Nikon D3100 or D3200? I'm a total newbie when it comes to photography, but I want to move beyond the point-and-shoots cameras. Which would you recommend for a new beginner? I'm very drawn to the D3100 because of the discount and freebies. But I hesitate because of its age (~2 yrs old).Which should I go for and why?Thanks for your advice!~ Dan Nikon D3100 or D3200? I'm a total newbie when it comes to photography, but I want to move beyond the point-and-shoots cameras. Which would you recommend for a new beginner? I'm very drawn... » Read More Nikon D3100 or D3200? I'm a total newbie when it comes to photography, but I want to move beyond the point-and-shoots cameras. Which would you recommend for a new beginner? I'm very drawn to the D3100 because of the discount and freebies. But I hesitate because of its age (~2 yrs old).Which should I go for and why?Thanks for your advice!~ Dan « Show Less
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Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is my pick over either d3200 or d3100, more features and the sensor is better. It is priced between the the 3100 and 3200 also. I think the D3200 overall is an improvement over the d3100. D3200 has entry level features like the d3100, but the sensor is has more megapixel so you get more detail, but at the same time might get more noise in darker situation. I heard the d3200 has improve video.
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You can get super deals on the d3100 now because of the age, and they are starting to turn up in the used market. That means they are having/ maintaining a re-sale value.No one mentions how light weight this camera is for a SLR [no top screen] which makes a huge difference when you have it around your neck all day.
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Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6... » Read More Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan « Show Less
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I'm in agreement with you on the lenses making the difference. In terms of image quality it would be near impossible to distinguish images taken with the D3100 and ANY other consumer (APS-C) camera. I have the 35mm 1.8G that captures great images and has a neutral (neither zoom nor wide angle) perspective making it a perfect all around lens. My 50mm 1.8G appears even sharper but the perspective may be a bit tight for some shots. And images from the 70-300VR are far better than the 55-200VR or 55-300VR. The other lens to consider would be the 18-105VR to replace the 18-55VR because the latter lacks enough zoom to make it practical as a single lens solution when you want to travel light. I'm in agreement with you on the lenses making the difference. In terms of image quality it would be near impossible to distinguish images taken with the D3100 and ANY other consumer (APS-C) camera. I have the 35mm 1.8G that captures great images and has a neutral (neither zoom nor wide angle) perspective making it a perfect all around lens. My 50mm 1.8G appears even sharper but the perspective may be a bit tight for some shots. And images from the 70-300VR are far better than the 55-200VR or 55-300VR. The other lens to consider would be the 18-105VR to replace the 18-55VR because the... » Read More I'm in agreement with you on the lenses making the difference. In terms of image quality it would be near impossible to distinguish images taken with the D3100 and ANY other consumer (APS-C) camera. I have the 35mm 1.8G that captures great images and has a neutral (neither zoom nor wide angle) perspective making it a perfect all around lens. My 50mm 1.8G appears even sharper but the perspective may be a bit tight for some shots. And images from the 70-300VR are far better than the 55-200VR or 55-300VR. The other lens to consider would be the 18-105VR to replace the 18-55VR because the latter lacks enough zoom to make it practical as a single lens solution when you want to travel light. « Show Less
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I'd recommend you get the D3100. It is a marvelous DSLR with great image quality and versatility at a bargain price. The D3200 has a better sensor but the kit lens can not take advantage of that sensor. So unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money on glass (way more $ than the cost of the camera), you will not see any image quality improvement with the D3200. You can get the D3100 with the kit lens and the marvelous Nikkor 35 mm f/1.8 prime for the same price as the D3200 with only the kit lens.
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you're welcome. yeah photography is a big passion of mine. you'll figure out the manual modes in time, dont sweat it. photo classes at a local junior college are a good way to learn it, and inexpensive. just a thought. good luck in your shooting!
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Wow, that's a lot of information to digest! I can tell you really enjoy photography though-thanks for the help! I must have read your latest post like five times!Since I'm still I beginner, I have no idea how to operate the camera in A or M mode so I guess I'll leave the purchase of a prime lens for later on.~ Dan
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I just bought a 40D and I think it is a great camera. As posted, there is not best choice but I am sure if the extra (few) bucks is not an issue, we should go for the 40D. It is also the latest sensor and I found it to be really good. Took some shots and it is great.
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I think I was misunderstood? When I bought my 50D, it was a toss up between the 5D and the new (at that time) 50D with a couple of kit lenses. I chose the 50D (newer tech wise and more stuff) and I'm satisfied for now. If and when I upgrade, it would be the latest (tech wise) full frame Canon like the 5DMkII. I was just thanking John M. and ED F for validating my non-researched decision to go 50D instead of older 5D at the time.Bob
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There is no comparison between D3100 or even D5100 and the D600. I had the D5100 before and I upgraded to the D600. It is just marvelous... except that little dirt problem, I had to return it for cleaning up at Nikon, I hope I won't have to do it very often.
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This was just the post I was looking for. My daughter has the D80 (I think) and wants to step up to more manual features, rather than simply point and shoot. Already familiar with Nikon layout - she selected the 3100 for her next step up but I was wondering what the differences were with the 5100. I agree with the swivel ability of the screen. She does a lot of self and group portraits that I think is needed for such situations. Anyhoo, I am glad I found you two talking about this.
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Hi Mr. Hewitt (I wonder if we have any relation?) Anyway, for a true beginner (as in you've never used anything but a point-and-shoot) I'd recommend you get a Nikon D40 and an 18-200 VR. Keep the 18-55 kit lens, you'll find it lighter when your just taking snapshots of the family or whatever. The D40 is an excellent starter camera, it has almost all the tweaks of this much more expensive camera without the weight and cost. The D300 has many advantages over it, but I really feel you'll learn a lot faster with a simpler camera, and step up to this when your ready. I actually started out with a D40 a bit over a year ago, it made starting out quite fun. The 18-200VR will follow you as a great lens on the D300 too, and you can use any newer AF-S lenses on it. If you have older AF-D Nikon lenses lying around that you want to use, a D80 is also a good place to start. It's easier to make the custom tweaks you'll learn about in your photography classes on the D80, but it still has Auto modes as well to get you started. Checkout www.kenrockwell.com, especially his recommended camera page. He's a bit more eloquent than I am. And I wouldn't be so fast to recommend the D60 to anyone, it's just the D40x's guts (plus active D-Lighting, but without the other enhancements of the D300/D3) with a different name stamped on it. I wouldn't recommend the D40x or D60 to anyone, they exist to fill a price point to compete with Canon. If your eyeballing either, jump to the D80 and don't look back.
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I think so, I've had many point-and-shoot camera (mostly Nikon) and this behaves the same as other Nikons. The two lens provide an intro to beginners what different lenses can do. I've spoken with many camera enthusiasts and the second lens is considered inferior to them. In contrary to the other answers, I feel the beginner mode can shoot much better than similar point-and-shoot cameras.
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For alot of folks, it comes down to the option of shooting in RAW. P300 does not shoot RAW, S95 does. Is that worth the extra +$120 (as of 10/11) for the S95? Do you even shoot in RAW? If you even know what RAW is, you should be shooting with your dSLR right now. :)B&H; photo is selling the P300 for $239 through 10-29-11. Seems like a deal too good to pass up. Upgrading my 2+ year old Canon P&S.; Boy...technology moves quickly. I'll upgrade in another 2 years when all of these P&S; cameras shoot near dSLR quality.
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I too have wanted to buy a T2i for a while, ever since I noticed the announcement in February. Then, it was seemingly always out of stock at Amazon. Perhaps I haven't waited long enough, or maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Although I have bought 5 Canon cameras over the years, and I considered myself a Canon loyalist, I am beginning to wonder if maybe I should buy a Nikon as my first digital SLR.
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The Nikon D50 would be a perfect starter camera...just don't pay too much for it(150.00 of less). Pair it with the 18-70 lens and you will be able to take outstanding photos. If you like the results, you can always upgrade later. I've had mine for years and use it as a back up, but I love the quality of the pics from the D50.
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This is a great camera for beginners, but be prepared to spend more on glass/lens as this is the most important part of any camera, all SLR entry level cameras are very close in quality and options as it all really depends on the quality of your lenses. To really learn the camera, do not use the auto modes, learn to use the aperture, manual and shutter modes to take complete control of your photos. There are thousands of youtube videos out there that will teach you all about this camera and how to use the different modes and features. As for this camera model, it is a great camera, i love it, takes amazing photos (with a good lens) and is very easy to operate. This is a great camera for beginners, but be prepared to spend more on glass/lens as this is the most important part of any camera, all SLR entry level cameras are very close in quality and options as it all really depends on the quality of your lenses. To really learn the camera, do not use the auto modes, learn to use the aperture, manual and shutter modes to take complete control of your photos. There are thousands of youtube videos out there that will teach you all about this camera and how to use the different modes and features. As for this camera model, it is a great camera, i love... » Read More This is a great camera for beginners, but be prepared to spend more on glass/lens as this is the most important part of any camera, all SLR entry level cameras are very close in quality and options as it all really depends on the quality of your lenses. To really learn the camera, do not use the auto modes, learn to use the aperture, manual and shutter modes to take complete control of your photos. There are thousands of youtube videos out there that will teach you all about this camera and how to use the different modes and features. As for this camera model, it is a great camera, i love it, takes amazing photos (with a good lens) and is very easy to operate. « Show Less
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Thanks. My only thought about the Canon A590IS is that I probably will not want to get involved in anything other than a full-auto camera, and therefore would it make sense to even consider the Canon A590IS? For myself, the simpler the better, and that being the case, I would probably tend to use the camera more often, though the Canon is such a good deal. Also, should I really be that concerned about the lens issue I have been reading about?
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I think it is ok for a beginner, because he can use it immediately, as a point and shoot camera. The difference is that this camera will permit the gradual discovery of a lot of new possibilities, to beginners really interested in photography. .
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I'm a beginner also but the camera I so easy, plus the manual says most of what u need to know. I also bought the book Nikon D3200 for dummies great buy.
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Hi Jana,Here a site that provides comparison information: http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3200-vs-Nikon-D5200(just copy and paste the link into your browser) The format on the site is easy to understand and very complete. I chose the D5200 because it seems to be a little closer to a "pro" camera but still within my budget, and I'm very happy with my choice. Be prepared to go through the learning curve because this camera(s) have a lot of features (fun). Blessings to you. ~ Michael
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My first DSLR was a D3000. It actually was the perfect starter. I find the D7100 to be a little more intricate in its functions. If I were you, I would start with the 5200/5300, it will get your feet wet without overwelming you.
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Did any of you read this review? http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Nikon-D5000-D90-Compared-to-Canon-Rebel-T1i-500D.shtmlD5000 seems to be an easy pick. I am now tossing my coin between D90 and D5000.