Opinions Please - Canon 5D or Nikon D7000/D7100

[g_man80]

I'm looking for opinions on whether to buy a refurbished Nikon D7000 or D7100, or a used Canon 5D. I realized these are quite different, but they are priced similarly, which is why I'm comparing them. I've heard, and seen, great things regarding the 5D and it sounds like it's dynamic range and color is still on par, or exceeds, current full frame cameras (I'm not sure how true this is). With the Nikon, it seems the D7000 was a pretty good leap in performance and I've read that the 71000 has a much improved autofocus system.

Mostly used for landscape and family photos (pics of my 2-yo daughter). I've been shooting with a Nikon D40x for about 8 years. Some of my dislikes are it's autofocus system, high ISO performance, metering consistency, and quick access to settings (e.g., having to enter the menus to change white balance, iso, metering, auto focus since the Fn button can only change one).

I'm open to suggestions. Budget <$650.

Thanks,
Garrett

[mtcham]

From the choices you listed and what you'll be shooting I would go with the D7000. The 5D is a 10 year old design, the D7000 is 5 years old and the D7100 came out 2 years ago. I loved my D7000, hated the D7100 for my shooting needs and wished I had kept my D40 just for fun. Staying with Nikon you probably already have some lenses you won't have to replace. I would look for a good clean used D7000 on Fred Miranda for less than $400. The 35mm f1.8dx and the 50mm f1.8 are super sharp inexpensive lenses also.

[g_man80]

Thanks for your input John. I'm surprised to hear you didn't like the D7100 compared to the D7000. I've read that the autofocus and buffer were both improved. I'm considering a refurbished D7000 for $500 vs. used, but I'll check out FM.

I currently only have the 50mm f1.8 and 18-55 (original D40x kit lense), so I'm not entirely vested in Nikon. I do like the 50mm, but find that it tends to front focus just a hair. This may be my D40x missing the target. Either way, I think the 7000 has focus trim adjustments.

[54-46]

If you like how Nikons function/handle and you have a lens or two, probably stick with Nikon. Might like the extra MPs on the 7100 if you're shooting landscapes. The buffer won't matter as much if you're not shooting much action...

[Plainview]

Thanks for your input John. I'm surprised to hear you didn't like the D7100 compared to the D7000. I've read that the autofocus and buffer were both improved. ...

You're thinking of the D7200. The D7100 is the same as the D7000 except the image sensor is higher resolution resulting in a smaller buffer than the D7000, which already had a marginally small buffer.

The D7200 is pretty sweet and I'm considering upgrading from the D7000 though I'm also considering going FX with the D750.

My D7000 has been a great camera, I don't think you'd be disappointed. And yes, it has focus trim adjustments.

[smmokan]

Unless you're shooting JUST landscape and portraits, I think you'll likely be frustrated with the original Canon 5D. Like the others said, I'd recommend the D7100 for your specific needs.

The other option would be something like a Canon T5i, which comes with the solid 18-135 STM lens and has been on Canon's refurbished site for $550. That's a pretty solid deal.

[supermodel159]

The 5D is an amazing camera, but I'd go with the Nikon if you already have the glass.

[k2skier112]

I own the D7100. Looks to me like the upgrade from 7000 to 7100 are a little more than the upgrade from 7100 to 7200. Either body will do a great job. I bought mine at Costco with the 2 lens kit 93 days before the 7200 was launched...
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/20...ces-need-know/
https://photographylife.com/nikon-d7100-vs-d7000

[g_man80]

Thanks for the input everyone. I bought a used D7000 from a member at FM. Just arrived today. Appears to be in really good condition, except for a little sensor dust.