Advice on an entry level camera

[bahester]

I'm very new to photography and have been trying to do as much research as I can but I figured I'd ask here as well.

I was leaning towards buying a Nikon D3100 as my first camera based strictly off the fact the few friends I know all shoot Nikons and recommend them. However, I know there are other brands such as Sony, Canon, etc. that offer very good entry level cameras. With all things considered, what would be your recommendation for someone just starting out. I'm pretty tech savvy and have picked up quite a bit from just reading about cameras, so I like to think it won't take me long to get the hang of things.

 

[Dao]

Most of the entry level cameras are good. They can all help the photographer to take beautiful pictures. I will suggest you visit a local store and check them out in person and see if you like them. If all your friend are shooting Nikon camera, it could be a good idea to go with Nikon camera since you can borrow lens or other items from them. At least you can try it out and see.

Btw, the D3200 will hit the market soon.

 

[bahester]

Thanks for the advice Dao, that's a good point. I went and held the 3100 and liked it a lot, it had more of a solid feel to me than the Canon T3i, but I've started looking at the T2i as well, and really like it for the price point.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

D3200 FTW

 

[bahester]

D3200 FTW

Yeah, I just did some reading on it, looks like it's pretty awesome but at 200$ more it almost seems like I'd be better off to get the 3100 and spend the extra money towards a good lens?

 

[1000_Islander]

It would be impossible to find a so-called 'entry level' DSLR that wasn't a good camera today. Their specs and performance completely outdo those of only a few years back. And that's part of the 'problem' in all this in choosing a camera. Whatever you select will be outclassed in no time at all!
I'm glad you went to a store and actually held the camera you may be interested in (Nikon D3100) as the way a camera feels is so very important. As well, go through the menu process to see how intuitive it all is to you.
Another point to consider is the 'system' aspect. Nikon and Canon have the most extensive systems (lenses, flashes, etc) and that may be a future issue for you; both have a similar range of lenses with similar pricing but Canon has one 'orphan' lens in its 400mmL lens. It's relatively light and inexpensive ($1300.) and is one of the best values for bird photography, for example. Other than that either Canon or Nikon will serve you well.

Yes, a better lens is a much better value than a latest-and-greatest camera!

 

[bahester]

It would be impossible to find a so-called 'entry level' DSLR that wasn't a good camera today. Their specs and performance completely outdo those of only a few years back. And that's part of the 'problem' in all this in choosing a camera. Whatever you select will be outclassed in no time at all!
I'm glad you went to a store and actually held the camera you may be interested in (Nikon D3100) as the way a camera feels is so very important. As well, go through the menu process to see how intuitive it all is to you.
Another point to consider is the 'system' aspect. Nikon and Canon have the most extensive systems (lenses, flashes, etc) and that may be a future issue for you; both have a similar range of lenses with similar pricing but Canon has one 'orphan' lens in its 400mmL lens. It's relatively light and inexpensive ($1300.) and is one of the best values for bird photography, for example. Other than that either Canon or Nikon will serve you well.

Yes, a better lens is a much better value than a latest-and-greatest camera!

Thanks 1000, you've given me definitely a few things to think about. The D3100 felt pretty good to me and it seemed to naturally fit my hand and eye when I held it up. I'm really interested in shooting a variety of things so Canon and Nikon and their variety of lenses and flashes really appeal to me. the D3200 really looks intriguing but everything I've read so far said the glass is really what matters most (besides the user, hehe). So I really think I may save the 200$ the D3200 would cost me over the 3100 and purchase a nice zoom lens, and maybe a good flash!

 

[jaomul]

As said above Canon or Nikon are probably your best bet, but to be fair Nikon seem to be getting more favourable reviews lately. If your in a real hurry to by the D3200 fair enough but chances are the price will drop by up to 100 after a month or two

 

[StandingBear1983]

If your looking to have a better lens with the D3100 i would suggest a good prime, like the 35mm 1.8G, its better then the kit lens and better for low light, 35mm on a DX camera is about 50mm FF camera which is a classic focal length.

Third option with your budget is to get the D3200 & 18-55 kit lens (if your pushing your budget a bit).

 

[DigitalDave]

Would just like to point out the D3200 is already available. Was available for purchase at the beginning of May. Earlier in some countries (I think it was first available in the UK, although I'm not 100% on that). I believe this was something to do with how well the D3100 sold in the UK, so it was kind of a customer loyalty 'give', or something along those lines.

D3100, or the excellent D3200 are both a good choice in my opinion.

 

[Designer]

bahester; most sales deals are configured around a body, a "kit lens", and a few other accessories. If the kit lens being quoted is one that you want, then go for it. However, if you are already thinking of upgrading your lens purchase, try haggling with the shop owner to withhold the upgrade lens on the condition that you will purchase both the body and the better lens. I have not personally done this, so I don't know if it can be done, but it seems you are way ahead of the typical first-time purchaser.

Also, since you have the option of either the D3100 or the D3200, you have an opportunity to check out the specs for each one. Chances are that the D3100 could be discounted if it is being discontinued.

 

[bahester]

As said above Canon or Nikon are probably your best bet, but to be fair Nikon seem to be getting more favourable reviews lately. If your in a real hurry to by the D3200 fair enough but chances are the price will drop by up to 100 after a month or two

Gotcha. I'm in sort of a hurry. It's a long story but in 2 weeks I'm moving across the country to Oregon for a few months and really wanted to have my camera there as I'll be doing a lot of traveling around and sight seeing.

 

[nmoody]

I was researching last November for a camera and picked a D3100. It was down to the Canon T3, T2i or the Nikon D3100. Now with the D3200 being on the market, I think it is an obvious choice until Canon comes out with its new entry level.

 

[KmH]

Unfortunately the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras isn' t a good prime lens. Though it is an OK prime lens for it's $199 price.

The AF-S 35 mm f/1.8G is an inexpensive consumer grade lens. The lens has optical aberration issues (soft focus, chromatic aberration, purple fringing, etc) when used at it's larger aperture settings.
Because it has only 7 aperture blades the lens produces bokeh chromatic aberration well into larger lens apertures too.

To keep the cost if the lens low, Nikon had to forego the design and manufacturing expense needed for correcting the optical aberration issues the lens has.

 

[Derrel]

Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G - Review / Test Report

It has seven, rounded aperture blades. Comes with a hood, and a lens pouch. It has a rear water-and dust-gasket seal, and is internal focusing (rear-element group only). It has very consistent sharpness at center, edges, and extreme edges from f/2.8, all the way to f/8.

Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX

Not sure why the 35/1.8 gets beaten up on so repeatedly by certain people. Over and over and over. It's a $199, internal-focusing,weather-sealed, fully-equipped (meaning lens hood and carry pouch,front and rear caps) AF-S focusing, aspherical-element desgin prime lens fer cripes sakes...

In practical terms is is a faster, better lens than most beginners will have EVER owned. Repeatedly dogging on it is kind of like verbally $hi++ing on a young person's first car, or on a new wife's cooking...no, it's not your daddy's car, and no, it's not your mommy's home cooking...