Beginner needs help trading up please!?!

moondogy · Jan 12, 2011

Hi, i don't know if i should be posting here but i am having trouble. I just got a new nikon p100 because it was originally for my mom but after looking for a good cleaning kit people suggested i get a new camera instead(my zoom quality just seems crappy at times). I am new to this and don't know if i need to trade up or not(i live in Colorado and want to just take pics of...everything) So should i get my 250 back and upgrade?, need some help.
Budget is not that high so no d7000s and such

p.s. i look at reviews and am kinda techy so i know specs and such

Bram · Jan 12, 2011

Return it. Then what you want to do is go out and look at what is comfortable for you. What is in your budget, and what is your budget? You can go online now a days and actually get used entry level discontinued DSLR cameras. Consider the D60 from Nikon or perhaps a lower entry Canon. I'm a Nikon guy so that's what i'm going to recommend. I would go to the store and take a look at the D3000 and the D5000. See if you like those.

moondogy · Jan 12, 2011

Thanks for quick response! My budget is kinda low right now since i don't have a job but at most 600 maybe, or a little more if i can convince my bro that this is not a waste of money. I haven't looked at any of those models how different are they from the d7000 quality wise? Admittedly i only got the p100 becasue of its FULL HD

Bram · Jan 12, 2011

Oh okay well compared to the D7k most entry level DSLR's look pretty crappy. What I would do is google or go to Nikon.ca and compare the two.
The D3000: Amazon.com: Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo
Advertised here for $509.00 used. Check out the specs and see what you like.

Here is the D5000: Amazon.com: Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD: Electronics
This one is only $60.00 more then the D3000 yet has quite a bit more features.

If you want to spend a little more I would go for the D90, the body itself can go for around $600.00 it has a built in AF motor in the body itself so it can AF with more lenses.

Hope this helps.

moondogy · Jan 12, 2011

Yes you have been very helpful but when you say the d7k makes the others in the series look crappy are you also saying that by comparison they make the p100 look like crap? Sorry if i cant get it through my skull yet

Bram · Jan 12, 2011

Yes the P100 is a "crappy" camera compared to the two that i mentioned above. These are DSLR's and they have interchangeable lenses. Which your p100 does not. The two that I recommended are good entry level cameras and they are easy to learn with.

moondogy · Jan 12, 2011

Ok well i guess i will ship it back today, thanks for your help now maybe i can get some quality picks, thanks again

Bram · Jan 12, 2011

Yeah no problem at all. Welcome to the Forum and keep posting if you got any questions.

swedberg311 · Jan 12, 2011

This prob sounds weird but if you are a member at sams club or costco they alot of times have great deals on cameras and they will still give you any manufactures rebates that are available, they just dont sell used... shop around before you spend I know I sometimes get to excited before I take time to research and then I wish I would have shopped around more.

Bram · Jan 12, 2011

Good valid point but I recommended two cameras which are great to start with. If the Op wants to look around for Canons or other cameras feel free to do so. These two are cheaper online where I recommended them.

moondogy · Jan 12, 2011

Cheap is good, but not to cheap don't want to deal with another bad purchase but i think i may go for the d90 because i may be able to get it for cheap from neighbor but don't know if it has a warranty. Sure i could live with out it though

Bram · Jan 12, 2011

Nikon standard warranty on the body is 5 years I believe. I know all Nikon Lenses have a 5 year warranty. Could possibly be the bodies have a 2 year warranty so.

moondogy · Jan 12, 2011

Well i think i will actually keep this camera for a while since i am still a noob and just try and get another some time down the line. Not in a real rush since i am no professional but youtube is a liar! i cant get good quality zoom for jack oh well

Bram · Jan 12, 2011

It's all up to you moondogy, I mean what you want to do is just save and wait till you find the right camera for you. I searched and did research for a couple months then decided all i wanted to spend was $400.00 and I bought my D40x with lens.