Thinking of upgrading.......BUT

[sroc3]

So I currently have a D3100 - 18-55 kit lens, 55-200mm, 35mm 1.8G and an Old Macro Lens (like 20 yrs old.). I just got the camera and lenses in the course of these past 2 weeks and have been slowly experimenting with shots and stuff. I find myself very drawn to Macro, portrait and night photography. So with that in mind, I still have 5 days before my BestBuy "return&exchange" period ends.

What I was thinking of doing was:
1 - Exchanging it and upgrading to the D5100 (it's like a $250 difference)
OR
2 - Keeping the D3100 and just save the money for the D7000

What I'm having a hard time ascertaining is whether (all things being equal - i.e lenses and technique) the D5100 is really THAT MUCH BETTER than the D3100. Could I have taken a MUCH better picture w/ the D5100? (see below)

Kindly help soon!!! I only have a couple of days to decide......Thanks in advance Forum!!!:thumbup:

 

[2WheelPhoto]

What do you expect of the D5100 that the D3100 is not delivering?

I went to the D7000 from a D5000 because it'll use more lenses, great ISO performance, top LCD, etc and couldn't be happier. But seems the D3100 and D5100 are close anyway?

 

[Derrel]

I'd say stick with the D3100 until you KNOW from your own experience, which body you truly want to move to next. You could use the D3100 for the next year, or 18 months perhaps, and at that time be ready to move into an intermediate-level model, like the D7000, OR perhaps the D90's replacement. The D7000 is not the D90's replacement model, according to those in the industry. If it were me, right now, I might consider the D90 as the logical camera to swap + cash for the D3100. The in-built AF motor in the D90 would allow you an even wider selection of used lenses to experiment with, and to assemble a full kit of lenses with. With a D90, for example, an 85mm f/1.8 AF or AF-D model telephoto would be a very good (excellent,actually) lens to pick up.

Whatever camera you end up staying with, try to get the timing of your camera's shutter release down pat; learn the exact shutter lag time of your camera through practicing your timing on set-up exercises you do, like framing passing jet planes or people walking inside the diamonds of a chain link fence; what I mean is getting the aircraft (or person) centered perfectly, inside a diamond in the chain-link fencing, or inside two bars on a steel park fence, etc.,etc. Spend 5 minutes a day trying to make photos where PRECISE, split-SECOND shutter release timing makes or breaks the picture. This exercise will make you a better shooter in a couple of months.

 

[sroc3]

What do you expect of the D5100 that the D3100 is not delivering?

I went to the D7000 from a D5000 because it'll use more lenses, great ISO performance, top LCD, etc and couldn't be happier. But seems the D3100 and D5100 are close anyway?

They are close but one thing I'm hinging on is the sensor - the D5100 and the D7000 share the same one. I'm just thinking if I might be better off "learning" on the D3100 and then just getting the D7000 (or its successor) when the time comes.

Grrr.......decisions decisions.....

 

[sroc3]

I'd say stick with the D3100 until you KNOW from your own experience, which body you truly want to move to next. You could use the D3100 for the next year, or 18 months perhaps, and at that time be ready to move into an intermediate-level model, like the D7000, OR perhaps the D90's replacement. The D7000 is not the D90's replacement model, according to those in the industry. If it were me, right now, I might consider the D90 as the logical camera to swap + cash for the D3100. The in-built AF motor in the D90 would allow you an even wider selection of used lenses to experiment with, and to assemble a full kit of lenses with. With a D90, for example, an 85mm f/1.8 AF or AF-D model telephoto would be a very good (excellent,actually) lens to pick up.

Whatever camera you end up staying with, try to get the timing of your camera's shutter release down pat; learn the exact shutter lag time of your camera through practicing your timing on set-up exercises you do, like framing passing jet planes or people walking inside the diamonds of a chain link fence; what I mean is getting the aircraft (or person) centered perfectly, inside a diamond in the chain-link fencing, or inside two bars on a steel park fence, etc.,etc. Spend 5 minutes a day trying to make photos where PRECISE, split-SECOND shutter release timing makes or breaks the picture. This exercise will make you a better shooter in a couple of months.

Point well taken and thanks for the advice on technique!

 

[Ballistics]

With all the help and advice from the individuals from this forum... I returned my D5100 for a D7000. I picked a new body up for $1050. The D5100 is cool and all, but the lack of the AF motor alone makes the D7000 worth the upgrade. I paid 940 for the D5100, and wound up paying 200 extra dollars to upgrade and from all of my research I really believe it to be worth it. Since you have those lenses already... it makes it even more worth it.

I loved the D5100, I really did. But after reading all the upgrades the D7000 had over the D5100 I felt like it was a waste of money more than anything else. The lack of the auto focus motor, the smaller view finder, the slower shutter speed...the list really is huge.

I'm not one to be giving advice as far as technicalities go... but I will tell you that from my research and numerous respected members here I went with the D7000. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Ballistics]

I also want to add, that picture is amazing.

 

[sroc3]

With all the help and advice from the individuals from this forum... I returned my D5100 for a D7000. I picked a new body up for $1050. The D5100 is cool and all, but the lack of the AF motor alone makes the D7000 worth the upgrade. I paid 940 for the D5100, and wound up paying 200 extra dollars to upgrade and from all of my research I really believe it to be worth it. Since you have those lenses already... it makes it even more worth it.

I loved the D5100, I really did. But after reading all the upgrades the D7000 had over the D5100 I felt like it was a waste of money more than anything else. The lack of the auto focus motor, the smaller view finder, the slower shutter speed...the list really is huge.

I'm not one to be giving advice as far as technicalities go... but I will tell you that from my research and numerous respected members here I went with the D7000. Good luck with your purchase.

Yeah it seems that I can get "better" very comfortably with the D3100. That was my main concern. After a couple of months if I really feel the need to upgrade then I'll just sell the body and go up to the D7000. I've only been shooting for a little under a 2 weeks and I feel that there are some shots that can be taken better with a better camera - however, "technique" is really what I have to hone my skills on. Still so much to learn......

I also want to add, that picture is amazing.

Thanks