Just another "what should i buy" question

sukunda87 · Jun 26, 2016

Ok, long story short, Im at the end of the photo course, and its time for my first dslr. My budget is currently limited, its around 250 euros ~ 278 dollars.

What I have found for that amount of money (used cameras):

Canon 550D + kit lens (around 10k clicks)
Nikon D5100 + kit lens (not much clicks, around 10k, maybe less)
Nikon D3100 + 50mm 1.8G lens, without kit lens (its around 300 dollars, dont know about clicks count yet)

So, I would choose maybe older body (like D3100) but with better lens. Im interested in portrait fotography, and that D3100 with 50mm 1.8G looks tempty for me.

Or is it better to buy something newer but with kit lens, until I collect money for better one? In that case I can buy Canon 550D (but im not even sure if its noticable better than D3100) with kit lens, and maybe later buy cheap version of 50mm 1.8 yongnuo, for portraits?

Can I hear your suggestions about this? I didnt look for Pentax and Sony, but be free to suggest some other camera models.

Tnx in advance.

goodguy · Jun 26, 2016

Hands down the Nikon D5100
Used to own this camera, its sensor was always very good and still is.
The D5100 nice features and the swivel screen can come in handy in various scenario.
For me I always look at the sensor first when I consider a camera and the one on the D5100 is better then anything else in your price range (in my eyes).
Auto focus system is good too even though obviously a bit dated compared to the one in the D5500 but then your budget is limited.
Overall I had lots of fun with my D5100 and found it a very good camera for the money.

DarkShadow · Jun 26, 2016

The D5100 has my vote.

Designer · Jun 26, 2016

Newer body with "kit" lens. You might be surprised at the IQ of that lens. Meanwhile, you can save for a second lens.

Also, you can save up for some lighting, modifiers, light stands, tripod, remote triggers, etc.

sukunda87 · Jun 26, 2016

OK, guys. So newer body + kit lens. Im aiming for D5100 as I said. It pops out few good ones that are around 250e. This one that I saw today, was the only one in that price range, and was sold in minutes.

There is a lot of Nikon D3200 cameras + kit for that amount of money. So, Im not in a hurry, I can wait for a chance to buy D5100, but Nikon is more "on the market" here, so the price is little lower than Nikon D5100.

So, quick vote: D5100 vs D3200?

Just for the info, can You tell me what's Canon's equivalent to Nikon's 5100/3200?

goodguy · Jun 26, 2016

D5100 vs D3200 ?
I would go with the D3200, same AF less few features like swivel screen but more modern sensor.

Canon's in this price range are not so impressive, they have been stuck for a long time with their sensor technology.
The 18MP sensor which Canon still sells on their new T6 is over 7 years old and what used to be good has become old now.
The dynamic range and low light performance on the D5100 and D3200 will be better then the Canon T3i

Check sensor performance between the t3i and D3200 especially dynamic range and low light performance

Nikon D3200 vs Canon EOS Rebel T3i, EOS 600D vs Nikon D3100 | DxOMark

sukunda87 · Jun 27, 2016

Thank You Mr. goodguy. I just looked at the measurements, and D3200 is clear winner.

So, at the end, its going to be Nikon D3200. Thank You guys, Im posting some pictures as soon as I buy it

Best regards,
Aleks

Solarflare · Jun 28, 2016

For the record, the D3x00 line never has a "newer sensor".

The D3x00 line always gets the cheapest sensor Nikon can get.

What the D3200 has over the D5100 is more megapixels. However, performancewise the D5100 is superior.

jaomul · Jun 28, 2016

Solarflare said:
For the record, the D3x00 line never has a "newer sensor".

The D3x00 line always gets the cheapest sensor Nikon can get.

What the D3200 has over the D5100 is more megapixels. However, performancewise the D5100 is superior.

I respectfully disagree here, but I don't like giving those red x ratings.

The sensor on the camera is generally improved as time goes on, goes into the more expensive models and trickles down to the entry level models. The sensor is only a small part of the overall package, so probably only counts for a small part of what you are paying for.

You will find the Sony 24mp chip used in its d3xxx range is considered an improvement over the previously (and still excellent) 16mp chip that the d7000/5100 used, but as said that's not the whole story of the camera.

I don't believe there are cheaper option sensors used in these cameras