I have a d3100. Is the d3200 worth the junp?

[fortybrandon]

Honking about getting a d3200, is it worth the jump or should I look at other cameras? I just want to shoot fun outside stuff wildlife, cars, etc.

 

[goodguy]

In what way the D3100 isnt enough for you ?

This is a question you need to answer yourself and if you know and sure you want to upgrade then...................

D3200 is definitly an upgrade, its got a new sensor so it has better low light performance and better dynamic range and of course many more mega pixels
Are there other cameras to consider ?
Well it depends of you budget but assuming you have a limited budget then I would say Nikon D5200 would be the one to get if you want a step up from the D3200 and of course above the D5200 is the D7100 which is Nikon top DX camera-awesome camera but it will cost about twice what a D3200 will.

 

[ulrichsd]

Spend the money on a lens instead.

What lenses do you have right now?

 

[Braineack]

yeah it has a better sensor, but it's still just an entry camera without any extra features.

 

[fortybrandon]

Thanks everyone! I have the kit lens 18-55. I have been looking and I think a good lens would be the 35mm correct? I am still at entry camera level, but I feel if I am going to get better with my skills than there isn't a reason I can become more fond with a camera while doing it.

 

[robbins.photo]

Thanks everyone! I have the kit lens 18-55. I have been looking and I think a good lens would be the 35mm correct? I am still at entry camera level, but I feel if I am going to get better with my skills than there isn't a reason I can become more fond with a camera while doing it.

Well if your wanting to shoot wildlife you'll probably need a telephoto lens, if it were me I'd probably look for a used Nikkor 70-300 mm AF-S VR. They generally run around $300 used, and they have great image quality. It's one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used.

 

[KmH]

Invest in upgrading the photographers knowledge and skill. Digital Photography Tutorials
Also invest in a higher quality lens. I can also recommend getting a good used copy of the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras<

If you were shown photos of the same scene made by a skilled photographer with both the D3100 and the D3200 but not told which camera made which photo, you would be hard pressed to tell which photo was made with which camera.

The differences in image quality between the D3100 and the D3200 are subtle.

Both have the same
420 pixel RGB metering sensor
Multi-CAM 1000 auto focus module.

Both still lack camera features, like :
A second Command wheel
CLS Commander mode
14-bit un-compressed Raw
the Multi-CAM 4800DX auto focus module

 

[goodguy]

I think what we all trying to say is, when its coming to upgrading the proper way of upgrading is

Upgrade in this order

1.Your skills
2.You lenses
3.Your camera

Of course if you want to upgrade your camera just because you want to then thats fine too

Good luck.

 

[Tailgunner]

I think what we all trying to say is, when its coming to upgrading the proper way of upgrading is

Upgrade in this order

1.Your skills
2.You lenses
3.Your camera

Of course if you want to upgrade your camera just because you want to then thats fine too

Good luck.

Yup, everyone knows upgrading gear is more fun

Anyhow, I think most people start out little too distracted by gear. My advice is buy the best camera you can afford...and then make a goal of wearing the thing out!! Is the 3200 an upgrade? Sure, but only ever so slightly. It want be long after you buying the 3200, that you're going to be back asking if the D3300 or D5000 is a good upgrade. If all you can afford is the D3200, I would probably invest in some glass instead. But on the off hand chance you can afford more, I would shoot for a D5200 or a D7000. You can buy a refurbished D5200 for $599 and a refurbished D7000 for about $30.00 more through Adorama.com. If these are out of your price range, then I would look into some glass, you can't go wrong with a 50mm 1.8D and their cheap @$100 or as mentioned above, the Nikon 70-300 VR around $300-350. I know people knock the 18-200mm VR but I think it would make a good all around training lens if you're looking for one lens that covers a wide range. You can pick one up used around $300-400.

 

[Solarflare]

The D3100 is an entry level DSLR and still sold new.

The D3200 is the next generation. It doesnt contain any relevant upgrade, except more Megapixels (but the D3100 already has plenty) and video.

The D3300 is the current generation, not sure if its already out. It also doesnt contain any relevant upgrade, except WiFi.

Unless you have an actual problem with the D3100, I wouldnt bother. And *if* you have an actual problem, the D3200 or D3300 most likely wont help with that problem.

 

[goodguy]

you can't go wrong with a 50mm 1.8D and their cheap @$100

Actually you can go wrong with this lens because you will not have auto focus on your camera with this lens so Nikon 50mm 1.8G is the lens you can get, its just as sharp as the older D version and is just a bit more expensive, both excellent lenses but as I said only the "G" model will AF on cameras from the 3xxx and 5xxx family

The D3200 is the next generation. It doesnt contain any relevant upgrade, except more Megapixels (but the D3100 already has plenty) and video.

The D3200 does give you better low light performance and some better DR too.

 

[Tailgunner]

you can't go wrong with a 50mm 1.8D and their cheap @$100

Actually you can go wrong with this lens because you will not have auto focus on your camera with this lens so Nikon 50mm 1.8G is the lens you can get, its just as sharp as the older D version and is just a bit more expensive, both excellent lenses but as I said only the "G" model will AF on cameras from the 3xxx and 5xxx family

The D3200 is the next generation. It doesnt contain any relevant upgrade, except more Megapixels (but the D3100 already has plenty) and video.

The D3200 does give you better low light performance and some better DR too.

Oops, I'm so used to the D7100 and it's built in AF motor.

Yes, Goodguy is correct, you would want the "G" version for something like the 3100/3200.

 

[manicmike]

I have a 70-300 for sale on here for 300. Won't find one cheaper than that.

 

[ulrichsd]

Get a 35 or 50mm 1.8 prime, depending if you want to do general or portrait type photos. Either one will open up a lot of options. Get a telephoto if you want to do sports or wildlife. Don't get the 3200 if you have a 3100.

 

[KmH]

AF is not an end all to be all and all the D3xxx & D5xxx cameras have a manual focusing aid - Rangefinder mode.