Help on buying a camera

[Gian_01]

Hello, I am new to the forum. The reason why I joined was because I am looking to buy and camera and start shooting pictures of the family playing in the parks, Botanical Gardens and Central Park for my wedding coming up. On that note I wanted to buy a Nikon D3100 14mp with a 18-55mm and a 55-200mm(both lenses are VR) for $680 or a Nikon D3200 24mp with basically the same lenses except this setup cost $780. Which of these two might be best for a novice. Are the extra ten megapixels worth the hundred bucks?

My question is do I need these lenses if not which should I buy? Also with the scenery in mind which filters may I need or can the camera do the work of the filters.

Thanks in advance for any advice anyone is willing to share with me, also thanks for time.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

 

[pixmedic]

Nikon D3200 vs D3100 - Our Analysis

both cameras are entry level and very similar. the D3200 is the newer version. if you can swing the extra $100, get the newer one. both will be just fine for a beginner.

 

[ph0enix]

The D3200 is the successor of the D3100. I would go with the newer since the difference in price is negligible.
You probably don't really need filters at this time but if you must, I would get a circular polarizer (CPL). It helps increase/decrease reflections and improves color in certain situations. With filters you get what you pay for so don't get the really cheap ones. They are a waste of money.

 

[panblue]

My question is do I need these lenses..? Also with the scenery in mind which filters may I need or can the camera do the work of the filters.

Thanks in advance for any advice anyone is willing to share with me, also thanks for time.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

I would say yes you do for scenic, candids. Filter wise, a CPL - circular polariser. A tip, if you're switching lenses often (i.e in the park), get a couple of spare rear-caps, on eBay, superglue them back to back and use these when you're out making photos; it makes things a lot easier/faster when juggling lenses from camera to bag etc.

 

[brunerww]

Hi Gian - I would get the D3200. But I wouldn't pay $780 for that kit. The D3200 with the 18-55mm kit lens and the 55-200 VR telephoto is $747 right now at Amazon.

I pretty much agree with panblue's advice on filters, but I would add one thing. I also have inexpensive Zeikos sacrificial UVs on all my lenses because a cracked filter costs a lot less than a cracked lens. This has saved me a few bucks over the last 40 years.

Hope that's helpful, and best of the holidays!

Bill

 

[KmH]

It's about a lot more than just megapixels.

The big difference between the 2 is in the video performance, and image sensor color depth, dynamic range and ISO capabilities.
DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side