are going to be in auto the whole, or even most of the time, buy the cheapest option.

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Nikon D5000 and D300 with 12-24mm, 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 Macro, 18-200mm, 17-55mm f2.8 (all Nikon)

I had the D80 and sold it last year. Right now have no camera.

I have the 18-105 and 18-200 vr that I used on that camera.

I guess my real question is will I have to into the menu everytime I want to do something if I get the 5100?

Hmmm, if you had the D80, I'd go for the D7000 as it's essentially part of the same product line. The D5100 is a lower-end body and while it's got more features than the D80 due to its age, it's aimed at a less advanced audience.

Bottom line, if you're familiar with the D80 and like the way it looks, feels and works, then go for the D7000.

I agree with Gordon, unless you need an articulated display or you're on a tight budget, the D7000 would be your best bet. Switching from the D80 to the D5100 would feel like a downgrade, at least build wise. You'd certainly miss the dedicated buttons and top display.

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-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

I know. I think that's what I'm thinking. I am used to the D80 even through I usually just use auto mode.

Not really sure if I would like the D5100 for that reason. I would get body only, so money really isin't the issue.

I certainly wouldn't like having to go into the menu for continuous mode all the time. I like to shoot that on cruises and with my birds.

My husband always said to go for the better just in case I wanted to learn more.

Why can't I make this decision lol