My first DSLR

Donk1166

Donk1166

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I'm making the move from compact camera to DSLR. I'm on a bit of a budget as I'm only a beginner. Through a process of just messing around with them in shops I've gone for Nikon. My dilemma is this -
Do I go for a D3100 with 2 lenses (18-55 & 55-200) for £499 or a D5100 with just the 18-55 lens for the same price?

Any advice would be great. Baring in mind I won't be spending a load of money on lenses & kit as its only a hobby.

Help!!!!
 
Depends what you are going to take photos of. Do you need the reach of a 55-200mm? I've got one but rarely use it as I mainly photograph people.
The money could be better spent on a nice 35 or 50mm prime?
 
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have alook at the nikon site and compare the two bodies specification and see what you may need in the future
also as pointed out through out the forum, spend the money on the lenses

will you be able to buy the 55-200 later - will the company do a deal on the 5100 and the two lenses for you ?
 
Sorry, forgot to mention I'll be using it for general photography. Everything from landscapes to macro stuff, going to New York later this year so loads of buildings & skyline stuff. I'm only beginning but I'm well aware I might get hooked!

I've looked at the price of the 55-200 & it seems I could afford that at a later date. So maybe go for the better body initially?
 
If it was me I'd get the D5100. You can always expend your lens collection later. There are plenty of 55-200mm go through the classifieds on here for sensible money and buying them second hand is ideal when you are on a budget. Once you get hooked you will start to get a better idea of what you want and/or need. In the mean time the kit lens will serve you fine in New York.
 
Donk1166 said:
I'm making the move from compact camera to DSLR. I'm on a bit of a budget as I'm only a beginner. Through a process of just messing around with them in shops I've gone for Nikon. My dilemma is this -
Do I go for a D3100 with 2 lenses (18-55 & 55-200) for £499 or a D5100 with just the 18-55 lens for the same price?

Any advice would be great. Baring in mind I won't be spending a load of money on lenses & kit as its only a hobby.

Help!!!!
Click to expand...

"It's only a hobby", I'm pretty sure those are famous last words my friend. :/

If I was you I would get the basic kit lens and use it until you get a grasp of what you really like to shoot. There is a great discount on kit lenses so take advantage of it.

This is just my opinion but I would also stay far away from the "cover all focal lengths" types of lenses because the image quality is bad for the most part. I think the 55-200 falls into that category.

Also something to think about is if you will be shooting video or not. The canon 600D has better video attributes. On the other hand the nikon is a bit faster so if you will be shooting action shots primarily then the nikon is the way to go. Good luck.
 
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