Nikon D3000 vs Sony Nex-3

iPwn · Jan 8, 2011

I need advice on two cameras that I am choosing between.

Would you rather:

NEW Sony Nex-3 with 18-55mm lens for $450 (after tax)

or

USED 1 Yr Old Nikon D3000 with 18-55mm lens for $250. The shutter count I discovered is 2,785.

*Edit 1 year old with 2785 shutter count.

Light Artisan · Jan 8, 2011

You get the Nex 3 and let me buy the D3000 with 18-200 for $250.

In all seriousness, it depends on what you shoot.

Also in all seriousness, if you pass on the D3000 with 18-200 lens for $250 please let me know.

iPwn · Jan 8, 2011

The only thing I'm afraid of is lens/sensor damage or scratching. Is there a way to find out about these things?

KmH · Jan 8, 2011

Yes there is. You communicate with the seller that you would like to see photographs of what you are considering buying.

$250 for a D300 with an 18-55 mm and an 18-200 mm lens is a scary low price.

A new Nikon 18-200 mm lens is $760. Of course other companies make 18-200 mm lenses. Is the 18-200 a Nikon lens?

orb9220 · Jan 8, 2011

1) I wouldn't even consider the Nex for serious photography. Especially for learning.
2) That price is highly suspect of the 18-200 being a quantaray cheapie knockoff and camera body maybe a high shutter count or possible damage from bangs and drops.

Unless I can see the camera and check the shutter count then I would pass.
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DxAxN · Jan 8, 2011

I have had the NEX-3 for about 5 months, prior to that all I have owned were P/S. I have been having fun with it and trying to learn more as I go. I was looking to move up and it was some what of an impulse buy. I liked the idea of shooting with the live view instead of a view finder. But the more I shoot the less I like the live view only, especially with the 18-200mm lens. The battery life is not good at all, i get about 350 pics on a full charge. I ended up picking up a second battery. I have seen some really great shots taken with this camera...not by me, but I'm still working on that. There isnt a lot of choices for a lens with the E-mount. only 3, a 16mm, 18-55mm and the 18-200mm. you can get adapters for other sony makes but the AF is real slow and for other brands it is MF only. Some people dont like the menu layout but for me it really hasn't been an issue. Like I said I do like it and have had fun shooting with it. But knowing what I know now...as little as that may be related to photography, I would not have bought this camera as a primary. More of a back up when you need something small that still takes good pics and gives you more control than your typical point and shoot.

iPwn · Jan 9, 2011

Would your guys' answer differ if the Nikon only came with the 18-55mm?

orb9220 · Jan 9, 2011

iPwn said:
Would your guys' answer differ if the Nikon only came with the 18-55mm?

Nope! Not knowing shutter count or visual inspection of camera is a biggy with me. As there is always another used one around the corner.
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Drake · Jan 9, 2011

Depends what type of camera you want. If IQ is the most important thing for you, then go with the NEX. The kit lens has outstanding center resolution (not so good in the corners however), and the 14MP CMOS has very good high ISO performance, pretty similar to D5000. But, to be honest, the ergonomics are horrible. All you get is a couple buttons and almost none of them is dedicated to a particular function. It's great for shooting in Auto, but you'll hate operating it in manual mode. Everything is accessible through a long, looong menu.

If you are going to be serious about photography, go with the D3000 and don't even think about the Nex. It's just a P&S with a bit more under the hood.

A few months ago I was thinking about getting D3000 and Canon XS. I must admit, that I also looked closely at the NEX, but the moment I tried it at the store, I ran for the Canon trying to forget it like a bad nightmare.