Will this be a good entry level camera?

[CaptainNapalm]

Hello everyone,
This week I will be upgrading to a DSLR camera. I've done some online research and decided that the Nikon D5100 will probably be my best bet on my current budget. I know I wanted a Nikon because my cousin has this brand also and we would be able to swap lenses. I can get the Nikon D3100 for $450 (comes with 18-55mm lens) or get the one up Nikon D5100 also come with same lens for $550, so just $100 more. I read that the 5100 is quite the step up so I figured it would be worth the money. What do you guys think of this choice? Will this be a good entry level DSLR for me? Any other suggestions?
Many thanks in advance!
Captain

 

[panblue]

Good choice. Should be good for you.

 

[jwbryson1]

D7000 used.

 

[Designer]

I don't think there is much in the way of fundamental difference between the two, but the D5100's twisty screen is worth something, IMO.

So, yes, I am for your spending that $100 on the D5100.

Yes, it is a good entry level camera.

Maybe a used D90.

 

[CaptainNapalm]

Thanks guys

 

[fjrabon]

I'd second the used D90 or D7000 recs. But yeah the D5100 is worth an extra $100 over the D3100.

 

[KmH]

Pretty much any entry-level DSLR camera is a good camera.

The feature/performance nuances between brands and models is mostly lost on those new using a DSLR.

Nikon's D3100, D3200, D5100 - all have a single command wheel, no top LCD, no Off camera flash Commander mode, and require quite a bit of menu diving.
Nikon's D90 and D7000 have 2 command wheels, a top LCD, commander mode, and more external controls so there is less menu diving.

The D5100 and the D7000 use the same image sensor.

 

[ronlane]

All the above is sound advice and are correct. My question is what are you going to be doing with it? If you are really getting into photography with ambition of taking it more serious, I would look at something toward the top end of the entry level so that you don't regret it really soon. I got my first dslr in April and it was a T3i and I now wished that I had waited or gotten the 7d instead.

 

[Skidmark]

The D5100 is a great camera, and has some really good features. One thing about it though, is that it requires AF-S type lenses for the autofocus to work. You had mentioned swapping lenses with your cousin, not knowing what model your cousin has, the lenses may or may not auto focus.

 

[Solarflare]

I love my D5100 but I really miss High Speed Sync. As I mostly shoot people, the ability to do fill flash in bright sunlight would be important for me. Thats my main gist with the D5100. If I had gotten the D7000 instead, I would miss the flip screen, though. And the D5100/D5200 are the only Nikon cameras with a flipscreen so far. I had hoped the D600 would get one, but no such luck.

About the autofocus, the only lenses that do not autofocus on the D5100 (D3100 etc) but autofocus on D7000 and better are the AF type ones. The even older AI and AI-S types are manual focus only no matter what anyway, and ALL the new AF-S ones do autofocus on D5100.

 

[Sarmad]

I'd prefer a used Nikon D7000 or D90....
That doesn't mean that D5100 and D3100 are bad cameras, they're great entry level cameras, but there's one thing I hate in Nikon, The complicated lenses... You can only autofocus expensive AF-S lenses on your D5100 due to the lack of autofocus motor, On D90 and D7000 you would be able to use cheap AF lenses for autofocus.. I'd recommend a used D7000 or D90, otherwise D5100 is a great camera in entry level market!

 

[rambler]

Interesting that the 5100 and the 7000 have the same sensor. I just bought the 7000. Gave up the beloved swivel LCD, but I like 39 focus points with diagonal movement. With this as a entry level camera, it is full of features, but if they are learned for the first time on this camera, they will eventually become second nature. I have still not learned all the flash settings, but I am glad they are available. When looking at a camera ask about the flash options.

I would definitely spend the extra 100 bucks for the 5100. It has key features you will enjoy having, like exposure compensation. Check out the accessibility of features that are available right on the camera body. How quickly can you change ISO? How easy is it to change features such as auto focus to manual focus. How easy is it to change the settings in Manual Mode? Ask about remote control and the cable shutter release. How easy is it to set the self-timer? Learn how to use mirror lock up which helps prevent camera shake during night photography. How do you get access to the histogram? Learn about Depth of Field Preview and the function (FN) button. That might drive you nuts for awhile! The effect is not easy to see.

Very important to learn about focal distance so that you know where to focus.


Find room to take the manual into the field with you at first, so you can remember how to get the various settings you knew how to set in your living room!

PS Invest in an expensive tripod!! (And that is before you invest in an expensive lens!!)