So I've been shooting a Sony NEX-3 for the past three years and I think I'm finally to the point where I want to upgrade the capabilities of the equipment I'm working with. The mirrorless camera was an excellent fit for my family at the time, it offered a good point and shootish feel for my wife to feel comfortable using it and it still gave me room to explore more creative exposures. I've looked into the feasibility of upgrading the lens for my current body but I don't think this is the platform (or style of camera) I want to growth with.
I take a lot of family photos ranging from playing at the park to family reunion beach pictures and the rest of my time is spent taking landscapes while hiking/hunting.
The following items are all on the short-list for consideration:
Nikon D5200 or D7000
Nikon 35mm/f1.8G - everyday shooting
Nikon 50mm/f1.8G - for a little more quality Bokeh with portraits
Tokina 11-16/f2.8 - landscapes
I'll eventually get a telephoto lens but it's not in the cards now.
I'm somewhat torn on body selection. The technical specifications between the two are very similar; I plan on using the camera for video and the rotating screen on the 5200 would be a big plus. My biggest concern is that my wife (who doesn't shoot in manual mode) would be overwhelmed by the complexity of the 7000 (the smaller size and lighter weight 5200 are also attractive for this reason). I like the dual exposure control knobs/card slots on the 7000 but I really don't know that I would have any long-term heartburn with menu diving on the 5200.
Honestly the 5200 seems like a better choice for my needs, both cameras would be purchased used (refurbished) and I don't forsee myself upgrading for several more years (like kids out of college timeframe). I'd hate to not spend the $150 more on the d7000 now, but I'm having a hard time justifying the extra expense for what I see myself doing with the camera. Thanks for the feedback and sorry for the long read.
I take a lot of family photos ranging from playing at the park to family reunion beach pictures and the rest of my time is spent taking landscapes while hiking/hunting.
The following items are all on the short-list for consideration:
Nikon D5200 or D7000
Nikon 35mm/f1.8G - everyday shooting
Nikon 50mm/f1.8G - for a little more quality Bokeh with portraits
Tokina 11-16/f2.8 - landscapes
I'll eventually get a telephoto lens but it's not in the cards now.
I'm somewhat torn on body selection. The technical specifications between the two are very similar; I plan on using the camera for video and the rotating screen on the 5200 would be a big plus. My biggest concern is that my wife (who doesn't shoot in manual mode) would be overwhelmed by the complexity of the 7000 (the smaller size and lighter weight 5200 are also attractive for this reason). I like the dual exposure control knobs/card slots on the 7000 but I really don't know that I would have any long-term heartburn with menu diving on the 5200.
Honestly the 5200 seems like a better choice for my needs, both cameras would be purchased used (refurbished) and I don't forsee myself upgrading for several more years (like kids out of college timeframe). I'd hate to not spend the $150 more on the d7000 now, but I'm having a hard time justifying the extra expense for what I see myself doing with the camera. Thanks for the feedback and sorry for the long read.