I use the Nikon D70 and have been having thoughts about upgrading to either D5100 or D7000, which one would you recommende? And what are the differences between the two? I'd like to be able to use the lenses and the flash I have for the D70.

Marie, you haven't filled out your profile with the equipment you have, so we don't know what lenses, etc. you have.

Meanwhile, can you give us a bit more information. What do you want to do with the cameras? What kind of photography do you generally do?

These are very different cameras. To start, the D7000 costs about $350 more than the D5100.

The D5100 and D7000 share the same sensor, but past that, the specfications of the two cameras are very different in key areas.

The D7000 has 39 auto focus points, nine of which are cross types, but the D5100 has only 11 points, and has only one cross type.

If you're taking photos of static subjects you'll get enough quality autofocus from the D5100, but if you're taking photos of kids running around, or wildlife, for example, the difference in the two DSLRs will be significant with regard to autofocus.

The viewfinder is also noticeably smaller, and darker on the D5100. That makes framing more difficult.

The overall image quality of the D5100 isn't too far off from the D7000.

Metering is more accurate with the D7000 which has a 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System vs. the D5100 with its 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II.

According to how demanding you are the D5100's image quality is more than adequate. Both cameras have surprising high ISO performance considering their price, but neither will approach that of the D700, for example. I would generally say that the big difference in these two cameras is the D7000 is capable of getting great shots in more demanding situations than the D5100.

Ned
A Nikonians Team Member

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Visit my Travel Photography Blog and my Galleries.

Hi Marie,

Welcome to Nikonians!
In addition to the attributes Ned discribed above, the D7000 has both a Command dial and Sub-Command dial like the D70. The D5100 does not have a Sub-Command dial.
The D7000 also has a penta prism viewfinder, an AF motor built into the camera body ( this provides full compatibility with All Nikon F mount AF lenses with the ex exception of two, and compatibility with Manual Focus AI, AI modified, and AIS type lenses), as well as dedicated buttons to quickly change settings without going into the camera menu.
The D5100 has a penta mirror viewfinder, No built in AF motor so it only supports AF with AF-S type lenses, and many settings require going into the camera menu to change.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Thanks for fast replies! This is really a great forum!
I just updated my profile and the lenses I have are:
Sigma 70-300/4-5.6
Nikon 100/2.8
Kit lens 18-70/3.5-4.5
AF Nikkor 80-200/2.8 (bought used for my film camera, hardly ever used)
and a flash SB-600 (haven't learned how to used that one yet but that's one thing I want to learn).
I have until now taken pics in jpeg but have been advised to switch to RAW.
I like to take pics up close; not necessary macro, but close and most of the time family, pets and our activities together are my favorite shooting subjects. I do however go out and shoot landscape, nature and wildlife as well. An activity I intend to develop. I think I have already left the 'snapshot phase' but I still consider myself a beginner in photography especially when it comes to the technical stuff.
/Marie

Hi Marie,

There are four Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 lenses. You didn't list enough specs to know which one you have. If I remember right, while all four will autofocus with the D7000, only two will autofocus with the D5100.

The AF Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 also will not autofocus with the D5100, but will with the D7000.

Hey, we all were beginners at one point or another.

Ned
A Nikonians Team Member

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Visit my Travel Photography Blog and my Galleries.

Hi Marie,

The D5100 will not provide Auto Focus with your AF 80-200mm f/2.8 and possibly your Sigma 70-300mm as well depending on which version of the lens you have.
The D5100 will not provide metering with your 100mm f/2.8 E type lens.

This makes the D7000 the obvious choice as it will fully support all of your AF lenses and provide metering for your MF 100mm f/2.8 E type lens as well. The penta prism viewfinder is brighter and will make Manual Focusing a bit easier as well.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

I think a good rule of thumb is to buy the best you can afford. I have a D7000 and it's a lot of camera. The nice thing is that it as simple or as complex as your needs dictate. Backward lens compatibility was a big purchase point for me. I had a D70s and it was limited in that area. I love the bigger viewfinder and awesome autofocus of the D7K. If you can swing it, get the D7000. You'll never run out of camera. It has so much potential and will grow with you.

George

Hey everyone!
Thanks for all the advice I'm getting!
When it comes to the Sigma lens it is a 70-300/4-5,6 APO DG.

As I have lately been shooting a lot more pictures in my intentions to become a more skilled photographer I also learn new things every day! The technical stuff has never been my strongest skill but I'm getting there.

You are advising me to get the camera I can afford, well, as I surf the net I realize that the d7000 is somewhat similar in price as a d300s (in Sweden) and in the range of what I can afford. I'm making an investment here that I will be stuck with for many years so I want to make sure I'm getting the right one I discarded the d5100 after reading your advice. As it is today I shoot somewhere between 100-1000 pics each month (all depending on the rest of the family), slowly increasing. What do you think?

Either a D7000 or D300s will last you a long time, and they will both work well with your older lenses. I'd be inclined to the D300s, but others could reasonably choose the D7000.

_____
Brian... a bicoastal Nikonian and Team Member

My gallery is online. Comments and critique welcomed any time!

Hi Marie,

The D300s has a better AF system and build quality than the D7000.
The D7000 is newer, and has more Dynamic Range, better high ISO performance and a little more resolution than the D300s.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Just wanted to thank you all again for your advice. Just got the d7000 this weekend and am looking forward to many fun shooting hours with it! I started listening to your podcasts as well so there is no lack of inspiration!
A good thing with being a beginner is that most stuff you do can only improve, right?

Hi Marie,

Congratulations on your new D7000.
Enjoy!
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty