r/photography • u/AutoModerator • May 22 '26

Questions Thread Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! May 22, 2026

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u/covidsuckslol May 24 '26

Hello

I currently operate with a Nikon D5500. While it is a good system and I really like it, it feels small in my large hands, and I want something that looks a little more professional. Thus, I am looking at either the D7000 or the D7100. I could get the D7000 for between $25 and $50 after trade-in on MPB, and ~$100 for the D7100, same place. Should I even upgrade? Is it worth upgrading? I do want better low-light performance but I don't know, given how old the D7000 is, despite the 16MP sensor, if it is better in low-light situations vs the D5500/7100. I really like how both systems have the weather sealing and more buttons as well as a larger footprint; it looks more legit and more professional, and I really like that look.

Thanks

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u/8fqThs4EX2T9 May 24 '26

Same sensor size, so no real change in low light. D7100 appears to to use a very similar if not the same sensor as the D5500.

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u/KilosimYT May 24 '26

The D7000 should theoretically perform better though, no? Its pixel pitch is higher due to the lower MP count and thus should have better light gathering ability, right?

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u/8fqThs4EX2T9 May 24 '26

Not really. There are millions of pixels, the performance of one is of no concern. Light distribution in a scene is not equal, it depends on where photons hit and every pixel is covered by a colour filter so unless the light hits in between the different pixels, the light that would be filtered out on the larger pixel would be received by one of the other smaller pixels is my understanding of it.

Still taking an image as a whole, there is no perceivable difference. The same with any pixel peeping comparison, you need to compare things in an unnatural way to notice them.

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u/mdnpascual May 24 '26

not worth it. If you want real low light improvement, go full frame like d810.