Which DSlR camera to get ?

I was about in your same situation. I tried to solve it with a "bridge" camera, but that really didn't work for the "professiona" in me! Looking around I check out the two big guns of DSLR, Canon & Nikon. But physically I just could not make the leap. And at the time the Canon had a very busy viewfinder, this was disconcerning as a life long Canon film (SLR) user. I ended up with a Pentax where I could set the focusing square to anywhere I like it. However in your case I would like the multi-focusing squares situation of the new Pentax K30 or Pentax K50. Even Costco has relented and has the Pentax K50 with the 50-200mm lens, case @ $850.00, available in their "on line" store. This says something to me, how about you?

Good Luck

I'd go for something from Pentax...maybe a K5, they have the advantage of being compatible with manual focus lenses, you can pick up KA mount lenses really cheap and they are fully compatible with your meter...and the K5 has a depth of field preview option...which the D5200 doesn't and not all Nikon manual focus lenses are compatible with the Nikon cameras. The K5 (the original it's been replaced by the K5 II) can be found for a reasonable price if you look in the right places...In the hands of someone who knows their stuff it will give anything else out there a good run for the money.

As Andrew says though Sony might be the safe choice if you have a selection of lenses already.

By all means, leverage any Sony lenses you have, but if you are starting over, the D5200 may not be enough camera for you. Bumping up one level to the D7000/7100 makes sense because it can use any of the Nikkor lenses, whereas the D5200 requires lenses with focus motors in them, such as the AF-S lenses.

This tool compares them and gives the advantages of each.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D7100-vs-Sony_SL...

The brand of camera is not important. Go to your local camera dealer, with a fixed budget, and handle various different models. I think your only question need be, do I want interchangeable lenses, or will a fixed lens (bridge camera) suit me better. Buy the one which you think is the best for your style of photography. Remember you want to be a photographer NOT an equipment junkie.

If you already own Sony lenses and flashgun, a new Sony body is the obvious step.

If you're starting from scratch, find a dealer, and look at Canon and Pentax as well - you'll know the right camera as soon as you pick it up.

with budget to below $1200, you have more choices:

Nikon D5200

Pentax K-50

Sony Alpha 65 (SLT-A65VK)

Cannon EOS Rebel. With accessories. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-75-300mm-Telep...

I was a professional in that period... only in broadcast television video work. I'm now retired and a Canon owner. I would suggest the Canon t3i, an excellent digital slr that should suit you well.

Canon EOS 7D in my opinion. I certainly wouldn't go for the Sony.