Good upgrade from bridge camera?

Would a nikon d7100 or d5300 be good.

The only features i feel would benefit me on the D7100 is the weather sealing, dedicated ISO button, and the better viewfinder.

Oh and by the way don't say that these cameras are "too advance" for me, I know the fundamentals of photography and could easily operate and use both of these cameras. I'm simply asking if its worth the extra money from people with experience.

Completely different beasts, so why compare them?

One offers advanced features for the enthusiast and the other offers improved 'on-board' specifications for connectivity like GPS and Wi-Fi…

I get the impression that you don't know as much as you think you do.

You really need to handle them in a shop to see some of the differences. The D7100 reacts MUCH faster. AF is quicker. It feels more solid. But it is a lot heavier as well. Try actually looking through those viewfinders. The improves, brighter viewfinder of the D7000 and D7100 are worth a lot to me, but might not mean much to you.

Part of the extra weight is a bigger battery which lasts longer between shots. One of the most common complaints about the D5xxx line is that battery life is not good enough.

Don't under-estimate the dedicated ISO button. ISO is something you should control on a DSLR and changing it through menus would be a right pain.

Weather sealing is a big advantage for some people, but not everybody needs it.

The D5300 does offer the useful moveable LCD, but if you can afford the extra and don't mind the additional weight then the D7100 is definitely a much better bit of kit.

If you don't care about weather sealing then also consider the D7000. You really don't need the extra resolution of the newer cameras and it's still a great camera at a great price right now.

While a DSLR (Pentax, Canon or Nikon) or SLT (Sony) is a logical step if you've outgrown your bridge camera and want more creative control, it's not a decision to be taken lightly.

Find out what a DSLR can do that your existing camera won't, get used to the idea that you'll never see a 30x zoom again, and make sure you know just how much you're going to be shelling out.

The Pentax K-30 competes directly with the Nikon D7100 - it's a better camera on paper, yet is cheaper than the D5300. That's before you add in the extra lenses, more powerful flashgun and some kind of close-up kit, because DSLRs with standard zooms don't do macro.

Your photos CAN improve with a DSLR, but it'll take you a lot of money and a long time to buy the kit and learn how to get the best out of it.

D7100 would offer a better DSLR experience with fuller potential for advancemnt.
I would greatly prefer having 2 control wheels, a better viewfinder (HUGE difference to comforable viewing and fast decision-making) faster operation, better general specifications including being weather sealed. I wouldn't even moan about not having an articulating LCD… A keen photographer will get down on the floor or climb to get the necessary angle for the shot. And if he/she can't because of health reasons then a Sony A77 or Canon 70D would be the better camera to get.

However, as advised, you will miss the ability to shoot at extreme thelephoto lengths and if you you don't use the best telephoto lenses, bridge cameras like the Fuji HS50 will still be in contention with you.

I would alway recommend what I use (Pentax) but you said the magic words "The only features I feel would benefit me, is the better viewfinder.". That says it all to me. Buy the better viewinder, the camera will be more comfortable to operate and your pictures will show it!