First DSLR D3200 or D5100

martsharm said:
I thought a couple of examples of the D3200 and a legacy lens were in order so people can make their minds up for themselves to whether the results are worth it or not. These are with a 24mm f/2.8 AI-S. You can click through for high res versions.

I think they're pretty good
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I think they're excellent shots. :thumbs:
 
sdb123 said:
I'm confused....why are you looking at f1.4 lenses? :shrug:
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Because that's the lens on WEX's site that has both varieties and their prices listed.
 
Nod said:
Because that's the lens on WEX's site that has both varieties and their prices listed.
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I think it's fair to say that in the case of the 50mm 1.8 AF-D vs. the 50mm 1.8 AF-S, the difference is about £60 in most outlets. So on a basic level, if you're just looking for a cheap lens, in this particular example the 50mm 1.8 AF-D is quite a bit cheaper. But is it really worth paying more for the camera to compensate? Not sure but there is more to it than that.

I think something that often gets lost in this argument though is that the AF-S versions of lenses are invariably completely different lenses to the AF-D's. They're not just a version with a motor built in. In the case of the 50mm 1.8 for example, the AF-S version has significantly better optics and in my opinion is better built. So you can make an argument that although you're having to pay more, you are getting more lens for your money.

Either way, I think the issue isn't such a big deal these days. Perhaps a bigger problem is that if you ever want to use really old manual focus lenses the cheaper bodies won't meter. I'd find that a much bigger headache than the AF issue. But it's of little consequence if you're buying lenses from the current line up.
 
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I'm a novice and have only had my DSLR since Christmas

I thought long and hard about what to get and eventually got a Nikon D3100 with 18-55vr, 55-200vr, 35mm prime and a SB-400 speedlight which I think is a great beginners kit. I could of used the money to get a D7000 body but it wouldn't be much use on its own!

It's a fantastic camera and I've had loads of good comments on the pictures I've taken with it so far. I have done a local charity's website promotional shoot and also have had a friend at work get one of my photos enlarged onto canvas for his lounge wall!

My only criticism is the relatively low res LCD screen which makes focusing manually on live view difficult.

You don't need to spend loads when first starting out to get great results and the gear you get will retain a good residual value to sell if you want to upgrade as your skill level increases in the future.
 
Hi all

Thanks for all your feedback, tips and advice.

I opted for the D5100 with lenses, Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR

Delivery is due Monday so looking forward to having a play and seeing how it performs against my bridge.

My sister bought my bridge off me so no ebay fees or hoaxers who want it posted to the far corners of the world!

Would any of you suggest another lens to purchase as a useful/essential addition?

Steve
 
villafan82 said:
What is the importance of this lens? why is it a must etc?
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The main advantage of this lens will be it's faster aperture (f/1.8) meaning better low-light capability and/or bokeh (out of focus or blurred parts of the image). For the money it is a very capable performer.

Whether it is a must have lens, only you can decide. :)

EDIT: here is the flickr group for shots taken with the 35mm lens. http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon35/pool/

EDIT 2: Just a rhetorical question, why not get used to your new camera and lenses first and then look at getting lenses (in the future) that will compliment your style of photography?
 
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villafan82 said:
What is the importance of this lens? why is it a must etc?
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It's a great low light performer for the money which means you can avoid the issues caused using the flash or bumping up the ISO

I used it to great effect recently shooting promo shots indoors for a charity cafe's web site when I was having various difficulties with flash
 
Hi I'm new to this forum and to piccie taking (1 year in) and my starter camera was a D3100 and it was fantastic, I used a Nikon VR 55-200 lens and then on to a Nikon VR 70-300. I recently moved up to a D7000 mainly for the availability of older lenses for my wildlife and bird watching etc as older prime lens's with standard AF need a focus body motor.

however if you can work within the normal AF-S Nikon offerings which are realy good then I give a big thumbs up for the entry stuff and the D3200 may well fit your needs.

noticed you bought this in the end, good call.
I opted for the D5100 with lenses, Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR
 
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