I have had my D5100 for a couple of years now and feel I'm starting to out grow it a little, still a great camera, but I feel the Fx calling me.
I was wondering what other people thought on this subject, also I'm tossing up in my mind over a D750 or a D810. Yeah I know I'm a die hard Nikon fan. (used to be a Pentax fan when I still had my film camera.
So please boys and girls share your thoughts or experiences with either camera.
I had a D5100 and really enjoyed it. I upgraded to a D7100 - Much more intimidating and makes me think a lot more. I know it is Dx but I just do not understand the need for Fx. It is impossible to tell the difference between a Dx shot and an Fx shot (as far as I am aware). The D7100 is all the camera I will ever need - I am not a professional and it is much much more capable than I am. Why spend twice the cash? Invest in good lenses instead.
The flip out screen on the D5100 is something I really miss.
I know there are plenty of folk who will disagree but seriously what will an Fx offer you that you don't already have? and do you need those extra bells and whistles?
Anyway, good luck with your search and I hope you find what you want.
@kiwi_big_bear To repeat the question that @spanner asked, "What do you want to do that the D5100 will not do?" Then "What will FX do that DX will not?"
As with Spanner, I have both a D5100 and a D7100, and still shoot with both. I upgraded to the D7100 for the following reasons -
(1) The "professional" body with many dedicated button controls, rather than having to go to the LCD screen even for "fast" changes in the field. Especially for me metering modes (spot and matrix quick change) and the release modes (on a separate dial).
(2) More buttons to program. A specific example, I can now have an AF-Lock and an AE-Lock independent of each other.
(3) DoF Preview. Truth to tell, I don't use it as I thought I would.
(4) The U1 and U2 programmable feature sets directly on the Mode Dial.
(5) User Menus. For me especially useful to "one click access" the embedded flash commander controls and the ISO sensitivity parameters.
(6) The 51 point Auto Focus system. A very big deal.
(7) The on-camera flash can act as an iTTL Commander for remote wireless flash control. This is a big one too. It saves having to have a dedicated extra controller.
(8) Automatic bracketing of 5 shots rather than just 3, and the variety of distribution around "normal."
I don't miss the fully articulating LCD display of the D5100. I thought I would.
What lenses do you have? If you only have DX lenses, they will, of course, work on the Nikon FX camera bodies, but only in DX crop mode. The "pixel density" of the resulting image will be the same (the D810) and significantly less (the D750) than you currently achieve on your DX body.
I won't be upgrading (yet) to FX, although the F750 somewhat tempted me. Specifically (1) the extended ISO (one stop better than the D7100, two better at least than the D5100), (2) the USB3 (rather than 2) interface - important if like me you use the interface to upload pictures rather than removing the card (3) built-in wireless (4) frame rate (5) especially the huge advance in RGB metering/AF sensor technology; it really tempted me for a moment. But it's not enough. Yet.
The D810? For US$3,000+ (NZ$5,000 or more?) it's not on the radar.
Here's a quick DPReview link you might find interesting. They still do not have a comprehensive review and analysis yet. http://www.dpreview.com/articles/1289414938/nikon-d750-what-you-need-to-know. The comments about the (possible) Nikon philosophy pushing users to FX has been echoed in a number of other reputable (and not so reputable) places. I think it is worth waiting yet another release cycle to see what the future of Nikon and DX really is. Canon appears to be on a different wavelength. Their recent APS-C 7Dii and the 70D (and no significant announcements of new full frame offerings) send a very different story to the market. Interesting times. More so than two years ago actually.
Good luck with whatever you decide on. Your comment to Spanner about not snagging the shot you want... I'd suspect that it's not the camera? Look into your shooting technique. Hold the camera properly supported. "Sniper control" of your breathing and shoot between heart beats if you can feel that. Watch the light. Explicitly focus and frame. Bottom line, these things really matter. More so than the camera...
@kiwi_big_bear Hey Shawn I've got a D7000, and am envious of both the D810 and D750. Nikon introducing the D750 tells me they are going to be bringing out more and cheaper FX full frame cameras. I have five Nikkor lenses, An older ('90's) micro Nikkor 105mm f2.8, a 70-200 and a 50mmf1.4G that are all full frame FX lenses. They work just fine on my 7000. I also have a 17 - 55 f2.8 DX and a 35mm f1.4 DX, both will work with a full frame camera body as well as my DX frame 7000, but they won't fill the sensor on the FX cameras. When Nikon came out with the D800, I decided that I would go for FX format lenses going forward, hence, the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G. I can (must) wait for the prices to drop even more before i consider an FX body.
I have the D90 (a DX) and more recently the D600 (FX, replaced soon after by Nikon with the 610 which is a better model but same idea). A DX gives me more lens power (I have all FX lenses, except the kit lens that came with the D90), so if I am shooting moon shots or animals in the distance, the DX using the 300mm lens acts as though I have a 450mm (about). The FX is great for landscapes and urban images which I like to take as it gives me a wider frame. It really comes down to the type of photography you prefer. If you want a DX, you could upgrade to the 7100 which is quite an amazing camera. If you want an FX, it's more expensive but over the decades you'll use it probably not unreasonably so, and the 610 would likely be a good choice. What I've learned re the Nikon camera bodies is it's really important to try them out. I'd always wanted a 700, but when I actually held it, it was too large for comfort and carrying. You can't go wrong either way, but it is useful to (a) think about why and (b) hold them or rent one for a day to see how you like it.
I have the D7100 and like Spanner, I think it's a brilliant camera with everything I need and probably more. I think one of the most important things is to buy the best lenses that you can depending on the subjects you like to shoot. If, like me, you shoot wildlife, you need a fast lens as animals and birds move around so fast. Go for DX and buy some good lenses. You can't beat quality glass!
@kiwi_big_bear snagging the shot has nothing to do with the camera. It is all technique and vision. The D5100 is excellent. It has a good processor and is easy to control. Don't throw money at this hobby until you outgrow your equipment.
What technique can you not achieve with the camera that you have?
Also you are aware that the firepower you possess is much more than the masters of yesteryear.
For me, I have little interest in going to full frame. I like long lenses not wide angle. The 1.6 or is it 1.5 multiple I get on the lens wins for me. My 300 mm acting like 450 is awesome for wildlife. If I did portraits I might feel differently.
@mcrt@spanner@rosiekind@taffy@bill_fe Thank you all so much, as for what I am not getting its down to detail. I love doing landscapes, wildlife and macro stuff. I have the twin kit lenses that came with my D5100 and have added a Sigma 150-500mm (which is a 750mm on this body) and just added a AF-S 35mm 1.8 (yeah yummy)
I know I'm still learning heaps, but have this feeling that the 11 point focus and 16meg pix is not helping with the end results. I have been keen to capture the shot in camera and not brush up things in photoshop, but i have recently worked out, those shots i have like but have lacked what i was wanting to achieve. I'm loving this hobby, and yes not keen to just throw money at it.
Spanner your are all right it is awesome firepower, but can a bloke say "I want a bigger gun" ha ha ha
So I think your all turning me off the expense of the D810, but maybe the D750 could be a good option for a second camera body, and build on good lenses over time.
@kiwi_big_bear A bloke can say "I want a bigger gun" but you are talking the difference between a .38 Special and a .357. The .357 has more power, but you can still do a pretty good job knocking down the targets with a .38. Now if we were talking a .22LR and a .357 that would be a better argument. I'm still quite happy with my D5100. You can browse my shots to see how I use it.
Yes I don't know that I have much to add to the conversation other than I think you need to be really specific about what you think a new camera will do for you. For me, I had a Canon 450D and f/3.5-5.6 zoom lenses (two kit and one more). However, I decided I wanted to pursue work in a field (birth) which requires low light (and I mean really low light - the two I have shot so far have had one lamp in the room), so my specific needs were: f/1.4 lenses, and a camera that could really handle high ISO. Given I intend to make money out of this I didn't see it as simply "throwing money at a hobby" - even if it takes time and happens slowly. For me, going full-frame with a 6D I still feel (12 months later) was the right choice, as it met my specific needs most effectively. I think if I just "wanted my pictures to look better" I might have been wasting my money. I must say I really admire @katerinatina's shots which are all taken on a Canon 1100D - a fairly basic-level camera - but she knows how to use light beautifully and that makes all her work amazing :)
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
The flip out screen on the D5100 is something I really miss.
I know there are plenty of folk who will disagree but seriously what will an Fx offer you that you don't already have? and do you need those extra bells and whistles?
Anyway, good luck with your search and I hope you find what you want.
All I know right now is, i don't seem to be able to snag the shots I want. So looking at what might help me. your input has helped greatly.
As with Spanner, I have both a D5100 and a D7100, and still shoot with both. I upgraded to the D7100 for the following reasons -
(1) The "professional" body with many dedicated button controls, rather than having to go to the LCD screen even for "fast" changes in the field. Especially for me metering modes (spot and matrix quick change) and the release modes (on a separate dial).
(2) More buttons to program. A specific example, I can now have an AF-Lock and an AE-Lock independent of each other.
(3) DoF Preview. Truth to tell, I don't use it as I thought I would.
(4) The U1 and U2 programmable feature sets directly on the Mode Dial.
(5) User Menus. For me especially useful to "one click access" the embedded flash commander controls and the ISO sensitivity parameters.
(6) The 51 point Auto Focus system. A very big deal.
(7) The on-camera flash can act as an iTTL Commander for remote wireless flash control. This is a big one too. It saves having to have a dedicated extra controller.
(8) Automatic bracketing of 5 shots rather than just 3, and the variety of distribution around "normal."
I don't miss the fully articulating LCD display of the D5100. I thought I would.
What lenses do you have? If you only have DX lenses, they will, of course, work on the Nikon FX camera bodies, but only in DX crop mode. The "pixel density" of the resulting image will be the same (the D810) and significantly less (the D750) than you currently achieve on your DX body.
I won't be upgrading (yet) to FX, although the F750 somewhat tempted me. Specifically (1) the extended ISO (one stop better than the D7100, two better at least than the D5100), (2) the USB3 (rather than 2) interface - important if like me you use the interface to upload pictures rather than removing the card (3) built-in wireless (4) frame rate (5) especially the huge advance in RGB metering/AF sensor technology; it really tempted me for a moment. But it's not enough. Yet.
The D810? For US$3,000+ (NZ$5,000 or more?) it's not on the radar.
Here's a quick DPReview link you might find interesting. They still do not have a comprehensive review and analysis yet. http://www.dpreview.com/articles/1289414938/nikon-d750-what-you-need-to-know. The comments about the (possible) Nikon philosophy pushing users to FX has been echoed in a number of other reputable (and not so reputable) places. I think it is worth waiting yet another release cycle to see what the future of Nikon and DX really is. Canon appears to be on a different wavelength. Their recent APS-C 7Dii and the 70D (and no significant announcements of new full frame offerings) send a very different story to the market. Interesting times. More so than two years ago actually.
Good luck with whatever you decide on. Your comment to Spanner about not snagging the shot you want... I'd suspect that it's not the camera? Look into your shooting technique. Hold the camera properly supported. "Sniper control" of your breathing and shoot between heart beats if you can feel that. Watch the light. Explicitly focus and frame. Bottom line, these things really matter. More so than the camera...
What technique can you not achieve with the camera that you have?
Also you are aware that the firepower you possess is much more than the masters of yesteryear.
I know I'm still learning heaps, but have this feeling that the 11 point focus and 16meg pix is not helping with the end results. I have been keen to capture the shot in camera and not brush up things in photoshop, but i have recently worked out, those shots i have like but have lacked what i was wanting to achieve. I'm loving this hobby, and yes not keen to just throw money at it.
Spanner your are all right it is awesome firepower, but can a bloke say "I want a bigger gun" ha ha ha
So I think your all turning me off the expense of the D810, but maybe the D750 could be a good option for a second camera body, and build on good lenses over time.
Thank you all again.