Nikon D5100 vs. D3200

jw3571

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Which of these are a better camera? It looks like the d3200 has more megapixels but I don't know much about cameras. I'd be using it for pics of the kids and cars mostly.
 
Even though it's less megapixels? Do the megapixels not matter? What else is nicer on the 5100?
 
It honestly really doesn't matter. The D5100 has a flip out screen, and you can use a remote control, the D3200 has the tiniest bit better image quality, according to most objective tests.
 
Most of that mess about megapixels is marketing to get uneducated consumers to purchase the product. Megapixels don't matter unless you are printing big or zooming in 400% to pixel peep. 2MP image can look good at 800 pixels wide. 5MP image stretched billboard deminsions looks good if you view it from afar like it is meant to.

How good is your computer? Can it handle processing 20mb files without getting you frustrated? How much storage space do you have? How far do you plan on going into photography? What are you using now to take pictures? How is it failing your expectations and requirements?
 
If you print larger than a3 regular 24mp may benefit you but otherwise 16mp is loads. The d5100 has a great rep for low noise hi ISO performance and good DR as well. This would allow you editing headroom if you take shots in raw which is good to tweak photos after the event if required. It is usually better to go for the higher spec model, d3200 is nikons entry, the d5100 is up a level but I believe is soon to be replaced by the d5200 so maybe can be got for a bargain now
 
Definitely. The D5100 body only can be hand for $446 right now from various sites. I purchased one from walmart.com for $446 but I think B&H and Adorama have the same price.
 
jaomul said:
If you print larger than a3 regular 24mp may benefit you but otherwise 16mp is loads. The d5100 has a great rep for low noise hi ISO performance and good DR as well. This would allow you editing headroom if you take shots in raw which is good to tweak photos after the event if required. It is usually better to go for the higher spec model, d3200 is nikons entry, the d5100 is up a level but I believe is soon to be replaced by the d5100 so maybe can be got for a bargain now

The D5100 is in a weird stage right now. Previously the biggest differentiator between it and the D3100 was the sensor. Now the D3200 has a sensor that is at least equal. The D5100 still has a few nice features that are better than the D3200, but in a lot of ways the d5100 is sort of in lame duck mode at this point, waiting on a sensor upgrade to put more distance between it and the d3200.
 
In June, I got the D5100, because it offers better low ISO performance and better dynamic range than the D3200.

Thats more important to me than a few extra pixels and a bit more color depth, both of which quickly degenerate at anything above ISO 100.

Besides, the D5200 is already available in Europe and Asia. It will be available at the beginning of 2013 in the USA. It has the same resolution as the D3200, and it has the AF of the D7000, which means with a good lens (like the Nikkor AF-S 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 VR) you can do sports with this.

I hope that either the D5200 has a different sensor, or that they managed to improve the performance of the sensor, compared to what the D3200 offers. Otherwise D5100 > D5200.
 
Wait.. Nikon released the D5200 already every where else but the US market.

Nikon unveils 24.1MP D5200 DSLR with optional Wi-Fi: Digital Photography Review

Key features

  • DX-format, 24.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor with EXPEED 3 for exceptional quality
  • Vari-angle LCD monitor: View life at a unique angle with a high resolution, 7.5cm (3.0-in), 921k dot vari-angle screen
  • Compatible with Wireless Mobile Adaptor WU-1a to transmit images from the camera to Apple™ or Android™ smart device and remote shooting*1
  • High ISO (100-6400) extendable to 25600: keeps the detail with low noise in low-light situations
  • Razor-sharp 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors in the center. Offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame
  • 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor delivers highly accurate metering for exact exposures and provides precise data to the camera's Scene Recognition System
    • Scene Recognition System optimizes exposure, autofocus and white balance immediately before the shutter is released
    • Continuous shooting at 5fps: so you do not miss that fast-moving action shot
    • High dynamic range (HDR): Gives detailed shots of high-contrast scenes by combining two shots taken within a single shutter release
  • Active D-Lighting: Retains details in highlights and shadows for well-balanced images, even if the subject is moving
  • D-Movie: Full (1080p) HD movies with smooth (up to 60i/50i) recording and a built-in stereo microphone
  • D-Movie AF modes: Live View autofocus works when shooting movie clips, keeping subjects in sharp focus
  • In-built stereo-microphone for improved sound quality
  • Updated new generation GUI Design
    • 16 Scene modes: Automatically adjusts camera settings, including Picture Controls and Active D-Lighting, for optimal results.
  • Effects mode – seven effects including Selective Colour and Miniature, which can be applied in pre-shoot, for more creative movies and stills
    • Compatible with WR-R10 Wireless Remote transceiver and WR-T10 Wireless Remotetransmitter that let you control key camera functions from a distance
  • GPS compatible: Records the exact location of the camera when a picture is taken by using the optional GP-1 unit
  • NIKKOR lenses:take advantage of Nikon’s legendary NIKKOR lenses and make the most of the camera’s 24-megapixel resolution.Capture photos with vivid colour and striking contrast. Shoot movies with crisp detail or experiment with cinematic effectsAvailable in three colours: black, red and bronze
  • Lightweight body (505g) with an intelligent design and superior ergonomics
 

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