New Camera

[subscuck]

If you have not learned enough about your current camera to know that you've been messing with the diopter, you don't need a new camera.

This. Times 10.

Why hang on to one camera you don't know how to use when you can buy a more expensive camera you won't know how to use?

 

[D-B-J]

If you have not learned enough about your current camera to know that you've been messing with the diopter, you don't need a new camera.

This. Times 10.

Why hang on to one camera you don't know how to use when you can buy a more expensive camera you won't know how to use?

That's the spirit! Someone needs to stimulate the economy, right?

 

[subscuck]

That's the spirit! Someone needs to stimulate the economy, right?

I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I'm looking to sell...

 

[nickzou]

I never said that i had a problem with my d3100,i just would rather have something sorta future proof for when i do and honestly i might not have the money at a later time,so i would rather do it while i have the money. I have kids so i know some of u understand how i feel when the financial moments arrive when u actually have extra cash lying around. I definately think its a decent camera. I am definately no expert when it comes to photography,i'm balancing learning photography and photoshop/lightroom cuz they kinda coexist with each other. I definately have a passion for it and wanna learn it. The kids and the wifey can definately help me get good at the whole shabang so to speak. I definately appreciate the help and feedback. Also can anyone help me out with a decent prime lense for portraits,thanx again

I feel like this is a bad attitude when it comes to cameras. You don't future proof the body. It will inevitably get old and be replaced by a newer and better body. That's just the nature of photography. What you do to future proof is invest in good lenses. Those usually have more long term value. I know some seasoned photographers these days who rarely buy lenses anymore just because they are basically set from years of collecting lenses in their early years. They decided to buy good glass and to collect few of them rather than a lot of mediocre lenses but eventually their collections grew into everything they needed. And they had no need to replace them. So eventually, all they needed to do is to upgrade the body once every couple of generations and what's 8k for a body every 8 or 10 years when you don't need to buy lighting or lenses anymore?

 

[Alan92RTTT]

IMO the difference between the D7000 and the D300S is are you are / are you going to be a pro or are you doing this for fun.

If you are a pro you probably want the D300 otherwise get the D7000 you'll be happier in the long run.

 

[Netskimmer]

IMO the difference between the D7000 and the D300S is are you are / are you going to be a pro or are you doing this for fun.

If you are a pro you probably want the D300 otherwise get the D7000 you'll be happier in the long run.

Good one!

 

[Rampage]

I could always sell my d3100. I live in New York City,it shouldn't be that hard to sell especially with craigslist around,or I could give my D3100 to my mother who is actually in the market for a DSLR camera and she really doesn't know anything bout photography so she could use it. Her digital camera she has isnt even compatible with the SD storage amounts of today so she could definately use it.I asked for advice,not for people to try and make jokes about the brooklyn bridge or stimulating the economy,etc. If I have the money to spend and I'm willing to spend it I dont see whats the problem.It's not like I'm taking money out of anyone elses pocket. Like I said before I was asking from a technological stand point. To all the people who posted actual info about the cameras to help me compare thank you I really appreciate it. I just asked to be pointed in the right direction. To a certain extent its like a select few of you just was looking for a golden opportunity to try and make from of or humiliate someone who is just starting out. To end this I'll probably get the D7000 and a prime lense. Once again thank you for the actual help I did get even if it could be tooken the wrong way to someone insecure.Sometimes Harshness is needed cuz its reality. Bottomline I do have a passion for photography and I wanna learn it,I'm just asking for help thats all.

 

[EPPhoto]

You said you have kids...did they type this for you? People won't take you serious when you type like a 15 year old teenie bopper. And people were just giving their honest opinion, that you don't need a new camera. You were using the viewfinders diopter and thought you were focusing...that's laughable. Especially when you're "ready" for a better camera. You can't even use your 3100 and you want something else. How about you learn to use the 3100 properly, then upgrade when you've reached it's limits. That makes more sense.

When you come on a forum, expect to get opinions...and you might not like all of them.

 

[Netskimmer]

I could always sell my d3100. I live in New York City,it shouldn't be that hard to sell especially with craigslist around,or I could give my D3100 to my mother who is actually in the market for a DSLR camera and she really doesn't know anything bout photography so she could use it. Her digital camera she has isnt even compatible with the SD storage amounts of today so she could definately use it.I asked for advice,not for people to try and make jokes about the brooklyn bridge or stimulating the economy,etc. If I have the money to spend and I'm willing to spend it I dont see whats the problem.It's not like I'm taking money out of anyone elses pocket. Like I said before I was asking from a technological stand point. To all the people who posted actual info about the cameras to help me compare thank you I really appreciate it. I just asked to be pointed in the right direction. To a certain extent its like a select few of you just was looking for a golden opportunity to try and make from of or humiliate someone who is just starting out. To end this I'll probably get the D7000 and a prime lense. Once again thank you for the actual help I did get even if it could be tooken the wrong way to someone insecure.Sometimes Harshness is needed cuz its reality. Bottomline I do have a passion for photography and I wanna learn it,I'm just asking for help thats all.

The D7000 is a great camera and I have yet to come across anyone that has regretted buying one, I'm sure they are out there but I haven't met any. It's your money and you can spend it however you like but I would say the most practical choice would be to hold on to the d3100 until your skill and/or requirements exceed it's capabilities. As most will tell you, bodies are and expense, lenses are an investment, so keeping the D3100 and putting your money into some good glass would be more prudent. If, however, you are certain you want a new camera, the D7000 will serve you well.

As for the hostility you have seen here, most of it stems from you mistaking the diopter adjustment knob for the focus ring. Even a light skimming of your camera's manual would have straightened that out and most here take offense at needing to take the time to explain something so simple. The question they often ask is why should I take the time to answer this question if you will not take the time to do some basic research? The folks here won't coddle you but they are a very valuable source of information. A lot of the anger you can get hit with here can be avoided by simply flipping through your manual and/or doing a google search before posting. As for the reading the manual, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to read the manuals that come with these cameras. They are extremely complex and reading through the manual at least once will save you hours of time and frustration not to mention it could help you avoid damaging your camera. For instance, if you put a lens with an auto-focus motor on a camera with an internal focus motor and set the camera to auto focus but leave the lens on manual you can damage the camera. So if I had not read through my manual I would have almost certainly damaged my $1,200 camera by now. Regardless of what camera you end up with, read the manual at least once and buy/borrow/rent some books on photography. Most people here suggest books by Bryan Peterson, a quick forum search about books should give you a long list. Good luck and happy shooting.

 

[Rampage]

I didn't have the manual to refer back to because it was simply not over here. My problem was that the people who had something smart to say didn't offer any advice as well, I can handle jokes or being made fun of if they also had something positive to contribute as well. They didn't contribute anything positive yet they wanna make fun of someone. I don't expect to like everything that is said to me,that would be unrealistic because life doesn't work that way. There were a couple of people who answered and I didn't exactly agree with but took absolutely no offense to whatsoever because. I typed I had kids because of the extra cash laying around thing,that's all.It wasn't meant to be blown out of proportion. I didn't type anything that was "teenie bopper" like but I understand what you mean by that and no harm no foul. I'm the type of person who likes to have all the tools I need right there for them and not have to worry about going out and finding something else I need later,no matter how later it may be, that's just how I am,everyone has something about them that's just there pet peve or however you spell it. I see what some of you are saying as far as glass goes,so would anyone care to point me in the right direction? I would like to do portraits but I also like to do buildings such as museums,or things like the Brooklyn Bridge,etc.... but a friend of mine that works at the US Open might be able to get me tickets somewhat close to the action,with all the rest of the professional photographers as well. I'm just asking for help that's all,I never claimed to be an expert or know it all. If I did I wouldn't be here asking for help. Once again thank you for all the input and knowledge its very much appreciated.

P.S. as far as the diopter thing goes,the people insulting didn't explain anything. Had it been the person who explained to me that it was the diopter making the comments it wouldn't have bothered me because at least I would've gotten the useful information out of it,but when a person is insulting without even trying to rectify the situation,how are they even helping? I thought this place was a place to get information and help from people who share a common interest. So that's why I asked. I will definitely buy some photography books to help me out as well.

 

[Malone]

I didn't have the manual to refer back to because it was simply not over here.

Manuals are available for download in PDF from Nikon's website.

Download the D3100 User's Manual

 

[Dao]

OP, I think you may need to understand this.

- You really do not need our permission to buy anything.
- People here just gave you their honest opinion. (which I believe is reason you create this thread, correct me if I am wrong)
- If buying a more expensive camera will make you happy, go for it. Life is short, we need to do what make us happy (of course, without making other people unhappy especially the lady in the house)
- I know someone who bought a Canon 7D without even know how to turn it on. She bought it because all the mom's in her son's school has a big camera. So she gotta have a bigger one. Maybe they will end up with a D3 or 1D soon. (Even bigger) She may not know how to use it, but she is happy. And that's all matter.

Therefore, just go buy the camera you like and be done with it. I do not use Nikon, but if you ask me if D7000 is a better camera. By looking at the price tag, I can tell you the answer is yes. And I am quite sure about that. However, if it is better for you, that is the question that nobody can answer. Only you can answer.

If a Ferrari a better car than my cheap econo box? You may say yes, but when I drive to Homedepot parking lot, I know I have a better car.

 

[subscuck]

Most snarky comments aren't meant to be mean, they're meant to make you think. You already own a very capable camera. Your issue with the diopter adjustment shows you haven't gained any type of mastery whatsoever over the camera you own, and yet you want to drop even more cash on a camera. I understand the frustration with lack of AF motors on entry level Nikon bodies. It's a choice you make when you buy one. However, it's still a very capable tool to learn with, and outstanding results can be had with it. Buying a D7000 now as insurance against the future is a bit silly. By the time you've mastered it and become a competent photographer, it will be on the door step of obsolescence, and will have been replaced with a newer model. Learn on your D3100, buy good glass as the need arises, and when your at a point where you can't get any more out of it, then​ you upgrade to a better body. If you have the money for a D7000, then you have the money to buy a prime or two that will AF on your D3100. Do that instead. That way, if and when you upgrade, you'll have great glass for your new body.

 

[Rampage]

Thank you Malone for the PDF download link. Its definitely appreciated. Also thank you Dao for your input its also appreciated,and you were right about that being why I created this thread. I did want peoples opinions. All in all I appreciate everyones thought and help regardless. Thanx everyone. Now off to do some research on lenses and photography books. I definitely see your point subscuck. I bought the d3100 not really knowing much about anything bout photography except that I wanted to get into it,and i understand bout the snarky comments not being meant that way now,thats the only problem with the internet,you cant hear peoples tone of voice and such so it leads to confusion at times as such,no harm no foul and I look forward to the input and C&C in the future,thanx a bunch.

P.S. heres my flickr account if anyone wanted to see the photos i have shot
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rampageakax/

 

[PatrickCheung]

I kinda second the opinion of NickZou, invest in lenses... aside from what he said about lenses lasting a LOT longer than bodies, I've always found that lenses give you more "instant satisfaction" than new bodies. A new body may make taking the photograph a lot easier for you, but a lens will change the outcome of that photo. I've always gotten a kick out of playing with a new lens... when I got my 80-200/2.8 that was all I shot with for a week... same goes for almost every new lens I bought. I find that it also helps you envision the shot a little better, you eventually learn what each lens can do for you, you see the shot you want to take, and you decide which lens you want to use to get that shot the way you want it. You seem pretty set on focal lengths with the 18-55 and 55-200, but you can improve in terms of optical quality and wider apertures. Since you have such a long range (18-200 essentially), it'd be easier to pick out a focal length you like and look for a new lens that fits it, that is... if you choose to buy a new lens instead of a body.

I also feel as if some people in this thread could be a little nicer. There's a difference between providing criticism and throwing out condescending comments. I notice that a lot of people tend to pick on the newer people here... almost as if it's a means to making themselves feel better. It gets a little out of hand when comments about the way they type are dragged into a thread about buying a new body. Making someone think by providing an opinion is one thing, making fun of someone else and posting condescending comments is another. There are a few users here who offer true, honest advice without the aggressive undertones. It's as if this forum is run by teens who justify their aggressiveness by saying "well you wanted my opinion", or "I'm just trying to make you think".