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Since I'm living in Europe for awhile, I am interested in making the move from my iPhone camera to something I can better record my ventures. I am looking at making the jump (quantum leap?) from iPhone to Nikon D7100. I can pick up a new one with a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens for $1100.
While I am very much looking forward to a nicer camera, I am not looking forward to having to lug it around and being constantly vigilant on where it is and who's around it. Maybe a Nikon COOLPIX ($820) would be better option? Gah - too many great choices!
The D710 is Nikon's most advanced DX camera on the market. So it's going to be a night and day difference....and for the better. Now with that said, I have a D7100 and absolutely love it. But I hear your concerns and wonder if maybe something like a Nikon 1 J2/J3 would work just as good. It's a very compact camera but produces a quality photo. You can also opt for a 10-100mm Zoom lens. Our son has one and I switched to using it New Years Eve since it was easier to move through the crowds with than my D7100.
The D710 is Nikon's most advanced DX camera on the market. So it's going to be a night and day difference....and for the better. Now with that said, I have a D7100 and absolutely love it. But I hear your concerns and wonder if maybe something like a Nikon 1 J2/J3 would work just as good. It's a very compact camera but produces a quality photo. You can also opt for a 10-100mm Zoom lens. Our son has one and I switched to using it New Years Eve since it was easier to move through the crowds with than my D7100.
I have both. Actually, a D7000, and a J3.
The J3 sure does take nice pics and its a handy, tiny little camera. I like the ability to shoot at 5, 15, 30 or however-many frames per second it'll do if the need arises.
I use the D7000 for "serious" stuff however. I like its great high-ISO and long exposure performance, two-SD card slots, front and rear IR receivers, user customizable "U" settings, built-in "virtual horizon" level feature, large buffer size, and a few others I can't think of at the moment. The J cameras don't have any of those features. Heck the J cameras don't have a "Bulb" setting or an IR receiver. But not everyone needs those things.
I'd say go for it, I have a D7000 with an even heavier 18-200MM lens and I've hiked 12+ mile 3000+FT gain trails and carried it around on many vacations. Sure it's heavier and bulkier than a little point and shoot but with a nice carry strap it's not a big deal.
I'd say go for it, I have a D7000 with an even heavier 18-200MM lens and I've hiked 12+ mile 3000+FT gain trails and carried it around on many vacations. Sure it's heavier and bulkier than a little point and shoot but with a nice carry strap it's not a big deal.
I've got a Nikon 18-200mm I use for hiking/camping as well. It would work nice for a walking around lens when traveling. Especially if you don't have the room to pack a lot of gear or time to swap glass. I also carry a 50mm 1.8D that I toss in with it for when I need a sharper lens or better low light lens.
As for weight, you really don't want to walk around with a DSLR hanging solely around your neck. I use a Joby shoulder strap and Quick release plate. It makes carrying and using my D7100 easy.
the 18-200m is piece of cake to take along everywhere. my nikon 70-200mm f2.8 is another story.
i have the 18-200mm up for sale and i keep thinking maybe i would be smart to keep it. it really is a great go anywhere lens. my wife got the 18-300mm instead but that is quite a bit larger and heavier..
Picked up a Nikon D7100 this afternoon. Here is my first pic - love the in camera editing features. I do have SO much to learn though!
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