I they'll be back soon, jackdavis. I know that's easy for me to say because I'm not the one without a camera. ;-)
You'll probably want both command dials that the D7000 has, so I would just wait.

The D5100 has a full manual mode for full control of the camera but some features may not work depending upon which lenses you attach to the camera.

I like to say I sold my F100 camera and the D7000 is the lowest model that will take my lens from the film camera. I waited some time to buy one, and now I can't wow. So it is either dump more money in or wait. I would buy a D5100 but I want control of the camera not the other way around.
glad to be here

RyanWard said:
Sorry - that's what I get for reading fast :)

No problem. I get that many people equate a better camera with better pictures. I was able to take great pictures with my D70, until it died. I can take great pics with my D5100, but I should have spent a bit more as the D5100 is a bit more focused on the user who will put their camera in Auto and shoot away. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I shoot less automated, but to do what one wants to do on a D5100, one must go through a myriad of menus and that's all that bugs me. Of course I do hope the D7000 has an articulated screen, as that's one feature on the 5100 I've grown extremely fond of......

Cheers......

Sorry - that's what I get for reading fast :)

RyanWard said:
IF there is an 'S' model, I would imagine they will add 1080/30 and 720/60 as options for video, same sensor and maybe better bracketing?

Much more and it might infringe on a D400 model so I would't expect an update to the AF module or the addition of a dedicated AF-On button or other 'Pro' features.

Maybe they will make the buttons backlit...

If you don't like your D5100 images, what do you think a D7000 does differently with the same sensor?

You didn't read what I said. I said I was in NO WAY disappointed with my D5100 pictures. I like the camera and have pretty much mastered the overly cumbersome menu's. And that's my issue with the camera. I'd like to have more dedicated buttons like what is on the D7000.

IF there is an 'S' model, I would imagine they will add 1080/30 and 720/60 as options for video, same sensor and maybe better bracketing?

Much more and it might infringe on a D400 model so I would't expect an update to the AF module or the addition of a dedicated AF-On button or other 'Pro' features.

Maybe they will make the buttons backlit...

If you don't like your D5100 images, what do you think a D7000 does differently with the same sensor?

tcole1983 said:
Yeah, but we are seeing a 3+ year gap in the latest updates with the D4, D800 and D400. I think they are slow...maybe from the disasters last year, but I am highly doubting a D7000 update in 2012. Then again I don't need one so I can be the unhopeful one :)

Although as I said before with those that were waiting for the D7000, there is always something better being made or developed. You will drive yourself crazy and poor always trying to have the next best and newest thing. I am content shooting with my D5000 until it breaks or really gets outdated. Maybe I will get a D400 down the line, but until then I am happy to just shoot with what I have.

I don't disagree with you. I do however, believe there is a time difference between the release of FF vs DX bodies. The higher end bodies seem to have a longer shelf life than the more consumer oriented bodies. That said, my reason for waiting is I have a D5100 currently and I'm in no way disappointed in the quality of pictures. There are just things the D7000 does that I would be happier with, but I can wait for the update.

Called Nikon today and they couldn't answer when the next batch of D7000s would ship. There are a couple of refurbs online but the prices have shot up ($1149 body only refurb on Adorama). Kicking myself for not buying back in November when there was a rebate, although I didn't know it at the time.

tcole1983 said:
Although as I said before with those that were waiting for the D7000, there is always something better being made or developed. You will drive yourself crazy and poor always trying to have the next best and newest thing. I am content shooting with my D5000 until it breaks or really gets outdated. Maybe I will get a D400 down the line, but until then I am happy to just shoot with what I have.

+1

I agree - the D5000 is a peach. I feel the same about my D90. I bought it a year ago fearing a few weeks until it was officially old but hey, it's still current - Bonus!

Yeah, but we are seeing a 3+ year gap in the latest updates with the D4, D800 and D400. I think they are slow...maybe from the disasters last year, but I am highly doubting a D7000 update in 2012. Then again I don't need one so I can be the unhopeful one :)

Although as I said before with those that were waiting for the D7000, there is always something better being made or developed. You will drive yourself crazy and poor always trying to have the next best and newest thing. I am content shooting with my D5000 until it breaks or really gets outdated. Maybe I will get a D400 down the line, but until then I am happy to just shoot with what I have.

Since the D7000 was released in October 2010, it seems they update a model every two years, so I won't be surprised to see the replacement later this year. They have to stay competitive with Canon and Canon is pretty good about releasing upates on a similar schedule.

I don't know...I just don't really see the D7000 replacement that quickly. I feel like the D7000 just came out. Also we haven't seen much for upgrades in the D4 and D800 specs that I see...unless they just add more MP or higher frame rates. As I said there hasn't been any Canon product news either. Also the release times seem to have been pushed back obviously as you can see with the D4 and D800 dates. We haven't even heard about a date for the D400 and it would be before the D7000 update I think.

pic13HB said:
so would you guys hold off for a refresh later this year, or just get it now? (If wait, what feature do you think they'll upgrade, or add) Thanks in advanced!!!! <><

Personally, I'm waiting for the D7000 replacement. For me, it would annoy me to spend over $1,000 on a camera to see a newer version in a few short months. The D7000 is a superb camera for sure. But, I'm hoping the replacement has an articulated screen, and even better low light resolution. I'm not bothered about whether it has a bigger sensor. 16.2 Megapixels is more than enough for my needs. I would hope it has the QXD memory slot and if it had some of the abilities to control the camera from my iPhone or iPad, that would be fantastic.

so would you guys hold off for a refresh later this year, or just get it now? (If wait, what feature do you think they'll upgrade, or add) Thanks in advanced!!!! <><

try Adorama, its there.

edit: nevermind, seems new ones are backordered..

My D7000 body says "Made in Thailand" so I am sure they have not been able to produce them for many months now and whatever stockpile they had (it was a hot item so I wouldn't think there would have been much of a warehouse stockpile) has been exhausted.

That would be my guess as well. The only Nikon DSLR under the D300s that I've seen in stock is the D3000.

cgilyeat said:
I've been under the impression that they are not available because Nikon is still recovering from the various floods and are just now getting everything back in production.

+1 I would assume the flooding in Thailand is finally catching up with the stock of bodies that were already produced and now there is somewhat of a shortage.

cgilyeat said:
I've been under the impression that they are not available because Nikon is still recovering from the various floods and are just now getting everything back in production.

To paraphrase an advert I know: "That is so three months ago..."

I'd accept what you say if the next batch of bodies comes in with "Made in Japan" stickers on them (see other main blog article about 5th notice from Nikon about floods)...

I've been under the impression that they are not available because Nikon is still recovering from the various floods and are just now getting everything back in production.

Could be just in (very) short supply and a refresh *IS* due latter in 2012, but what a shock if it happens earlier in 2012?

I'm not in Vegas right now (have to actually work!!!) but is there a photo trade show or other on right now? What a chance for a cool announcement!

I know this is a hard question to answer, since nobody really knows. However, I was looking on B&H and some other photography websites, and noticed that on most of them, they say that the Nikon d7000 is unavailable. Do you guys think that it is just in high demand, or do you think a refresh is coming soon? I was going to buy it within this month, so I was curious what you guys think. Thank you in advanced!!!!! <><